Finland is a natural wonderland with tens of national parks, rolling hills, dense pine forests and maze of water systems. It has the most islands of any country on earth. This neck of the woods is north enough to see the Aurora Borealis or ‘Northern Lights’. In summer, the sun refuses to hide away for over two straight months. Needless to say outdoor sports and activities draw more tourists than you can shake a stick at, but there is plenty to go around and the authorities are strict about preserving their heritage.Shoppers should definitely go to the Kauppatori or fish market in the capital, Helsinki. They sell more than just fish, lunch on a variety of inexpensive foods including reindeer meat (and salami). A range of tourist items from handmade clothing to hunting knives can be purchased here, in Euros. Pick up some ‘kossu’ or Finnish Vodka to wash your meal down.Music tastes range from spiritual folk music called Joik to appreciation of classical music and opera, with much support from the community. Finish flavoured dance and rock music are popular with the younger generations.After a big night out, make sure you detox in the sauna. It is practically a national sport. Speaking of which, why not take the dogs for a spin. Grab a few huskies and try your luck at dog sledding. Don’t be lazy or you might end up being thrown in the sea on Sleepyhead Day.Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Russia are on the other side of the line.
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