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Finland travel guide
- city information
Finland city directory
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- Pori
Since Finland gained her independence in 1917, Pori has been an important,
fast-growing city of heavy industry and ports. Rosenlew, Outokumpu, Rauma-Repola, Kemira
and other industrial plants needed plenty of fresh labour and the city grew rapidly. The
new age brought new winds of culture. Within a few years, the Pori Jazz Festival grew to
become a flourishing international festival, and Finnish rock often has its roots in Pori.
In sport, the city won a name for itself as the home of prizewinning strongmen and its
national champion ballgame teams. In the new millennium, Pori is a city of students. In
Pori’s centres of education one can study technology, business and the humanities.
With its six thousand students, Satakunta Polytechnic has been chosen as the national
centre of excellence in its field. The Pori National Municipal Park embraces the main
features of Pori: the fast-flowing Kokemäenjoki river delta, industrial and cultural
history, and the living present. Good environmental management has made Pori, Yyteri and
the marine area a superb place for recreational pursuits. The delta is still a paradise
for bird-watching enthusiasts in Finland. As it prepares for its 450th anniversary, Pori
is a city that is proud of its long history. Pori has a population of 76,000. The
population of the surrounding Satakunta rural district is 241,000.
- Porvoo
At a distance of about 50 km from the Helsinki metropolitan area and from the
Helsinki-Vantaa airport, Porvoo is an easily accessible destination: a good half an hour's
drive takes you from downtown Helsinki to Porvoo, situated on the E 18 highway. Regular
bus traffic between the capital and Porvoo is an easy and fast travelling option. The Porvoo archipelago and its countryside have
much to offer both to their inhabitants and to those spending their leisure there.
Alongside the old islander life, there are summerhouse residents and boaters. A part of
the inhabitants of Pellinki island live off the archipelago: fishing and boat building are
the source of livelihood for many. Many islanders who have gone to the mainland for work
or study yearn to return to the archipelago which continues to be a popular living
environment. You can find out more about old traditions at the Hörbergsgården
outdoormuseum wich describes life of an islander house of Pellinki in the late 19th
century. Vessels made with boat building skills dating from ancient times go out to the
seas from the boatyards of Kråkö and Pellinki. The Kråkö museum of boat building is an
attraction for those interested in boating. The visiting ports of the archipelago, for
example, at Tirmo and Hamari, warmly welcome crews. You can also reach Pellinki by road,
enjoying a ride on the only ferry in use in the Eastern Uusimaa archipelago at Tirmo. On a
beautiful summer night, Tanssisaari (Dance Island) at Tolkkinen invites you to an open air
dance hall of the good old times. At Pellinki, an original sport, axe throwing, has a wide
following, and the competitors of the island have won several national championships in
the sport.
- Pudasjärvi
Pudasjärvi is a town of almost 10.000 inhabitants in Northern Finland. From
Pudasjärvi it takes only an hour to reach the capital of the landscape North
Ostrobothnia, Oulu by car. Thanks to the modern information network communications, the
significance of this distance has practically vanished. The symbols of Pudasjärvi,
“renowned for its nature”, are the fell area of Syöte with its ski centers and
the river Iijoki, which in Pudasjärvi flows free. They attract lots of people to
Pudasjärvi through out the year.
- Puumala
A couple of years ago Puumala was chosen the most beautiful municipality on
Saimaa Lake District. Puumala's 3000 km of shoreline and real archipelago with over 1000
islands attract summer residents, boaters as well as other holidaymakers to their summer
paradise to enjoy the sparkling blue waters, peaceful country life and genuinely friendly
services of the active little village. No wonder the population of 3000 people is at least
doubled in summer time. Puumala´s location on the Saimaa waterway halfway between
Savonlinna and Lappeenranta provides a pleasant stopover with comfortable marina services
for boaters. At the Gibraltar of Saimaa - the only passage between the southern and
northern parts of the lake district - you will find a uniquely busy Lakeland guest harbour
with a touch of Southern European atmosphere.
- Pyhäntä
Pyhäntä is a small rural
village surrounded by vast forests in Northern Finland. The total area of Pyhäntä
municipal is 844 km 2 of which 810 km2 is land. There is
104 kilometres of shoreline in the water system. One of the biggest lakes is lake
Pyhännänjärvi, on the shores of which the village has been built. Lake Iso-Lamujärvi
is abounding in fish and well-known for its beautiful beaches. In the western parts of
Pyhäntä the landscape is typically flat as in other parts of coastal region of the Gulf
of Bothnia whereas in the Eastern parts the landscape is more varied with ridges and
lakes. Pyhäntä is a highland area where the waters flow to different directions. More
than 80 per cent of the total area in Pyhäntä is forests. The biggest landowner in
Pyhäntä is National Board of Forestry, which owns about a third of the area. There are
protected marshes and swamps, primeval forests, ridges, groves and grove-like spruce
swamps. Here it’s easy to lose sight of other people, but certainly see animals.
Especially in the protected area of lakes Ahvenjärvi and Salmijärvi the landscape is
magnificent. Steep ridges are often separated from each other by deep canyons on the
bottom of which there are small forest ponds or brooks. The row of ridges is a part of the
longest ridge formations in Finland. On the whole globe only 0,3 per cent of land area
consists of ridges. On top of the row of ridges there is a gravel road where from the
scenery is overwhelmingly beautiful. There is also a sauna by a lake, a forest cabin and
an outdoor fireplace. Tall evergreens flourish in these fairytale surroundings. This
landscape takes you back thousands of years, to the time when melt-waters from the
ice-sheets eroded the canyons and river beds of the area. In the wilderness of Salmijärvi
there are numerous swampy ponds and lakes. The Eastern parts of Pyhäntä are uninhabited
wilderness. There are vast green forests as far as the eye can reach. Itämäki is the
place for peace and quiet. Come and see old, tall forests of spruce and flourishing
grove-like forests. Lots of rare species of flora can be found here. Especially in
protected marshes you can see a variety of birds. (75 different species have been spotted
in Pyhäntä, e.g. Golden Eagle) In the deep of the forests even bears, elks, roe deer
(Capreolus capreolus) and Finnish caribous (Rangifer tarandus fennicus) may be seen. A
beaver is a fairly recent newcomer in the local nature.
- Raisio
Raisio is a young coastal town in the south-west of Finland. Raisio offers you
interesting attractions and good services. History, culture, events, exercise, and
experiences in nature are waiting for you in Raisio. Ask our tourist office for more
information. Guided tours of Raisio and the surrounding areas are also at your disposal.
Raisio has an array of possibilities for being out in nature: walking, hiking, jogging or
birdwatching. The Killi and Nalli nature trail network consists of over 40 kilometres of
trails of different lengths and types. You will find an information board at the Kerttula
Sports Centre. The Raisio Bay is one of Finland’s most valuable bird waters and a
well-known resting place for migrating birds. Over 50 different species have been
registered in the area. You can study the bay's bird life from a rowing boat or by walking
round the bay along the nature trail. By the side of the trail there is a birdwatching and
observation tower. Raisio Marina is the boating enthusiasts' gateway to the sea and to one
of the most beautiful archipelagos in the world. It is the largest in the Turku area with
700 berths and there is plenty of room for visiting boats. Exclusive cruise ships going to
all the seas of the world are built on the opposite shore
- Rantsila
The municipality of Rantsila lies in northern Ostrobothnia, about 60 kilometres
south of Oulu. The area of the municipality is 620 km² , 70 % of which is peat bog. A
notable part of the peat bogs has been drained and brought into the production of farming,
forestry and peat industry. The river Siikajoki flows through the area and there are
several small lakes, too. The cultivated lands of farms are characteristic of the flat
open river valley while forests and peatlands spread a little further away. A visitor to
Rantsila can choose a farmhouse accomodation and enjoy peace and quiet in a beautiful
rural setting. Fishing or canoeing on the river Siikajoki might be a wonderful experience,
too.
- Ranua
The municipality of Ranua is located in the southern parts of Finnish Lapland and
it offers many interesting activities all year around for both domestic and foreign
travellers. One of the most interesting places to visit in Ranua is Ranua Wildlife Park
which has become one of the most attractive tourist attractions in Northern Finland.
Approximately 200 animals, representing more than fifty species, live in the large
enclosures of the Wildlife Park. In addition to the lynxes, bears, elks, many small mammal
and arctic fowl, this is the one place in Finland where you will find polar bears. Also
changing of seasons gives it’s own characteristic to the life in the Ranua Wildlife
Park. Travellers can also acquire more information about Ranua, it’s sights and
activities from the Ranua Tourist office which operates in the Wildlife Park area. Ranua
can also be proud of it’s many natural beauties. There are hundreds of small lakes
and brooks in Ranua region. Hiking trails extend from lake Simojärvi, you can visit the
Japan House, a cultural meeting place established to celebrate Ranua’s twinning with
Iwasaki, a Japanese town. At the Japan House you can deepen your knowledge of the Japanese
culture for instance through changing summer exhibitions.
Rauma
Rauma is a busy town with 38 000 inhabitants, a pacesetter in its region. Founded
in 1442, this third-oldest town in Finland combines historic buildings, culture, modern
industries and services, an expanding port and wide-ranging higher education. Rauma is
known for three historic features: picturesque Old Rauma, the elegance of its lace and a
distinctive dialect, which is called the Rauma language. Old Rauma is one of four UNESCO
world heritage sites in Finland. The only urban site, it exemplifies an original Nordic
wooden town. The residents are proud of Rauma's architecture, which is a tourist
attraction. Lace-making in Rauma has a long history. This handicraft, originally brought
to Rauma by seamen, still flourishes.
- Ristijärvi
Ristijärvi is situated in the middle of Kainuu, 43 km north of Kajaani.
When in search of Arcadian peace and beauty, stop off at Ristijärvi, and you'll realise
that you've reached your destination. Phase 'Small is beautiful'. No better proof of this
could be found than in the wonderful rural landscapes around the village centre of
Ristijärvi. Visit Studio Navetta, a lovingly restored traditional animal shed complete
with farm animals. Fishing the unspoilt waters of Lake Laahtanen, you're likely to land a
fair size game fish. And come the end of the day what better reward for you efforts than a
succulent trout blazen in front of the camp fire? A must for all guest is a trip to the
unique sands of Lake Hiisijärvi. A miscalculation by local irrigation workers over two
hundred years ago led to a sudden unexpected fourteen metre drop in the level of the lake.
The great sandy slopes remain as a monument to their folly.
- Rovaniemi
Rovaniemi is an international and versatile travel destination. Events,
attractions and activities in this lively town and surrounding nature quarantee
unforgettable memories for the whole family.
- Ruokolahti
The municipality of Ruokolahti is situated in
south-eastern Finland, in the Province of South Karelia. The municipality covers an area
of 1188 km2 of which 21 per cent is water. Ruokolahti has around 6200 inhabitants, but the
population is doubled in summer as holidaymakers occupy the 3000 summer cottages in the
region. Ruokolahti is especially known for its natural beauty. In the west there is the
shimmering Lake Saimaa and in the east there are hundreds of smaller lakes. The big
Salpausselkä ridges run through the area.
- Salla
Salla is a ski and holiday centre for the whole family. Come and capture the
authentic taste of Lapland, experience our quality service and the warmth of the local
people. In Salla you won’t be spending hours queuing for the ski lift or the
restaurant. All our facilities, from ski equipment rental to your hotel or cabin, are
easily accessible – on foot. Our attractive prices are certain to add to your holiday
enjoyment. In Salla you can experience the unbroken peace of northern nature. Take
pleasure in the tranquillity – a welcome break from the normal everyday hustle and
bustle. Salla signifies rest for the soul and sights for sore eyes, both summer and
winter. The local inhabitants have put in time and effort to make the village as
attractive as possible. In the summertime, you’ll enjoy the verdant and well-groomed
town centre and surrounding areas. Winter scenes in Salla are something so unique that the
efforts of the best photographs or the greatest of storytellers are doomed to failure. You
have to see Salla in all its glory with your own two eyes. Come and experience nature at
its purest, the grandeur of our scenery, and the warmth of our people.
Salo
A centre of trade since ancient times, Salo is known today as a city of business
and industry, a production centre of sophisti-cated mobile phones for –
”connecting people”. Prehistoric remains show that Salo was one of the first
districts in Finland to be inhabited. Situated at the crossroads of the ancient
King’s Road leading east from Turku and roads leading to the north, Salo early became
an important meeting point. Salo is conveniently located between Hel-sinki and Turku,
within one and a half hour’s drive from Helsinki and less than an hour’s drive
from Turku. With ten or more trains a day in both directions, rail-way connections are
excellent. In summer you can sail to Salo, right up to the market square. The distance
from the coast to the market square in the centre of town is about 5 kilometres. The
Market Square with its stalls of gar-den produce and flowers and its outdoor cafés is a
colourful sight and a popular meeting place. Fairs were held here as early as the 17th
century, and the tradition of annual fairs in the beginning of October continues. Next to
the Market Square is the Hornin-puisto Park, where you can see a huge old anchor and two
naval cannons sal-vaged from the sea by the local diving club. On the other side of the
river beside some old wooden houses built at the turn of the XX century, you will find our
pride and joy – our modern public library.
Finland city directory
Cities 1 | Cities 2 | Cities 3 | Cities 4 | Cities 5 | Cities 6 | Cities 7 | Cities 8
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