(TGA) - I home exchange in Lahti, Finland, for just over 3 weeks last summer and absolutely loved Finland.
Too many people, especially North Americans, think Europe is London, Paris and Rome. Finland gets relatively few Americans traveling there--especially outside of Helsinki. Outside of Helsinki, I only ran into Americans participating in the World Athletics Masters Championship in Lahti or people visiting family.
Do not be intimidated by the language. Everyone says Finnish is difficult to learn. Perhaps it is, but I met a lot of small children who appeared to have no difficulty speaking English. I learned a few basic words and some numbers but not much else. You do pick up things but, of course, I will forget those words now that I am home. However, most Finns, especially younger people, speak fluent English--even some slang. You will rarely have a problem.
I did whitewater rafting, sailed in the Gulf of Finland, went to the opera at Savonlinna, saw a lot of very nice museums, etc. What is different about Finland from the rest of Europe is the beautiful out of doors. Most of Europe is so densely populated that there is little of that. I went hiking twice (just short hikes and nothing strenuous). I did have a car that went with the exchange and drove over 4,000 kilometers. I never got to Lapland because I had so much I wanted to do in the South.
I did go to Turku for two nights and took a day cruise to Mariehamn and return in the Aaland Islands (I just got off one ship and on another but did get to see all the gorgeous islands). I lucked out in the weather department as well. I think I had two rainy days. Usually, when I go on vacation, the weather does not cooperate and people tell me "You should have been here last week." I loved the long summer days (not sure I would love the long winter nights though).
If you are thinking of taking a wonderful European trip, Finland would not be a bad choice. Don't eat pizza in Finland though. Finns like their food fairly bland and the pizza I had was not so good. The seafood, however, was just great. I liked that even better than the reindeer (which I had to try, of course).
Since this board does not get a lot of traffic, I thought I would give it a nudge.
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LSKahn, thank you for your review/trip report. Not many travellers return to tell about their experiences after the trip. I am glad you saw so much in three weeks and enjoyed our country.
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Thanks for sharing LSkahn, I also think helsinki is a fab place to visit. I've been numerous times and still enjoy it.
EM.
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I spent 5 nights in Finland at the end of my trip. I regarded the countryside--and not Helsinki--as the best part of the trip. Not many Americans experience what I saw. Finland is definitely deserving of more international tourism than it gets!
I hope I get another exchange in Finland at some point. I really would have liked to have gone to Lapland, but I just ran out of time.
Do you do anything special for the shortest day of the year? I know that the longest day of the year is widely celebrated.
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Maybe Christmas?
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I wouldn't mind a Christmas exchange except for the dark. I could handle the cold, but not sure about the dark. I am also not so keen about driving in snow, but I understand it all gets picked up quickly.
I have been a lot of places in Europe and I just can't tell you how much I loved Finland. I think most of it was due to it being so unexpectedly gorgeous with all those lakes. Lots of good photos.
I am on facebook. If you would like to see the photos, just send me a private message and I'll send you the link if you are not on facebook.
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