Exploring Finland

Finland, our cherished neighbor to the east, holds a special place in our hearts. It’s Susann’s home country, a place we regularly travel to. We’ve personally visited every town and village we write about, gathering insights from both our pre-trip research and our experiences on the ground. While we haven’t managed to see every single sight included in these posts, they do serve as both guides for you and notes for us, a way to share our adventures and remember details for future returns. All photos are our own, taken during our visits, though the weather and season might not always have been ideal. This captivating Nordic nation offers a unique blend of pristine nature and innovative culture. Join us Exploring Finland!

Population of Finland

Finland’s population is approximately 5.6 million people. This figure places it among Europe’s less densely populated countries. The average population density is about 19 inhabitants per square kilometer. However, this distribution is very uneven. Most of the population, around 73%, lives in urban areas. About 30% of Finns reside in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area alone. Conversely, the vast Lapland region in the north has a density of only two people per square kilometer. Finland has nine cities with over 100,000 residents. The median age of the population is around 43.2 years.

Location of Finland

Finland is strategically located in Northern Europe. It forms part of the Nordic and Fennoscandian regions. It shares land borders with three nations: Sweden to the west (586 km), Norway to the north (729 km), and Russia to the east (1,313 km). Its long eastern border with Russia is the longest border within the European Union. Finland also boasts an extensive coastline along the Baltic Sea. This includes the Gulf of Bothnia to the west and the Gulf of Finland to the south. Helsinki, its capital, is the northernmost capital on mainland Europe. The autonomous Åland Islands lie in the Baltic Sea, between Finland and Sweden. Finland’s position is crucial for trade and cultural exchange within the Nordic region and beyond.

Geography of Finland

Finland’s geography is remarkably distinctive. It is famously known as the “Land of a Thousand Lakes,” but in reality, it boasts over 188,000 lakes. These shimmering bodies of water cover a significant portion of its land. Vast boreal forests dominate the landscape, covering about 75% of the country. In the west, the world’s largest archipelago graces the Baltic Sea, with over 50,000 islands. In the north, you’ll find the rugged fells of Lapland, home to Arctic wilderness. Finland’s landscape is largely flat due to glacial erosion, though the north has some mountainous elevations. The highest point is Halti, at 1,324 meters. The country’s total area is about 338,430 square kilometers, with land making up 303,890 sq km.

Entry Points to Finland

Traveling to Finland is convenient and well-organized. Various entry points connect the country to the world.

By Air: Finland has several international airports. Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL) is the largest and busiest. It serves as the main international gateway. Direct flights connect Helsinki to major cities worldwide. Other key airports include Tampere-Pirkkala (TMP), Turku Airport (TKU), and Oulu Airport (OUL). In Lapland, Rovaniemi Airport (RVN) is especially popular, known as the official airport of Santa Claus. From all these airports, good public transport links are available, allowing you to reach city centers easily.

By Sea: Finland’s extensive coastline makes sea travel a popular option. Regular ferry services connect Finland to nearby countries like Sweden, Estonia, and Germany. Major ferry operators run these routes. Popular lines connect Helsinki to Stockholm and Tallinn. Turku also has ferry links to Stockholm. These sea journeys offer scenic views of the archipelago and provide a comfortable travel experience. Many ferries offer restaurants, shops, and cabins, making this a common way for Swedes to travel to Finland.

By Land: Land crossings are primarily with Finland’s neighboring countries. The western border provides several road crossings with Sweden; you can also take a train to Tornio, right on the border. In the north, road crossings offer access to Lapland from Norway, often along very scenic routes, especially in summer. Along the eastern border with Russia, several official checkpoints exist, including Vaalimaa, Nuijamaa, and Imatra. Road and train connections are available, but always check border crossing regulations in advance. Finland’s well-maintained road network connects all major cities. Train services by VR (Finnish Railways) are efficient, offering connections across the country. Buses also provide extensive domestic routes.

Economy and Innovation

Finland boasts a highly developed, export-driven economy. It has a strong industrial base and a highly skilled workforce. Key sectors include machinery, electronics, and forestry. The service sector contributes the most to its GDP. Finland is a leader in technology and innovation. It’s also known for its strong emphasis on research and development. The country often ranks highly for its competitiveness.

Culture and Lifestyle

Finnish culture blends indigenous heritage with Nordic traditions. The sauna is central to Finnish life. It’s not just for relaxation but a social institution. Finns value honesty, punctuality, and modesty. They also appreciate personal space and direct communication. Gender equality is highly important. Everyman’s Rights allow free access to nature for everyone. This promotes outdoor activities like hiking and berry picking. Finnish food is simple yet nutritious. Coffee is a favorite national beverage.

Unique Natural Phenomena

Finland offers incredible natural phenomena. In winter, Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) dance across the sky. Lapland provides the best viewing opportunities. You can spot them roughly 200 nights a year there. During summer, the Midnight Sun illuminates the northern regions. The sun stays above the horizon for weeks. This allows for endless daylight activities.

Join Us Exploring Finland!

Exploring Finland can be a very diverse experience. You have large urban areas, never-ending forests, whole systems of lakes, and a long coast along the Baltic Sea. It is easy to get around with English in urban areas, but it can be a bit harder in rural regions. There are buses and trains connecting large parts of the country, but to get out in nature you usually need your own car. Exploring Finland will include sights from many different eras. You have castles and churches from the time Finland was a part of Sweden. You have whole towns, such as Helsinki, that were built during the time this was a part of Russia. Then you have the more modern developments that have been added since Finnish independence in 1917. All of this makes exploring Finland a very interesting endeavor.

Places to Explore in Finland

Places to Explore on the Åland Islands

Exploring More Sights on the Åland Islands

If you are looking to explore the autonomous region of the Åland Islands, then have a look at our guide. This is a region of Finland that we visit several times each year and have shared stories about since the start of The Biveros Effect.

Exploring More of Europe?

Join us in exploring more of what Europe has to offer. It is not only Finland that we have been exploring.