Finland Guide

Although marked by the Scandanavian distinctiveness of vast unspoilt areas of wilderness held in balance with a modern, forward-looking welfare state, Finland's unique language and history set it apart as somewhere unique to visit.

Finland's unique language and history set it apart as somewhere unique to visit.

Travelling in Finland

Finland's travel system is well organised, if slightly on the expensive side. It is none-the-less easy to cross the length and breadth of this huge country easily via many different methods of public transport. For long journeys, planes often represent the quickest way of getting around, and there are a variety of plane companies that offer tickets of different prices. If you are looking for a more scenic way to see the country, however, or are cautious about your carbon footprint, the country is served by a comprehensive bus and train network.

Trains in Finland are very comfortable and offer a full range of on-board facilities. For longer journeys, there are often reasonably priced sleeper cars. Buses, whilst slower and sometimes more expensive than trains, often run more frequently and so can represent the fastest way of reaching a destination. Student discounts are also available on some bus routes, so it is always worth asking.

Helsinki always looks beautiful at night

There is a large market of inland ferries that cruise the lakes of Finland. Many of these, however, simply do large tours of the lake in question and so don't necessarily represent the most efficient way of getting from one point to another.

By car, most roads are passable. However, it is important to be wary of changeable weather conditions, especially in the winter months, and to pay attention to the relevant warning signs, especially when these are referring to elk or reindeer! One added benefit of not hitting these animals, who have a habit of rather foolishly wandering into the roads, is that you will still be around to tell the tale at the end of the holiday.

It is obligatory in Finland to drive with headlights on all the time and there is a complicated system of rules as to what sort of tyre you should use in what sort of weather and why. Happy go lucky types might like to just guess. However, in the interests of safety and not being arrested, it is probably best to ask someone over there.

Things to see in Finland

Helsinki is often known as the `Daughter of the Baltic', and earned a coveted place on the European Union's list of European Cities of Culture in 2000, making it a must-see city in Finland. Finland also has many castles which are worth a visit, some of which date back to the 13th Century.

Some of Finland's most stunning scenery is in winter

One of the most popular things to see in Finland is obviously the Northern Lights. However, these are not always easy to predict. For the best chance to see these spectacles of nature, you should head up to the north of Finland during winter.

One of the most popular things to see in Finland is the Northern Lights.

AFerry.co.uk offers the best way to find the cheapest ferry routes to Finland with its easy to use booking form. Begin your holiday on a ferry and start relaxing straight away!