If You Like - Finland - page 27

Traditional Architecture
Once upon a time, all towns in Finland were picturesque rows of painted wooden houses.
Wars and a succession of great fires started by some unwary baker or smoker put paid to
most of them, but some classic examples remain.
Porvoo Classic wooden warehouses and a noble Old Town less than an hour from Helsinki.
Rauma Vanha Rauma, the Old Town, is the most extensive and intriguing wooden district
left in Finland.
Jakobstad An area of unspoiled wooden homes stretches north of the centre.
Turku Luostarinmäki is a historic quarter of the city that has been preserved in situ as a mu-
seum.
Naantali The quaint old cobbled streets here make for a very picturesque stroll.
Hanko Opulent wooden villas built for Russian aristocracy line the streets of this coastal
town.
Kerimäki Enormous church planned by a churchman who overestimated the willingness of
his congregation to attend his services.
Saunas
The sauna is where Finns go to sweat away their troubles, to socialise, or to contemplate
the mysteries of life. While you'll come across electric saunas in hotels and apartments,
it's worth seeking out some of the more traditional varieties.
Kuopio The sociable Jätkänkämppä smoke sauna is fired up here twice a week, a great
chance to try this traditional type with its softer steam.
Tampere Over a century old, the venerable Rajaportin Sauna is a classic of its kind.
Helsinki There are several offbeat saunas in bars and cafes, but the Kotiharjun Sauna in
working-class Kallio is a winner for its traditional atmosphere and optional scrub down.
Cabin rentals The best sauna of them all is a wood-burning one that you've managed to
light yourself. Rent a cabin by a lake somewhere and try it out. Add beer and sausages af-
terwards for the most classic Finnish experience.