Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Island-Hopping
Finland has tens of thousands of islands, ranging from suburbs of Helsinki to rocky islets
in the middle of nowhere.
Ukko
In Lapland's enormous Lake Inari, this island has traditionally been a Sámi sacred
spot and can be visited on a boat trip.
Åland
This archipelago between Finland and Sweden is ripe for exploration using local fer-
ries or a sea kayak.
Island dining
Head out to one of the island restaurants in Helsinki harbour for a seafood
dinner with great views.
Kvarken
This intriguing landscape of islands west of Vaasa is constantly changing.
Hailuoto
Grab the ferry out to this island near Oulu for a peaceful northerly beach break.
Bengtskär
Finland's southernmost inhabited island is famous for its staunch Baltic light-
house.
Turku archipelago
Freewheel around this complex of islands south of Turku by bike.
National parks
There are five maritime national parks dotted along Finland's coast, and it's
great to hire a boat and potter around the islands. One of these is near Ekenäs.
Traditional Dishes
Smoked fish
Head to any market in the country for a huge array of salmon and other fish;
such as Hakaniemi in Helsinki.
Lemin särä
Majestic mutton roast, cooked on a birch tray, is a gastronomic highlight.
Ålandspannkaka
Hit the Åland archipelago for semolina pudding with stewed prunes.
Kalakukko
Tasty rye loaf stuffed with
muikku
(vendace, or whitefish, a small lake fish), a
speciality of Kuopio.
Game
Dine on bear, elk or grouse by the Ruka ski slopes.
Comfort food
Finnish staples like herring, meatballs and liver in the unchanged '30s atmo-
sphere of Sea Horse in Helsinki.
