Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The Hanko area has numerous beaches, ranging from paddleable to windsurfable.
Check out the amazing Hiekkalinna sandcastle in Lappeenranta.
Yyteri near Pori has a great variety.
The resort of Kalajoki and Hailuoto island near Oulu are excellent for families.
Museums
Outdoor museums exhibit traditional buildings and have plenty of demonstrations and
activities in summer. There are good ones in Helsinki, Turku, and at Turkansaari near
Oulu.
Heureka
, Vantaa
Tietomaa
, Oulu
Suomen Urheilumuseo
, Helsinki
Hiihtomuseo
, Lahti
Mekaanisen Musiikin Museo
, Varkaus
Kierikkikeskus
, near Oulu
Vakoilumuseo
, Tampere
Planning
When to Go
Finnish children are on holidays from mid-June to early August, and many child-oriented
activities are closed outside this period. This is when campgrounds are buzzing with Fin-
nish families - an instant social life for your kids - and temperatures are usually reliably
warm.
Winter is also a great time to take the family to Finland, especially to the north. Decem-
ber sees all sorts of Christmassy things spring up in Lapland, with Santas, elves and
reindeer galore. But if your kids are older and you want to get active in the snow, March or
April are the months to go: there's plenty of daylight, better snow, and not such extreme
negative temperatures.
