Finland - cities, lakes, marshes and extraordinary beauty

In the northern part of Europe, on the Scandinavian Peninsula, there is an amazing country Finland. It has access to the Baltic Sea, its territory from the south is washed by the waters of the Finnish and Botanical Gulfs. The seventh place in terms of area among European countries, thousands of lakes, preserved to this day corners of untouched nature - it's all Finland. Cities are mostly small, with a population of up to seventy thousand people. The largest settlement is the capital of Helsinki, which has about 540 thousand inhabitants.

The main property and landmark of Suomi can be considered a unique nature. Almost a third of its territory is beyond the Arctic Circle, and the remaining two-thirds are occupied by the taiga. Among the dense forests there are gleaming saucers of numerous lakes and swamps, with which Finland is so famous. Cities are most often surrounded by huge forests, in which you can meet moose, squirrel, ermine, lynx and brown bears.

Originality of the cities of Finland

Helsinki became the capital in 1917 (after the proclamation of the country's independence). It is a modern and very green city - almost a quarter of its territory is occupied by parks. Green plantations, the aroma of the sea and the noise of departing ships create a special atmosphere.

A wonderful country Finland, whose cities have their own unique face. For example, Tampere, the second most important after the capital, is located on the isthmus between two large lakes and is surrounded by two hundred smaller ponds. In addition, the river Tammerkoski is divided into two parts. This is an urbanization surrounded by water. Known for its museums, in particular, the unique Museum of espionage.

The large cities of Finland - Hameenlinna, Lahti and Tampere - are a large industrial complex. And Espoo, the third largest city in the country, is an important business center that houses offices of such well-known companies as Nokia, Nestle, Orion, and the metallurgical concern Outokumpu.

On the sea coast is located Turku - it's not only the most famous city-port in Finland, but also one of the oldest settlements of the country. It arose in 1229, but, according to scientists, the first settlements here appeared in the Stone Age. Turku in the past was a significant religious center of Finland, here was the residence of the bishop. In this city the first university in the country, the academy was formed.

Ecotourism country

Finland attracts a lot of tourists from all over the world. The city of Lahti is the main sports and tourist center of the country. Here come lovers of outdoor activities from around the world, the best place to practice winter sports is simply not found.

Especially popular among connoisseurs of ecotourism is Eastern Finland. Cities in this part of the country are surrounded by majestic forests growing on the slopes of numerous hills. A huge number of lakes and rivers gives this corner a unique beauty. Original Karelian peoples inhabiting this territory, have preserved to this day their traditions and way of life.