Finland - Experience

Finland is a land of contrasts, from calm lakes dotting wild forests to modernist architecture sitting alongside classical buildings. Feel the rhythm of buzzing Helsinki, hear the silence of the arctic north, get sweaty in a steamy sauna and cool off in a frozen lake.

Follow a trail of architectural hot spots in Helsinki, from architect Alvar Aalto's functionalist Finlandia Hall, to the neo-classical Senate Square area and the art nouveau central railway station. Find Reima Pietilä's modernist architecture, including Kaleva Church, in Tampere, or travel back in time in historical Turku to see the medieval castle and cathedral.

Visit the home of Santa Claus in Christmas wonderland Rovaniemi, or head out into the pine-tree wilderness of Kuusamo in Lappland for white water rafting, hiking, or skiing in the winter. In the summer, cruise between the small islands of the Turku archipelago, or kayak through the still waters of the Saimaa Lake District to historic Lappeenranta.

Bring back Sami handicrafts from Lappland, or traditional Kalevala jewellery from Helsinki. Treat your flowers at home to a classical Savoy vase designed my Alvar Aalto, or discover the stylish textile designs of Marimekko.

Contrary to the infamous statements of some European politicians (Berlusconi and Chirac), Finnish food is anything but bland. Try fresh salmon, rainbow trout and perch from the inland lakes or reindeer stew in Lappland. Warm yourself up with a Karelian hot pot in Karelia or try the potato and black pudding stew rössypottu in Oulu. For a real treat, sweeten up with cheese and cloudberry jam.

Find out about the new generation of Finnish designers and artists in Helsinki's downtown Design District, dotted with bars, boutiques and galleries.