Finland | The real-life chapter of a Nordic fairy tale

| A realistic chapter of Nordic fairy tales. 1. Best time to travel - Winter (late October - April of the following year): Finland's winter lasts for 6 months, which is the best season to experience the original Finnish culture and the golden period to watch the aurora. At this time, the whole country is covered with snow, as if it has turned into a fairy tale world. You can have fun in the snow and experience various ice and snow activities such as reindeer sledding, dog sledding, snowmobiling, etc., and feel the collision of speed and passion. Moreover, the temperature in Finland in winter is relatively low, generally between -10°C and -20°C, so remember to bring enough warm clothes 🧥 - Summer (June to August): If you are tired of the snow in winter, then Finland in summer will give you a completely different experience. At this time, the temperature in Finland is relatively pleasant, generally between 15°C - 25°C, with plenty of sunshine, long daytime hours, and even the wonderful phenomenon of midnight sun. You can stroll in the green forest, admire the colorful flowers, and feel the vitality and vigor of nature; you can also row and swim in the clear lake and enjoy a leisurely vacation. 2. Must-see attractions - Santa Claus Village🎅: This is the hometown of Santa Claus and a must-visit place for every tourist who comes to Finland. In Santa Claus Village, you can cross the Arctic Circle and get a certificate for crossing the Arctic Circle; take photos with the amiable Santa Claus and listen to him tell stories about Christmas; you can also go to Santa Claus Post Office, pick out a beautiful postcard, stamp it with a unique postmark, and send it to your relatives and friends far away, sending blessings from the Arctic. - Kemi Snow Castle❄️: Every winter, Kemi builds a fantastic snow castle with huge ice blocks and snow. There are various exquisite ice sculptures, ice slides, ice bars, etc. in the castle, making people feel as if they are in a Frozen world. Here, you can enjoy the fun brought by ice and snow, take photos, check in, and leave beautiful memories. -Saariselka (Salla Sjelkä): Saariselka is a famous ski resort in Finland and one of the best places to watch the northern lights. There is a vast ski area here, suitable for ski enthusiasts of different levels. In addition to skiing, you can also take a reindeer sleigh ride through the primeval forest and feel the tranquility and mystery of nature. At night, lie in the warm glass house and wait for the aurora to appear. When the colorful lights dance in the night sky, you will be shocked by this wonder of nature. - Helsinki Cathedral⛪: Helsinki Cathedral is a landmark building in Helsinki and one of the most famous churches in Finland. This white cathedral is magnificent, with exquisite architectural exterior and interior decoration. Standing in the square in front of the church, you can overlook the beautiful scenery of the entire Helsinki city. Here, you can feel the strong religious atmosphere and appreciate Finland's unique architectural art. 3. Food Recommendations - Karelian Pie (Karjalanpiirakka): This is a traditional pastry originating from the Karelia region in eastern Finland. The base is made of rye, and the filling is potatoes, rice or carrots, and a layer of egg butter is added. It has a rich taste and is one of the favorite foods of the Finns. - Fish pie (Kalakukko): Fish pie is similar to Karelian pie, but larger and filled with fish, usually white trout. This pie was once a popular lunchbox item in Finland because it contained all the ingredients needed for a hearty lunch that was both nutritious and delicious. - Cinnamon rolls (Korvapuusti): Cinnamon rolls are an indispensable delicacy in Finnish daily life. They are actually bread rolls with cinnamon powder added. Finnish cinnamon rolls are sweet and fragrant, and are a perfect match with a cup of strong coffee. Finns consume a lot of coffee, and their consumption of cinnamon rolls is probably not inferior 😉 - Smoked salmon 🐟: Finland has many lakes and oceans, and salmon resources are abundant. The local smoked salmon is made using traditional smoking techniques, which retains the salmon's fresh taste and rich nutrition. It is delicious with a light smoky flavor and is a classic delicacy on the Finnish table. IV. Notes - Visa: Finland is a Schengen country and you need to apply for a Schengen visa in advance. It is recommended to prepare relevant application materials 3 to 6 months in advance. Specific materials and procedures can be found on the official website of the Finnish Embassy in China. - Currency: Finland uses the Euro (€). In urban restaurants, hotels and other places, card payments are generally accepted, but in some small towns or small shops, cash payments may be more preferred, so it is best to prepare some cash. - Keep warm: Finland has cold winters, so be sure to bring enough warm clothes, including thick down jackets, thermal underwear, scarves, gloves, hats, snow boots, etc. In addition, it is best to bring a pair of sunglasses when going to the snow to protect your eyes from the reflected light from the snow. - Aurora: Viewing the Aurora requires a certain amount of luck and suitable conditions, such as a clear night sky and away from light pollution. Although the chances of seeing the Northern Lights are relatively high in northern Finland, there is no guarantee that you will see them. You can pay attention to weather forecasts and aurora prediction websites in advance to increase your chances of seeing the aurora. - Transportation: Finland has a well-developed transportation system, including airplanes, trains, buses and car rentals. If you want to travel to a distant city or area, flying is a faster option; if you want to travel in or around the city, you can choose a train or bus; if you want to explore freely, renting a car and driving yourself is also a good way, but you must pay attention to abide by local traffic rules. - Environmental protection: Finns attach great importance to environmental protection. During your travels, please respect the local environment, do not litter, and protect the natural landscape.