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The mere mention of "Nordic" brings to mind beautiful scenery and cold weather. However, when winter arrives, Northern Europe transforms into a true fairytale. Finland, located on the Scandinavian Peninsula in northern Europe, boasts exceptionally high welfare benefits, once making it the happiest country in the world. Whether in education, healthcare, or social security, this highly developed country and its people's high happiness are evident.
In addition to the Nordic wonders of ice and snow, Finland's high forest coverage and unique fairytale atmosphere are also a major attraction for tourists. After all, what child can resist the hometown of Santa Claus?
In winter, this place is a holy land of ice and snow, and in summer, it becomes an outdoor paradise. Sometimes you can look up and see the northern lights dancing in the sky. Everything in Northern Europe is so fascinating.
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Finland, one of the five Nordic countries located in northern Europe, borders Sweden, Norway, and Russia. With approximately 179,000 islands and 188,000 lakes, it is known as the "Land of a Thousand Lakes." One-third of the country lies within the Arctic Circle, and Lapland is the hometown of Santa Claus. Finland's natural landscape is characterized by forests and water, yet is incredibly diverse. From the pristine wilderness of Lapland in the north to the shimmering lakes of the east and the star-studded archipelago to the southwest, each region has its own unique character. Finland is also full of intriguing contrasts, such as the four distinct seasons, the midnight sun and long winter nights, and the distinct cultural heritage of eastern and western Finland.
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Both have a strong Nordic style, but unlike Bergen in Norway or Oslo Tromsø, which are full of bright colors and yet blend with nature, Finland, as a former partner of the Soviet Union, has a capital Helsinki where Stalinist architectural style can be seen everywhere. Coupled with the simple and pragmatic design, this city exudes a unique and cold charm.
Walking here is like entering an old familiar movie, so beautiful, yet so distant and nostalgic.
Helsinki Cathedral is the most famous building in Helsinki. Located in Senate Square, it is a Lutheran church. Built in 1840 by German architect Karl Engels, it is in the European neoclassical style.
The church can accommodate 1,300 people at a time and is a must-visit for many newlyweds. Primarily white with a pale green dome, it boasts an exquisite structure and extraordinary grandeur, making it a true gem of Finnish architectural art.
The Red Cathedral, also known as Uspenski Cathedral or the Cathedral of the Dormition, is an Eastern Orthodox Christian church located on a hillside on the Kadayanoga Peninsula. Designed by the Tsarist architect Aleksey Gornostayev and built between 1862 and 1868, the cathedral boasts a rich history and boasts a magnificent Russian style. A plaque commemorating Tsar Alexander II can be seen on the back of the cathedral.
The Church of Silence, also known as Kamppi Chapel of Silence, is a modern building with a unique and striking shape, unlike any other church. In late 2013, it was named one of "10 Must-See New World Landmarks" by News Today. It is also a pioneering example of Finnish innovation in wooden architecture.
Here, the transition from bustle to silence is but a single step. It offers a sanctuary where one can listen to the voice of their soul or simply gaze upon the beauty of the interior, which seats 70 people. As the Chapel of Silence begins to take shape on the edge of Nalinka Square, the charming wooden structure captivates the thousands of passersby daily. The beautifully designed chapel offers services that enhance spiritual well-being.
As the outside world becomes increasingly focused on material values, people can find the warmth and tranquility of humanity and holiness in the church. In such moments, let us stop and listen to those voices that are even quieter than a whisper.
The Rock Church, also known as the Temppeliaukion Church, was built in 1969 and is a unique architectural feature in Finland and Europe. Designers, the Siomaranje brothers, meticulously designed the church by excavating a massive rock from the top down and building it directly into the natural rock. The echoing sound of the rock walls creates exceptional acoustics, leading many concerts to be held there.
Walking on the streets of Helsinki, you will find that it is surprisingly quiet here, and even only the wind whispers to you.
About 50 kilometers east of Helsinki lies Porvoo, Finland's second-oldest town, founded in the 13th century. In the Middle Ages, Porvoo was a major import and trade center. The rows of red barns along the Porvoo River showcase Porvoo's shipping history and are a popular photo spot for tourists.
Porvoo was once an important cultural center, with many historical figures living and working here. Even if you don't have time to explore the neoclassical architecture, you can definitely enjoy a taste of Lunebeli cake in one of Porvoo's many idyllic cafes.
The winding streets, narrow alleys, and low-rise wooden houses epitomize medieval urban life, earning it the nickname "Museum of Wooden Architecture." Below are photos showcasing the beautiful scenery of Porvoo in winter.
Porvoo Cathedral, with its pointed arch and snow-white color, was built in the 13th century and was the seat of Finland's first parliament in 1809.
In 1809, the Russian Tsar confirmed the Finnish faith, constitution, rights, and autonomy here, and Porvoo Cathedral is revered as the cornerstone of Finnish independence. The cathedral houses a bronze statue commemorating Russian Tsar Alexander I.
Surrounding the church is the charming old town, where houses are centuries old yet still retain their sturdiness. Two of Finland's oldest streets, Jokikatu (River Street) and Välikatu (Middle Street), pass by the historic Raatihuoneentori (Town Hall Square). The Holm House Museum, located next to the Town Hall, will make you feel like you've traveled back in time to Porvoo centuries ago.
If you have time, you can also enjoy Porvoo Old Town and its small, homely hotels. The award-winning Wanha Laamanni restaurant (Vuorikatu 17) is located opposite the church.
In 1809, when the conference for Finland's transition to the Grand Duchy of Russia was held, farmers met in that house. There's also a Porvoo Coffee Roastery (Mannerheiminkatu 2) on the shore, where you can enjoy a cup of freshly roasted coffee. If you have time, explore Porvoo; this beautiful old town is sure to captivate you.
When you visit Northern Europe in winter, you can't miss the icy and snowy landscapes. Lapland, located in northern Finland, lies within the Arctic Circle. Besides Santa Claus Village, which straddles the Arctic Circle, the entire Lapland region offers the chance to witness the vibrant Aurora Borealis, with a bit of luck. Beyond that, the icy world here is enough to transport you to a fairytale.
Saariselka, in the Ivalo region, is the world's northernmost resort town. With its fairytale-like cabins and breathtaking snowscapes, it boasts pristine wilderness untouched by human activity and minimal light pollution. It's the icy world of my dreams.
When you're in Northern Lapland, 500 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle, you can't miss having fun in the snow. For someone like me who can't ski, dog sledding and snowmobiling are good options.
Driving a snowmobile through the rime and snow fields is like a dream. You must not go too fast, firstly because the wind on your face is as painful as a knife, but more importantly, this beautiful scenery is worth savoring slowly.
At the husky farm, you can experience "Erha" pulling a sled. As expected, Erha only becomes a real Husky when pulling a sled. Here, every dog has its own name and its own nest, which is warm and comfortable.
Huskies belong to the snow. They have a layer of soft fur under their thick hair, forming a perfect windproof and thermal insulation layer. Their daily diet is full of protein and high-quality fats. From the beginning of winter to spring every year is their "working time", and they will pull sleds non-stop. Midsummer is their rest time. In early autumn when the weather is not so hot, they will exercise and run wildly in the woods with ATVs, from 40 kilometers a week to 20 kilometers a day, facing the coming of winter in the most perfect condition.
A visit to Ivalo is essential, as it's a must-see for visitors to Lake Inari, Finland's third-largest lake and Lapland's largest. Its numerous islands create a fascinating maze of islands, while also offering vast expanses of open water. In winter, the lake offers excellent opportunities for ice fishing, snowmobiling, and aurora viewing.
Lake Inari lies close to the border of Finland and Norway, and a little further north, it enters Norway. Norway, a land of fjords, is imbued with a touch of romance thanks to its forests. Snowmobiling across the steaming Arctic Ocean to catch king crabs is sure to be one of the best winter experiences.
The catcher scooped up a basket of king crabs, cut them open in front of everyone, removed the nerves, and chopped them into pieces, allowing everyone to experience the gift of nature.
In Norway, the edible part of king crab is limited to the crab legs. The crab roe is high in cholesterol, so after the king crab is dismembered, this part will be thrown back into the sea and become part of the ecological cycle again.
Rovaniemi, located within the Arctic Circle at 25°44' east longitude and 66°30' north latitude, is the capital of Lapland and some call it Finland's second capital. It's the legendary hometown of Santa Claus, and the famous Santa Claus Village is located just 8 kilometers north of Rovaniemi, on the Arctic Circle. Every year, tourists flock here from all over the world to catch a glimpse of Santa Claus.
Rovaniemi residents have been around snow their entire lives, and Lapland, being the land of reindeer, naturally means playing with the adorable reindeer. Riding a reindeer sleigh and hand-feeding the reindeer are both fantastic experiences. You can even experience what it's like to be Santa Claus!
Of course, reindeer meat is also a delicacy not to be missed. It might taste a bit fishy to those unfamiliar with it, but paired with berries and pickles, it's just the right flavor. Listening to the Sami elders share their stories while enjoying a warm meal of reindeer is a truly wonderful winter treat.
There is also the world's northernmost McDonald's here, where you can eat the same nuggets as Jay Chou in the same store.
Looking at this, does it feel like something is missing? We’re already in the Arctic Circle, so how could we miss the Northern Lights?
Unfortunately, this trip to Finland encountered continuous cloudy days in Lapland, and the aurora and the starry sky were hiding behind the thick clouds and refused to show up.
However!!! The day before leaving the Arctic Circle, we encountered another spectacular aurora display. We promptly drove from Saariselka to the summit, where we finally saw the aurora briefly appear through a gap in the clouds. Below, enjoy a youthful mini-version of the aurora from northern Finnish Lapland. Brilliance doesn't have to be dramatic; it can also be subtle and beautiful.
I wish all readers can be like this little aurora, steady and reserved, making a fortune quietly! This trip to Finland spanned the entire Spring Festival holiday and was the perfect start to 2024.
Finland is not only rich in natural resources, but even within this icy wonderland, the Finns are equally endearing. They're as hospitable and friendly as characters from a fairy tale, completely unlike the socially awkward life portrayed online. Everything that seems too good to be true has an "extreme" quality. Finland, nestled within the Arctic Circle, boasts stunning scenery and has left me with unforgettable memories. Farewell Finland, and a trip to the other four Nordic countries is already on the agenda. See you next time, beautiful Northern Europe.
