Finland

Home to 5.5 million people, Finland is one of the world’s northernmost countries, and has many regions which are extremely remote. This makes it the perfect destination for the winter adventure. It’s not all remote wilderness, however. Finland’s capital, Helsinki, is a wonderful destination to visit if you’re looking for a lesser-visited city break.

Finland’s history is a fascinating tale of shifting borders. Originally a part of neighbouring Sweden, Finland was then subsumed by Russia, until the Finnish independence in 1917. The following decades saw renewed land tussles and Russia reclaimed about 10% of Finland for itself.

During your stay, book onto a local folk tour to hear folk tales and glean the wisdom of this fascinating country. Finns have a deep affinity with nature, which makes total sense given so much of their country is a patchwork of forest and lakes.

Unlike other European countries, Finns have resisted the magnetic pull of the city and the majority of the country’s population still live in smaller towns and cities scattered across the nation. For this reason, Finland is a perfect destination to rent a private lodge and really experience the natural environment as the locals do.

For sure, plan a day trip into Helsinki to enjoy the shopping and cultural sights of Europe’s northernmost capital, and then escape it all. You’ll understand what it truly means to be at one with nature, and to be totally revitalised.

For the best weather, and longer daylight hours, go in summer. If you’re hungry for the thrill of the chill, Finland in the winter packs a powerful punch.

Finland joined the European Union in 1995 and therefore uses the Euro as its national currency. The official languages of Finland are Finnish and Swedish.