Finland is famous for its incredible nature, and the best way to experience it is undoubtedly through its national parks. Let's start our journey with Lemmenjoki National Park, the largest national park in Finland. Located in the heart of Lapland, it offers visitors incredible landscapes of wild tundra, vast forests and crystal clear rivers. The park is ideal for trekking enthusiasts - it offers several trails of varying difficulty. As one reviewer points out: 'The beauty of wild nature. Several trails to choose from, heated huts along the way and fire pits with prepared wood.' It's an ideal place for families looking for tranquility among centuries-old trees.

A contrast to Lapland's rugged beauty is the Archipelago Sea National Park, located on Finland's southwestern coast. This unique marine park encompasses thousands of small islands and islets, creating a picturesque labyrinth. It is a paradise for lovers of water sports, fishing and bird watching. Of note is Örö Island, a former fortress that was opened to tourists in 2015. As one visitor notes: 'Nice island, only an hour boat ride from Kasnäs (...) There are about 6 km of paving stones on the island.' The park also offers camping and overnight stays in charming island cabins.

For those who want to combine contact with nature with education, Ähtäri Zoo is the ideal place. This is not a typical zoo - the animals here live in near-natural conditions, on a vast area integrated into the Finnish landscape. As one visitor notes: 'The zoo grounds built into the natural area of Finland. I didn't feel that the animals were in cages. The zoo is particularly famous for giant pandas, but many species native to Finland can be seen here, such as moose, bears and wolverines. It's a great place for families with children, offering education through play and direct contact with nature.

Each of these places offers a unique experience of Finnish nature. Lemmenjoki National Park impresses with its wild, rugged nature and is ideal for adventurers. The Archipelago Sea National Park, on the other hand, is a paradise for sea and history lovers. Ähtäri Zoo combines educational elements with the opportunity to interact with wildlife in a safe environment. Whichever option you choose, each of these places guarantees an authentic experience of the Finnish countryside and its natural beauty.

The Finnish countryside is not only picturesque, but also rich in history and culture, traces of which can be found in the numerous historical monuments. One of the most impressive is Olavinlinna Castle, located in the village of Savonlinna. This medieval castle, built in 1475, is a perfectly preserved example of Nordic defensive architecture. As one visitor notes: 'Castles are divided into those worth the trip, worth making up the road and worth seeing as you are next door. St. Olaf Castle is worth the trip! Interestingly, this castle is not only a tourist attraction, but also an important cultural center - a prestigious opera festival is held here every July.

Another historical treasure is Turku Castle, the oldest castle in Finland. Its history dates back to the 13th century, and over the centuries it has served both defensive and representative functions. The castle is a testament to Finland's turbulent history, including the period when it was part of the Kingdom of Sweden. As one visitor points out: 'The oldest castle in Finland. The residence of Catherine Jagiellonian daughter of Bona the Queen of Poland. You can feel like a courtier walking through the old, superbly restored chambers. The castle offers a fascinating journey back in time, presenting exhibitions on daily life at the medieval court.

For those interested in more contemporary Finnish history and culture, the Arktikum in Rovaniemi should be a must-visit. This is a modern museum and science center that showcases the history, culture and nature of the Arctic regions. As one visitor describes: 'There were various rooms in the museum that contained a lot of information about life in Finland. You could see an aurora borealis show, see old toys and costumes of the Finns, look at stuffed animals, read about the climate and its impact on the environment, etc. The Arktikum is not only a museum, but also a research center that provides a deeper understanding of the challenges facing Arctic regions in the face of climate change.

Each of these sites offers unique insights into Finnish history and culture. Olavinlinna takes us back to the days of medieval knights and sieges, while being a living cultural center. Turku Castle allows you to trace the history of Finland from Swedish rule to the present day. Arktikum, on the other hand, focuses on the peculiarities of life in the Arctic regions, linking the past with the present and the future. All of these places, although different, have one thing in common - they allow you to immerse yourself in authentic Finnish culture and history, away from the tourist hustle and bustle.

The Finnish countryside also hides many unique attractions that allow you to experience local culture and traditions in an unusual way. One such place is Pielpajärvi Wilderness Church, located deep in the Finnish wilderness. This charming wooden temple from the 18th century is an excellent example of traditional Finnish sacred architecture. As one visitor describes: 'Fantastic old church. Like out of a prairie house movie. Open all the time. No lock or gilding. Reaching the church requires a 6-kilometer walk through a scenic forest, which is an unforgettable experience in itself.

For lovers of toy history and nostalgic time travel, the Porvoo Doll and Toy Museum is the ideal destination. This small but extremely charming museum displays a collection of dolls and toys from different eras. As one visitor notes: 'A very nice place. Tiny, but has many beautiful exhibits. A fairy tale for big and small! The museum is not only an exhibition, but also a sentimental journey that allows both adults and children to discover the fascinating history of toys.

You can't talk about a Finnish village without mentioning its most famous resident - Santa Claus. Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi is a place where the magic of Christmas lasts all year round. As one visitor describes: 'Cool place, it has its own charm but at every step they want to stretch for money and very not small. The meeting with Santa Claus itself is very short and the photo taken is cosmically expensive. Despite its commercial nature, the village offers many attractions that are sure to delight the little ones.

For those who want a deeper dive into the world of Santa Claus, it is worth visiting Santa Claus Base. This place offers a more intimate and authentic experience of meeting Santa Claus. As one visitor notes: 'Great place, very nice Santa's helpers. Santa himself also a pleasant old man. It's worth remembering that there are two 'official' places to meet Santa in the village, so it's worth checking reviews before visiting and choosing the one that better suits your expectations.

Each of these attractions offers a unique experience of Finnish culture and tradition. Pielpajärvi Wilderness Church allows you to experience the peace and simplicity of the Finnish countryside. Porvoo Doll and Toy Museum is a sentimental journey into the world of childhood. Santa Claus Village and Santa Claus Base, on the other hand, are places where you can feel the magic of Christmas regardless of the season. It is worth remembering, however, that some of these places, especially those associated with Santa Claus, are commercial in nature and can be quite expensive. Nevertheless, each of them in its own way allows you to experience authentic Finnish hospitality and tradition.