Summer in Finland is short but filled with festivals from the smallest local events to the big rock festivals that attract tens of thousands of visitors. There is tango, there is jazz, and there is of course a lot of rock. Here is the top three of Finland’s rock summer. More information about all kinds of Finnish festivals can be found at www.festivals.fi.

1. Provinssirock

Provinssirock in Seinäjoki starts the Finnish rock summer. This legendary festival offers a good mix of Finnish and international bands and calls itself “The Party Of The People”. This year’s festival in the Törnävä Festival Park in Seinäjoki is the 31st Provinssirock, and goes on from 12th to 14th of June. Find out more at www.provinssirock.net.

2. Ruisrock

Ruisrock started in 1970 and is one of the oldest rock festivals in the world. It has often managed to lure legendary acts to the beautiful Ruissalo park just outside Turku, on the southwest coast of Finland. Ruisrock attracts big crowds, and its recent record year was 2005, when 71 000 ticket holders attended the three day festival.

This year’s Ruisrock is held from 3rd July to 5th July. More information about the line-up can be found at www.ruisrock.fi.

3. Ilosaarirock

Tickets to Ilosaarirock are always sold out in advance. Many Finns prefer this festival, held in Joensuu in Eastern Finland, to some of the bigger events. Ilosaarirock usually offers a wide variety of artists and bands, and promises 100 bands this year. During the festival there are many concerts going on in Joensuu’s bars and clubs as well.

Ilosaarirock 2009 is held from 17th to 19th of July, and more information about artists and ticket sales can be found at www.ilosaarirock.fi

Photo of the Flaming Lips concert at Ruisrock Festival 2007, Finland, by  decade null

Originally a Viking region, Scandinavia slowly converted to Christianity around 1000 AD. With Christianity came the celebration of Christmas. Christmas is the time for celebration and prayer, for being thankful for God’s love. But beyond all religious and noble concerns it is also the time for decorating the house and the giving of gifts. Over years the colorful boxes under the sparkling Christmas tree has become the favorite Christmas tradition of most. Gifts mean shopping and shopping needs markets!

Scandinavia’s Christmas markets are some of the most beautiful and extensive Christmas markets anywhere in Europe. The Tivoli Garden in Copenhagen, Esplanade Park in Helsinki, the annual Christmas Markets in Oslo, the numerous Christmas markets in Stockholm and Santa Claus Village in Lapland are just a few examples.

1. Tivoli Garden in Copenhagen

Christmas in Tivoli is not a one day affair. It starts off in the beginning to mid November and continues until the thirtieth of December. This winter fairytale comes alive amidst more than five thousand meters of Christmas lights. Even the wind and snow nipping at the body under layers of coats cannot stop tourists and locals from flocking to the Tivoli Gardens where the annual Christmas celebration has become a family tradition. The Christmas tree stands high in front of the concert hall like the sparkling garnet on the necklace of lights around Tivoli Lake. More than seventy vendors set up stalls here during the Christmas festival, offering everything from decorations and gifts to food and drink. This year during Christmas there will be new rides like the Swing Carousel and Chinese lantern on offer at the Tivoli Garden. The Crazy Christmas Cabaret puts on a daily evening show at the Glass Hall. Almost a million shoppers make a beeline for the Christmas market in Tivoli every year. Though the market in Tivoli garden is the most famous in Denmark, the several other Christmas markets in the country give the tourist a flavor of the authentic Danish Christmas traditions. The Hans Christian Anderson Fair that is held in the city of Odense forces every visitor to take a trip back into childhood.

2. Esplanade Park in Helsinki

The St Thomas Christmas Market is held from the eighth of December until the twenty first every year at Esplanade Park in Helsinki. Being so close to the North Pole makes Helsinki look like a town straight out of the Christmas stories and fairy tales. Add to that the more than hundred and twenty stalls selling traditional Finnish Christmas treats and other gifts and handicrafts. Everything needed to put up a grand Christmas feeling at one’s own home is also available here. Among traditional Finnish foods to be found in the market are cream pastries and fried herrings. While the latter might be somewhat of an acquired taste, the cream pastries are going to fill the mouths and hearts of every one who eats them, with pure joy. Bigger items like skis and ice skates and great hats are also available at the St Thomas Market.

3. Oslo Christmas Markets

Like most of the Christian world, Oslo decks itself up in its best in December to celebrate the birth of Christ and to welcome the greatest gift giver of them all- Santa Claus. Numerous markets all over this capital city of Norway set the mood for the festivities. The City Hall Square holds an annual Christmas Market that is perfect for an evening out for both adults and children. Arts and crafts, presents, traditional Norwegian Christmas delicacies, and even drinks are all on offer here. The tents are beautifully lit giving the whole square a carnival-like atmosphere. The largest of these events is the Annual Christmas Fair held at the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History. This fair not only has numerous buying options it gives a glimpse into the history of Christmas celebration traditions in Norway. Another interesting market is the Designers’ Christmas market where Norwegian designers from all over the country come together to sell their creations. Everything from clothes and accessories to home decorations are available here.

4. Christmas markets in Stockholm

The Gröna Lund Christmas Market is widely considered to be Stockholm’s Tivoli Garden. Along with shops that sell everything Christmassy, are great rides, fun carousels, and an ice skating rink. The Street Designs and Handicrafts Christmas Market is the place to go to for quirky and imaginative Christmas gifts and food delicacies that come directly from the farmers market. The Drottningholm Palace Christmas Market is a short drive west of Central Stockholm and is held just outside the residence of the Swedish Royal Family. There is also an annual Christmas market at Stockholm’s most central park, the Kungsträdgården Christmas market.

5. Santa Claus Village in Lapland

If all of the best Scandinavian Christmas Markets do not infuse you with the Christmas spirit take a visit to the Santa Claus Village in Finland. Just eight kilometers from the Rovaniemi International airport at the crossing of the magical Arctic Circle lies Santa’s little village. Though there is no official Christmas market here the whole village is like a little shop of dreams. Other than buying Christmas merchandise a tourist can go on reindeer sleigh rides or try his hand at reindeer lassoing. The local people also invite guests to sample traditional Lapp cuisine.

So welcome to Scandinavia and happy Christmas shopping to you!

Photo of Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, Finland originally posted by Vivi___

For those of you who don’t know, a sauna is the equivalent of sitting on the surface of the sun for about an hour or so. It’s hot, it’s steamy and it’ll even make your sweat sweat. It cleans your entire body by drawing out all the toxins and sweat and opens your skin’s pours to bring in more oxygen. They are known to help people with rheumatic pains, they can help to alleviate skin problems such as psoriasis and even help with the common cold.

The history of saunas worldwide is as hazy as their heat but there is strong evidence to show that the Fins were the first to pioneer the use of saunas and regularly use them for recreation. Dates go back as far as 5th Century, when they were thought to have been dug into hills underground. The design of above-ground wooden huts appeared shortly afterwards, when the right tools were available. Fins originally lived in the sauna hut. It was a multi purpose dwelling. Sleeping, cooking, cleaning and even giving birth could all be done under one roof.

The heat was originally generated by a wooden fire that heated large stones and filled the room with smoke and steam. When the heat was enough, the smoke would be bellowed out leaving the room smoke-free but still piping hot. These non-chimney saunas were soon replaced with new models that had the ability to circulate air more efficiently and take much less time to heat and maintain. However many Fins still insist on the old smoke saunas, as they feel they give a better experience.

Almost every single Finnish household has a sauna. They are considered a vital part of daily life. People meet for chats in saunas, have time with their families, conduct business meetings, wind down after a day at work and even give birth. Traditionally most people pop in for a session in their saunas on a Saturday. Families treat their sauna in much the same way that people in other (hotter) parts of the world treat their swimming pool. Instead of a quick dip, it’s more like a quick sweat, then a cool down in the lake, then maybe a sausage (makkara) and a beer, then back in the sauna for more sweating.

Finnish saunas have never been considered sexual places and, although most of the time people are naked or at least wearing very little clothing, there is nothing venereal about the experience. Saunas have now spread all over the world and many bear little resemblance to the fairy tale ones in Finland. But few will be able to match the ancient and beautifully crafted saunas in Finland. They are just as hot today as they were when they were first built.

Photo of Finnish sauna originally posted by MiikaS

To avoid the bland taste of endless sightseeing, here is a checklist of things to sample to fully taste the flavor of Finland, Northern Europe:

• Coffee

Finns drink more coffee per capita than any other people in the world. Be sure to try their particularly dark brew.

• Sauna

The word sauna is a contribution to English from the Finnish language. Going to Finland without jumping in the sauna is like going to Turkey without visiting a bath. It’s not just a dying tradition, but a veritable cultural institution that’s as important to the Finnish way of life today as ever. A great way to bond with your new Finnish friends and to work up an appetite for Finnish cuisine.

• Reindeer

Up in Lapland, reindeer petting zoos are an option, but they’re present throughout the rest of the country. On the dinner plate. Try to get over the guilt of eating Santa’s helpers. Reindeer can be raised without the unecological deforestation practices required to raise beef, so it’s serves as a counterpoint in the Finnish diet. Don’t worry, they’re delicious.

• Fazer Chocolate

Finland’s biggest candy company also produces the most popular kind of chocolate. Smooth, creamy, and not too sweet.

• Pole walking

The national love of cross country skiing isn’t forgotten in the warmer months. Poles for fitness walking are available for purchase, and many locals stay in shape by practicing this combination of power-walking and cross country skiing.

• Salmiakki

A spicy, salty black licorice. Somewhat of an acquired taste, but unique and worth trying.

• Xylitol

Birch trees are plentiful in Finland, and it’s extract, xylitol, is found in gum and toothpaste as it has excellent teeth-cleaning properties. Though it’s usually flavored with mint, xylitol gives things a hint of it’s own unique taste.

• Rye Bread

The rye bread popular in Finland is different than what’s eaten just about anywhere else. It has little to no yeast so it’s very flat, and has a hearty flavor. Traditionally eaten with salmon, cheese, lettuce, tomato, or even just butter on top. Varieties abound, different shapes, tastes, consistencies. There’s bound to be one to suit everyone’s palate.

• Koskenkorva

The national alcoholic spirit. Although it looks and to some tastes like vodka, it’s made of barley and has been made in Finland for centuries. Also available in different flavors, the most popular of which is salmiakki.

• Ice Hole Swimming

During the winter time, locals will cut open holes in frozen over lakes or rivers to take a dip in the icy water. The practice is said to stimulate the circulation, and some of the older generation swear it’s what keeps the life expectancy high. A dip in the cold is usually easier to bear when coming from and returning to a hot sauna.

Picture of Finnish flag in Helsinki, Finland originally posted by Harry Brignull

From Helsinki-Vantaa International Airport to the city center

Like in most big cities, Helsinki airport is not directly in the city, rather on the outskirts of town.

While taxis are plentiful, a cheaper option is to take one of the two shuttles to Helsinki Central Train Station, right in the center of town. Finnair runs a shuttle costing 5.20 EUR every 20 minutes, and the city runs another line costing 3.60 EUR which makes a few more stops along the way.

Upon arrival at the central railway station, there are a myriad of options to get to wherever needed. It’s a major hub for buses, and a map that can be consulted for route information. The commuter trains that run to the further reaches of the city and the suburbs also take off from here, as do the long distance trains to other cities in Finland as well as St. Petersburg and Moscow, Russia. The city’s east to west metro line also has a stop at the Central Train Station, and the majority of the city’s tram lines run nearby.

Getting around town

All tram, train, metro and most bus stops have Helsinki transit maps showing the area routes. Stations with information booths are highlighted and are a good place to visit to purchase advance tickets and pick up maps to take along (maps can also be obtained for free at the City’s Tourist Information Center at Pohjoisesplanadi 19).

Tickets for public transportation can always be purchased from the driver, or in the case of trains, the conductor but only in wagons specifically marked with the “ticket sale” sign.

As Helsinki is a manageably sized city, many find that it’s even pretty walkable. If that gets too tiring, there are options available.

• Trams are a safe bet for navigating the town as they’re fun and easy to use and maximize sight-seeing potential (the line 3T is often jokingly called the tourist tram as it passes most of the city’s visual attractions).
• Bicycles are also available free in the summer time from the city by putting down a deposit at designated locations. Bike culture thrives in Helsinki, as it’s inexpensive, ecological, and healthy. Most big streets have the sidewalk divided into a special bike lane and a pedestrian walk way.
• Taxis are usually necessary late at night. Trams and the metro stop at midnight, the train becomes sporadic, and very few bus routes run throughout the night. Late night taxis can no longer be ordered, the only way to catch one being to stand in line at a marked taxi station. Naturally, these lines can get very long on at the very end of a weekend night, especially when the weather is bad, so it might be worth considering going home early. Or wait in line with the locals, and see the late night drama unfold.

Photos posted by Ananta Bhadra Lamichhane and Peter van Der Bossche