Finland

Like its neighbours of Norway, Sweden and Russia, Finland is way up there geographically, with a third of the country existing above the Arctic Circle. Renowned as the home of Santa Claus, the origin of Nokia and the source of some of strangest rock music in the world, Finland is a country of contradictions and pleasant surprises.

What is most beautiful about Finland may exist in the wild frontier of its natural environment, however it's capital city of Helsinki is a picturesque town on the water, extending across a collection of islands, inlets and bays, appearing as a floating city. Like most Scandinavian cities Helsinki is modern and sophisticated, yet has quirkiness that’s distinctly Finnish.

The country’s geographical location means the northernmost parts of Finland experience the amazing Midnight Sun during the summertime, and the magnificent Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, in the winter. These remarkable natural phenomenons, along with the country's pristine natural environment, are an experience that draws tourists from across the globe.

The midnight sun yields endless days perfect for exploring Finland’s vast wilderness areas and National Parks, sailing along the beautifully jagged coastline in the Gulf of Finland or fishing the pure waters of one of the country’s many lakes from the seat of a kayak.

The downside of the glorious summer of Midnight Sun however, is its corresponding Polar Night in winter, where there is no sun for days, weeks, or sometimes months. And yet like the Midnight Sun, this is limited to the most northern parts of the country, the south being a spectacular winter wonderland blanketed in soft white snow, ideal for retreating to a forest cabin to ski or relax in front of an open fire with a shot of aquavit.