Finland has 188,000 lakes and forest across nearly three quarters of its territory. Its best feature is not a monument: it is silence, and the culture that protects it.
Lapland in winter
Deep snow, dog sledding, snowmobiles and nights with a high chance of auroras. In midwinter the sun barely rises and the whole day glows blue.
The sauna
Not a spa: a national institution. There are more saunas than cars. Extreme heat followed by icy water is how Finns close the day.
Midnight-sun summer
From June to July the north never darkens. Kayaking, berry forests and lakeside cabins change the country's face entirely.
Culture
Clean design, respect for other people's space and everyone's right to roam nature freely. Little noise, plenty of substance.
