Archaeology handicrafts and science and technology sites to visit Finland

The maritime district is a picturesque shipyard where you can watch boats under construction as well as traditional wooden boats parked on the harbour. Lively environment with also a forge and other craft activities in addition to a sailors' chapel, a restaurant, a museum. The latter, in a wooden shed, deals with the techniques and history of shipbuilding. Attention, no information in English.

The Polar Explorer, a 1960 icebreaker converted into a cruise ship for tourists, carries up to 150 people for 3-hour polar safaris. We watch the pieces of ice cracking and being pushed out with a certain fascination. The highlight of the trip is the bath in the icy water. We lend you a survival suit, before you are lowered into the water. You can watch an introductory film and visit the engine room with a guide.

Created more than 2,000 million years ago, the amethyst mine was formed in the bowels of ancient mountains. The only amethyst mine in Europe, you can admire this stone and discover how it is extracted. During the visit, in addition to enjoying a superb view from the top of the hill, you can even dig yourself to bring back your own stone, which has become a good luck charm. The visit is fascinating and you learn a lot! Afterwards, you can have a snack or a drink at the Lampivaara café.

Kopara Reindeer Park organizes beautiful, authentic experiences with reindeer and professionals. By choosing the offer that suits you best, you'll have the chance to walk with reindeer, be pulled, feed them, and learn about their lives, all in the company of an experienced guide. Experiences last between 30 minutes and an hour. If the park offers other activities outside winter, these reindeer experiences usually take place from November-December to mid-April. On-site restaurant and store.

The Finnish science centre Heureka, located in Vantaa, was inaugurated in 1988. Heureka with its planetarium, multivisions and hemispheric films (from the style of the Géode to La Villette) is divided into four sections devoted to the universe, life, human society and production, respectively. Very playful.

Following the E8 road from Kilpisjärvi, we reach a beautiful landscape of moorland and bushes about 45 km to the south. This is a good opportunity to discover a bit of Finnish nature away from the pine trees. You can stop at the parking lot and take a path of raised wooden boards to discover this beautiful ecosystem. Only reindeer and a few rabbits live among these desolate bushes and the moor seems to extend as far as the eye can see. The place is ideal for a picnic as well as for a walk easily accessible to the whole family.

An impact crater, 6 km in diameter. An impressive site, also enjoyed by migratory birds every autumn and spring, who invade it entirely to rest and feed. A permanent exhibition at the heart of the impact, run by volunteers, takes you on a journey back in time to 520 million years ago. The site also boasts a well-equipped astronomical observatory, a bird-watching tower and a miniature of our solar system... A must-see if you're drawn to the mysteries of the universe...

Erä Eero offers organized excursions to observe bears and other animals such as beavers, wolves, wolverines, lynxes and birds at night. A moment out of time! We walk around and we settle on the towers arranged to land and take pictures, there are about ten around and we walk between 50 meters and 300 meters maximum. Once in the cabins, we only have to wait and hope to see appearing under our amazed eyes one of the magnificent Finnish mammals! Professional and very nice welcome!

A site as unlikely as it is magnificent, proof (if proof were needed) of the variety of Åland's island heritage! On one side, a cave (where trolls once lived, according to legend), quickly accessible from the site entrance (but at the price of a few antics). On the other side, a forest and rocky passage worthy of Fontainebleau gives access to a (short) hiking trail, a picnic area and an observation tower offering a beautiful 360° view. A little tricky to find, but well worth the stop and the walk.

Feeling like you're at the end of the world is (a little) what awaits you when you arrive at the Herröskatan nature reserve, just south of Lemland. There are few people here, but the scenery is breathtakingly rich in nature, emblematic of the richness of the archipelago. It's also a paradise for birdwatchers, especially from the top of the tower (albeit a little faded). In short, for a break from the usual tourist circuits and a breath of fresh air: don't hesitate!

With this agency, you'll discover the waters of the Repovesi National Park, as well as its forests and islands. Riitta, whom French visitors have nicknamed "Mamie du Bois" for her knowledge of the forests, welcomes you with all her heart, and takes care of the smallest details to make you experience something unique in the middle of nature. It's a doubly enriching experience: on the one hand, the exceptional nature of the Repovesi with its magical calm, and on the other, the kindness of the people who will share their joie de vivre with you.

Built in 1834, the observatory was reopened to the public after modernization work in 2012. You will be able to observe the stars and visit an exhibition on astronomy in the planetarium. Nice coffee on the spot. From this 38 m high hill, a privileged place for picnics in summer and sledging in winter, you will have a breathtaking view of the whole capital and the sea on the horizon! Guided tours are made by passionate people who are happy to pass on their knowledge! Don't miss the Shipwrecked Statue just around the corner.

In Petkeljärvi National Park, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of moraine hills, lake systems, pine moors, swamps and meadows. There are two easy marked trails, and a Taitajan Taival hiking trail that leads to the village of Putkela (22 km). Camping is also possible at Petraniemi. Another beautiful hiking trail is called the Wolf Trail (90 km from Mökhö to Patvinsuo National Park).

In a 100% ecological and all-wooden building inspired by the Kalevala, the new Haltia centre, a stone's throw from the Nuuksio National Park and with a view of the lake below, aims to awaken visitors to the surrounding nature through the presentation of landscapes, sounds and sensations felt in the heart of nature. Permanent and temporary exhibitions evoke Finnish fauna and flora, using all modern media to better sing this ode to the environment.

At 99 m, the summit offers exceptional views of the north of the island. It is the second-highest hill on the Aland Islands. Sweden to the west is not far away after all. Two recommended walks: the 1 km troll trail, perfect for children, and a 5 km path starting from the Soltuna panoramic restaurant and leading to a natural cave called Djupviksgrottan: an absolutely magnificent stroll through incredible rocky scenery. Be careful, though: in wet weather, it's very, very slippery!

This quality Saami handicraft shop is ideally located on the shores of Lake Kuivajärvi. In a hexagonal chalet in the heart of the reindeer farm is the art gallery, where handmade creations made from reindeer antlers, horn, leather, wool, etc. are on display, including a wide selection of traditional jewellery. In winter, the gallery is open on request. The owners also organize visits to the village, or various activities in the surroundings, guided by local partners.

The Kukkolankoski rapids (about three and a half kilometres long) are the largest in Finland. Already in the Middle Ages, the waters were known to be full of fish and a fishing festival is held here every year at the end of July. There are countless river and lake routes of all categories, ideal for rafting or canoeing. The Arctic Canoe Race (53 km) runs down the Tornionjoki River to the Gulf of Bothnia. The Nordic Safaris company organizes kayaking and rafting trips on the river.

Imatra was famous for the wild beauty of the Imatrankoski Falls, the "Finnish Niagara", once the largest in Europe. This grandiose scenery was the reason for the construction of the Imatran Valtionhotelli Hotel, now restored. In 1928, the rapids were tamed to supply the industrial installations. The sluice gates are now open in the summer evenings, and for 20 minutes the falls return to their former foaming impetuosity. Ideal to observe from Crown Park, which offers a beautiful panorama.

The Archipelago Trail (literally saariston rengastie) is a sumptuous patchwork of thousands of islands! This 230 km loop around the archipelago begins and ends in Turku. It will take you through magnificent natural and cultural landscapes where you will encounter 12 bridges, 9 ferries and numerous parishes.
By car, you can certainly cover the road in one day, but why hurry? Biking and hiking are great options for discovering the region at your own pace!