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Surrounded by water on three sides and fringed by islands, Helsinki grew up around a natural harbor overlooking the Gulf of Finland. A city of wide streets, squares, and parks, adorned with sculpture, Helsinki was one of the world's first planned municipalities and is noted for its 19th-century neoclassical architecture. It is a city of bustling, colorful market squares and halls, of outdoor summer concerts and sports events, of seaside parks, of excellent cafes and restaurants and cutting-edge art in fine museums. It is also a pleasantly compact city, with many of the attractions in the central districts, within easy reach of one another.

Turku is one of the most important historical centres of Finland and also one of its busiest seaports. The Archipelago is a unique travel destination situated in the island area. Here you have the chance to enjoy complete peace and relaxation or engaging yourself in many activities. There are several historical museums that display the city's medieval period, such as the Turku Castle, which has been a functional historical museum since 1881, and the Aboa Vetus museum, built in the late 1990s over the 14th century archaeological site. The Luostarinmaki handicrafts museum was the first Scandinavian venue to receive the "Golden Apple" tourism award. The Abo Akademi University hosts the Sibelius museum - the only music museum in Finland. Turku is also the official Christmas city of Finland.

Situated close to the Arctic Circle, Rovaniemi is the capital of Finland's Lapland Province. The town's landmarks include the Jatkankynttila bridge with its eternal flame over the Kemijoki river, the Arktikum, the Rovaniemi Town Hall, the Lappia House. In the winter, you can enjoy cross-country ski, downhill skiing and snowboarding at the Ounasvaara Ski Resort. There are also plenty of opportunities for snowmobiling, dog sledding and reindeer sleigh rides. Santa Claus Village and Santapark, are located 8 km north. About 80 km to the south of Rovaniemi, you can visit Ranua Wildlife Park hosting 60 species of arctic and northern wild animals, including polar bears, lynx, wolf, wolverine, moose. In the summer you can take a trekking trip in Ounasvaara, a riverboat cruise, a visit to a reindeer farm or participate in a number of safaris and fish trips.

The 365 years old, Hameenlinna is a vibrant educational and cultural town situated at the junction of nationally important rail, road and waterway network. The old town is built around the medieval Hame Castle (dating from the 13th century) on the riverside of the lake. The famous natural park Aulanko-Karlberg is located nearby and will charm you with its breathtaking beauty. The town is famous as the birthplace of the famous composer Jean Sibelius, who was born here in 1865. Stroll down Raatihuoneenkatu street and sample the city's sights, restaurants and boutiques, it will give you a first taste of this historical city.

Founded in 1779 on the banks of the Tammerkoski Rapids (one of Finland's official national scenic areas) Tampere evolved into the most highly industrialized locality in Finland during the 19th century and became nowadays the most populous inland city in the Nordic countries. It is also a centre for Finnish cultural life with its theatres and events focusing on music, literature, arts and architecture. The main tourist attraction is the Sarkanniemi amusement park, which includes a dolphinarium and the landmark Nasinneula tower, topped by a nice restaurant. Other well worth visiting sites are Tampere Cathedral, Tampere City Library Metso ("wood grouse"), Kaleva Church, the Tampere Hall for conferences and the Tampere Market Hall. Tampere is also home to one of the, if not the, last museum in the world dedicated to Vladimir Ilyich Lenin.

Located near the beautiful lakes Paijanne and Keitele, Jyvaskyla is surnamed the "Athens of Finland". The town is famous for its many buildings designed by Alvar Aalto and for hosting Neste Oil Rally Finland, which is part of the World Rally Championship. It is also the home of the annual Jyvaskyla Arts Festival. The Harju ridge provides a piece of nature suited for outdoor activities and a superb view over the city centre to Lake Jyvasjarvi. During the summer the lake is used for swimming, boating and fishing. In winter the Lake Jyvasjarvi offers a first-class natural ice skating circuit that is highly popular with families. The ice annually attracts tens of thousands of skaters. Jyvaskyla is also a city with a great wealth of museums and galleries.

Only 100 kilometers away from Helsinki, on the shores of Lake Vesijarvi, you will find Lahti a lively cultural city with much to offer. It is famous for its Sibelius Hall, Symphony Orchestra, City Theatre and varied cultural events. The exhibitions at the Lahti Art Museum and the numerous galleries are always of high standard. The city also offers plenty of recreation possibilities including winter sports, marvelous nature and friendly people. Every year the Lahti Ski Games gather the best Nordic ski athletes and ten thousands of spectators to the Salpausselka ridge. One of the city's most impressive sights is the Church of the Cross, designed by academician Alvar Aalto. The Musical Fountains, on the shore of the Pikku-Vesijarvi Lake, will delight you with an enjoyable symphony of water, colors and lights.