Finland is a small country with a rich cultural heritage. Finns count among the world's top readers; libraries, theatres and museums, too, exert an irresistible attraction. A nation of five million people continues to enrich the world with great musicians, architects, designers and dancers. Per capita, what underlies such creativity? 
"The strength of a small nation lies in its culture", said J.V. Snellman, the leading 19th century Finnish statesman and philosopher. And Finns believed him. In the 19th century, Finns discovered their ancient poetry, created a vernacular literature and theatre, and ushered in the first golden age in architecture, art and music. It was a good beginning. Perhaps it's this very youth that has given the country its spirit of experimentation, its exuberance and its skill at reassessment.

Summer is festival time in Finland. Long a cultural void, summer suddenly came to life with literally hundreds of festivals in the late 1960s. Not miraculous in itself perhaps, but miraculous in the standard and popularity of the events. Opera, chamber and modern music, choral and church music, jazz, rock and folk music ring through the still air; dance and theatre turn up in the most unexpected spots. The performers represent the world's elite, yet ticket prices remain affordable. No wonder then that the events attract over a million visitors a year. 

DMC Companies

(the links below will open a new window and bring you to another website)

• Artic Safaris Ltd
• Finland Travel bureau Ltd
• Marina Conventure
• Next Travel Ltd
• Travellers Choice Ltd

Summary|Birdwatching|Cultural heritage
Finnish way of life|Hiking|The Finns