The main attraction of Finland is its amazing nature, where national parks are the best place to relax. Travelers with children and anyone in search of colorful Nordic backdrops for a photo shoot usually rush to Urho Kekkonen, over which the Korvatunturi fell rises, where, according to rumors, the Finnish brother of the Russian Santa Claus lives. You can take part in a husky safari, go skiing and snowboarding, go down into a real mine and arrange a social competition to collect lingonberries in Pyhä-Luosto. People usually come to Linnansaari to kayak through narrow straits and skate a free program on lakes bound by a dense layer of ice. Oulanka Park, located almost on the border with Russia, is worth a look if you are interested in the nature of North Karelia, but it is recommended to look for fabulous hills and inspiring panoramas of Lake Pielinen in Koli Park.

As part of the cultural program, Helsinki is ahead of all. The Finnish capital is quiet and good-looking, unlike other European cities, which makes it even more conducive to leisurely excursions. Of the iconic places of the “daughter of the Baltic”, it is worth highlighting the Senaatintori Square, the Sveaborg citadel, the Temppeliaukio mountain church and the Tuomiokirkko Cathedral. The island of Seurasaari makes an indelible impression, attracting travelers with its open-air ethnographic museum and winding forest routes.

Numerous parks and ancient forts made a good advertisement for the surroundings of the port city of Kotka. Be sure to look for the Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker here, whose exteriors in the style of Russian classicism copy the architecture of St. Petersburg churches to the smallest detail. The oldest city in the country, Turku, also has something to catch the eye. The head of the short list of attractions of the ancient port is Abo Castle, which was built as a military fort, but later became famous not for heroic defense, but for knightly revels. By the way, if you have several hundred euros lying around in your pocket, the palace halls can be rented for a fun banquet or a pompous wedding ceremony.

Bypassing local museums will also bring a lot of impressions. Those who know a lot about avant-garde trends and ordinary lovers to criticize the creations of contemporary artists have a direct road to the Kiasma Museum. To see the paintings of Shishkin, Repin and Van Gogh, buy a ticket to the Ateneum Museum. A visit to the open-air exposition "Karelian House" is usually recommended to anyone interested in ancient life. The Tsar's House Museum, whose building was built specifically for Alexander III, also has an interesting fate: it was here that the Russian autocrat fished while European ambassadors languished in anticipation of his audience.

You can also roam from city to city by bus. Several major carriers operate in Finland, united in the ExpressBus company. The cost of tickets is quite reasonable, in addition, there is a pleasant system of discounts for children, pensioners and students. Those who want to ride around the provinces and save a little can purchase a Bus Pass (150 EUR - a weekly option, 250 EUR - a two-week one). For more information on bus routes, tickets and discounts, please visit the expressbus.fi website.

A fairly common way of communication between port cities is ferry crossings. The same transport is convenient to get to the Aland Islands. You can find out about ferry routes and schedules on the website finferries.fi.

Within the Finnish capital, it is convenient to travel by bus, tram, metro and taxi. Tickets here are universal and are valid in any type of public transport: you can limit yourself to a one-time option (about 2-2.7 EUR), or you can take a daily (8 EUR), three-day (16 EUR) or five-day (24 EUR) travel card.

A free taxi in Helsinki is identified by a yellow light on the top of the car. Payment is made at the counter, through the cash register installed in the salon. On average, landing costs from 5.3 to 8.3 EUR, and a kilometer of the way - from 1.4 to 2 EUR.

The most active and indefatigable will be able to rent a bike without any problems: for only 2 EUR, CityBike parking lots in the capital will provide you with a serviceable “two-wheeled horse”. In other cities, the tariffs are higher: 10-15 EUR per day of vehicle operation.

Car rental in Finland

The roads in Finland are excellent, and the most interesting sights are scattered throughout the country, so it is definitely worth renting a car here. The only thing that can slightly spoil the impression of the trip is the local prices for gasoline. For a liter of diesel fuel at Finnish gas stations, they demand from 1.13 EUR, the 95th goes for 1.34 EUR, but a liter of the 98th will cost 1.41 EUR.

Any driver over the age of 18 who has an international driver's license, own credit card and a driving experience of 1 year or more can rent a car in Finland. Tariffs of rental offices usually depend on the period for which the car is taken. For example, a day of renting an economy class car will lighten your wallet by as much as 70 EUR. For those who rent a vehicle for a longer period, the prices are more pleasant - about 120 EUR for 3 days of rental. Payment is due on the day you pick up the car, however, if you plan to book a car in advance, be prepared to make a partial prepayment. As for fines for traffic violations, information about them is usually sent to the rental office, which automatically debits the required amount from the deposit blocked on your card.

Connection

The big three Finnish carriers are DNA, Elisa and Sonera. To connect to any of them, it is enough to look into the company salon, supermarket or R-kioski stores, where for 6-18 EUR you will be quickly accepted into the ranks of subscribers. The most economical tariff plans are offered by Elisa and DNA: SMS and calls for 0.07 EUR, Internet - 0.99 EUR / day, while buying a DNA SIM card costs a couple of euros more. Sonera has slightly higher rates: 0.08 EUR for local calls and 0.16 EUR for a minute of communication with a foreign country.

Such a disappearing form of communication as a payphone is still popular in Finland. You can find the treasured booth with a retro machine on the street, in the subway, hotels and post offices. Calls in them are paid for with cards sold in R-kioski shops, the minimum cost of a call within the country is 0.5 EUR.

With the Internet in the homeland of the Moomins, everything is more than safe. The guests of most hotels receive free and unlimited access to the World Wide Web, while the rest can join the similar benefits of civilization in restaurants and cafes. In Helsinki, you can find a Wi-Fi access point right in the city center: the main post office, city hall building, shopping centers, libraries generously distribute traffic to everyone.

Finland for children

Finns adore children as much as their Swedish neighbors, so the range of entertainment for young travelers here is simply fabulous. The village of Joulupukki and Santa Park (Rovaniemi) continue to hold the palm among the most desirable attractions in Finland. Here your tomboy will be met by the Finnish Santa Claus (the same Joulupukki), elf helpers, reindeer teams and cheerful carousels sparkling with Christmas garlands. Kids and adults who are nostalgic for the wonderful fairy tales of Tove Jansson can ride to the city of Naatali, in the vicinity of which the Moomin trolls, Snufkins and other incredible inhabitants of Moomindol live. It is better to bring young experimenters to the Evrika Popular Science Center, or even “forget” them there for a couple of days (there is a camp for teenagers at the museum) in order to have fun in some adult institution.

beach holiday

The number of well-groomed and top-notch beaches in the Land of a Thousand Lakes is difficult to count, so the tourist always has the opportunity to be capricious, choosing the very best of them. The coziest and prettiest stretches of the coast usually belong to hotels or are attached as an additional bonus to tourist houses, but there is no shortage of public places for swimming. In the same Helsinki, you will find about 30 beaches, where you can wallow for free.

Among the most developed and visited resorts in Finland is Yuyteri (Pori city): as many as 6 kilometers of the cleanest sandy coast with campsites, spas, extreme entertainment and excellent beach infrastructure. Families with children and lovers of splashing in shallow water are usually recommended to look into Oulu and Tampere, as well as take a closer look at the beaches of lakes Pyhäjärvi and Näsijärvi. You can swim in the Åland Islands, but you will have to look for a suitable place with a convenient descent: the coast here is rocky.

Skiing

The mountains, or rather the hills of Finland, are not aimed at ski gurus, but rather at beginners and those who have just learned the basics of this sport. With the same success, you can slide down their gentle slopes on a sled or a cheesecake: there is a minimum of risk, but pleasure and adrenaline are the opposite. By the way, local routes are equipped with last word technology.

Resorts of a more advanced level should be looked for in Lapland. In particular, if you want to hang around among the Finnish business elite, save money for a ski pass in Saariselkä. In Levi, the people are simpler: the complex is famous for its variety of tracks and the cable car, the only one in all of Finland. Families with children, snowboarders and cross-country skiers have chosen Vuokatti, for whom first-class tracks are equipped here. But skiers from the northern capital prefer not to delve too deeply into the Finnish wilds, mastering the slopes of border resorts like Friska, Myllymäki and Uuperinrinteet.

Fishing in Finnish waters is possible only with a license in hand. Fishing with an ordinary fishing rod without a reel and spinners is possible without obtaining documentary permission. To obtain a license, a tourist needs to acquire, firstly, a certificate of payment of the state fee for fishing (can be bought at a bank, post office, R-kioski network and on the official website), and secondly, a receipt for payment of a local license (purchased gas stations, shops). Each of the documents is valid only on the territory of one province, that is, if you are going to arrange a fishing tour in all the lakes of Finland, you will have to acquire a fresh license in each area.

As for the catch, it will be equally rich everywhere, differing only in species diversity. For example, for salmon and grayling, it is better to go to the Lapland rivers Näätämöjoki, Simojoki, Tenojoki and Tornionjoki. Pike is most often caught in lakes Kemijärvi and Porttipahta, and for brown trout you will have to ride to Inari and Väsari. The coolest place in eastern Finland is the Kuusamo region, in particular, the Tornio River. You should come here for salmon, as well as pike and perch that flooded the surrounding lakes.

In the west of the country, you can get hold of trout, grayling and the same salmon (rivers Kiiminkijoki, Simojoki, Iijoki), but for whitefish you should look at the lakes and rapids of the Savo region, which has gained fame as the cleanest corner of Finland.

Where to stay

Traditional Finnish hotels do not have stars, which does not affect the level of their service. For those who are used to traveling on a grand scale and prefer expensive-rich apartments, we can recommend options such as Hilton Helsinki Kalastajatorppa (Helsinki), Arctic Light (Rovaniemi).

Incorrigible misanthropes, last romantics and seeking solitude couples will like wooden cottages scattered across the most secluded and picturesque corners of Finland:,. Almost all houses are built from ecological materials and equipped with fireplaces and saunas. By the way, such apartments are in demand in ski resorts.

You can relax your body and soul in spa complexes, which in Lately flooded the shores of Finnish lakes and rivers (, Cumulus Rukahovi, Ruissalo, Santa "s Resort & Spa Hotel Sani). If the tourist budget is bursting at the seams and there is not enough money for a decent hotel, you should look into local hostels and campsites.

Despite the fact that Finland is considered to be an expensive country, housing prices here are very mixed. If in pretentious hotels the most modest room will cost 75 EUR, then in hotels of a lower rank there will always be a room for 50 EUR. In hostels, the situation is even more positive - up to 45 EUR per room. The most ridiculous (by European standards) rates in campsites: from 3 to 20 EUR per night. The owners of eco-cottages have not yet decided on prices, so you can rent a nice house for a week for either 250 or 800 euros.

shopping

Global shopping in Finland can cost a pretty penny, so travelers planning to stock up on branded items should better time their trip to Christmas or Juhannus (the Finnish equivalent of Ivan Kupala Day), when large-scale sales start in all malls in the country. You can understand that the store has begun to liquidate the collection by the signs “Alennusmyynt” and “Ale”.

The most suitable places for acquiring a stylish European outfit in Finland are showrooms and outlets in Helsinki, Turku and Tampere. Do not neglect local textile products, which will cost an order of magnitude cheaper than their French or English counterpart. In particular, the youth brand Jack & Jones, sports equipment manufacturer Luhta and exclusive designer clothes Halonen have gained a good reputation. It is best to look for original children's things, toys and vintage accessories at the Kirputoria flea markets. If the second-hand does not cause negative associations, in such places you can save a lot.

Those who like to buy memorable souvenirs should save up a certain amount on their account in advance: the assortment of funny little things and gift products in Finland is luxurious. Here you will find national dolls, and deer skins, and Moomin figures, and elite Lapponia Jewelry, skillfully stylized as handicrafts, locally produced porcelain and ceramics, Scandinavian puukko knives, as well as a bunch of all kinds of things that will warm you up if you own them. soul, becoming a material reminder of the trip. Gourmets usually bring smoked fish, berry liqueur, cheeses, Fazer chocolate, Salmiakki liquorice candies, Piparkakkuja biscuits and Mintu mint liqueur from Finland.

tax free

VAT on most goods in Finland is as much as 22%, so looking for a store that supports the Tax free system is by no means a whim, but a real way to save on purchases. As practice shows, you can return from 12 to 16% of the cost of the goods, but only if the amount of your purchases exceeded 40 EUR. And one more thing: go on a shopping tour with your passport, as the store employees will definitely require you to present it before filling out the check.

You can get part of your money back at Helsinki Airport, as well as at return points located on the Finnish-Russian border: border crossings Valimaa-Torfyanovka, Imatra-Svetogorsk, Nuijamaa-Brusnichnoye, Niirala-Vyartsilya and others. To apply for Tax free, you must first “stamp” the goods with customs officers (in no case open the package), after which you can safely go to any of the nearest offices involved in the return of funds.

Shop opening hours

Small shops and boutiques are open on weekdays from 9:00 to 18:00, while large shopping centers serve visitors until 20:00-21:00. On Saturday, all outlets work on a reduced schedule, until 15:00. On a holiday, you won’t be able to buy anything, since except for the R-kioski chain pavilions, all stores in the country are closed.

Holidays and events

In Finland, you can celebrate both classic religious holidays like Christmas and Easter, and take part in all kinds of festivals that go on in this country in an endless series. From winter holidays the New Year, the Day of the Sami people and the Day of the Kalevala, the Karelian-Finnish poetic epic, are considered especially significant. In the spring, crispy brushwood is baked everywhere in the country for May Day (Vappu) and stocked with bouquets and gifts for Mother's Day, which is celebrated on the second Sunday of May.

Summer in Finland is the holiday of Ivan Kupala (Juhannus), a military parade on the Day of Defensive Forces, a daring Flow Festival and a gay pride that is unchanged for all European countries. The heavy rock festival Tuska Open Air in Helsinki also falls in the summer months: a stunningly large and equally deafening event is held in the industrial zone of the capital and gathers up to 30,000 spectators at its venues. In October, all tourists and metropolitan gourmets flock to the Helsinki Market Square to celebrate Herring Day, and at the same time try all varieties of this truly Scandinavian delicacy.

Visa Information

To obtain permission to enter Finland, tourists from Russia and the CIS will have to apply for a visa. The procedure for issuing a pass can be completed at consulates or visa centers. In this case, a standard all-Schengen package of documents will be required: a passport with a validity period of at least three months after the end of the trip, a color photo 36 × 47 mm, a completed online application form, hotel reservation confirmation, copies of round-trip air tickets and medical insurance covering expenses from 30,000 EUR.

In some cases, the consulate may require the tourist to confirm financial solvency and a certificate of employment. When traveling with children under the age of 14, a copy of the birth certificate must be provided, as well as a notarized copy of the permission to leave from the mother/father if the child is traveling with only one of the parents.

Customs

Without the need to fill out a declaration, only 1500 USD can be brought into Finland. As for hand luggage, its cost should not exceed 430 EUR. Age restrictions apply to the import of alcohol:

for persons under the age of 18 and tourists whose stay in the country will be less than 3 days - a complete ban;
for tourists aged 18 to 20 years - drinks are not stronger than 22 °.

In total, you can carry 16 liters of beer, 4 liters of wine and up to 1 liter of strong alcohol (over 22 °) or 2 liters of other drinks with a strength of less than 22 ° without paying a fee. Restrictions on tobacco products are the same as in other European countries: 200 cigarettes / 50 cigars / 250 g of tobacco. A more detailed list of limits applicable to the import and export of certain categories of goods can be found on the official website of the Finnish Customs Administration: tulli.fi.

How to get there

Airplane. You can fly from Moscow to Helsinki without transfers with Aeroflot and Finnair. Travel time - 1 hour 50 minutes. Norra offers direct flights from the northern capital (air time - 1 hour 10 minutes), and it is better to look for options with transfers from Rossiya, Aeroflot and AirBaltic (flight duration from 3 hours 30 minutes).

Train. Every day, from the Leningradsky railway station in Moscow, the branded train "Leo Tolstoy" departs for Helsinki, which residents of St. Petersburg can also get on. The entire journey of the locomotive takes no more than 14 hours. A more efficient option is the Allegro high-speed train from the northern capital, which will take a tourist to Finland in just 3 hours and 40 minutes.

Bus from St. Petersburg. Buses to Helsinki depart from Vosstaniya Square. The trip usually takes about 6 hours.

Ferry. Fans of sea cruises can sail to Finland on the ferries "Princess Maria" and "Princess Anastasia", departing from the Marine Station of St. Petersburg. The duration of this trip is 14 hours.

According to statistics, Finns consume 14 kg of ground coffee per year per person - that's 9 cups a day, which makes Finland the country with the highest coffee consumption in the world

Finland has the cleanest water

80% of Finland's water is classified as exceptionally pure, Finnish tap water of the highest quality and can be drunk throughout the country. A few years ago, the committee water resources The United Nations recognized tap water in Finland as the cleanest in the world.

Santa Claus lives in Lapland

Santa Claus, in Finnish Joulupukki, really lives in Lapland, in Korvatunturi, where he has his office and post office, which are open all year round. He even has a Finnish passport. Where in the column "Year of birth" is written: "A long time ago"

Reindeer walk the streets in Finland

on the streets of the northern cities of Finland, indeed, sometimes you can meet deer

Finns are born in a sauna

according to old beliefs, the Finns were born and died in the sauna

Finns are cold and taciturn

at first, you may encounter aloofness and reserve, but under this repulsive exterior lies a very reliable and talkative Finn

Finns don't pick mushrooms

few Finns pick mushrooms, but there are still some, although they mostly prefer champignons in stores and chanterelles in the market

Finns go with ski poles in summer

Nordic walking is very popular in Finland in all seasons, poles put more stress on the whole body and are specially designed for walking, this sport is called Nordic walking.

All Finns are blondes with blue eyes.

most Finns have really blond hair, light skin and eyes, but very often you can meet Finns with dark hair, and sometimes even with dark skin

Finns drink a lot

and who does not drink?!, according to statistics, the French and Italians consume much more alcohol per capita than the Finns

Tipping is not customary in Finland.

in Finland it is not customary to leave tips, they are usually included in the price of goods and services, but if the service made a special impression on you, then you can leave it in cash or write an additional amount on the check when paying by credit card

You can see the Northern Lights in Finland

The Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis can most often be seen in the north of Finland, closer to the north pole, but occasionally it also happens in the southern regions of the country, even in Helsinki

Finns love everything Finnish

Finns are very patriotic and they trust Finnish manufacturers more than others

On average, there is one sauna for every three people in Finland.

according to statistics, on average there is one sauna for three people, in Finland there are more than 2 million saunas, with a population of more than 5 million.

Finland has a female president

On February 6, 2000, Tarja Halonen became President of Finland. She served two terms in this post.

Finland allows same-sex marriages

Since March 1, 2002, a law has come into force, according to which citizens of the country who have reached the age of 18 have the right to officially enter into same-sex marital unions. At the same time, such couples receive the same rights as ordinary families, in the area of inheritance of partner property and in cases of divorce

There are 1001 lakes in Finland

Finland has approx. 190 thousand lakes, occupying 9% of the area of the entire country

Nokia is a Japanese company

Nokia is a Finnish company founded in 1865 on the banks of the river (Nokianvirta) in the small Finnish town of Nokia, which gave the name to the world famous brand - Nokia

Nokia produced galoshes

Nokia started with woodworking, then there were such areas as the production of electricity and the rubber business, which was very popular in the early 20th century, and then ascending - electrical engineering and electronics. The integrity of the company, like the name, has been preserved in its original form, largely due to the fact that Nokia was almost the first in the world, back in the 19th century, to use “umbrella branding”, when all products - even galoshes, even cable - were brought to the market under one name

Mannerheim owned shares in Nokia

and this is true, Carl Gustav Emil Mannerheim at one time was the owner of a stake in Nokia and even sat on the board of directors of the company

Mannerheim served in the Russian army

Mannerheim graduated from the University of Helsingfors (1887) and the Nikolaev Cavalry School in St. Petersburg. From 1889 to 1917 he served in the Russian army

Jackie Kennedy was dressed by Finnish designers

In the 60s, Jacqueline Kennedy bought 7 dresses and suits from an unknown person, on the eve of the presidential elections where the main candidates were John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon, which earned him a huge amount of praise for his mundane tastes in clothes, so Marrimekko entered the world stage, and John Kennedy won the election

Finland was a design leader in the 50s

The world fame of Finnish design fell on the post-war years, in those days famous Finnish brands were created, which are still very popular today.

Finland is the only country where own money appeared before independence

While Finland was part of Sweden, Swedish money was used, in 1860, by decree of Emperor Alexander II, its own currency, the mark, was introduced on the territory of the Grand Duchy of Finland, in 1917 Finland gained its independence

Finland is part of Scandinavia

only a small part of Finland in the northwest of the country lies on the Scandinavian Peninsula

Finland has two official languages

Finland has two official languages: Finnish and Swedish

The Finnish economy is one of the three most competitive economies in the world

For the second year in a row, Finland has been ranked second in the annual list of the most competitive economies in the world, and in 2003 and 2004 Finland was in first place.

1 euro = 5.94 Finnish marks

Until February 29, 2012, Finnish marks can still be exchanged for euros at the Banks of Finland, at the rate of 5.94 Finnish marks for 1 euro, fixed on January 1, 1999

The largest liner in the world was built in Finland

in 2006, the construction of the largest liner in the world "Freedom of the seas" was completed in Turku

Finland hosts international air guitar competitions

in the city of Oulu, such competitions are really held once a year and are very popular. Participants play an imaginary guitar to their favorite songs. Grades are given on a six-point system for artistry and skill

Hares live in cities

in cities you can really often find a variety of hares, they are not afraid of people, they are slightly larger than standard ones

In Finland, the higher the salary, the higher the taxes.

Finland has a progressive tax, the more you get, the more you pay tax, the largest tax is 52.5%

Finland has the highest number of suicides

in 1997, Finland was in first place in terms of the number of people in the world - 26.4 people. out of 100,000 people, but in last years the situation began to improve significantly

Black bread is not eaten in Finland

In Finland, they not only eat brown bread, but it is very popular and when you come to the store you will find a large selection for every taste.

Fishing in Finland requires a license.

For fishing, you need to purchase (kalastuksenhoitomaksu), a license is sold at police stations, post offices, libraries, forest and nature departments in any city in Finland and special license vending machines

Mannerheim had a Russian wife

On May 2, 1892, Carl Gustav Mannerheim married Anastasia Nikolaevna Arapova, daughter of the cavalry guard General Nikolai Arapov, with a rich dowry. On April 23, 1893, their daughter Anastasia was born.

Most Finns are Catholics

85% of the population are Lutherans, 1.1% are Finnish Orthodox Church, 1% representatives of other faiths (Catholicism, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, etc.) about 13% of the population do not identify themselves with any of the existing religious communities

The train from Helsinki to St. Petersburg takes 3.5 hours

The train from Helsinki to Petersburg really takes 3.5 hours

Not in Finlandcorruption

According to the international organization Transparency International, which has been publishing data on corruption since 1995, Finland was ranked as the fourth least corrupt country for the first two years, then as the second for three years and since then has ranked first.

Åland is part of Sweden

According to the peace agreement concluded in Hamina in 1809, the Åland Islands passed into the possession of the Russian Empire as part of the Grand Duchy of Findlan

You can't ride a bike without a helmet in Finland

According to the rules of the road, cyclists in Finland cannot ride without a helmet.

Finns gossips

we are all people, nothing human is alien to them

Santa Claus in Finnish Joulupukki, translated - Christmas goat

indeed, the name comes from an old Finnish tradition, when people dressed in goat costumes and went from house to house eating leftover food after Christmas

Joulupukki single

according to official data, Joulupukki has a charming wife Joullumuori (translated as an old woman-Christmas)

Finland is somewhere near Russia

on the map of Northern Europe, Finland is between right and left, east of Sweden and Norway west of Russia, Finland is between all of them

There are a lot of mosquitoes in Finland

Mosquitoes are an inconvenience only at the end of June, beginning of July, most of them in northern Finland

Natalya Glukhova

easy way emigration to Finland from Russia

13/03 2017

Good afternoon friends!
Let's talk about the possibilities of moving to Finland for permanent residence. So, emigration to Finland from Russia. The country is cold, but good opportunities open up.

From this article you will learn:

What is life like in Finland?

Before discussing the possibilities of emigration, let's talk about life in Finland. Coming for a week to rest is one thing. You will see the "tourist" part of Finland. She has very little to do with real life ordinary Finn.
What can be good? First, it's a great environment. This applies not only to forests outside the city. The cities are also clean, the streets are cleaned regularly. Finns are very proud of their forests, thousands of lakes and amazing ecosystem. So cleanliness comes first. You can rent or an apartment at any time and see the life of the country from the inside.

Helsinki

Secondly, excellent roads. A trip by car will appeal to anyone who appreciates their car. This is also closely monitored. Much attention is paid to cyclists. Bicycle parking, separate paths for you.
Although, I do not recommend exceeding the speed limit. You will have to pay for violations, and this amount is much higher than for Russia.

Finnish neighbors, what are they like?

Of course, finn finn strife. But, most of the citizens are quite friendly. They are accustomed to the Russians, no particular hostility on their part has been noticed. Your neighbors will be happy to help, explain everything you need. They will not invade your life, personal space is respected here.

But the same is expected of you. It is quite possible to be friends with Finns-neighbors. The national culture and the state language are respected here. But, if they see that it is difficult for you to speak Finnish, they will switch to English.

Locals love nature, almost all keep pets. They love children very much. They can come up to say hello, talk to your child. There is no need to be afraid - they will not cause harm, they will not offend. Of course, we do not leave children with strangers, but otherwise it is normal for Finns to speak up, to praise an unfamiliar child.

I also want to say that this is a country of a healthy lifestyle. They love sports and play sports. If you have moved to a small town, then get ready for the competition. Almost all residents will take part.

How to move to Finland?

Previously issued for 2 years, now the situation has changed. Standard package of documents 7-10 days for production.
It is necessary to apply for a residence permit. With a regular visa, you cannot stay longer than 3 months in 6 months, 6 months in a year. With a residence permit, you do not need to leave the country.

Grounds for a residence permit

Marriage. The easiest way. Of course, I mean marriage to a Finnish citizen.
Homecoming. If you have Finnish roots, welcome, your historical homeland is waiting for you.
. We will also talk about this category of visas in a separate article. This is your work permit.
Student visa. it's good, it's free. True, in Finnish.
Visa for refugees.
Opening your own business. Open your company in accordance with all the rules and laws of Finland.

What documents will need to be collected?

You need a standard package of documents for any reason. Plus - additional documents for each of the grounds.

Main:

A completed application form.
Passport and its photocopy.
Clear purpose of the trip.
Proof that you have a home in Finland. For example, a purchased apartment or house. Or a lease for the entire term for which the application is being made.
Statement from the bank.
Payment of the consular fee.

Such applications must be submitted at the consular general offices. These are Moscow, St. Petersburg and other large cities. There is an option to apply already in Finland.

Life for expats in the land of 1000 lakes

Organizing a move is very important. Let's not forget about the psychological aspects. You change life, you get caught in a completely different atmosphere. People can be friendly and hospitable and cities can be clean. Here you will have to learn to live, to join the rhythm of life, to adopt the habits and traditions of the people.

Citizens from Russia and Ukraine most often emigrate to Finland. Mostly for marriage, work or study.

Standard of living

Suomi is a country of centenarians. Included in the TOP-10 countries with the highest life expectancy. Health care is well developed here.
Many Russians who have moved to Finland are very satisfied with the quality of the products. High-quality meat, dairy products, vegetables and fruits. Much attention is paid to the quality of life.
This is a country of high technologies. They aim to improve the quality of life.

If you want to live in your own house, then you will be interested in reading the article - How are modular houses built in Finland?

What about work for expats?

For 2016, the average salary was at the level of 3 thousand euros per month. Good pay for unskilled jobs. True, there are not many jobs. You may have to start with simpler positions that are paid lower. Unfortunately, psychological features Russians in exile are such that you want to immediately find a good job. Otherwise, we start to panic.

For Europe and Scandinavia, the situation is different. There, a person can do one thing, then change profession. There are state guarantees, a person will not be left without work and money. Our people are very worried, because of this it is difficult to find a job.

It can be difficult for Russians - you have to learn Finnish. Naturally, the work implies the possibility of communication in the state language. The lower the position, the lower the language requirements. In the process, you will tighten your tongue, this is guaranteed. It is better to start learning it even before moving to Finland.

It is better to start learning the language before moving to Finland. I can recommend the Speakasap website. For example, a mini-course in Finnish, 7 lessons, you can study at any time, level A1. Here all dialogues, texts and tasks are prepared by native speakers. There are free lessons. They will help you prepare for your language classes. Very effective, the material is presented in a simple way - it's always great practice.

Pension

There are a number of allowances that add to the pension. So, it can be 600 and more euros.
Life in Finland is not boring for pensioners. There are temporary residences. You can take the elderly here for half a day or a whole day. This is an analogue of a nursing home, but it is not necessary to spend the night there.

Retirees receive good medical care and a range of benefits. They apply to the purchase of medicines, minor surgeries, housing costs, visits to health resorts. Russian pensioners are also eligible for benefits, you need to find out at what age you can receive them. You must have lived in the country for at least 40 years to receive a national pension. Prior to that, the pension minimum.
The retirement age in the country is 63 years.

How Russian emigrants live

By the way, we are here 1% or more of the entire population of the country!

Previously, migration was much easier. To the point of being illegal. Today, the requirements are already much stricter. To obtain permanent residence or citizenship, you will need to pass the Finnish language. This is level A2. It is considered initial, but still. This is 6 months - 1 year of attending language courses. Of course, living in the country you can learn much faster.

There are a number of Russian-speaking diasporas. Cultural centers and Russian communities help people settle down. Here you can find friends, start relationships. Conversation in their native language helps many to get settled easier.

There was a major trial at the European level. The fact is that the Human Rights Commission noticed some kind of discrimination against Russian-speaking workers. This was especially true for low-paid jobs. Some amendments were made to the legislation regulating labor relations with a foreign worker.

No one notices any special dislike for Russians. Cases of hostility are isolated. Usually, Russians, Ukrainians, Belarusians easily find mutual language with the Finns.

I wish you good luck with your move! I will tell you a lot of interesting things about Finland, education, work, opportunities for migrants.

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Finland ... A country of magnificent dense forests, national parks with pristine nature, tens of thousands of islands and hundreds of thousands of lakes with the purest water. An area with a population density of only sixteen people per square kilometer.

A state that has recognized the right to access the Internet as an inalienable right of every person. The country where the Angry Birds series of computer games was developed and where Nokia was founded. The birthplace of heavy metal rock bands and fairy tale characters called the Moomin trolls. World leader in coffee consumption per capita. An acknowledged expert in hosting strange sporting events such as the World Championships in Wife Carrying, Air Guitar Playing, and Rubber Boot Throwing.

The official name of the state is the Republic of Finland, and the inhabitants call it Suomi. Every year, Finland is included in the list of the most prosperous, developed and safest countries in the world, and its inhabitants are recognized as the happiest nation in the world. And this, by the way, is in a country where snow lies for 5 or even 7 months a year, and in the north of Suomi in winter the sun does not rise above the horizon! What is the secret of Finland? What attracts tourists from all over Europe, and even from all over the world, and also makes local residents the happiest? All questions will be answered in our guide to Finland.

And how can you not be happy, having the opportunity to observe the brightest and most beautiful natural phenomenon - the northern lights? Finnish Lapland is one of the best places in the world to watch the Aurora Borealis.

Imagine how much fun children (and certainly adults!) will get if the traditional sending of a letter to Santa Claus is replaced with a personal visit? Yes, the real Santa lives in Finland, in a fabulous residence near the town of Rovaniemi. And in "Santa Park" you will be sure to learn how to cook Christmas gingerbread, introduce you to elves and reindeer.

In Lapland you can see the Snow Castle and live in a glass igloo.

Steady snow cover makes Finland one of the worthy options for a ski holiday.

And in summer you can enjoy the amazing beauty of nature, walk along the cozy streets of Finnish cities or go fishing.

And, of course, at any time the world-famous Finnish saunas will raise the level of happiness. Their number is simply amazing: with a population of just over 5 million people in Finland, there are 3 million saunas!

How to get to Finland

Tourists can get to Finland by choosing one of the many ways to travel. The largest list of options for residents of St. Petersburg and the Leningrad region: plane, train, bus, car, ferry. For travelers from Moscow, an airplane, train or car will be preferable. From Stockholm, Riga and Tallinn, getting to the capital of Finland - Helsinki - is more convenient by ferry. When planning a trip from other cities and countries, it is better to give preference to an airplane.

Airplane

The main and largest airport in Finland is Helsinki-Vantaa. It carries out the lion's share of flights from Finland to countries around the world.
The airport is located at a distance of 20 km from Helsinki, there is an excellent bus service between them.

Another Finnish airport is Tampere-Pirkkala. One of its terminals serves flights of Finnair, AirBaltic, etc., and the second is exclusively Ryanair. Tampere Airport receives flights from Stockholm and Riga.

Lappeenranta Airport is located at a distance of just over two hundred kilometers from St. Petersburg. For tourists, it is interesting primarily because flights are carried out from there at low prices. For example, the low-cost carrier Ryanair.

Direct flights from Russia to Finland are operated all year round to Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, and seasonal winter flights to Rovaniemi and Kajaani airports.

Train

From Moscow and St. Petersburg there are direct trains to Helsinki.

The Moscow train "Leo Tolstoy" departs from the Leningradsky railway station and is on the road for about 14 hours. From St. Petersburg, you can take this train to the capital of Finland in 7.5 hours.

However, from northern capital Several times a day, the Allegro high-speed train also runs, which will take you to Helsinki in just 3.5 hours.
Booking your tickets in advance can save you a lot of money. Fares also vary depending on the day of the week.

Ferry

Traveling from St. Petersburg, Riga, Tallinn and Stockholm to Helsinki or Turku, you can enjoy a comfortable and interesting sea voyage by ferry.

Ferry services and cruises between these cities are offered by MOBY SPL (ST.PETER LINE), Tallink & Silja Line and Viking Line.

Bus

Bus trips to Finland are relevant, first of all, for residents of St. Petersburg. Every day several dozen buses leave for Helsinki, Lappeenranta and Imatra. It is especially worth noting regular buses that run according to a set schedule and pass the Russian-Finnish border out of turn. Tickets can be purchased in advance on the website of bus companies or booked by phone. This way of travel will be the most economical.

No less popular among residents of the northern capital are organized bus tours to Finland. It can be both one-day shopping tours and multi-day tourist trips.

It should also be mentioned that there are many companies that provide transfer services from St. Petersburg and Vyborg to Lappeenranta and Helsinki airports, from where flights are operated throughout Europe.

Automobile

Probably the most convenient way travel to Finland for residents of St. Petersburg and the Leningrad region, the Republic of Karelia and the Murmansk region - a private car.

Often this way Muscovites also choose to travel, but such a trip will take much longer (about 15 hours).

Border crossings operate both around the clock (for example, Svetogorsk-Imatra, Torfyanovka-Vaalimaa, Cowberry-Nuijamaa and Vartsila-Niirala), and only during the daytime (Salla-Salla and Lyutta-Vartius are open from 7:00 to 21:00).

To travel by car, you must buy a Green Card policy (“green card”).

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History

Before you go on a trip, get acquainted with the history of the country. This will help you get to know and understand her better. We will tell about the main stages in the history of Finland below.

Early history of Finland

It is believed that the settlement of the territory of modern Finland began about 9 thousand years ago. However, in 1996, in the Wolf Cave, located in the west of the country, researchers discovered unique artifacts that could be over 40,000 years old!

The main settlements of the ancient Finns were located along rivers and on the shores of lakes, their inhabitants were fishermen, hunters and gatherers. The northern regions were settled much later.

There is no consensus on the language used by the ancient inhabitants. Historians put forward a theory according to which, as early as 1000-1500 years BC, the natives used the ancient Finnish language. And later, as a result of contacts between them and the tribes speaking the Finno-Ugric dialect, the modern Finnish language was formed. Soon this language began to be used by the Sami.

The first written sources in Finland date back to the 12th-13th centuries.

Swedish rule

Finland was ruled by Sweden for a very long time - more than six hundred years!

Cities and regions

For a long period, the Suomi country was divided into provinces. This administrative division was introduced at a time when Finland was part of the Russian Empire. At first there were 13 provinces, a little later - 12, and since 1997 - 6: Southern, Western and Eastern Finland, Oulu, Lapland and the Aland Islands.

As a result administrative reform Since January 1, 2011, Finland has been divided into 19 regions, each of which includes from 2 to 7 districts. Consider the most interesting areas from a tourist point of view.

Uusimaa

The region is located in the southern part of Finland. The main cities are: Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa, Porvoo.

Helsinki

South Karelia

The region is part of the historical province of Karelia and borders on the Russian Federation, which makes it very popular with Russian tourists. For shopping tours and relaxing in spa hotels, tourists most often choose Lappeenranta and Imatra.

Imatra

Imatra became a tourist destination three centuries ago, when the Russian Empress Catherine II visited the town and was fascinated by the beauty of the Imatrankoski waterfall.

In 1892, a railway line was opened that connected St. Petersburg and Imatra, after which travelers from Russia flocked to the town.

Unfortunately, today you can see the beauty of the waterfall only in the painting by Matveev in the Russian Museum, since a hydroelectric power station was built on the site of the waterfall. Now the descent of water can be seen only on holidays. For example, on New Year's Eve, when tourists are waiting for a real performance with illumination and fireworks.

Another attraction of Imatra is the castle. It was built in 1903 on the site of two of its predecessors that burned down. At first it was called Grand Hotel Cascade (Grand Waterfall Hotel), changed its name several times. Now it is Scandic Imatran Valtionhotelli. The building has been repeatedly recognized as the most beautiful in all of Finland.

Also in Imatra there are three churches that attract tourists to this city. These are the Church of the Three Crosses, the Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker and the oldest church in Imatra - Tainionkoskenkirko.

Lappeenranta

It's lively tourist town on the shores of Lake Saimaa. Among the sights of the city, one can single out the Lappeenranta fortress, the South Karelian Museum, the Art Museum, the Cavalry Museum and the Karelian Museum of Aeronautics.

However, most tourists come not for the sake of museums, but for shopping: there are really a lot of shopping centers, hypermarkets and shops! And they are located next to each other, which greatly facilitates the shopping process.

Varsinais-Suomi

The region is located in the southwest of modern Finland. The southern coast is washed by the Gulf of Finland, the western - by Bothnia. The administrative center is Turku.

Turku

The first capital, the oldest city in the country, a cultural and scientific center. Even the first university in Finland was opened in Turku.

The most important architectural monument in Turku is the Cathedral, the country's main Lutheran church. It was built back in the 13th century! Near the cathedral is the Old Square - the center of the historical part of the city. peer Cathedral is the Swedish medieval Åbo Castle, which is worth a visit inside to learn more about the history of Turku.

If you have time, check out the Jean Sibelius Music Museum. You will be able to see about two thousand instruments from all over the world, learn about the life and work of the Finnish composer Sibelius. The museum still hosts concerts.

If you come to Turku with children, visit the Land of the Moomins. It is located near Turku, near the town of Naantali. The fairy-tale world was created based on the funny stories of Tove Jansson. It includes a 5-storey Moomin house, a free train, a forest labyrinth, a fabulous witch's swamp, a beach, a cafe, a pier with a ship, a theater and other entertainment. Everywhere children are accompanied by fairy tale characters.

Lapland

It is the northernmost and largest region of Finland. In the south it borders with the region of Northern Ostrobothnia, in the west - with Sweden, in the north - with Norway, in the east - with Russia. Most of the region is located north of the Arctic Circle.

Rovaniemi

Attractions

Museums and galleries

Entertainment

Parks and recreation areas

Leisure

Transport

Wellness vacation

Private guides in Finland

Russian private guides will help you get acquainted with Finland in more detail.
Registered on the Experts.Tourister.Ru project.

Things to do

No matter what time of the year you are going to Finland, you will definitely find something to your liking.

Spring and autumn

Spring and autumn are the best time for unity with Finnish nature, complete immersion in silence and tranquility.

Contemplating the spring awakening of nature or enjoying the bright colors of Finnish autumn will remain in your memory for a long time.

Rent one of the cozy cottages on the lake or set up a tent, walk through the forest, pick berries and mushrooms, go fishing.

Don't forget to experience the famous Finnish saunas or relax in one of the spa hotels.

In summer

Summer in Finland, although not hot, is quite warm and sunny, especially in the south of the country. This is a great time for both outdoor recreation and excursions. And in the summer, many interesting festivals are held throughout the country.

Rest at nature

In summer, Finns prefer to relax on the lakes: they fish, barbecue, sunbathe and even swim.

The beach season opens in June, but the water temperature at this time does not exceed +18 °C. In July it warms up to +19 °С…+21 °С.

As an active holiday, Finnish people choose hiking trails along national parks. It can be small walks or multi-day tourist routes. Join the locals and get to know natural resources Suomi!

Cruises

For Finns, cruises are as much a part of culture as ecology, saunas and northern lights.

The country has 52 most modern seaports, where you can meet even the largest cruise ships in the world.

Boat trips along the sea, rivers and lakes, as well as cafe-restaurants on board ships are also popular.

Festivals

Every summer Finland hosts numerous festivals of various musical genres. The largest of them have been held for more than a decade.

The three main Finnish music festivals are Ruisrock in Turku, Ilosaarirock in Joensuu and Provinssirock in Seinäjoki.

Finland is known as the country of hard rock and heavy metal. This music is heard at a variety of festivals and in a variety of places across the country. The most famous of them is the festival in Helsinki called Tuska, which means “pain” in Finnish.

in winter

Finland is exactly the country where there are even more exciting activities available in winter than in summer! We offer you a list of entertainment and active recreation that are popular in Suomi during the cold season. And it can last in some regions of the country for six months.

Skating

Finns are very fond of skating. You can share this passion and choose open city skating rinks, the mirror-like surface of lakes and even special areas on the frozen sections of the Baltic Sea for skating.

Helsinki and Tampere are famous for the best urban skating rinks. To ride on the frozen lake, choose national park"Linnansaari", where the most beautiful skating track in Finland is located, the town of Lahti, whose residents and guests ride on the frozen surface of Lake Vesijärvi, as well as Mikkeli and Savonlinnu, which serve as the gates of many kilometers of tracks on Lake Saimaa.

If you are a professional skater, take part in the Finnish Ice Marathon, which takes place annually in January or February on Lake Kallavesi.

Cross-country skiing

Cross-country skiing is also very popular in Finland. Best months for skiing - February and March. At this time, there are often clear days and the snow shines in the sun. Thousands of kilometers of ski slopes are laid and maintained throughout the country. And in Finland, you can easily find equipment rental points.

Skiing and snowboarding

75 ski resorts have been built in Finland. The trails are mostly simple, wide and not very long. The height difference is small, because Suomi is more likely not mountains, but hills. But snow cover is guaranteed for the entire season, which in some resorts begins in October and lasts right up to May.

The best Finnish ski resorts are: Levi, Ylläs, Vuokatti, Ruka, Tahko, Himos, etc.

The largest ski resort in Finland Levy- located in Western Lapland, almost 200 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle. The resort can offer vacationers 43 slopes with a total length of 43.6 km, half of them are illuminated in the evening. Height difference - 325 meters. There are also opportunities for off-piste skiing. The area is famous for its entertainment and cuisine: restaurants, bars, clubs, rock cafes are at your service. Levi is the only resort in Finland with slopes suitable for Alpine World Cup competitions. International competitions of the World Cup series are held in Levi annually in November. It has also been selected several times as Finland's Best Ski Resort of the Year.

Vuokatti is one of the most popular ski resorts due to its location, excellent choice of hotels and cottages near the ski slopes and a wide range of tourist services. The resort has 13 ski slopes, the longest of which is about a kilometer. Vuokkatti also offers the only snowboarding tunnel in the world that can be used all year round. There is also an Olympic training center there.

The resort has three restaurants and the entertainment center "Katinkulta" with hydromassage pools, water attractions and a cafe on the water.

At the resort Hand you can find skiing for every taste. The ski season here begins in October and lasts until May, and the presence of good snow cover during these months is almost guaranteed. The height difference in the resort is 201-492 m, 35 slopes are equipped in total. Every year at the end of November, the next series of the World Cup in ski jumping, skiing and Nordic combined starts in Ruka. In addition, Ruka has excellent conditions for training and holding world-class competitions in skiing, freestyle and snowboarding.

ski lovers in Tahko 15 lifts and 24 slopes await, the longest of which has a length of 1200 meters, and the maximum height difference is up to 200 meters. This is the fourth largest ski center. The diverse restaurants of Tahko will pamper visitors with culinary masterpieces: here you can try French cuisine, Spanish, and traditional Finnish dishes.

Further south is central Finland's largest ski resort. Himos. The resort has 23 slopes, 15 ski lifts and flat ski slopes that stretch for many kilometers in picturesque snowy landscapes. For snowboarders, there are 2 "half-pipes", a "snowboard street" track (a strip with sharp turns and tricky obstacles), a "cross course" and a mogul slope equipped in accordance with international standards.

Snowmobile safari

If you like speed, then this activity is for you! Snowmobile tours can be booked both in the lakes region and in Lapland. Experienced guides will take you through the snow-covered forests and make stops at the most photogenic spots. The service is available to tourists over 18 years of age and with a driver's license.

Snowshoeing

Who said to walk around the national natural parks Is it possible only in the warm season? Buy or rent snowshoes and go on an adventure!

Fatbiking

Cycling on a frozen lake? Why not if you have a fatbike? Fat bike tires are literally made for lakes in Finland! You can rent equipment and go skiing both in the town of Lahti and in Oulu.

Itinerary through Christmas towns and markets

Christmas is truly a magical time, especially in a beautiful country like Finland. At this time, festive fairs are held in many cities with traditional treats, souvenirs and performances.

We recommend starting the trip from the country's main fair, which is held on the Senate Square in Helsinki. More than a hundred ornately decorated tents at the Christmas Market offer all guests a wonderful selection of gifts, Christmas decorations and traditional delicacies - fish, meat and sweets.

An old carousel adds to the atmosphere of the fair. Santa Claus visits the fair every day.

From the capital, in just half an hour, you can reach Porvoo, which becomes even more charming during the Christmas holidays. At the Christmas Market on the Old Town Hall Square, vendors dressed in period costumes offer local artisans and delicacies. And the cozy streets of the old city and neat houses are beautifully decorated with garlands.

And in Turku, two fairs are held at once: on the Old Square and on the Market Square. Near the Turku Cathedral, lights are lit on a huge spruce every year, and festive illumination from numerous garlands decorates the official Turku Christmas Street, Juliopistonkatu.

You can also get into a Christmas fairy tale at fairs in Tampere and Oulu.

Route in Lapland

The traditional route in Lapland necessarily includes hunting for the northern lights, visiting the Santa Claus Village and Santa Park in Rovaniemi, dog and reindeer sledding.

Do you want to make your trip original? Add a trip on the huge Arctic icebreaker "Sampo", which sets off from the city of Kemi.

Usually the cruise lasts 4 hours. On board, tourists will be offered delicious food, a tour of the icebreaker and unforgettable views. And, the most interesting, if you wish, you can dive into the icy sea waters! Special equipment guaranteeing complete safety is provided.

Movement around the country

When going to Finland, every tourist thinks about how it is more convenient, faster, more comfortable and cheaper to travel around the country. We hasten to please you. Despite the fact that Finland is not a very densely populated country, there are plenty of options for moving between different regions and cities.

This includes a well-developed network of water transport, and domestic flights between major cities, and an established bus service, and a wide railway map. You can rent a car, a motorhome or a bicycle, and you can also try the traditional ways of transportation in the north - reindeer and dog teams.

In any city you can call a taxi, and in Helsinki you can also use the metro.

Train

Trains in Finland are modern, comfortable and clean. It is convenient that in some of them you can also transport a personal car. An interesting feature Finnish trains is the presence of special "children's cars".

Airplane

There are 27 airports in Suomi serving domestic flights. Major airlines on domestic flights: Finnair, Norwegian, Flybe, SAS.

In addition to regular flights, major airports also have seasonal flights, which are introduced due to the influx of passengers.

Water transport

An interesting, and sometimes indispensable, way to travel around Finland is by water.

In almost all Finnish cities located on the sea coast or on the shores of lakes, one of the types of urban transport is river and sea trams. Moreover, it can be both retro steamers and modern speedboats. Choose to your taste!

Along the sea coast, as well as inland waters, there are many tourist routes. One of them is a cruise to the Aland Islands.

You can also get to other countries by ferry: Sweden, Estonia, Germany, Russia.

Bus

Buses in Finland can be reached even where there are no railways. Express buses are especially popular. It is worth noting that the transport moves strictly according to the schedule.

This way of transportation is fast and comfortable, and the opportunity to admire the picturesque Finnish landscapes along the way will be a nice bonus.

Major bus companies: Matkahuolto, Onnibus, ExpressBus.

Automobile

Traveling by car is a very convenient way to see even remote corners of the country.

Car rental in Finland is provided by the following companies: Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, Scandia Rent, Sixt. However, it is worth noting that the cost of car rental in Finland is quite high. If possible, come with your own car. Often, even its transportation by ferry will be cheaper than renting a car.

Finland is a country with right-hand traffic, overtaking is made on the left lane.

In the summer, motorists will not have problems on the highways: the quality of the roads is high, and congestion is usually low. The only thing you need to pay attention to is the numerous speed limits. Penalties for violations are high, so it's worth following the rules.

In winter, driving is more difficult. Firstly, difficult weather conditions, poor visibility, drifts are possible. Secondly, in winter, the length of daylight hours is minimal, most of the time you will have to move in the dark. Keep in mind that moose and reindeer often come onto the road in Finland.

Also, while driving at any time of the day, the headlights must be turned on.

Bike

Cycling is very popular in Finland. It can be both bicycle tours around the city and long tours. Throughout the country, many kilometers of paths have been laid, moving along which is a real pleasure. And along the way, you can visit all the planned attractions.

Renting a bike in Finland is also easy.

Extreme types of movement

This includes movement on snowmobiles, as well as reindeer and dog sledding. Such services are available in almost every ski resort in Finland, as well as in the northernmost region - Lapland. Be sure to take the opportunity to ride with the breeze!

Communication

Before you go to a particular country, it does not hurt to learn a little more about its inhabitants.

Most Finns are practical, reserved in communication and not too talkative. Loud laughter, excessive gestures and talkativeness can be perceived negatively by the residents of Suomi.

Finland has two official languages: Finnish and Swedish. However, to communicate, you will need to know English.

The national minority living in Lapland speaks their own language, which, according to the 1992 law "On the Sami Language", became quite official in the places of residence of the Sami.

In the eastern part of the country, you can also meet a Russian-speaking resident.

For the Finns, the topic of equality is very important: between men and women (do you remember that it was Finland that was the first to adopt universal and equal suffrage for both men and women?), between leaders and subordinates.

The concepts of "personal life" and "work" are clearly separated. This means that personal phone calls are not allowed during working hours, and in your free time you will not be disturbed at work. An interesting “working” moment in Finland is doing some negotiations and deals… in the sauna!

As far as topics of conversation are concerned, in Finland they hardly talk about politics, wages and matters of faith. But sports, weather, shopping, plans for weekends and vacations are usually discussed freely.

Do you want the cold-looking Finns to treat you warmly and friendly? Do not be late for meetings, always keep your word and do not violate personal boundaries. Then you can make friends with the locals and count on their help and support at any time.

During dinner parties, holidays and parties, it is also worth following some rules. First, let your neighbors know ahead of time. Secondly, after 23:00 do not break the silence if your plans do not include communication with the Finnish police. And thirdly, invite guests in advance. Finns do not allow sudden visits even to relatives.

And one more national feature that should be taken into account when communicating with the inhabitants of Finland is the love for sports and active pastime. Finns take care of their health and prefer to spend a lot of time in nature, regardless of the time of year. Favorite sport is skiing.

culture

The culture of Finland was influenced by Sweden for a long time, and a little later and to a much lesser extent - Russian Empire. And only after gaining independence, the Finns realize how important the role played by cultural heritage, national values and traditions.

Finnish culture gave rise to the Kalevala, one of the largest epic works in world history, based on Karelian folk songs - runes. A huge amount of material was received and processed only thanks to the outstanding researcher of the Karelian-Finnish epos Elias Lönnrot. With this invaluable work, he inscribed his name in the history and culture of Finland. The themes of the epic Kalevala runes influenced the work of many Finnish artists, writers, and musicians.

Every year on February 28, Finns celebrate Kalevala Day, the official day of Finnish and Karelian culture. It is also the day of the official hoisting of the national flag.

The literature of Finland is developed in two languages, Finnish and Swedish. For example, national poet Johan Runeberg wrote in Swedish. One of his patriotic poems was set to music. This song eventually became the national anthem of Finland.

Of the fair sex, the famous writer Tove Jansson, who, by the way, also wrote in Swedish. First of all, she is known as the creator of fairy-tale characters - charming Moomins, about whose adventures she wrote a series of books. By the way, Tove Jansson personally performed illustrations for these books.

The fine arts of Finland developed under the influence of the advanced European schools in Paris, Dusseldorf, St. Petersburg.

The most famous art museum in the country - Ateneum (Ateneum) - is located in Helsinki. It houses the largest art collection in Finland. Next to the paintings by Finnish painters hang paintings by Van Gogh, Cezanne, Goya, Modigliani and other great artists. In the museum you can also see works by Russian masters: Repin, Shishkin and Levitan.

Music plays an important role in Finnish culture. Folk music is based on melodies of ancient chants, and traditional folk musical instruments are: kantele (Finnish harp), horn and violin.

The classical music of Finland was glorified by the name of Jean Sibelius. The birth of the national classical musical tradition is connected with the work and activities of this composer. It was then that the first symphony orchestra, professional composers and performers appeared in the country.

And yet, most of all, the Finns succeeded in rock. Perhaps the whole world knows such bands as HIM, Apocalyptica, The Rasmus and Lordi, who won Eurovision 2016.

Finland is famous for its many world-class summer music festivals, which feature rock and jazz, folk, opera and chamber music.

And in winter, you can get acquainted with Finnish music by visiting the Finnish National Opera, the Helsinki Music House, the Alexander Theatre, the Swedish Theater in Helsinki and the Swedish Theater of Turku.

Kitchen

Now in Finland you can find cafes and restaurants with cuisine for every taste, but it will be much more interesting to try local dishes.

The proximity of the sea and a huge number of lakes influenced the diet of the Finns: it contains a lot of various fish. These are red fish, which is eaten raw or lightly salted, and eel, and Baltic herring in smoked and pickled form.

As for the first courses, you should definitely try the Finnish fish soup with red fish and cream.

In the north of Finland, game dishes are prepared. One of the most delicious is stew with venison. In Lapland, you can try the local soft cheese with a sweetish taste - "leipäyuusto". It is usually served with cloudberries.

For Christmas in Finland, a ham is baked, a dish of dried cod with potatoes, a swede casserole, and various cookies are baked.

Finns love sweet pastries and confectionery. Pies with various fillings are very common. For example, in the city of Kuopio, the most delicious Kalakukko are baked - rye pies stuffed with fish. This dish is also a must on the Easter table.

Karelian kalitka is also considered a traditional dish - an open pie made from unleavened rye dough stuffed with millet, rice, potatoes, carrots, salmon or cottage cheese.

One of the most delicious pastries is blueberry pie. Most often it is prepared in the summer, during the ripening period of the berries. They usually drink milk. But lingonberries are often used to make jam and make juice.

The most famous cake in Finland can be considered a pastry named after the national poet - Johan Ludwig Runeberg. This confectionery is a cylinder weighing about 100 grams, for the preparation of which almond crumbs, arak or rum are used. As a decoration - a ring of powdered sugar with a drop of raspberry jam in the center. Runeberg cakes are widely sold in Finland in the period leading up to Finland's national holiday, Runeberg Day, which is celebrated annually on February 5th. But in Porvoo, where Runeberg spent a significant part of his life, you can taste the cake on any day.

Do you want exotic? Look for licorice candies. These are black sweets made from licorice root. The taste is very specific and obviously not everyone will like it. Especially popular is the so-called "meter liquorice": sweets look like a cord cut into pieces.

While in Finland, be sure to visit the Fazer chain cafes, which offer a wide range of bakery and confectionery products from this world-famous company.

Another world-famous chain is the Finnish burger Hesburger. So if you want fast food, this is the place for you.

When it comes to beverages, Finnish people ranked first in the world in terms of the amount of coffee they drink! It is the most popular drink in the country. Each resident drinks about 4 cups of coffee a day. Basically, they prefer a black strong drink, although cappuccino is also a success. In second place among soft drinks is milk.

But the most popular alcoholic drink is beer, and mostly its own, Finnish: Lapin Kulta, Karjala, Olvi, Koff and Karhu.

Purchases

Finnish fish is one of the main export destinations. The assortment of fish in Finnish stores is simply amazing! In addition to cold and hot smoked fish delicacies, delicious trout fillet or Norwegian salmon, you can buy a jar of Finnish red caviar.

Many tourists buy home various types of cheese, as well as Finnish butter.

Few can resist the real temptation - delicious chocolate. The most famous manufacturer is the Fazer company, which produces both sweets with various fillings and pastries.

Would you like to purchase something more unusual? Go shopping in Porvoo, where the Brunberg candy factory and its own shop for original sweets have been operating since 1871. Here you can not only see the products of the factory, but also try them. Choose chocolate bars with a unique taste, a variety of sweets, including liquorice, chocolate-covered nuts and other sweets. Such a souvenir from Finland will not leave anyone indifferent.

Another food product that you can and should bring is Finnish coffee.

Locals know a lot about strong and fragrant drink, so they prefer coffee beans. The Paulig company is considered the monopoly of the coffee market. The brand "Kulta Katriina" is also in demand.

From alcoholic beverages, attention should be paid to Finnish liqueurs, which are produced exclusively from natural ingredients. Beer fans can grab a few bottles of Finnish production, and lovers of stronger drinks - Finlandia vodka.

Northern themes are common among standard souvenirs: deer, elk, husky, Finnish Santa Claus - Joulupukki. You can find their images both on magnets, cups, plates, and in the form of soft toys. Deer skin products are also sold, but the cost of such a gift will be very high.

When choosing gifts, pay attention to handmade goods made of wood, glass and ceramics. Men will definitely like traditional Finnish knives.

During the sales season in Finland, you can buy clothes from well-known brands at a fairly low price. First of all, this applies to things for sports and outdoor activities. For example, Reima, a children's clothing manufacturer, and Luhta, sew high-quality items in a wide range. The best Finnish outlets are in Helsinki and Lappeenranta.

Be sure to keep your receipts for all purchases to claim your tax refund.

Connection

Let's start with the most interesting and unusual way of communication in Finland - Joulupukki mail, the Finnish Santa Claus.

Santa's official post office is located in Lapland, near Rovaniemi. Here, in the village of Santa Claus, letters from kids from all over the world come every year. Just imagine: the number of letters per year has long exceeded one million!

For tourists, mail is interesting primarily because you can send postcards, letters, gifts from here to anyone: friends, relatives, acquaintances, or at least to yourself! The process of sending is a fascinating thing: at first you slowly choose postcards and gifts, and then by the light of candles you begin to beautifully display the recipient's address ...

After filling in the details, go to the cashier and pay for postcards and stamps. Next, select a mailbox for sending letters. There are two of them: one for those letters that need to be delivered at Christmas, and from the second postcards, letters and gifts will be sent in the near future.

Sending letters from Santa Claus mail is a warm and sincere activity, however, it will cost a lot.

The traditional means of communication in Finland are mobile communications and the Internet.

When traveling in Finland, check the offers of your mobile operator. Perhaps a temporary transition to some tariff with affordable prices in roaming will suit you.

If you often visit Finland or plan to come for a long time, consider buying a prepaid card from one of the local operators. These are prepaid SIM cards, when buying which you do not need to present documents, register and fill out an agreement. Unfortunately, the validity of such cards may be limited. If you replenish your account with a few euros at least once a year, then their validity is automatically extended. SIM cards are sold in R-Kioski, in shopping centers or in specialized communication stores. The cost is quite affordable.

In Finland, the main mobile operators are: Sonera (TeliaSonera), Elisa (sub-branded Saunalahti) and DNA. Sonera with DNA starts at 9.9 euros, the cheapest prepaid package is from Elisa: it costs only 5.9 euros. When buying, a significant part of the amount is immediately credited to the balance.

Mobile Internet in Finland will cost a lot, carefully study the available offers. For example, Sonera has a tariff with a cost of 0.01 euros per megabyte. You can also purchase an unlimited 24-hour package from DNA for 1.9 euros per day.

There are also many places in Finland where you can use Wi-Fi for free. For example, in the capital wireless network covers almost the entire center. Wi-Fi is also available in almost all cafes and restaurants, hotels, libraries.

Security

Finland is a country for a calm measured rest. The locals are law-abiding citizens.

The crime rate in the country is extremely low, so tourists should not worry about their own safety, as well as the safety of things and valuables.

The Finnish police closely monitors the safety of citizens, however, and requires full compliance with the law on the part of vacationers. We advise you to carefully read the prohibitions and laws in Suomi, so as not to get into an unpleasant situation.

The Finns are fighting tobacco smoking and aim to completely eradicate the bad habit. Smoking is allowed only in designated areas. They must be equipped with trash cans, special hoods and signs. There is a fine for smoking in the wrong place.

You can also get a fine for drinking alcohol in public places and transport. Strong spirits can only be purchased at Alko outlets, and the sale of beer and wine in ordinary stores closes after 21:00. Advertising of strong alcoholic beverages on television, in newspapers, magazines, on street signs is prohibited.

Sufficiently strict requirements for the observance of silence in places of residence. General rule: it is necessary to observe complete silence after 23:00. But some houses may have their own rules, for example, you can not make noise after 21:00 or 22:00.

During outdoor recreation, observe the following rules:

Don't leave trash behind, clean up after your pets.
do not leave the marked routes in the reserves;
pick berries, mushrooms, flowers only in the forest: it is forbidden to do this on private property;
set up a tent only in a permitted place: camping, recreation areas, special sites;
make a fire only in a specially designated place;
do not fish where there are signs saying Kalastus kielletty (“no fishing”) or Rauhoitusalue (“reserve”).

Compliance with these simple rules will allow you to have the most pleasant and comfortable time in Finland.

Where to stay

Finding accommodation in Finland can take a long time. And this is not because there are few accommodation options in Suomi. Not at all! On the contrary, the Finns can offer tourists such interesting, unusual and truly unique hotels, cottages, igloos that it will be difficult to choose just one.

Going to Lapland, you can stay on the territory of the Santa Claus Village, in a cozy cottage with a sauna in Santa Claus Holiday Village.

From the house in just a couple of minutes on foot you will reach the residence of Santa, where you can meet him in person, as well as send a postcard from the main Christmas mail in the world.

Do you want to live in a house with panoramic windows overlooking the snow-covered forest? Choose the Arctic TreeHouse Hotel, located on the territory of Santa Park, with luxury rooms in traditional Scandinavian style.

By the way, there are also glass igloos with underfloor heating and a thermal glass roof with a view of the sky. Just imagine what a pleasure it is to watch the northern lights while being on the Arctic Circle in a warm house!

Another holiday complex surrounded by nature is located in the Saariselkä ski area. Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort - Igloos and Chalets features glass igloos, traditional wooden chalets and the world's largest Finnish sauna.

If you come to relax on the lake, choose a typical Finnish cottage on the shore, or a campsite where you can rent a house or set up your own tent.

And if the purpose of the visit is to relax in the spa, then you will find one of the many amazing spa hotels. For example, Holiday Club Saimaa or Finlandia Hotel Imatran Kylpylä Spa in Imatra.

No matter what eyes Russian immigrants look at Finland, this country is close and even native. At one time, Finland generally existed as part of Russia. Today, the state has the status of a sovereign territory, and the living conditions of Finnish citizens can be envied even in Western Europe. A country where there is practically no corruption really looks interesting for those who are looking for a new way of life. Like any country in the world, Finland has its pros and cons.

Migrants in Finland: number, growth

According to the latest statistics, the number of immigrants who entered for permanent residence is 4% of the country's population, which is about 240,000 people. In addition, approximately 160,000 foreign residents are either temporarily present or have dual citizenship.

... More often than others, requests for a residence permit are sent by citizens of Russia. Common reasons for requesting are: family ties (43%), employment (32%), education (22%)…

http://yle.fi/uutiset/vid_na_zhitelstvo_v_finlyandii_chashche_vsego_zaprashivayut_grazhdane_rossii/6736183

Migration growth in Finland has been increasing in recent years. The average figure for this indicator is fixed at the level of 500 - 600 immigrants for each year. A significant part of this figure is accounted for by labor migration. Spaniards, Italians, Greeks, Portuguese and, of course, Russians go to work with the Finns. However, at the same time, the number of emigrants is increasing rapidly.

Standard of living in Finland compared to Russia

If you look at the world ranking, the country has been in the TOP-20 in terms of living standards for many years (in 2018 - 15th line). Actually, this is already a distinctive feature of the country, when compared with Russia, which in 2018 took 49th place in the ranking of living standards.

The standard of living in Finnish is a peculiar phenomenon. There are practically no reserves of hydrocarbon raw materials on the territory of the country, as in Russia. There is one wealth - the forest, which the Finns dispose of extremely reasonably and rationally. Meanwhile, Finland is actively engaged in high technology and has moved far ahead in this direction.

Naturally, in such conditions, ordinary people - citizens of the country - live comfortably and comfortably. The government of Finland actively supports and controls the life of citizens. For example, the quality of food products is assessed with the participation of 18 special expert commissions. For comparison: in Russia there are only 4 similar commissions.

Video: first impressions of life in Finland by an emigrant from Russia

The following moment looks random against the background of absolute Finnish prosperity:
…2014 was the last year for 789 Finns who committed suicide. The causes of suicides were poverty, unemployment, depression, alcoholism, and a lonely existence. In 25 years, suicides have been halved. Record 1990 - 1500 suicides. The positive development is due to measures taken that have made it easier for people with mental disorders to access treatment and medication. IN better side the attitude of others towards the mentally ill has changed ...

http://yle.fi/uutiset/v_finlyandii_napolovinu_sokratilos_chislo_samoubiistv_s_1990_goda/8631808

Educational sphere

The educational model of the Finns is reminiscent of the Russian (more precisely, Soviet). This is not surprising, since, being part of Russia in the past, the Finns borrowed all the best from the field of Soviet education and, as a result, brought primary school to an exemplary level. Today, the Finnish school (the prototype of the Soviet one!) Is considered one of the best in the world.

Video: impressions of a Russian student about a Finnish university

Finnish education is free for all levels of study. This moment is used by Russian immigrants. A significant part of them arrive in the country for the purpose of studying. higher educational establishments countries are valued for the quality of teaching. Universities stand out in particular:

Helsinki;
Turku;
Aalto.
Oulu;
Lappeenranta;
Finnish Academy of Arts.

All of the listed educational institutions, and, in particular, the last university on the list, are very popular among immigrants from Russia and other countries.

Analyzing the school and family environment, it is worth noting the features of the upbringing of school-age children. The rights of the child are jealously protected by the state. If parents cross the permissible threshold of education, they thereby violate the rights of minors. And this is a serious article of the law, which is immediately applied by the authorities. There are no such rules in Russia. Good or bad, it's hard to judge. But the difference in the lives of citizens of the two countries is obvious here too.

Work and salary

Work on the territory of Finland is the same attractive goal for Russian labor immigrants as study is for students. High earnings up to 3 thousand euros per month are a tasty morsel. The Finns adequately pay even the labor of unskilled workers. But it’s quite difficult for an immigrant to get a good job and a large income. The unemployment rate among Russian immigrants is 30%, while unemployed Finns are slightly more than 8%.

A highly paid position requires a residence permit - a residence permit. Compulsory knowledge of the Finnish language - rule number 1 for specialists. If the requirements are met, the Finnish side is happy to hire Russian immigrant professionals in the field of construction, agriculture, and Internet technologies. Russian immigrants without qualifications remain in demand as servants in the hotel sector and medical institutions.

In terms of wages, the Finns are slightly behind the leading countries of the European Union. There is a significant difference in wages depending on the scope and type of activity of enterprises. Thus, in state-owned enterprises, labor remuneration is often higher than in private firms. Surprisingly, staff over 65 receive higher salaries than younger workers. Russian life and here it differs from Finnish.

A striking feature of the Finnish labor market is the small difference between the incomes of the rich and the poor. In Russia, a manager of some raw materials company earns a million rubles a month, and a mechanic at a factory earns 15,000. The Finns, figuratively speaking, earn 4,000 euros for a manager, and 2,000 euros for a factory fitter.

…Finland does not allow a sky-high income gap. Managers of companies earn only two or three times more than ordinary workers. This factor has a strong effect on the crime rate, which in Finland is the lowest in the world…

http://forum.forvip.ru/

Pensions and benefits

The country guarantees a decent level of social protection for the poor, pensioners, children, the unemployed, and young mothers.

The list of social support is impressive:

supplement to earnings for each child;
a one-time allowance for the birth of children;
compensation for the maintenance of housing for pensioners;
disability payments;
benefits for unemployed people;
and a number of other positions.

Pension provision provides for the payment of a labor pension accrued on the basis of labor activity. In addition to the labor pension, the following can be paid:

national pension;
pension payment to immigrants;
disability pension;
old age pension.

... The minimum pension (national pension) for single pensioners is 496 euros. Family pensioners are paid 436 euros (commune of the 1st category) and 400 euros (commune of the 2nd category). You can only receive a full national pension if you have lived in Finland for 40 years. Recently, for older immigrants (over 65 years old and living in the country for more than 5 years), a special allowance for migrants was established. The amount of the benefit is the same as the national pension...

ELE_alive
http://age60.ru/forum57.html

If the labor pension is assigned according to the actual age - 63 years, then the old-age pension is assigned to persons whose age has reached 68 years. The average amount of pension provision is 1500 euros. At the same time, pension accruals are taxed.

... Russian immigrant pensioners are paid a social minimum. True, the purchase of medicines is paid by the social service. A pensioner goes to a pharmacy, buys medicines there at his own expense, and then the money is returned to him. Pensioners can do eye surgery for free - cataracts, glaucoma, etc. The social service also helps with paying for housing if the pension is small ...

Faina
http://age60.ru/forum57.html

healthcare

Health care in Finnish clearly characterizes such an indicator as life expectancy (79.7 years). Another significant criterion for the quality of medicine is the death rate of newborns (1.3 per 1000 births). Both indicators indicate that Finnish medicine is at a high level.

The healthcare system is built on the basis of state institutions with the involvement of private doctors. At the same time, the private sector is under the strict control of the state. Medical services are paid. True, contacting state clinics provides for compensation. Therefore, citizens spend no more than 20% of the total cost on treatment.

About Finnish tax policy

The country's tax policy is clearly a separate topic from the discussion of the social benefits of Finnish society. Separate, because thanks to tax collections, all the public goods of Finland are called into question. While in Russia the same pensioners are exempt from property or vehicle taxes, Finnish pensioners pay in full.

The amount of income tax is set individually for each category of the commune (regions of regional territorial division). It could be 20% tax or 36%. Any additional income received is taxed at a rate 1.5–2 times higher. Thus, compared with Russia, the Finns also succeeded here, but not for the better.

How many Russian migrants live in Finland

According to official figures, Russian migrants make up 1% of the total population of the country. A little over 60 thousand people in digital terms. By ethnicity, it is the third largest community in Finland. There are two Russian communities, different in principles of origin. One is the migrants of the old generation who settled on Finnish soil before the 1990s. The other is a new wave of migrants that began arriving in the early 1990s.

Until 1996, the flow of new Russian immigrants was practically unregulated. Settlers from the sub-ethnic group "Ingrian" rushed into the country. According to available data, there are about 25,000 of them today. Later, the Finns tightened the requirements for the criteria of Finnish origin, plus they introduced mandatory knowledge of the Finnish language. And today, Russian immigrants (with the exception of tourists) can no longer cross the Finnish border unless they pass the IPAKI test with level A2 (language test exam).

Are Russians Good Today?

The attitude is quite favorable. However, there are problems of discrimination against Russian-speaking migrants in terms of their employment. This topic was raised even at the level of the Council of Europe. The European Commission on Human Rights noted serious violations. The Finnish authorities quickly responded to the remarks and even initiated the creation of the Russian Culture Support Fund. Nevertheless, the pronounced Russophobia among the indigenous inhabitants of the country cannot be overlooked.

...Finns don't understand why Russians believe that they have become beggars over the past 10-15 years? Has anyone seen Russians with an outstretched hand on the Finnish porch? Finland and Russia are brought together by their neighborhood, but the existing stereotypes make them perceive their neighbors inadequately...

http://e-finland.ru/info/culture/otnoshenie-finnov-k-russkim.html

Car rental in Finland

Connection

Finland for children

beach holiday

Skiing

Where to stay

shopping

tax free

Shop opening hours

Holidays and events

Visa Information

Customs

How to get there

Finland has the cleanest water

Santa Claus lives in Lapland

Reindeer walk the streets in Finland

Finns are born in a sauna

Finns are cold and taciturn

Finns don't pick mushrooms

Finns go with ski poles in summer

All Finns are blondes with blue eyes.

Finns drink a lot

Tipping is not customary in Finland.

You can see the Northern Lights in Finland

Finns love everything Finnish

On average, there is one sauna for every three people in Finland.

Finland has a female president

Finland allows same-sex marriages

There are 1001 lakes in Finland

Nokia is a Japanese company

Nokia produced galoshes

Mannerheim owned shares in Nokia

Mannerheim served in the Russian army

Jackie Kennedy was dressed by Finnish designers

Finland was a design leader in the 50s

Finland is the only country where own money appeared before independence

Finland is part of Scandinavia

Finland has two official languages

The Finnish economy is one of the three most competitive economies in the world

1 euro = 5.94 Finnish marks

The largest liner in the world was built in Finland

Finland hosts international air guitar competitions

Hares live in cities

In Finland, the higher the salary, the higher the taxes.

Finland has the highest number of suicides

Black bread is not eaten in Finland

Fishing in Finland requires a license.

Mannerheim had a Russian wife

Most Finns are Catholics

The train from Helsinki to St. Petersburg takes 3.5 hours

Not in Finlandcorruption

Åland is part of Sweden

You can't ride a bike without a helmet in Finland

Finns gossips

Santa Claus in Finnish Joulupukki, translated - Christmas goat

Joulupukki single

Finland is somewhere near Russia

There are a lot of mosquitoes in Finland

easy way emigration to Finland from Russia

What is life like in Finland?

Finnish neighbors, what are they like?

How to move to Finland?

Grounds for a residence permit

What documents will need to be collected?

Read more about emigration to Suomi (Finland)

To open your business

Life for expats in the land of 1000 lakes

Standard of living

What about work for expats?

Pension

How Russian emigrants live

How to get to Finland

Airplane

Train

Ferry

Bus

Automobile

History

Early history of Finland

Swedish rule