With acres of beautiful wilderness and about 5.3 million friendly residents, Finland is a pleasant escape for visitors from around the globe. You’ll find outstanding restaurants, renowned museums and so much more. Go for a week or a month – either way, you won’t want to return home.
Hotel Kämp offers first-class accommodations within the beautiful capital city of Helsinki. Surrounded by the harbor, exclusive shops and two famous art museums, the hotel puts everything at your fingertips. Business travelers will appreciate the Executive Room’s oversized desk and ergonomic chair while honeymooners can relax in a Kämp Suite that features romantic 19th-century décor. The hotel’s most luxurious accommodation is the Mannerheim Suite with six rooms, a sauna and two private balconies overlooking Esplanade Park. Unwind at Kämp Spa where a Turkish hammam or a traditional Finnish sauna will melt away any stress. Book a room or check out the menus from Hotel Kämp’s multiple restaurants at www.hotelkamp.com.
On Finland’s west coast, the
Pori Art Museum is home to thousands of masterpieces. From abstract sculpture to contemporary animation, eco-art to photography, this museum has it all. Between September 30, 2011, and January 15, 2012, visitors can experience the inspiring works of Matti Kujasalo and Torger Enckell. Visit the museum’s reference library for literature about art history, Finnish artists and trends of the Satakunta region. The Pori Art Museum offers free tours on Wednesdays. Visit www.poriartmuseum.fi/eng for upcoming exhibits, featured artists and more.
Chic and modern, Helsinki’s Chez Dominique is one of Finland’s most respected and talked-about restaurants. Voted “Restaurant of the Year 2000” by the Finnish Gastronomic Society and making Restaurant magazine UK’s list of 50 Best Restaurants in the World, Chez Dominique continues to impress with its mastery of Nordic and French flavors. Four-, six- and nine-course menus are available, featuring dishes like wood-roasted pork and foie with rhubarb. You may recognize owner and head chef Hans Välimäki from television’s Top Chef Finland. Reservations can be arranged at www.chezdominique.fi and must be made two working days before dining.
Due to Finland’s geographic positioning, there are weeks with no sunlight in the winter and about 73 days worth of constant sun every summer. The temperature can also vary greatly depending on location. The Euro is the official currency, and Finland is also bilingual with both Finnish and Swedish as official languages. Most residents, however, identify Finnish as their first language. Useful Finnish phrases include “Hei” (hello), “Kiitos” (thank you) and, for the romantics, “Minä rakastan sinua” (I love you). Learn more at www.visitfinland.com.
