Most of the country’s well known sights and landmarks can be found in the capital city Helsinki; although with such a rich history there are places of cultural interest to be found throughout the country. Classic architecture and fine art are predominant themes and provide a large selection of interesting buildings and museums.
 Aleksanterin Kirkko
Located in Tampere, Aleksanterin Kirkko is a neo-Gothic church that dates back to 1880 and offers visitors views of magnificent architecture from the exterior and ornate décor in its interior. Among the many points of interest inside the church, an altarpiece painted by Aleksandra Saltin in 1883 is a focal point. The church is a working religious facility so visitors need to check whether services are being conducted before venturing inside.
 The Aleksanteri Theatre
Designed by Kosperoff and completed in 1879, the Aleksanteri Theatre is situated close to Hietalahti square in Helsinki. The theatre has an interesting history, having been built originally to provide entertainment for the resident Russian garrison. Both the National Theatre and National Opera were once residents at the theatre although these days they are located elsewhere and the theatre hosts less high profile, although still notable, performances. The theatre is worth a visit both for its historic value and for excellent shows.
 Ateneumin Taidemuseo
Situated in the heart of Finland, the Ateneumin Taidemuseo is a museum that features an extensive collection of artwork from movements such at surrealism, expressionism and cubism and well as from 14th century Italian artists. A collection of Finnish artwork stretching from the mid-18th century up to the 1960s is also available for viewing with pieces by Isak Wacklin, and Waino Aaltonen. A café and bookstore are also on site.
 Sibelius Monument
Located in the charming Sibelius Park, the Sibelius monument is a tribute to the country’s greatest composer and is a unique construction comprised of a number of abstract tubular shapes that evoke images of various musical instruments. The monument was erected in 1945 to coincide with the composer’s 80th birthday.
 Kauppatori
Located in Helsinki, this famous market square is a daily hive of bustling activity as vendors selling fish, meat, fruit and vegetables, hats and clothing etc. engage in business with the local residents. During the summer months while daylight hours are longer and the weather warmer, a night market is also held which is popular with locals and visitors alike.
 Temppeliaukio Church
Coming high on the list of Helsinki's most well known attractions, the Temppeliaukio Church or ‘Church in the Rock’ as it is otherwise known is a fascinating structure cut out of a natural solid rock formation. Outstanding features include the magnificent roof, which has a diameter of 23 metres and is decorated with 22kms of copper stripping. The church is still active as a place of worship so visitors should check service times before entering.
 Uspenski Cathedral
Situated on Katajanokka Island, Uspenski Cathedral is a magnificent building that boasts the title of Western Europe’s largest Orthodox cathedral. With Byzantine-Slavonic design, the cathedral’s architecture is notably Russian-influenced as is its interior, which features various statues and icons as well as a golden onion dome.
Top Things to Do
There are plenty of things to do in Finland and what you opt for depends very much on where you are staying and what your interests are. Helsinki, being the capital, is home to the greatest concentration of attractions although popular holiday centres such as Turku and Tampere also feature a good selection. Activities on offer include those suitable for the whole family such as the Helsinki Zoo and others aimed primarily at adults such as the Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art. Whatever your status and background, you are guaranteed to find something of interest in Finland.
 Take a trip to the Helsinki Zoo
For animal lovers, Helsinki Zoo is a popular attraction which houses over 200 different species of animas and close to 1000 different species of plant. A tropical animal section features creatures from Africa, Asia and the Amazon rainforest and includes snakes, lizards, frogs, insects, spiders, monkeys and various birds. An arctic section houses snowy owls and musk oxen, European forest reindeer and polar foxes. The zoo offers a great day out for all members of the family.
 Check out the Seurasaari Open Air Museum
This fascinating open air museum is comprised of 86 ancient buildings that have been collected and relocated from around the country to form their very own ancient village which gives visitors an insight into what was life was life in Finland in days gone by. Cottages, manor houses and churches are all present and faithfully preserved in states closest to their original ones.
 Visit the Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art
This impressive facility is home to a large collection of modern art spanning the period from the 1960s up until the 1990s. Artworks by both Finnish and international artists are on display while film, music, dance and performance art are also regularly part of the museum’s agenda.
 Spend a day at Kupittaanpuisto Park
When the weather’s good, Kupittaanpuisto Park in Turku is the ideal place to spend a relaxing day. For the kids there’s an adventure park with a variety of things on which to bounce, swing or climb; a traffic park which has pedal cars and the safari car adventure offers other attractions aimed at young visitors. Adults with sporting inclinations will find areas for roller skating and outdoor gymnastics among other activities. The open air swimming pool in the centre of the park is ideal for cooling off in on a hot summer’s day.
 Visit the Turku Medieval Market
During the summer season Turku’s old great square comes alive as the Medieval Market opens for business and draws large crowds of both locals and visitors. Spreading from the square into the alleys and courtyards of the old city, the market sells handmade goods which are fashioned in the manner used during the Middle Ages. Visitors can pick up some unique handicrafts and traditional Finnish products that would be difficult to find elsewhere. An activity arena invites market-goers to try their skills in jousting rings or on catapult courses where cabbages are used as targets as opposed to human heads! Outdoor productions can be seen every day and feature more than one hundred performers including jesters, traditional court musicians and more.
 Go skiing at Himos
Situated about 125 miles from Helsinki, the Himos ski resort offers 18 ski slopes which are all illuminated as well as a super pipe for snowboarders. This is the ideal place in which to take a weekend trip if you enjoy the thrills of snow sports. All equipment can be rented at the resort and a highly reputable ski school provides training for those of beginner status.
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