Finland

Finland

How to sum up Finland?  

Flat, wet, and (fir gets boring) forested. We had glimpses of lakes, but as they all appear to be surrounded by private land, a glimpse is as much as you get.

The ferry from Germany terminates at Helsinki. So if you want to get to Tallin, Estonia and the counties of Eastern Europe you have to come here. 

End of story. 

Travelling north from Helsinki is Porvoo which has many old wooden houses now used as shops. Nice place for a stroll around the old part of town. 

Wild camping in peaceful fir forests which were plentiful in Finland.

Savonlinna a few hundred k's north of Helsinki was advertised as being a lakeside paradise for wealthy Russians last century. Apart for this medieval castle all the stately homes of the past had been knocked down and replaced by ugly cream brick apartment blocks. A bit disappointing after a long drive. 

An island in Helsinki harbour had these old buildings relocated on it which was interesting to see in one location.  Sort of like Gipps Town at Moe!

The Hooded Crow a common bird all over Europe. 

Lovely wooden church, Helsinki display village.

So many different windmill designs this is the Finnish style. Helsinki display village.

Display village