The only way to combat the dark cold winters of a country which crosses the Arctic Circle is to make the most of the long and unusually warm summer days. Home to Father Christmas and his reindeers, Finland has long held a reputation for winter magic but summer is arguably the most exciting season to witness the beauty of Finland’s natural charm.
 
Despite its geographical location, summer in Finland can be relatively warm with periods each year where temperatures exceed 25 degrees. With an abundance of open countryside, pristine woodlands and empty beaches summer can be surprisingly action packed.
 
With the Baltic Sea skirting the western coast and nearly 200,000 lakes spread across the country it is impossible to experience the real Finland without leaving dry land. Hiring a sailing boat and cruising through Archipelago National Park is highly recommended; seals, moose and eagles can be found among the thousands of unspoilt islands that make up the Archipelago. Ferries are another mode of transport between islands, but canoeing through the meandering waterways is arguably the most authentic way to see the park.
 
Midsummer’s Eve is Finland’s most celebrated national holiday and as the daylight hours peak around 19 hours join the locals making their way to their summer cottages for barbeques, nature and relaxation. With untouched forests, clean lakes and rolling hills, the Lakeland region makes for a beautiful summer retreat. Alternatively, head to Seurasaari Island near Helsinki with the family for a traditional Finnish bonfire.
 
The word ‘sauna’ is actually Finnish in origin and saunas are an integral part of the country’s culture. Finland’s most notable smoke sauna Kylpylähotelli Rauhalahti lies north of Helsinki and offers a traditional experience where a dip in the cool lake in between visits is customary.

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