It is said that the sun never sets in Finland which extends well into the Arctic Circle, in summer time, but it also never quite rises during the winter in this scenic country of lakes, islands, forests, pristine wilderness and super-modern technology. Visiting Finland is like stepping into a refreshing shower on a hot day. Even in the cultured capital, Helsiki, the air is clean, and the countryside has a cool but seductive beauty. The western coast is fringed with countless islands, while the southern Saimaa district is drenched by myriad sapphire lakes. Here you can sail, fish, or take a relaxing sauna - followed, of course, by a dip in the lake. In Kuusamo, there are ancient forests where bears and wolves roam, where succulent berries grow, and where lichens glisten on the trees lining the way marked walking trails. And in Lapland, far to the north, the indigenous Sami people still tend their reindeer herds - when they're not surfing the Internet, that is: Finland is one of the most technologically switched-on countries in the world.

Finland was a province of and then a grand duchy of Sweden from the 12th to the 19th centuries. It then became an autonomous grand duchy of Russia after 1809. Finland finally won its complete independence in 1917. During World War II, Finland was able to successfully defend its freedom and resist invasions by the Soviet Union - albeit with some loss of territory. In the subsequent half century, the Finns made a remarkable transformation from a farm/forest economy to a diversified modern industrial economy; per capita income is now on par with Western Europe. As a member of the European Union, Finland was the only Nordic state to adopt the Euro at its initiation in January 1999. Finland's rich, sometimes turbulent, history is revealed in its buildings: onion-domed Orthodox churches speak of the days when it was part of Russia ( Finland has the world's only Lenin Museum ), while fortresses like Suomenlinna Castle recall centuries of Swedish rule.

It is not surprising that Finland has been described as the most underrated tourist destination in Europe. Want to know all about Finland ? Come and join us at StayResFinland.com, which not only provides you interesting facts about Finland but also gives full information about Finland hotels. Book your room @ discount rate up to 70%.