All Other Destinations and Attractions in Finland

Near Tenhola, Perniö (Swedish Bjärnå) has a medieval church, much altered in later centuries.

The Pallastunturi Hills lie in the northwest of the country, near the Swedish frontier, in the middle of a chain of hills extending from Yllästunturi (740m/2,428ft) in the south to Ounastunturi (738m/2,421ft) in the north. With their treeless slopes, they are one of Finland's most popular skiing areas. The highest point is Taivaskero (821m/2,694ft); to the northwest is Laukukero (777m/2,549ft), to the east Pallaskero (646m/2,120ft).From Muonio, a trim village at the junction of the Jerisjoki with the Muonionjoki, Road 79 runs east to Rovaniemi. 7km/4.5mi along this road, on the right, is Olostunturi (509m/1,670ft; skiing pistes), with a footpath running up to the top. 5km/3mi beyond this, at Särkijärvi, take a road on the left which climbs through beautiful hill scenery; then at a junction 15km/9mi farther on, where a road goes off on the right to Pallasjärvi, turn left into a road which climbs in 7km/4.5mi to the Pallastunturi Turisthotel, at the foot of Taivaskero (good skiing area; lift). Adjoining the hotel is the National Park information center. Here the midnight sun is visible from May 27 to July 16.

Levi is a popular ski resort featuring 45 runs catering to all levels of skiers. In addition to downhill runs the ski hill also offers cross country skiing areas. There are several hotels and apartments offering onsite accommodation, as well as restaurants, spa, sports center, and much more. Due to the northern latitude Levi offers a long ski season often opening in October and running as late as June.

This music festival began in Oulainen, in 1986 and is held annually for two weeks in late October and early November.The concerts range from folk music to classical to religious.

Lapua hosts an annual folk festival that brings together folk musicians, singers and dancers for a weekend packed with entertainment in mid-July.

Kaustinen hosts the annual Folk Music festival. This is a highly-acclaimed annual week-long festival that includes folk dancing, singing and music. Expositions are also held as part of the festival, which takes place each year in July.

From Raasepori Castle various country roads lead to the town of Karjaa (Swedish Karis), on Road 53, which has a large church of undressed stone with 15th century wall and ceiling paintings.Karjaa also hosts the annual multicultural Faces Etnofestival in early August featuring arts, dance performances and international music.

This annual festival varies in dates each year.Events include folk dancing and singing.

The Ilmajoki Music Festival is considered one of the biggest international festivals hosted by Finland.The festival was first organized in 1974, and has become famous for its folk operas. Also featured are traditional concerts and art exhibitions.

Ikaalinen has a spa that dates back over 100 years and it is a popular tourist resort town. Visitors come to enjoy the spa, folk music and the beautiful landscape. Accordion music is a tradition in Ikaalinen.The annual festival celebrates Finland's national instrument, the accordion. The festival runs for 10 days in mid-June, drawing almost 50,000 visitors to Ikaalinen every summer. The festival is celebrated in the local parks and old wooden houses, featuring both local musicians and internationally-acclaimed musicians.The repertoire ranges from traditional Finnish accordion music to folk, polka and light music.The festival ends with a competition.

20km/12.5mi from Riihimäki, on the Salpausselkä ridge, is Hyvinkää (pop. 38,000), an old railroad town, with an interesting railroad museum. In the old cemetery are the graves of some 500 railroad workers. Near the station is a monument by Wäinö Aaltonen, "The Railroad Builders" (1957).An item of special interest in the railroad museum is the private train of the Czar of Russia.Hyvinkää is noted for its two golf courses that attract numerous Scandinavian golf enthusiasts. Each summer the town hosts a summer festival that features rock bands and over 10,000 visitors.