Finland has a proud history of ancient sauna traditions, unique Nordic cuisine and stunning arctic landscapes. While the country’s archaeological spoils date back to 8500 BCE – after the recession of the Ice Age – Finland has only been in its true, independent form since the aftermath of the 1917 Russian Revolution. So what better time to celebrate the proud nation than its centenary?
To celebrate, there’s a host of new events and attractions, such as the new luxurious Aurora View Suites at Hotel Iso Syöte in Helsinki. The unique boltholes offer stunning views of the sky to watch the stars and the Northern Lights as well as the vast forests and the beautiful lakes of Finnish Lapland. On the first floor the premium suites have a private sauna and a spacious seating area where two additional guests can be accommodated. There is a private balcony located on the second floor with an inviting Jacuzzi offering panoramic views of the Finnish landscape.
The year’s emphasis will be on nature, with Agriculture and Environment Minister Kimmo Tiilikainen nominating a brand new national park. Hossa in the Kainuu region of eastern Finland will become the latest addition to fold, spanning roughly 11,000 hectares and already part of the Natura 2000 network of nature conservation areas in the European Union. The heart of the park will be the 9,000-hectare Hossa camping area and the most notable natural attractions include the Julma-Ölky canyon lake and Stone Age rock art at Värikallio, estimated to be around 5,000 years old.
To get an even closer look, the country’s tourism board, Visit Finland, will be hosting four Nature Days throughout the year, the first of which will take place February 4, exploring various snowy wonderlands, before a spring tour on May 20 to witness the changing of the seasons. Couples may prefer the “romantic summer day” option on June 17, or simply want to celebrate “100 Days ‘til 100” on August 26, when even more festivities will pop up across the country. Events include; foraging tours for mushrooms and other wild foods, and extensive walking excursions organised in partnership with over 40 organisations from around Finland.
Another new property arriving for the centenary is Hotel St. George from Kämp Collection Hotels, due to open in September. It will be the brand’s 10th hotel in the region for the Helsinki-based group and one of the most spectacular in the portfolio, located centrally in the capital. The 10,000+ square-metre hotel will include 150 rooms, a spa with a swimming pool, a restaurant, cocktail bar and a winter garden in the inner courtyard. The building, originally designed by Onni Tarjanne, most famous for the Finnish National Theatre, dates back to the 1840s, with its most iconic section completed in 1890.