Finland is a North European country which is located between the sixtieth and seventieth parallel, bordered by Norway, Sweden and Russia. It is also very close to Estonia. The Great Outdoors and nature are the main features of this area. Winters are lengthy and cold. Snow is usually present from October to late March in Lapland. Summers are hot with temperatures that can range from 15 to 30 ° C from north to south.
Finland has thousands of Lakes. Over 180,000 lakes of glacial origin, often inter-connected. Boreal forests shelter an incredible variety of Arctic flora and fauna protected by numerous parks and nature reserves such as Kolovesi, Linnansaari and Koli National Park.
Finland has 1126km of coastline on the Baltic Sea and attracts sailors and hikers from around the world. The sea is dotted with thousands of islands as plentiful as the lakes, like the Aland archipelago in the southwest coast, consisting of about 6,500 islands. It is on the brink of one of the entrances to the port of Stockholm. Navigation in these waters is spectacular, villages and towns along the coast offer hospitality, art, culture and fine cuisine. There are excellent marinas and ports at Ytternäs, Hanko, Rauma, Loviisa, Pietaraari and Mariehamn.
Further east, between the capital city of Helsinki and Turku, Taalintehdas offers one of the most stunning areas of the Baltic Sea. Taalintehdas is rich in natural harbours and dotted by hundreds of islands. Assorted Holiday homes have been built due to the extraordinary beauty of this region. The sailing conditions are best from May to September. The city comes alive with markets, tourist attractions and cultural events such as the Baltic Jazz Festival which is held every year at the old coal furnace. Finland is the ideal destination for those who appreciate sailing as a way of Life.
