Top Reasons to Go

East Meets West. Helsinki displays a provocative blend of Swedish and Russian influences. Admire the double-headed golden eagle symbolizing imperial Russia in the market square as well as the clean lines of the Scandinavian-designed wares in stores around it, and taste Russian-style Baltic Herring and the delicacies of a Swedish smorgasbord in the same meal.

Feel the Heat. Finns love their saunas. There are more than 2 million hot spots here, the majority in small cabins separate from their owners' summer cottages. The best are located at water's edge, ensuring a short commute from stifling heat to an invigorating dip in a lake or the Baltic.

A Mind for Design. In big-name stores like Marimekko and Iittala, as well as the boutique shops of the Design District in Helsinki and smaller towns and cities, you'll find housewares, furniture, clothing, and accessories of exceptional craftsmanship and style.