Finland

Finland is somewhat of a surprise. This northern country isn’t only about wide-open, forested lands and snow-covered ski slopes. While parts of the country are still wonderfully untouched and remote, the cities, such as the capital Helsinki, are hip and happening with museums, delicious restaurants and a buzzing nightlife. But if it is peace that you seek you will find it on the shores of the Lakes in Mikkeli and Lappeenranta or along the trails in the Lemmenjoki and Oulanka National Parks. Winter is a wide open wonderland with skiing, dog sledding, and the world’s biggest smoke sauna in Kuopio. Watching the aurora borealis completes this magical experience.