Finland

Located in Northern Europe, Finland is a land of stunning natural beauty, characterized by its thousands of lakes, vast forests, and pristine wilderness, earning it the nickname “Land of a Thousand Lakes”; it shares borders with Sweden, Norway, and Russia, and its northernmost region extends into the Arctic Circle, home to the magical phenomena of the Midnight Sun and the Northern Lights; culturally, Finland is renowned for its unique blend of traditional and modern influences, from the centuries-old sauna tradition to its cutting-edge design and architecture epitomized by icons like Alvar Aalto and the world-famous Marimekko; the country boasts one of the world’s best education systems, a high standard of living, and a strong commitment to sustainability and innovation, supported by a stable democracy and robust welfare state; Helsinki, its vibrant capital, combines Nordic charm with contemporary culture, while smaller towns and rural areas offer a tranquil escape into nature; Finland’s rich history, reflected in its Sami heritage and its struggle for independence from Sweden and Russia, is matched by its forward-looking mindset, making it a global leader in technology, clean energy, and quality of life. Here are some of the photos I captured during my visits. Enjoy your virtual tour!

Hesburger

Hesburger

Familiar logo in Helsinki : the red H of Hesburger. Hesburger is a prominent Finnish fast-food chain specializing in hamburgers and related fare. Founded in 1980 by Heikki Salmela in Turku, Finland, it has grown into the largest hamburger restaurant chain in Finland and the Baltic states, surpassing even global competitors like McDonald’s in these…