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Territory
Wonders of Finland
  Highlights
The landscape and art of this northern land are somewhat restrained, but nevertheless, Finland offers diverse and interesting landmarks. The most exciting wonders of Finland are archaeological and architectural monuments.
Map with the described wonders
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Top 25 wonders of Finland
Geological wonders
Björkö (Korsholm) moraine ridges
Ostrobothnia
An impressive landscape that formed 10,000 – 24,000 years ago by De Geere moraines formed by the melting of continental ice sheet. This area is experiencing one of the quickest uplifts in the world: 8 – 10 mm per year.
Paasselkä devils
Southern Savonia
Light phenomena occasionally appearing above Lake Paasselkä and areas near it, mentioned since the 18th century. Usually, it is a ball of light that sometimes behaves as if has its own will. Paasselkä lake has formed in a meteorite crater.
Ylämaa spectrolite
South Karelia
This area has the highest concentration of spectrolite – unique iridescent variety of labradorite feldspar.
Pihtsusköngäs
Lapland
The most powerful waterfall in Finland, height 17 m.
Julma Ă–lkky canyon lake
Northern Ostrobothnia
Impressive, narrow, more than 3 km long lake surrounded by up to 50 m (100 m?) high granite cliffs. Ancient paintings.
Lostenen
Ostrobothnia
Largest (at least – tallest) erratic boulder (piece of bedrock moved by glacier) in Finland, 16 m high.
Archaeological wonders
Wolf Cave of Vargberget (Susiluola)
Ostrobothnia
Large cavern in granite rocks, unique in Northern Europe as it shows that people lived here, in this cave before the last Ice Age, 120,000 years ago.
Sammallahdenmäki
Satakunta
Impressive Bronze Age burial site consisting of 36 granite cairns of different styles. Developed in 1,500 – 500 BC.
Shrine of Ukonsaari (Ă„ijih)
Lapland
Ancient sacred site of Saami people with Ukonkivi – sacrifice stone. Possibly used by Saami until the 19th century. Contains also sacrifice cave on the western side – a fragment of silver jewelry was found here.
Pattijoki Kastelli
Northern Ostrobothnia
Prehistoric structure that was built approximately 2000 BC. It represents a stone circle – 36 x 62 m large, 2 m high rampart with 6 gateways. There are more, although less impressive kastelli in Finland.
Architecture wonders
Olavinlinna
Southern Savonia
Impressive medieval castle from the 15th century, the northernmost medieval castle of the world still in use. Located on small granite island.
Turku Castle
Finland Proper
Largest surviving medieval castle in Finland and the oldest building in Finland still in use. Construction was started in 1280 by Swedes, mainly built in the 16th century.
Turku Cathedral
Finland Proper
National shrine of Finland, one of historically most important buildings in Finland. Consecrated in 1300, belongs to the brick Gothic style characteristic for Northern Europe of this time.
Old Rauma (Vanha Rauma)
Satakunta
Unique, well preserved complex of the 19th century historical wooden architecture complete with historical streets, typical for Northern Europe.
Espoo Cathedral
Uusimaa
Medieval stone church, the seat of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland. The oldest parts of the church are from 1480ies. Interior is adorned with frescoes from the 1510ies.
Old Porvoo
Eastern Uusimaa
Town has retained medieval street network and numerous old wooden buildings, including a group of unique storage houses.
Verla Groundwood and Board Mill
Kymenlaakso
Well preserved factory settlement from the 19th century. It formed around paper mill that was working on water power. The settlement was founded in 1872 and operated until 1964. Preserved technological equipment.
Helsinki Cathedral
Uusimaa
Imposing domed building in Neoclassical style, built in 1830 – 1852. One of symbols of Helsinki.
Temppeliaukio Kirkko
Uusimaa
Rock-cut church, made in 1969. Topped by unusual dome made of copper wire.
Kerimäki Church
Southern Savonia
Considered to be the largest wooden church in the world, built in 1844 – 1847, 37 m high, suited for 3,000 people.
Petäjävesi old church
Central Finland
A unique wooden church built in 1763 – 1765, clock tower in 1821. This is a very late example of Renaissance style with some influence of the Gothic style.
Paimio Sanatorium (Paimio Hospital)
Finland Proper
Great example of modernist architecture, built in 1929 – 1932, designed by Alvar Aalto. The interior and furniture was designed in harmony with the building.
Bengtskär
Finland Proper
52 metres high lighthouse that was built in 1906. This is a very impressive addition to the rocky landscape of this southernmost inhabited place in Finland.
Helsinki Central railway station
Uusimaa
Beautiful National Romanticism structure that was designed by Eliel Saarinen, built in 1909 – 1919.
Päijänne Water Tunnel
Uusimaa
World’s second-longest continuous rock tunnel after Delaware Aqueduct in the United States. The tunnel is 120 kilometers long, runs 30 – 100 m under the surface. The tunnel is large enough for a truck to go through. Provides freshwater to large cities of Southern Finland. Cosntructed in 1972 – 1982.
Recommended books
Insight Guides Finland
Whether it’s kayaking in the serene Lakeland, enjoying a cruise on the Baltic, or taking in the splendor of the Northern Lights in Lapland – Insight Guide Finland helps you get the best out of this outdoor paradise.
Rick Steves Snapshot St. Petersburg, Helsinki & Tallinn
In this compact guide, Rick Steves covers the essential spots of each city, including the Hermitage, the Church of the Spilled Blood, Linnanmäki (a classic amusement park), and Toompea Castle. Take a day trip to the Peterhof, stroll through Kaivopuisto Park, or visit the Kumu Art Museum. You’ll get Rick’s firsthand advice on the best sights, eating, sleeping, and nightlife, and the maps and self-guided tours will ensure you make the most of your experience.
