In 1714 the stone fortress Olavinlinna in Finland was surrounded by the Russian enemy. Inside the Swedish garrison was starving. Their hungry horses screamed in pain. It was a critical situation. Suddenly the horses stopped screaming and silence fall. The soldiers felt relieved for a while until the know what`s happened: the horses had been slaughtered for food, but it was more to come. Today Olavinlinna is one of Finland`s biggest tourist attractions, and the site is used for the annual opera festival.

The green belt is a result of an established cooperation between Finland and Russia in order to preserve nature reserves. Many parts of this green belt consist of unspoilt natural forests and marshes, where bears, wolves, wild forest reindeer and other rare animals still roam undisturbed.

In the Destination of Excellence in Finland (DEEF) competition, Wild Taiga has been selected as Finland`s emerging tourist destination 2008, highlighting the local culture and way of life. In this region there are great opportunities for observation of bears, uncommon species of birds, rare mammals like flying squirrel or carnivores like wolverines.

A cottage by a lake, totally silence, a hot sauna and cold beer, is just what you need to reload your batteries and heal your soul. I found myself deep in the ancient forest in northern Finland. As Lonely Plane`t describe Finland on its website; the country offers natural beauty, lots of elbow room and the fine art of the sauna. By the sunset I soaked up the magical atmosphere in the largest unspoilt wilderness in Europe.

Guided by mysterious figures in the forest, I found my way to the reconstructed Stone Age village in Kierikki Stone Age Centre, Yli-Ii, in Finland. Here I got a fascinated insight in the Stone Age life. People who lived at that time used symbols and rituals to strengthen their existence. They were also in contact with forest spirits. Something for the X-files?

Especially Merry Christmas to people with genuine passion for travelling. It's time to spread joy and bring smiles to faces! Whether people believe in Santa Claus or not, they continue their traditional Christmas celebration. People wait for the arrival of Santa Claus on Christmas Eve. He is the world`s best traveller and the most popular person!

I dream about White Christmas song Bing Crosby for over 60 years ago. This dream can be mostly realized in the wilderness in Rovaniemi in Finland. It`s especially fun to drive reindeers. And even more: here it’s great opportunities for a wide range of winter activities. So take your time!

The opening celebrations of the Christmas Season are taking place at the Santa Claus' Village in Rovaniemi Saturday 24th November 2007. In Santa Claus’ Village you can meet Santa Claus and cross the Arctic Circle all year round. The mysterious place Korvatunturi in Finnish Lapland is where Santa Claus lives with his helpers, the elves. For a long time ago he decided to meet people whole the year around.

Into the deep pine forest in almost nowhere, I and my guide finally reached the circled shaped Stone Age ruin of Kastelli at Pattijoki in Finland! It`s located around 80 kilometres north for the city Oulu. On a small long rigde we could observe a huge circle shape constructed of small stones. Around in the area there were fireplaces, big holes for storage of food and remains of a small village.

Kierikki in northern Finland is one of the most important archaeological exploratory areas in the country. Excavations started in 1960 and they are still going on the area. The reconstructed Stone Age village in Kierikki Stone Age Centre, Yli-Ii, in Finland.

At the Kierikki Stone Age Centre, I really was really amazed to find boomerangs displayed in a museum. This centre is located in Yli-Ii, Finland, and tells about Finnish Stone Age life. Since I mostly associate boomerangs with the Australian Aborigines, I didn’t expect to find boomerangs here, but it made me aware of that boomerangs and other similar items have been used many places around the world.

Finland has many great wonders for unique adventures. Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live with today, and what we pass on to future generations. Our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration, according to The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, UNESCO.

In Finland it isn't a better way to solve problems and conflicts than in a hot sauna. The Finnish European Union Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn's recently suggested that Turkey and Greek should be brought together for peace talk in a sauna. It's also a place where people do business and make friendship. As the Indians in northern America smoke peace pipe, the Finns make peace in saunas. It's their way of life.

Wether is summer or winter, the Finns like it hot. Sauna is thought to be beneficial physically for many reasons, such as increased blood circulation, flushing of impurities by sweating, raised pulse and metabolic rate. But it is also considered to have a number of emotional benefits as well, partly because of its ritual social aspect, especially when it comes to nudity. Most political issues are also solved in sauna. For the Finns the sauna is the most important place to meet and discuss things that`s really matters.

Eager tourists who would like to visit Santa Claus! The Santa Claus Air Plains to Rovaniemi, Lapland, in Soumi - Finland, has become a big business. Norwegian media report about heavy traffic in the air across Norway. 90 % of the tourists who across Norway on their way to Rovaniemi are British.