The first thoughts that arise when mentioning Finland are a calm winter landscape, silence, the wind somewhere in the tops of trees, a hot sauna and heart-to-heart talks. Immediately there is some peace.
Finland is a country of mild, but rather cold winters and warm summers. It would seem that it is partially beyond the Arctic Circle, how can this be? What affects the climate of these lands?
A brief list of the country's climate
Despite the fact that Finland is located in the north, its territory is much warmer than in other countries of the same geographical zone. For residents of the more northern regions there will be at all like in Africa.
The climate of Finland will please any tourist, because in summer the temperature is on average from thirteen to twenty-two degrees Celsius; and in winter - only from -8 ° C to -3 ° C.
As a result, the average annual temperature calculated for the capital (Helsinki) is only 5.3 degrees.
But it is possible that you can catch thirty-degree heat or twenty-five degrees of frost in the corresponding season. July is the warmest month of the year, February is the coldest. The amount of precipitation (annual average) is within 690 mm, and beyond the Arctic Circle - 400-450 mm. Snow falls from four months (in the south of the country) to seven or more (in Lapland).
Why is it so warm here?
Finland is under the influence of oceanic winds, but the Atlantic has a predominantly warm effect on it. Yes, it is the North Atlantic Current, which, judging by the name, should have been cold, is actually one of the most powerful warm on the planet, a continuation of the Gulf Stream.
This current influences not only nearby territories; it is believed (and is) that it actually affects the climate of all of Europe. And Finland was one of the first to fall under it.
The type of climate is called moderate. The western winds that prevail on its territory constantly bring cyclones with them; the country has a place for both the sun and beautiful winter landscapes.
What attracts tourists to the north of Europe?
Finland is a place where you will have a wonderful wellness stay in Finnish saunas, built according to old traditions and rules, the procedure in them resembles a special ritual. You can visit a friend (if you have one) who will soar you in his personal sauna, or go to one of the full-fledged SPA centers located among the noble forests, where the air is directly saturated with health, freshness and peace. Health resort in the north - this is exactly what Finland is.
Many spa centers have their own specialization. In one, you can simply relax while undergoing light health-improving events, or you can purposefully go to a health resort to carry out preventive or supportive procedures for certain diseases.
In addition, there are 39 protected areas - parks, where it is forbidden to carry out any work that could entail a change in environmental conditions. Their existence has a radically opposite goal - to preserve the climate of Finland in its natural form, those features of the relief, vegetation and other things that mother nature gave to the Finnish lands, as well as maintaining them in an ecologically clean state. Many countries need to take an example: unity with nature, drawing vitality from it, and at the same time sincere concern for the environment.
Peat baths
In addition to the traditional sauna, which, by the way, is quite different from the domestic steam room, you can also try peat baths. The climate of Finland in the south will allow you to take them right on the street, and one hundred percent natural and natural, right in the swamp. Do not be surprised, because so you will see that the product is in the ground, and no one has mixed anything in there to achieve a certain effect. Only natural substances, useful properties, and the process itself is real extreme and adrenaline.
It is recommended to go here in winter in order to experience the whole atmosphere and climate of Finland. And the rest at any time of the year you will be met by the hospitable owners of spa centers, other delights will be waiting for you, for example, fishing on ice (both for amateurs and professionals).