[custom_adv] Helsinki, Finland's capital, is located on a peninsula in the Gulf of Finland. It's a patchwork of colorful art-nouveau buildings, as well as museums, churches, and plenty of green space. [custom_adv] One of Helsinki's most recognizable landmarks is the Uspenski Cathedral, which was completed in 1868, and is the largest orthodox church in Western Europe. [custom_adv] The city is also known for Temppeliaukio Church (Rock Church), a domed structure that was built directly into a rock face. [custom_adv] Tourists often flock to Market Square, which sits along the water and is a popular place to shop for handmade souvenirs and local food. [custom_adv] If you're looking for a fancier dining experience, try Olo. The restaurant — located in a mansion that faces the harbor — has one Michelin star and is considered one of Helsinki's finest dining experiences. [custom_adv] Dating back to 1748, the sea fortress of Suomenlinna is part of Helsinki, and was originally built to protect the Kingdom of Sweden before it became Finnish property. [custom_adv] The fortress, which covers six islands, is now home to 850 people and is a popular tourist attraction. [custom_adv] If you love the outdoors, Nuuksio National Park is less than an hour away from Helsinki. The park is filled with hiking trails that look out onto serene lakes. [custom_adv] Finland is known for its wilderness — the country has a total of 40 national parks. Another popular one is Oulanka, which lies just outside of the resort town of Kuusamo. [custom_adv] Adventurous travelers should also stop by Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, where guests can stay in glass igloos and log cabins surrounded by breathtaking scenery. [custom_adv] The igloos are prime viewing spots for the Northern Lights. Other activities include hiking, fishing, mountain biking, and canoeing. [custom_adv] If winter wonderlands are your thing, you'll want to visit the SnowCastle in Kemi, a structure that's rebuilt every year in January. It's made entirely of snow and ice. [custom_adv] The castle is home to a hotel, chapel, and the world's largest snow restaurant. [custom_adv] Less than two hours by train from Kemi is Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland, Finland's northernmost region. Visitors can enjoy sleigh rides in the winter. [custom_adv] And because Lapland is located in the Arctic Circle, the area is also known for Santa Claus Village, a year-round amusement park. [custom_adv] If you're interested in Finland's history, be sure to spend some time at the Arktikum, a museum in Rovaniemi, which features a glass tunnel offering stunning views of the Ounasjoki River. [custom_adv] The town of Savolinna sits at the other end of the country and boasts the Olavinlinna Castle. It dates back to the 15th century and was built directly onto a rock in a lake. [custom_adv] Another one of Finland's must-see castles, Turku Castle (also known as Turun Linna), is the largest in the country and dates back to 1280. Visitors can tour both dungeons and stunning halls here.