Finland is a land of 200,000 lakes, and that doesn’t even include the small ones! Its landscape is wonderful in summertime, covered with thick pine forests, rolling hills and endless coastal inlets. Winter is just as much fun with festive Christmas celebrations, dog sledding and endless winter sports. Then again, you should expect no less from the land that is said to be the home of Santa Claus.
Called the Daughter of the Baltic, Helsinki is a gracious city by the sea, comprised of pastel-hued buildings accented by lush parks and spacious boulevards. In this city, you can enjoy nature all year round. During the summer, lay out on Hietaniemi Beach. In winter, go for walks on the frozen sea. All year round, enjoy extraordinary hiking in the wilderness of Nuuksio National Park and the Helsinki Zoo, located on its own island of Korkeasaari. For something more man-made, visit the stunning and popular Temppeliaukion Church, a famous avant-garde building carved into the Helsinki bedrock.
Finland as a vacation destination for gay and lesbian vacationers:
Anti-gay discrimination is against the law in Finland, while registered partnership is legal. This means an open-minded environment where gays and lesbians can feel comfortable and flourish, particularly in the large cities and among young people. In practically every Finnish city, you can find an active LGBT organization.
Gay hangouts in Helsinki are fun, wild and completely tolerant – so much so that many heterosexuals often stop by and join the party. With this city’s close proximity to Stockholm and Tallinn, gay life in Helsinki is truly international and vibrant.
