Santa Claus or "joulupukki" is probably Finland's most well-known fairy-tale character. Legend has it that Santa and his team of elves live and work on "Korvatunturi" or Ear Mountain in Finnish Lapland. (Finnish Tourist Board/Pekka Luukkola)
The Helsinki Cathedral, designed by Carl Ludvig Engel, was built in the 19th century and is unquestionably one of the national treasures of Finland. (Finnish Tourist Board)
In autumn, the whole of Lapland turns into a magnificent show of colours and visitors from all around the world travel to Finland to admire the spectacular scenery. (Finnish Tourist Board)
Beautiful marshlands and riverside meadows in the north of Finland are home to a diverse and abundant fauna and flora. (Finnish Tourist Board/Jorma Luhta)
In winter, icebreakers open routes for Finnish merchant ships and in the summer, they are rented for other tasks, for example, to assist in the arctic oil fields. (Finnish Tourist Board)
Finnish rail offers InterCity and express trains country-wide and uses trains such as the "Pendolino", adapted to the cold climatic conditions. (Finnish Tourist Board)
Winter conditions pose great demands on merchant ships and in turn, on maritime nature. All the Baltic Sea States need to co-operate closely to protect the environment. (Finnish Tourist Board)
Aurora Borealis, the Northern Lights, can be seen on winter evenings in Finnish Lapland. The auroral displays can also be seen in the southern parts of Finland, but occur less frequently. (Finnish Tourist Board)
As a result of global warming, people now engage in traditional winter sports only a few times a year in the southern parts of Finland. (Finnish Tourist Board)
Finnish citizens enjoy public right of access and are free to go and pick berries and mushrooms and wander in the beautiful countryside. (Finnish Tourist Board/Merja Otronen)
Hikers in Finland's great outdoors are able to enjoy an abundance of unspoilt surroundings and pristine rivers and lakes. Water legislation ensures that the water in Finland's lakes is suitable for drinking. (Finnish Tourist Board)
The number of snowmobiles is growing year after year in northern Finland. Snowmobiles are a useful means of transport for reindeer herders, professional fishermen, game wardens and for many leisure activities. (Finnish Tourist Board)
Reindeer and their herdsman in Savukoski, Eastern Lapland. Reindeer husbandry, a traditional source of income, is still a way of life in this region. (Finnish Tourist Board/Antti Saraja)
The pristine lakes and rivers of central and eastern Finland are ideal for canoeists and fishermen. The cleanliness of the environment is taken care of through well-implemented efficient water legislation. (Finnish Tourist Board)
Berry picking is an autumn hobby for many Finns and can also be a source of income. An estimated 50 million kilos of forest berries are picked annually, a third of which are sold. (Finnish Tourist Board)
Finlandia Hall, designed by architect Alvar Aalto, was the venue for the first Conference for Security and Co-operation in Europe. (Finnish Tourist Board)