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)
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)
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)