Where to go in January

FINLAND IN JANUARY - CELEBRATION CONTINUES In January, New Year and Christmas holidays will inevitably come to an end, but a little longer so eager to extend the celebratory mood. So on! For example, going on a visit to the very real Santa Claus in his village above the Arctic Circle. And by the way look at the oldest city in Finland, which at the time of Christmas and New Year holidays coming under control of the gray-bearded wizard, and behold the wonder of wonders - the northern lights. Rovaniemi, Santa Claus Village on the childish question, where is Santa Claus lives, most often the answer: in the north, in Lapland. But it really is. Far to the north beyond the Arctic Circle, is the northernmost region of Finland - Lapland. In the main city of Lapland, Rovaniemi is the official residence of Santa Claus, whom we call Santa Claus, and the Finns call Joulupukki. And in some eight kilometers from Rovaniemi, at the foot of the mountain Korvatunturi, housed, and the real Santa Claus Village, where he lived Mr. Claus and his loyal helpers elves. Incidentally, the aforementioned Hill is credited with the unique properties - its unusual form of the peak resembles an ear, thanks to which, according to legend, Santa Claus hears the secret desires of all the guys in the world and tries to best of their ability to fulfill them. Santa Claus Village History of Santa Claus begins in Finland in 1920, when the first gray-bearded wizard appeared in the life of Finnish children. Somewhere in the 1950's started to go and see Santa Claus in Rovaniemi during the Christmas holidays with gifts and greetings to local kids of all ages. By the end of 1980 he had already spent so much time in the capital of Lapland, he decided to settle nearby. And there was Santa Claus Village. Today it is the most popular tourist place in Finland. It is said that Santa Claus is said to most popular languages ??in the world, including some in Russian. In the evening the village and did seem magical Santa Claus Village - is a real amusement park, the world of children's fantasies. Inside the underground ice caves all year, tirelessly working elves, preparing for next Christmas. And those who come to visit Santa Claus, may choose to participate in this training - to bake and decorate cakes for Christmas gingerbread kitchen, learn Elvish craft at the School of the Elves, or learn how to make Christmas decorations and gifts in the workshop of elves. However, not free: the entrance to the magic shop will cost 20 euros for children and 25 adults. Santa's helpers for the work of a nearby village there is a special deer park. Well what Santa can do without his reindeer sled? The deer should always be handy if you suddenly meet Santa to travel outside his residence to congratulate someone on holidays. Deer Park Santa Claus Village is small, but all you need is here. First, the Santa Claus Post Office, where should certainly send friends and acquaintances a few postcards with a special hallmark of Santa Claus. Secondly, a variety of souvenir shops and small shops with pretty trinkets and gifts. Finally, the Office of Santa Claus. It was there that most likely meet Mr Claus himself, if he is, of course, will not need at this time absent himself somewhere on business. And do not forget to take some pictures - after all, how many of your friends can be proud of themselves with images of Santa Claus in his village above the Arctic Circle? One of the many small shops with gifts and souvenirs of the way, you know, that connects the old man of Finnish Youlopukki and one of the most famous American presidents FD Roosevelt? At the time, U.S. First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt became the first official tourist residence of Santa Claus in Finland. And to this day not far from the Mail Santa Claus can be seen the so-called Roosevelt's Cabin, one of the local attractions. Lapland Lapland - while the largest, the northern and sparsely populated province of Finland. The only city more or less decent size in Lapland - Rovaniemi, who is also the capital of the province. It was there and stopped most of the tourists who come to Lapland. During the Christmas holidays Rovaniemi looks unusually colorful Lapland is unique, its nature and animal world are varied and surprising. That is why the popularity of Lapland with tourists is high, despite the rather harsh conditions of life in this northern edge. Here are the largest national parks in Finland. Of the best known - the National Park Oulanka with its famous pedestrian route under the name Bear trail, the largest of all national park Lemmenyoki, known for its deposits of gold ore, finally, the most popular national park in Lapland Pallas Yullyastunturi. In the winter here to go best, since the park is almost five hundred kilometers of ski slopes and hiking trails on foot. Park Pallas Yullyastunturi often referred to as the traditional birthplace of tourism in Finland, it is here in 30 years of the last century has been traced in the first tourist route. Incidentally, it was in January in Lapland has a peak winter tourist season. The National Park Urho Kekkonen, but the most striking spectacle, and the main aim of those who come to Lapland in winter - Northern Lights, the natural phenomenon, which in Finland called Aurora Borealis. Although Finland is often called the Land of Northern Lights, it is best to observe this unique phenomenon on the north, in Lapland, which is almost entirely within the Arctic Circle. In the midst of winter, in January, when the sun rarely shows its edge over the horizon, but most of the time reigns impenetrable night, you can enjoy the extraordinary beauty and spectacular natural show. Northern Lights in Lapland - hard to imagine a more exciting spectacle! Lapland is full of life, there is found a lot of wild animals and hundreds of species of birds. And as much as reindeer in Lapland! Reindeer herding - the most popular activity in the indigenous inhabitants of these places, the Sami people, which is not surprising - the expanses of snow it's best to move on reindeer. Do not miss the opportunity to ride in this exotic transport, if you compile a vacation in Finland in January. And always ride in a sleigh, dog sledding, snowmobiling and snowshoeing try in action. Turku, Turku (in Finnish) or Abo (in Swedish), is located in the southwestern part of Finland at the mouth of the river Aurajoki. This is the third largest city in Finland, after the capital Helsinki and Tampere. Since its founding in the early XIII century Turku has passed a long way. Quite a long time, he played a major role in the country, but in 1812 the capital by decree of the Russian emperor moved to Helsinki. Nevertheless, the inhabitants of Turku are incredibly proud of their city and consider it as almost the only real capital of Finland, of all times. They like to emphasize the fact that at the time when the Turks were already at the peak of his power, Helsinki was merely a fishing village with half a dozen dilapidated huts. Today Turku copes well with the role of the most popular tourist cities in Finland. For many travelers in Turku Finland - Key to the Finnish temperament, Finnish culture and history. The oldest city in Finland Turku Turku is often compared with Rome, because, like the "eternal city, Turku is situated on seven hills. Of course, the former Finnish capital is not as old as Rome, but it is still officially the oldest city in Finland. And he looks very old, has seen and survived many. And this despite the fact that there remained little authentic historical buildings - in 1827 in the town ablaze unprecedented for these places fire, which burned during the three-quarters of the old city buildings. Quay Turku The most conspicuous and representative buildings of Turku, who simply can not visit - a majestic cathedral of Turku, dear to every Finn, and was built in 1280 Turku Castle, the largest surviving medieval castles in Scandinavia. Both of them are now museums with lots of artifacts from the medieval past in Finland. Cathedral of Turku in Turku in 2011 was elected Cultural Capital of Europe, that promises unusually rich cultural life and many outstanding events: concerts by the river, colorful installations, fireworks, a variety of exhibitions. And the center of all this cultural diversity is officially Exhibition Center "ravine", a former repair shop in the old shipbuilding town. It was here and be carried out most of the events. Finally, Turku - it is also the Christmas capital of Finland. Every year a few weeks (the first day of Advent and until January 10) manages the town of Santa Claus. He holds festivals and celebrations, and personally take part in them, besides publishing its annual Christmas return. All this gives Turku, and the whole of Finland in January, a special charm and attractiveness. See also other materials on options for travel: How to rest in January as the rest in February as to rest in March as the rest of April as a rest break in May as in June, How to rest in July, How to relax in August as the rest of September as a break in October as rest in November as the rest in December Where to go in February