Tampere is the third-largest city in Finland and is one of its most popular tourist attractions. Lying between the Nasijarvi and Phyajarvi lakes, it is home to the Sarkanniemi amusement park, the fascinating Lenin Museum and an annual international film festival. The most stunning part of the Lakeland is the area around Savonlinna. Explore its scenic islands, peninsulas and bays and check out the Linnansaari National Park. Consisting of Lake Haukivesi and 130 uninhabited islands, the park s main attraction is the island of Linnansaari itself which offers interesting walking trails and a museum of natural history.
Many rare birds make their home here.
The Kolovesi National Park is also well worth a visit, encompassing cool pine forests, spectacular cliffs and caves complete with prehistoric paintings. Head for the town of Jyvaskyla, north of Tampere. The town is renowned for its architecture with many of its buildings having been designed by Alvar Aalto. There is also a museum in the town dedicated to Finland s most famous architect. Jyvaskyla is also a great base from which to enjoy a cruise.