Ready to return home

As we left Helsinki once again to return home, we reflected on another stunning holiday in this land of beauty, peace and tranquility, cleanliness and above all, warmth. This was our 4th summer visit, and, added to my visit in February, in the depths of winter, it again highlighted all the things that we have come to love so much about Finland. 

It's such a fantastic holiday destination for a family, as it's so warm in July, so clean and so peaceful- once again we swam in crystal clear lakes teeming with fish, where no-one else could be found for miles around. But more than that, even in the capital of Helsinki, the people are so friendly and welcoming, if a little bemused about the attraction we have to their country. But when you compare it to the UK, which seems so crowded and hectic, and littered with untidiness, it's not difficult for us to yearn for another return to this hidden gem of a country in the north east of Europe.

The video above gives a rundown of the whole journey and our time in and around the Juva area. Watch, and fall in love with the beauty of the Finnish summer! The photos below are snapshots of each day there. Click to see them full-size. Enjoy!

Sandy and Olivia enjoy (along with their fish!) a last morning drink in Helsinki!

We love it here, and are already planning a return next year!

Heading out of Helsinki on the fantastic FinnLines service to Travemunde in Germany.

Relaxing! As usual the temperature is in the high 20s as we leave Finland for another year.

Bye Bye Finland!