Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Destinations in Finland 2019
The Arctic Museum Nanoq. Photo: Elisa Karhula
Photo: Elisa Karhula
Photo: Nicklas Storbjörk
come together to form the ideal destination for a day out. With over 30 kilometres of nature trails and a restaurant at the ready when hunger catches up with you, this is the place to enjoy a full day of summer activities.
Discover the Arctic life Hidden deep in the woods, there is a rare chance to learn more about the Arctic culture and customs. Nanoq Arctic museum was founded by an adventurous fireman, Pentti Kronqvist, who made numerous excursions to Svalbard, Greenland and Siberia, among other places, and brought home items gathered during his trips to the most rural parts of our northern hemisphere. Visit permanent and temporary exhibitions, listen to the experienced guides who will share exciting stories from various excursions, or wander around in the small village of houses all built in the exact
style to showcase precisely what the Arctic lifestyle looks like. “What Nanoq wants to show is how humans can live in harmony with nature, and demonstrate a path to a more sustainable way of living, taking advantage of what nature offers without destroying its ecology,” Lindroos says. Should you wish to have the full Finnish experience, there is also, of course, a smoke sauna available for pre-booking.
Enjoy the summer in full blossom Another top destination not to miss, according to Lindroos, is the Rosenlund rectory and botanical garden. Just a five-minute walk from the town centre, this is an oasis where you are welcome to relax in the blossoming haven of herbal plants and flowers, reconstructed in the original, symmetrical style from when it was built during the 18th century by par-
son Gabriel Aspegren. Stroll through the lush surroundings and get to know the history at the local museum; go on your own, or pre-book one of the drama tours, where you will be guided by staff in traditional attire from the foundational days of the rectory. The lunch restaurant is open all year round, providing a perfect spot to refuel on energy and sample plants and greens straight from the garden. Pietarsaari is a vivid region with 50,000 inhabitants and a town built firmly on the roots of its Finnish-Swedish heritage, shaped as much by history as by current times. With a fantastic musical scene and enthusiastic locals, expect music around every corner – from a small gig to a fullscale rock concert – convivial restaurants, events and a buzzing atmosphere, all served with a fresh, clean summer breeze transported directly from the wild nature of Finland.
Getting there: Flights depart daily from Helsinki to Kokkola-Pietarsaari airport. Trains leave from Helsinki-Vantaa airport to Pännäinen railway station.
Web: www.pietarsaari.fi Nanoq Arctic Museum: www.nanoq.fi Rosenlund Rectory and botanical garden: www.rosenlund.fi Instagram: @Visitjakobstad
Photo: Visit Pietarsaari
Issue 124 | May 2019 | 95