Finland may not sound like the ideal tourist destination, but this fascinating northern country offers beauty, history and culture in its own unique style. On arrival at Helsinki Airport, many travelers now book cheap car hire in Finland to be able to explore its thousands of lakes, historic towns with old wooden houses and stunning coastlines.

A few days relaxing and sightseeing in Helsinki can be fun, as the city has many beautiful Art Nouveau buildings and two stunning cathedrals. The massive, gleaming white Helsinki Cathedral in Senate Square contrasts with the equally massive ornate red-brick Upenski Orthodox Cathedral. The City and National Museums guide visitors through thousands of years of Finnish history.

Although a comparatively small city, Helsinki has much to offer in both shopping and dining. Local crafts, glassware, textiles and woodcarvings make great gifts, and understanding Finnish cuisine is easy- just think like a Finn, all of whom have forest foods in their genes! Reindeer, wild duck, fresh fish and sauces made with forest berries all feature strongly.

Away from the capital, the rest of this intriguing land is easily accessed with car rental in Finland. Many towns take pride in their old wooden houses, including the picturesque old market town of Ikaalinen, set on a headland in lovely Lake Kirosjarvi. Porvoo is an ancient town on the banks of the Porvoonjoki River, with beautiful old homes and a 15th century cathedral.

Car hire in Finland can take you to the far north of the country, into the Arctic Circle with its tundra and stark landscapes covered in snow during the winter months. If the cold doesn’t suit, the idyllic protected town of Nurmes is located between two lakes, Pielinen and Nurmesjavi.