Åland, Finland -While I have been busy writing, my intrepid research assistants have also been hard at work. They have been investigating family fun in Åland. More specifically, they can now report on Åland’s best mini-golf, water park and amusement…
Åland, Finland – We had an amazing day with our “Finnish cousins”, taking in all the Åland highlights, including Kastelholm & Bomarsund. Our first stop was the 14th-century Kastelholm castle. The second stop on Åland was the picturesque Jan Karlsgården…
Åland, Finland – We are bound for the Åland islands — the Finnish-owned, Swedish-speaking, autonomous archipelago in the Gulf of Bothnia. Google it.
Bengtskär Lighthouse, the tallest lighthouse in Scandinavia, the gateway to the Archipelago Sea. We made the 25km journey from Hanko to admire this beaut and climb to the top. The 360-degree view from the top is worth the climb. And…
Kotka, Finland – Some of the few artifacts excavated from the Vrouw Maria shipwreck (subject of our next book!). These are on display at Vellamo Maritime Center. This is our second visit to the Maritime Museum of Finland — and…
Kotka, Finland – Langinkoski Lodge was once the imperial fishing lodge of Tsar Alexander III. Very modest, by tsarist standards, but I’d take it.
Raseborg, Finland – We had a blast exploring the 15th-century Raseborg castle.
Kirkkonummi, Finland – For the first time, we celebrated the summer solstice, aka Midsummer in Finland. To our credit, this holiday in Finland looks very similar to the Midsummer feast we have when we’re home. Hyvää Juhannusta!
Hanko, Finland – We stopped at the Hanko Front Museum for a history lesson. The Hanko peninsula was the focus of the Continuation War between USSR and Finland in 1941-44. The museum is an excellent introduction to the conflict. Would-be…
Porvoo, Finland – Old Town in delightful Porvoo, aka Vanha Porvoo. The Finnish national poet, Johan Runeberg, is from Porvoo. Signs all over town commemorate this fact, including this one.