Archive for the ‘Scandinavia’ Category

Finland celebrates the 160th Year of its National Epic, The Kalevala, with Art Exhibits and More

The Finnish national epic, the Kalevala, the inspiration for J.R.R. Tolkien’s “Lord of the Rings,” celebrates its 160th year in 2009. The book, whose hero causes his rival to sink in a bog by shamanistic singing, has been translated into 60 languages.

July 9, 2009   Posted in: Scandinavia

Finland has Sumer Fun for Families – Amusement Parks, Aquariums, Festivals and Excursions

Finland thrives in the summer as the days get light and long. Several theme parks and zoos open their gates, and there are festivals of song, dance and theater to keep the whole family entertained. And in a land of thousands of lakes and a beautiful seacoast with many islands, a summer cruise is a [...]

June 9, 2009   Posted in: Scandinavia

Premier of the BearCam, New High-Speed Helsinki-St. Petersburg Train,Alvar Aalto House Anniversary and Fishing Tours!

World premiere: BearCam featuring the brown bear, www.wbb.fi, streams live video from 6pm-6am from the taiga forests in Eastern Finland. Finnish online service BearCam allows you to admire Europe’s greatest carnivores, the brown bears, as they awaken from winter hibernation.

June 1, 2009   Posted in: Scandinavia

2009 Finland Summer Events – Music Festivals Galore!

Along with the “white nights” of the Finnish Summer come unique and exciting summer festivals. The following are just a few highlights of many: 

June 1, 2009   Posted in: Scandinavia

In Sweden, tourism withstands economic crisis

It’s not all bad for Sweden in the global recession-at least if you’re in the tourism business. New survey data shows that more than 80% of companies in the tourism industry are not laying anyone off, and many of them are even hiring. And half of the companies surveyed say they plan on making new investments [...]

May 21, 2009   Posted in: Scandinavia

Finland as the World Center of Weird Events

Finland is the world centre of weird competitions and events. From anthill sitting to wife carrying competitions – the Fins have it all. Perhaps watching is better than participating in some of the contests.

May 12, 2009   Posted in: Scandinavia

Finland’s Leading Restaurant Trade Magazine, Viisi Tähteä, Announces 2009 List Of “50 Best Restaurants In Finland”

Helsinki, FINLAND (April, 2009) – Viisi Tähteä (“Five Stars”), a leading restaurant trade publication in Finland, has announced their 2009 list of “50 Best Restaurants in Finland,” with the award-winning Chez Dominique leading the way for the fifth straight year (they also appeared on Restaurant Magazine’s highly regarded “World’s 50 Best Restaurants” list in 2008).

April 21, 2009   Posted in: Scandinavia

Gothenburg, Sweden Hosts One of Europe’s Top Urban Festivals

April 20, 2009 – New York, NY Started in 2007, Sweden’s Way Out West music festival has already earned its place as one of the 20 best festivals in Europe. Tickets for the August festival are now on sale and this year’s program, which takes place in Gothenburg, the “getaway capital” of Europe, will boast [...]

April 20, 2009   Posted in: Scandinavia

Easter in Sweden

BY DR. ANTON ANDERSSEN, ETN SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT | APR 10, 2009 The word Easter probably originates from Ä’astre, the Norse goddess of dawn. In the Nordic countries, pre-Christian symbols such as eggs and hares are part of ancient Ä’astre festivals, which celebrate fertility. The hare is a symbol of Ä’astre because it re-emerges in the [...]

April 10, 2009   Posted in: Scandinavia

HELSINKI: CULTURAL GEM IN THE NORTH

One of the world's richest countries makes ground in the design league. Helsinki oozes with Russian influence and is full of monumental architecture.

March 4, 2009   Posted in: Scandinavia