Finland

DVD. 7 Days. 52 Minutes. Finland is a land of a thousand lakes and eternal forests, a land of log cabins and Orthodox churches - a midsummer's dream in the extreme north of Europe. Helsinki, `The Daughter of the Baltic', `The Gibraltar of the North', a dividing line between east and west and a modern and liberal minded metropolis. Founded in 1550 by Swedish king, Gustav Vasa, as a trading centre, in 1812 Tsar Alexander The First made it the capital of the Principality Of Finland. Turku is the oldest city in Finland and is the country's first capital city from where Finnish culture was born. It is still evocative of the Middle Ages. The sea, a magnificent island landscape and picturesque timber houses are typical of one of the oldest cities in the Gulf Of Bothnia, Uusikaupunki. It was there in 1712 that a peace treaty was signed between Russia and Sweden and this small, quiet town has a long maritime history. Further north is a town of seafarers and traders, Kokkola, of which the old town boasts the largest number of timber built houses in Finland. The cleric, Anders Chydenius, once lived here and laid the foundation of Liberalism, the freedom of both religion and trade. Oulu is the flourishing centre of Northern Finland. Along with its many green areas this city by the sea comes alive during the spring and summer months.Despite the harsh climate, tropical plants are popular in the city. The hilly landscape of the spacious Pallas Ounastunturi National Park is located in the north west, close to the Swedish border. Yellow-green reindeer moss and dense layers of many other varieties grow on the seemingly endless hills of primeval stone and gneiss. The plant life of this region always surprises those who encounter it for the first time. Finland is a country that boasts more lakes than any other. It is full of picturesque, natural beauty, unique cultural treasures and historic locations:a tranquil paradise set in the extreme north.

DVD. Vista Point. 26 Minutes. Helsinki, the Daughter of the Baltic, the Gibraltar of the North, a dividing line between east and west and a modern and liberal minded metropolis. Founded in 1550 by Swedish king Gustav Vasa as a trading centre and in 1812 Tsar Alexander The First made it the capital of the Principality Of Finland. The Senaatinori is located in the centre of the city. The square is dominated by a monument and surrounded by a number of fine Neo-Classical buildings. Tsar Alexander The Second included public, ecclesiastical and academic buildings in the square including government offices, a cathedral and university. Uspenski Cathedral is situated at the city's southern harbour and is the largest Russian Orthodox church in both western and northern Europe. Built in 1868 according to traditional Russian design its exterior is of red brick and it is crowned by thirteen gilded domes. The Finlandia Talo is Helsinki's concert and congress centre, a work of art that encapsulates the building and design philosophy of Alvar Aalto, one of Finland's most prominent architects of the 20th century. The white-coloured opera house was completed in 1993. It was a daring project as the city's treasury was empty! But music reigned supreme and today the building is an important part of the city's cultural life. Helsinki is a captivating city and has rightly been declared Europe's capital of culture.

DVD. Nature Wonders. 10 Minutes. Situated in the extreme north of Finland, Lake Inari, otherwise known as Inarinj?rvi, is a captivating place. Between June and October, the lake is navigable by local water busses and during the rest of the year, it is covered by ice. Measuring around 1,400 square kilometres, the extensive Lake Inari is the third largest lake in Finland. Despite the remoteness of this region, it is believed that the surroundings of Lake Inari were inhabited more than 2,000 years ago by the S?mi people. In the past, the S?mi populated vast areas of northern Europe but in recent centuries, they were more and more repressed. Since then, and still inhabiting their original settlement areas, the S?mi have become a minority. However, Lake Inari has retained its cultural importance right up to the present day. Wolves, elks and brown bears roam the remote surroundings of Lake Inari. They usually live some distance away from human settlements and compared with other countries in Scandinavia, these animals are seen only rarely in Finland. Lake Inari is one of Finland's most idyllic regions. Its tranquil atmosphere and remoteness highlight the remarkable character of this wonderful area.

DVD. On Tour. 26 Minutes. Karelia, the most eastern province in Finland, fascinates with its vast, untouched, wild and romantic scenery.Yet this region has a lot more to offer as apart from the obvious allure of nature there are also many cultural treasures to be discovered. Despite its modern town centre the historic origins of Kajaani, a town with around 36,000 inhabitants, dates back to the 17th century.It is especially proud of its most famous poet, Elias L?nnrot, who in 1835 published the Finnish national classic, Kalevala.One of the most striking buildings in the town is the large and towering Neo-Gothic Kajaani Church that dates back to 1896. Soapstone is of great economic importance for the 7,000 inhabitants of Juuka.Due to its exceptional heat-retaining properties, soapstone is well suited for many practical uses such as floor heating, ovens and fireplaces.Indeed, several renowned Finnish architects have immortalized the soapstone in various contemporary buildings and have thus added to its popularity. The K?rim?en Kirkko, an amazing 19th century church in Kerim?ki, is the largest timber built church in the Christian world.This impressive church that took only three years to erect was built by the farmers of Kerim?ki and can accommodate a congregation of more than 5,000. With its maze-like dimensions that cover 4,300 square kilometres, Saimaa Lake is the fourth largest lake in Europe.Huge quantities of timber are slowly negotiated along the region's lakes and rivers as forestry has for many centuries been the region's sole means of existence. The unspoiled wilderness and natural beauty of the infinite lake land scenery of Karelia makes it a place of irresistible charm and magical allure!

DVD. Global Treasures. 10 Minutes. Situated in the small Finnish town of Kerim?ki is the Kerimaen Kirkko. Close to the fascinating lake district of the Savonlinna region the inhabitants of Kerim?ki wanted to have a church that was a little different. Forty five metres long and forty two metres wide, Kerim?ki Church is the largest timber built Christian church in the world. The building of the wooden church was the achievement of the entire church community as each member of the local neighbourhood took part in its construction. The wooden pews can seat a congregation of more than three thousand. In fact it has been known to accommodate up to five thousand! Along with the bell tower, the Kerim?en Kirkki creates a harmonious unity in a wonderful setting of trees and is justifiably Kerim?ki.'s most spoken about and fascinating landmark.

DVD. Vista Point. 26 Minutes. Finnish Lapland is a region of around ninety four thousand square kilometres covered by forests and marshland, similar to Swedish Lapland. The local inhabitants live in harmony with nature and the six thousand five hundred Sami people have managed to preserve their unique landscape right up until the present day. Rovaniemi is a modern and lively main town in northern Finland and the gateway to Lapland. The famous Arktikum Museum provides a comprehensive insight into life in the Artic Circle. Two large rivers, the Ounasjoki and the Kemijoki, meet in Rovaniemi from were lumberjacks and gold prospectors once embarked upon their pioneering adventures. Today the city is a centre of tourism. Pajakyla is the home of Santa Claus and is open throughout the year. In the Arctic Circle eight kilometres north of the city is a special attraction that attracts six hundred thousand visitors each year: several tiny log cabins contain Santa's work rooms and a number of his helpers in traditional Lap costume offer a variety of colourful arts and crafts. In Lapland each season of the year has a special charm. The summer months are warm, in autumn the leaves shine out in golden yellow and in winter the landscape is covered with snow and ice. The hilly landscape of the large Pallas Ounastunturi National Park is located in the north west, close to the Swedish border and its treeless slopes make it one of the most popular winter ski resorts in Finland. Lapland is a land of countless myths and legends where remoteness, adventure and romance have managed to survive and where the power of nature is still very much alive.

DVD. On Tour. 26 Minutes. In summer Lapland's exceptional flora is in full bloom with little hint at its close proximity to the Polar Circle and many who travel there are attracted by the long and virtually traffic-free roads that lead through its vast wilderness. Due to its exceptional range of winter sports activities the small holiday resort of Sirkka has become extremely popular in the winter months yet in summer its large empty spaces and vacated houses are like a beautiful ghost town. Extending for almost 3,000 square kilometres the Lemmenjoki National Park is the largest nature reserve in Finland and also one of the largest uninhabited forest areas in Europe. Close to Lake Ravadasj?rvi foaming white water shoots down the Ravadask?ng?s, an impressive waterfall situated at the confluence of the Lemmenjoki and Ravadasjoki Rivers in a readily accessible section of the park. 2,6003 kilometres divide the Polar Circle from the North Pole but another legendary location that attracts people from all over the world is close by: the Santa Claus Village just outside Rovaniemi enchants both young and old alike. The Santa Claus of today owes his appearance mainly to North American literature and illustrations and over the course of time more and more imaginary details have been added to his `hectic' way of life. In the 1920's Finland's newspapers wrote that Santa Claus's home should be in Lapland as the North Pole was much too cold for his reindeer. The journey across Lapland, the legendary Land Of The Midnight Sun, confirms that the extreme north of Finland is truly one of the most unspoiled natural landscapes in the world.

DVD. Nature Wonders. 10 Minutes. Lemmenjoki is one of the most famous rivers in Finland. It rose to fame at the beginning of the 20th century, not because of its natural beauty, but due to a spectacular discovery of gold. Since then, the magnificent splendor of the vegetation, as well as natural wilderness, have become the real treasures of this fascinating region. Covering a total area of 2,855 square kilometres, this nature reserve, situated in the extreme north of Lapland, is the largest national park in Europe. In addition to the almost endless forests, treeless fj?lls and rivers, several swampy plateaus add further interest to the unusual scenery. The Lemmenjoki Nature Park was not only created to protect Lapland's animal and plant worlds, it was founded to protect the interests of the S?mi people and their age old culture and traditions. Little remains today of the former gold rush that once took place in the Lemmenjoki region. Since that time, the true value of this scenery has been fully recognized, pure unadulterated wilderness!

DVD. Global Treasures. 10 Minutes. Approximately thirty kilometres southeast of the Finnish city of Oulu is an architectural gem, the Muhoksen Kirkko, the oldest timber built church in Finland that dates back to 1634. The canopy above the pulpit is decorated with a number of exceptional wooden sculptures. It is believed that these figures were manufactured in Germany and brought to the church during The Thirty Years' War. The pulpit was the work of Mikael Sigfridsson Balt a gifted Finnish carpenter and sculptor of the late seventeenth century. The pews of the rectangular church can accommodate a congregation of five hundred. The interior is dominated by a magnificent altarpiece created by Emanuel Granberg that dates back to 1778 and portrays a scene from the Old Testament, Moses And The Brass Serpent. Due to a great deal of loving care the Muhoksen Kirkko in the parish of Muhos is now a well preserved jewel of historic Finnish architecture.

DVD. Global Treasures. 10 Minutes. Just fourteen kilometres from Turku is the small, picturesque city of Naantali that is often referred to as Finland's `Summer City'. Its origins, as well as the name, Naantali, are closely connected with a Birgitten monastery that was founded in 1443. Shortly after the creation of the monastery community of monks and nuns a settlement originated close by. For some years the inhabitants of this small city led a relatively frugal life as when the monastery closed so did the income that was derived from it. Naantali's second financial high season came in the eighteenth century when a professor discovered the healing power of the local spring water. The water of the Viluluoto Spring was thought to have miraculous powers and soon Naantali grew into a famous health resort. The picturesque buildings in the city's historic centre have been lovingly restored. Most of them date back to the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. In those days many of the buildings were farm houses as their owners earned their living from the land. There is a fascinating abundance of arts and crafts on sale in the many shops that are to be found in the atmospheric lanes of the old town. It is understandable why Naantali is known as Finland's `Summer City' as well as being a treasure trove of medieval history.

DVD. Global Treasures. 10 Minutes. The mighty Olavinlinna Castle rises majestically above the picturesque lakeland scenery of Savonlinna in southern Finland, a former border region that was once the scene of many a bloody battle. The location of the fortress was well chosen as for many centuries the strategically-placed castle on the small granite island had to withstand attack from the Russian army. Large sections of the castle have been extensively restored and transformed into two museums. The History Museum contains various finds that relate to the history of Olavinlinna. Unfortunately, none of the castle's original wooden furniture and fittings have survived and several devastating fires destroyed much of the castle's internal d?cor in the 19th century. The Orthodox Museum contains a large number of icons and cult objects of the Russian Orthodox Church and highlight the cultural influence that the Russians had on the castle. Each June the Olavinlinna Courtyard is transformed into the main venue of the renowned Savonlinna Opera Festival. The festival is also famous beyond Finland and is one of the crowning highlights of Europe's summer festivals. Thanks to its annual cultural events, Olavinlinna Castle is now a tranquil and historic setting for one and all.

DVD. Global Treasures. 10 Minutes. On the banks of the Porvoonjoki River around fifty kilometres east of the Finnish metropolis of Helsinki is the picturesque town of Porvoo. The origin of today's bishop's town dates back to 1346 and after Turku it is the second oldest town in Finland. Porvoo was located on one of Scandinavia's most important trading routes, the historic King's Road, which became a pawn in the hands of the great powers. In 1760 a devastating fire reduced the town to ashes. Unfortunately only a few buildings survived the catastrophe. However, the historic centre of Porvoo, with its charming old buildings, has managed to maintain much of its original atmosphere. Porvoo's oldest building dates back to the sixteenth century yet the town's other buildings more than compensate for their lack of age by way of their pretty floral decorations. The idyllic, narrow lanes and shopping streets as well as the colourful buildings, form a unique ensemble that is truly unforgettable. Porvoo is rightfully described as a Finnish treasure trove of mediaeval architecture!

DVD. Global Treasures. 10 Minutes. Located in Finland, Rauma's most striking feature is its well preserved and picturesque old town that features a total of no less than six hundred historic buildings. Some of the wooden buildings are still inhabited while others have been fully restored and have been transformed into various retail shops. Covering an area of thirty hectares Rauma's remarkable old buildings invoke the captivating and historic atmosphere of a lost age. The city's historic ambience is augmented by its many other facets: caf?s, art galleries and boutiques fill the streets with life! No other city in Scandinavia contains an old town that compares with the historic and romantic splendour of Rauma.

DVD. Vista Point. 26 Minutes. Rovaniemi is a lively, modern city in the north of Finland and the gateway to Lapland. Lappiatalo is a modern building complex that contains a theatre and also a government building plus a museum and Radio Lapland. Tourists visit this city throughout the year, a fact that seems at odds with most people's perception of Lapland as a land of icy desolation. The city's shopping malls contain a huge range of goods and all the latest gadgets are also available. Rovaniemi has always been the centre of trade in this region and has become increasingly important as a tourist destination. Pajakyla is the home of Santa Claus and is open to the public throughout the year. At the Arctic Circle eight kilometres north of the city is a special attraction that pulls in six hundred thousand visitors each year. Several tiny log cabins contain Santa's work rooms and a number of his helpers in traditional Lap costume offer a variety of colourful arts and crafts. The Christmas village also features an entertainment park and a reindeer enclosure. Santa's main post office is busy each month of the year and thousands of letters arrive from all over the world and millions of messages are sent via the Internet. Once, early pioneers embarked from Rovaniemi and today it is a busy centre of tourism. From this unusual city the full spectacle of the midnight sun can be experienced, the Arctic Circle can be crossed and Santa Claus prepares for his annual deliveries!

DVD. Global Treasures. 10 Minutes. Scattered across a number of islands just beyond the capital city of Helsinki is one of the most famous and important architectural monuments in Finland, Suomenlinna, a mighty fortress that was built by the Swedes as up until the beginning of the nineteenth century Finland was part of Sweden. The Crimean War saw the first modern static warfare in history. In 1855 the war extended to the north east of Europe and a number of British-French ships fired on the fortress for three days. More than twenty thousand shots were fired from a thousand allied ordnances. The Suomenlinna Islands suffered terribly and more than half its buildings and military complexes were destroyed. During the subsequent Finnish War Of Independence a prison was built on one of the islands. After centuries of foreign rule, political turmoil within its neighbouring country brought Finland its much longed for independence. A tomb in the inner courtyard of the main complex is a reminder of the architect who created the remarkable fortress, August Ehrensv?rd. The Suomenlinna fortress buildings are now one of the most visited historical monuments in the Helsinki region.

DVD. Cosmos Global Documentaries. 52 Minutes. Suomi: The Land Of A Thousand Lakes. No other European country is as influenced by the interplay of both water and land as Finland. The impressive beauty of its unspoiled scenery is plain to see and yet most of Finland, despite each wonderful aspect of its natural landscape, is still sparsely populated. Its endless forests truly make Finland one of Europe's last great wildernesses. Only in Finland's modern capital of Helsinki does the population exceed more than a hundred inhabitants per square kilometre. The city's cathedral has become one of the most famous landmarks in Helsinki that, along with the general ground plan of the entire city, can be traced back to a Prussian. Carl Ludwig Engel was the man responsible for the building and design of the Old Town and Classical Helsinki was born. Due to their strategic location the islands of Suomenlinna just outside Helsinki played a central role in the country's defences and were transformed into a huge fortress. Finland particularly lives up to its reputation as `The Land Of A Thousand Lakes', in Karelia, where huge forests have created a prosperous paper-making industry. Saimaa Lake is the fourth largest lake in Europe and covers an area of four thousand three hundred square kilometres and together with several adjoining lakes it is the largest body of lakeland in Europe. In the 1920's the local media spread the word that Santa Claus did not live at the North Pole but in the extreme north of Finland. Since then the Santa Claus Village has become a huge commercial success. The Santa Claus Post Office is open throughout the entire year to both young and old alike and several shops offer a large range of souvenirs. With around a hundred and twenty thousand inhabitants, Oulu is the sixth largest city in Finland. Unlike the solitude of Lapland the popular shopping centre of Rotuaari has all the atmosphere of a major city. The extreme north of Europe is one of the last great natural habitats of this otherwise densely populated continent. Thus the magnificent splendour of Suomi lives on right up until the present day.

DVD. Global Treasures. 10 Minutes. Turku is the birthplace of Finnish culture. Its success story began in 1229 when it became a bishop's seat and the Swedish king had a fortress built to protect the city and also to control the power of the Church. Finland was a Swedish province until 1809. Due to its strategic location the city of Turku played an important role. A total of thirteen Swedish kings resided in the city at various times during their visits to the south of Finland and they were well protected by the high towers and mighty walls of its fortress. In 1509 the Danes attacked and plundered various regions of Turku and laid siege to its cathedral for five days and in the eighteenth century the army of the Russian Tsar also ravaged the city. Turku is often referred to as the birthplace of Finnish culture and its historic buildings most certainly provide a fascinating insight into its colourful past.

DVD. Global Treasures. 10 Minutes. In the heart of Finland's capital city of Helsinki is the proud and majestic Uspensky Cathedral, the largest Orthodox church in western Europe. The red brick building is an impressive architectural symbol of the relationship that once existed between Finland and the Russian Empire. With its total of thirteen golden cupolas that signify dramatic flames, Uspensky Cathedral is highly reminiscent of traditional Russian church design. Many thousands of the bricks used for the construction of Uspensky were salvaged from another building: the dismantling of the Bomarsund Fortress provided the church with an economic building material. Uspensky Cathedral is one of the most important buildings in Helsinki and is also a magnificent symbol of Finland's dramatic religious history.

DVD. Global Treasures. 10 Minutes. The founding and name of the city of Vaasa dates back to Swedish King, Karl The Ninth, even though today the city is part of Finland. The city has always been an important centre of education. Indeed, Vaasa was the first city in Finland to possess a library. The main goal of the Brageg?rden Open Air Museum was to create and preserve a typical East Bothnian farming community. It contains a total of twenty three buildings some of which are not associated with agriculture as fishing also played an important role in the lives of the local coastal population of this region. Fortunately, due to the museum Vanha Vaasa has been able to preserve much of the Finnish Swedish farm culture of past centuries.

DVD. Naxos Scenic Musical Journeys. 60 Minutes. The Places Scenes of Finland, its capital Helsinki and its countryside, are intercut with the work of the painter Akseli Gallen-Kallela, who, like his contemporary Jean Sibelius, captured the spirit of his country and its legends in his work. The Music Jean Sibelius is the greatest of all Finnish composers and it is his music that accompanies scenes from his native Finland, its landscape and legends. He drew inspiration from the ancient stories of his country included in the great collections of legends that make up the Kalevala.