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If you
have not visited Finland before dear reader, then this
introductory feature might make it easier for you to short list
this surprising Scandinavian country as a possibility for a future
vacation. If that break were to be golfing based, your first
surprise will be, possibly, to learn that Finland boasts more than
70 golf courses, the great majority of them being 18 holes.
Many of
these courses are within an hour or so from Helsinki, and most are
open to members of the public who can produce some kind of
player's certificate. In some cases, heated greens extend what is
in some regions, a season somewhat shortened by the local climate.
But what the heck,
who cares about the length of the season, think about the length
of the day, for this is the land of the midnight sun! Even in the
south the sun shines for almost 20 hours per day. Are you keen
enough and fit enough to play for that long? Finland has even come
up with the answer to golfing in winter, snow golf. Not enough?
There is also a course that has 9 of its holes in Finland and the
other 9 in Sweden. So if the unusual is what you are looking for,
this could be the place. Finland however is much more than a
golfing destination. It is, in fact, one with a varied and
interesting selection of activities, cultures and interests.
If
enjoying nature's bountiful offerings is your cup of tea, than
perhaps Finland's "lake district" with no less than
180,000 clear, and cold lochs is a good place to start. These
lakes, of course, offer all the magnificent outdoors and water
sports that one would anticipate. In fact Finland's geographical
location offers water not only in the lake districts, but also
along her many shores as well. As it lies at the end of sea routes
from other Scandinavian countries as well as the continent, it is
possible for skilled boats men to come to the country under sail.
A word to the wise though, sailing in the archipelago can be
exceedingly dangerous because of shallows and concealed rocks. You
must stick to established routes and come prepared with the latest
in sea and boating charts. With water playing such a prominent
role, it should come as no surprise that there is a big choice in
boating activities. Among the most popular being canoeing and
white water rafting. Organized tours are very popular, with
choices of “roughing it” or "hard top" accommodation
available. Guided tours for River ratters also are becoming
tremendously popular with adventure seeking visitors. Finland is
Utopia for most game fishermen, with a satisfying selection of
packages available and a decent catch any time of the year all but
guaranteed in writing. Hiking, cycling. horseback riding, and
trekking round off the complete sporting vacation. Business
visitors will find state of the art facilities in many main
hotels, and the country often plays host to major conventions and
seminars.
The
Activelifestyle Travel Network can help you find the accommodation
you need. Visit them at WWW.activelifestyle.com.
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| A
quick look at some of the golfing possibilities. |
| Messila
Golf |
| Messila Holiday
Center lies in Hame, only an hour's drive from Helsinki, and the
championship golf course is just a short walk from there. It was
planned by the most famous Finnish golf architect, Kosti Kuronen.
Since 1988, when the course was opened, it has reflected not only
the environmental beauty, but also compliments all the modern
convenience of the resort. This includes a clubhouse, a pro shop
and professional service. One of the innovative features of the
course is that the greens are electrically heated. This guarantees
excellent conditions both early and late in the season. Messila
has been chosen the best resort in Finland, and, with it's
selection of activities, has a lot to offer also for those who do
not play golf. |
| Nordcenter
Golf |
|
Nordcenter
is located in a historical coastal area in southern Finland, an
hour’s drive from Helsinki. The nearest town is Tammisaari,
which has a lively sailing resort. Nordcenter is regarded as one
of the most exclusive courses in the country.
The
18-hole championship course was designed by Ronald Fream, and its
contours follow the changing landscape – entering the woods,
lining the sea, and climbing up small hills. Many golfers rank it
among the most challenging courses in Finland. |
| Saimaa
Golf |
| Saimaa golf is
located in Mikkeli in the Lake District of Finland, a 30-minute
flight from Helsinki. The golf course is only a few kilometres
from the center of Mikkeli, in the middle of the deep blue lakes
of eastern Finland. Saimaa Golf Course was built in 1989 and is
located on lake land and surrounded by elegant parktype woods.
Most of the fairways are quite demanding, but, as they end in
exceptionally large greens, the course is also a pleasant outing
for those who are of limited talent and experience. |
| Katinkulta
Golf |
| Katinkulta, the
most diversified resort in Finland, is located in the area of
Vuokatti, approximately 500 kilometres from Helsinki. The course
is a very special experience as, besides being quite a challenge,
it introduces players to most beautiful scenery, with lakes,
ponds, fells, ridge formation and reindeer moss. Katinkulta is
also known for its Midsummer Sun Golf Tournament. It is played
from midnight until early morning under the bright northern summer
sky. |
| Tornio
Golf |
| The green Zone
Golf Course is located in Tornio, near the Arctic Circle and on
the Swedish border. It is easy to reach from Helsinki: a one hour
flight to Kemi and 30 minutes by car from the airport. The green
Zone Golf Course is unique, as it is located on the border of
Sweden and Finland. Nine of the holes are in Finland and nine in
Sweden. As the border is an international time zone, you will gain
and loose one hour during play. Putt lag anyone? The Torino river,
Europe’s last free-flowing river, splits the course. The
northern location presents the golfer a special opportunity to
play 24 hours without interruption in the summer. For eight weeks
the midnight sun illuminates the course and enables the golfer
continuous playing. Welcome Guinness Records Book of candidates! |
| Alandia
Golf |
| The golf course
in the archipelago of Alandia is probably the most beautiful in
Finland. A 30-minute flight from Helsinki, it is located 20
minutes from Mariehamn, next to the 12th century castle of
Kastelholm, on the sea. Because most of the holes are quite
demanding, the tour offers challenge for experienced golfers.
During the autumn of 1992, the course was expanded to 27 holes.
Nine more new holes will be opened in this year. The golf season
on the archipelago is the longest in Finland. Playable from May to
November.
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