Cities, Towns, Regions & Provinces Category

This category is subdivided as shown below. Many city and municipality sites include a welcoming statement, city history, topography, an administration section, some general information such as municipal services and utilities, maps, pictures, climate, population, tourist info and/or guide - city transport times, cultural events, a list of galleries, exhibitions, museums, public sculptures, etc. The short descriptions for each city/town contain current population and founding date entries when available.

City administrators/website designers are invited to contact FinnLinks maintainer finnlinks@genealogia.fi to have their English language site listed or updated here.

• General
• Cities, Towns & Municipalities
• Regions & Provinces

Updated: Tue 29 Aug 2006

• Finland on the Internet
  Though in Finnish, this site contains links to essentially all of the cities and towns in Finland that have websites, many of which are in several languages - Finnish, Swedish and English. These websites are found under the alphabetical listing Kaikki kunnat ja kaupungit. The major cities are also listed separately. This site contains much more than just cities and it is hoped that it will one day be translated into English.
  Updated: Wed 10 Jan 2001
  
  
• Finland, Principal Cities - Population Data
  Provinces and Regions. Principal Municipalities. Alphabetical Table of the Municipalities. Interactive map.
  Updated: Sat 8 Feb 2003
  
  
• Finland - Regions and Cities
  Many websites listed.
  Updated: Wed 16 Jul 2003
  
  
• Finland Travel Guide
  Tourism data on cities and towns.
  
  
• Links to Finnish Towns and Cities
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  
• Open Directory:Regional:Europe:Finland:Localities
  A comprehensive link directory to websites on Finnish cities, towns and municipalities.
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  
• Surf Finland
  Graphic map and map index displays all official municipal web sites in Finland. Most sites in Finnish.
  
  
• The Association of Finnish Local and Regional Authorities
  The Association is made up of all Finnish cities and municipalities. "Finland is divided into 452 municipalities and cities (a.k.a local authorities). Local authorities are primarily responsible for public services in Finland. Education, social welfare and health care, as well as maintenance of the technical infrastructure are the most important services." Sections on: About the Association. Local government. Quality strategy for public services. EU affairs. Regional councils. International cooperation. Useful addresses.
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  
• Yahoo! Regional: Countries: Finland: Cities
  Fifty-six cities and towns listed (1999-05-07).
  
  

• Ahtari
  Location map. Tourist info.
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  
• Alavus
  Alavus is a progressive rural town situated in South Ostrobothia, Central Finland. Website still almost entirely in Finnish.
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  
• Anjalankoski
  Pop. 18,000. Brief history. General info.
  Updated: Tue 8 Nov 2005
  
  
• City of Jyväskylä
  "...a university town with a strong emphasis on high technology and on wood and paper technology. It is the town of the world-famous architect Alvar Aalto." General info.
  Updated: Tue 19 Mar 2002
  
  
• City of Kokkola
  Kokkola in a nutshell. Founded in 1620. Pop. 36,000. General info. Twin cities are listed.
  Updated: Tue 19 Mar 2002
  
  
• City of Seinajöki
  Seinäjoki, pop 30,000 inhabitants. The administrative and cultural centre, designed by world-famous academician Alvar Aalto, is the main landmark of the city. Seinäjoki is famous for its events; the Tango Festival each July attracts more than 100 000 people to the city." General info.
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  
• Ekenäs
  Tourist info. Several photos.
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  
• Elimäki
  Elimäki - Info on: culture, country life, Mustila Arboretum, Elimäki Church, the oldest wooden cruciform church still in use in Finland. It was completed in 1638.
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  
• Espoo - Esbo
  Finland's High-Tech City. Population 201,000. Finland's 2nd largest city after Helsinki. There are actually five city centres including the well known garden city of Tapiola. Espoo is an enviable International technology and commercial centre. The largest concentration of technology in Northern Europe is located in Espoo. About 500 high-tech companies, including Nokia, the leading hi-tech company in Finland, are located there. This website lists well-known multinationals having operations in the city, describes education, public services, culture, arts, sports activities, etc. carried out in Espoo. Some nice photos.
  Updated: Tue 21 Mar 2006
  
  
• Halikko
  Pop. 9,000. General info, Sights and Services.
  Updated: Wed 1 Feb 2006
  
  
• Hamina
  Port of Hamina Ltd. is the fifth largest common seaport in Finland with annual traffic of 5.7 million tonnes of cargo
  Updated: Tue 27 Jun 2006
  
  
• Hanko - Hangö
  City of Hanko: The southernmost town in Finland. Population 10-11,000. Bilingual (close to 50/50 split between Finnish and Swedish). Hanko describes itself as an industrial centre, port and seaside resort. The site gives various types of information including attractions such as major annual events, i.e., Hanko Regatta. Remember, in the late 1800s and early 1900s, Hanko was a major point of departure for Finnish emigrants to North America and elsewhere. Very extensive web page. Updated 21.10.2005
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  
• Haukipudas
  Founded 1866. Population 15,000. First inhabitants settled in the Haukipudas area over 4,000 years ago. Website includes a Junior High school page. Also includes a web page for Haukipudas Industrial Estate Ltd (An industrial park).
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  
• Helsinki, Finland - Capital City and Port
  Updated: Sun 11 Jun 2000
  
  
• Hyvinkää
  Pop. 42,000. Map location. Tourist info. Statistics. City maps. Hyvinkää Art Museum. etc.
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  
• Hämeenlinna - Pearl among Towns
  Finland’s oldest inland town and birthplace of Jean Sibelius, was founded in 1639. Pop. 46,000. Highlights.
  Updated: Sun 6 Jan 2002
  
  
• Hämeenlinna - Tavastehus
  Founded in 1639. Population: 45,380 (Jan 1, 1998). The birthplace of Jean Sibelius. General info - conference facilities, names of twin towns, major industries, statistics on town council makeup (by party), population by age, employees by business sector, etc.
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  
• Ii
  Located near Oulu. Website includes photo gallery.
  Updated: Tue 1 Apr 2003
  
  
• Ikaalinen
  Independent commune in 1641. The associated market town founded in 1858. Union of the two in 1972. Ikaalinen became a borough in 1977, a town with a rural atmosphere. Pop. 8,000. Brief descriptions of the Sata-Häme Accordion Festival, Ikaalinen Spa, the biggest multipurpose spa in the Nordic countries, etc..
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  
• Imatra
  The Borough of Imatra was founded in 1948 around three industrial settlements. In the course of the last 50 years, this amorphous group of settlements has grown into a modern industrial town dominated by Lake Saimaa, the River Vuoksi and the Finnish-Russian border.
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  
• Ingå
  The Finnish name for the community is Inkoo. Pop. 4,800. Majority Swedish speaking. Ingå facts.
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  
• Jakobstad - Pietarsaari
  Jakobstad was founded in 1652 by Ebba Brahe, a widow of the military commander Jacob de la Gardie - whose memory still lives on in the Swedish name of the town - and the town charter was granted by Queen Kristina of Sweden. The town was founded at the old harbour of greatparish Pedersöre. The tar-farmers of the sea-district - the trade contractors of the town - kept the name of the greatparish. That´s why the Finnish name of the town still today is Pietarsaari.
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  
• Joensuu
  The city of Joensuu, which was founded by the Czar Nikolai I of Russia in 1848, is the center of the region and the capital of North Karelia. Population 52,000 (1999). Info - Carelicum, Tourist guide, Statistics, History; Services; Administration; Province of Karelia; Photos (nearly 100 pictures); Timetables; Companies. Date last edited: 01/02/05
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  
• Joensuu - The City of Wood and Water
  Article and photos by Liisa Berg.
  Updated: Sun 30 Sep 2001
  
  
• Jokioinen, Municipality of
  Founded 1873. History. Sights with photos.
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  
• Juankoski
  Founded in 1925. Pop. 6,000. Brief description with map, sights, activities and tourists info., thumbnail photos. Doesn't open in English - need to click on English flag.
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  
• Juupajoki
  Population 2400. Very brief English page - historical facts, sites, etc. Doesn't open in English - need to click on English flag.
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  
• Jämsänkoski
  Founded in 1926, population under 8,000. This site gives general information about the town such as cultural activities, sports, tourism, social/health services and education.
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  
• Järvenpää - City of Culture
  Pop. 36,000. "Composer Jean Sibelius built his log villa Ainola in Järvenpää - to be "sufficiently far from the temptations of Helsinki". He and his family lived at Ainola for more than fifty years." Cultural attractions.
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  
• Kaavi
  Founded 1875. Pop. 4,000. Location map. Town info and Tourism in brief. Doesn't open in English - need to click on English flag.
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  
• Kajaani - Kajana
  City of Kajaani. Founded 1651. A very simple but elegantly laid-out website producing easy navigation. Early history of Kajaani. Covers cultural events and activities, pictures, maps, tourism, etc.
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  
• Kangasniemi
  Capsule summary of location, population (6700) area, map. Vacation home country.
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  
• Kankaanpää
  Sights, natural attractions, services, activities, Niinisalo Garrison.
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  
• Kannus, the Town by the Rivers
  Population (1998): 6234. The municipality was founded in 1859 and Kannus became a city on 1st January 1986. Info. Tourism. Business.
  Updated: Sun 9 Apr 2000
  
  
• Karis
  Pop. 9,ooo. Brief introduction in English, rest of web page is in Swedish.
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  
• Karjalohja
  Pop. 1,400. Brief info - sights, facts and statistics.
  Updated: Sat 23 Mar 2002
  
  
• Karkkila - Högfors
  Founded in 1932; Population 8,600. Segments on History (strong working class tradition), Environment, People (stats), City council. Karkkila is the home of The Foundry Museum of Finland - a national museum.
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  
• Karstula
  Founded 1867. Population 5,000. Happenings, tourism, camping, companies in Karstula. Need ot click on Karstula In English to get English version
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  
• Kauhajoki
  Besides being an agricultural municipality, Kauhajoki is the service and industrial centre for Southern Ostrobothnia. The Finnish parliament convened in Kauhajoki during the Winter war of 1939 - 1940. Much of this site is still only in Finnish. Subpages on Maps and Travel , Schools, Education, Culture, Sights, Leisure, Clubs, Business, Banks, Home Page Index, News, Nearby Municipalities and Towns. This site also has good links to neighbouring regions and regional councils.
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  
• Kauhava
  Pop. 8,500. Tourist info. - Festivals. Sights. Restaurants. Shopping.
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  
• Kauniainen
  Founded 1906. Pop. 8,550. Maps and location. Facts. History. Photos - some aerial views.
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  
• Kemi
  Info on town of Kemi - Culture and Leisure Time, Education and Research, Map, Tourist info, Snow Castle (250,000 annual visitors), The Arctic Icebreaker Sampo, Enterprises in Kemi, Arctic Iceroad.
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  
• Kemijärvi
  The town of Kemijärvi is East Lapland's service center and the northernmost town in Finland. The town is surrounded by the lakes Kemijärvi and Pöyliöjärvi, as well as the river Kemijoki, the largest river of Finland. Population 10,500.
  Updated: Wed 22 Feb 2006
  
  
• Kerava
  Pop. 30,000. General info. Events. Business. Cultural life. Picture gallery.
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  
• Kestila
  Kestilä is located in Northern Finland, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa region around the fertile headwaters of the River Siikajoki and most of its population is concentrated on the river banks.
  Updated: Mon 13 Feb 2006
  
  
• Kiikala
  Founded 1869. Pop. 1,900.
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  
• Kittilä
  General info. Administration. Events. Culture. Companies. Nice local road maps.
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  
• Kokemäki
  Founded 1869. Actually it is estimated that the Kokemäki congregation was founded in the 1100th century. Pop. 8,700. History. Basic municipality info. Sights with photos. You are familiar with the delicious taste of the strawberries, but are you familiar with the Strawberry folk? They take great pride in bringing the sweetness of strawberries into your life. The Strawberry folk live in the heart of the Satakunta region, in Kokemäki. Most of the Strawberry folk have settled around the lake Sääksjärvi, which is one of the most significant strawberry farming areas in Finland. The traditions of strawberry farming go back to the 1920's, when the first seedlings were brought to the region. Most of the strawberries grown in Satakunta region come from Kokemäki. Strawberries are cultivated in fields from big to small.
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  
• Kolari
  Population 4,000. Tourist destination - skiing centreYlläs, plus trekking, hiking and cross-country skiing in their forests. The most northerly railway station in Finland is located here. Doesn't open in English - need to click on English flag.
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  
• Korsholm - Mustasaari
  The city of Korsholm (Mustasaari). Bordering on the city of Vaasa, the coastal community of Korsholm is in the heart of Swedish-speaking Ostrobothnia. It is a unique archipelago which was proclaimed a city in 1606 by king Karl IX of Sweden. The history of Korsholm is both a history of Vaasa (Vasa) and of Ostrobothnia. "The Cross of Christ was first raised here on this spot in the pagan north". In the 1370's a castle (Chrysseborg) was built to help defend the country and in the 1550's a Royal Farm (today a school of agriculture) was built in Korsholm. The website covers Korsholm Music Festival, topography, geography with map, sights in Korsholm and the crafts village of Stundars.
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  
• Kotka
  Kotka, City by the Sea. 1878-1998. Lots of photos - Sibelius Park, Market Square, etc.
  Updated: Thu 10 Aug 2006
  
  
• Kotka City Tour
  About two dozen photos.
  Updated: Tue 29 Aug 2006
  
  
• Kouvola
  City of Kouvola. Population 32,000. A railway junction city on the strategic corridor - St. Petersburg to Europe. Webpages on cultural services, historical acc't of railway, Kouvola as a tourist city (having Russian architecture from the turn of the century) and as a centre for business operations.
  
  
• Kuopio
  Kuopio city. Population 85,000. Founded 1782. Well organized, simple and easy reading webpages. Contains infopictures and describes history, cultural and educational institutions, plus industrial enterprises, etc. The Kuopio Dance & Music Festival is their most famous international event.
  
  
• Kuortane
  The official history of Kuortane dates back to 1557, when the name appeared for the first time in census records. Brief history. Photos.
  Updated: Tue 1 Apr 2003
  
  
• Lahti
  City of Lahti, population 100,000, is a modern, sports-minded city with many museums plus buildings designed by famous Finnish architects - Eliel Saarinen and Alvar Aalto. In addition to hosting the Nordic World Ski Championships five times, Lahti has held the World Biathlon Championships 3 times. Lahti is also internationally known for other international cultural events such as the International Organ Festival, Jazz week, the Poetry Marathon and International Writers' Reunion. Nice website.
  Updated: Tue 11 Jul 2006
  
  
• Lappeenranta
  Founded 1649. Pop. 58,000. Lappeenranta is the administrative, business and cultural centre of the South Karelia region. Basic facts. Tourist info - attractions, events, sights, accommodation etc.. Very slow loading.
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  
• Lemi
  Rural municipality in southeastern Finland, population 3,200.
  
  
• Lempäälä, Municipality of
  History - "Lempäälä is a very old parish that celebrated its 560th anniversary in 1999....The first signs of human activity date back to 6000-9500 years ago." Sights. Businesses.
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  
• Lestijäarvi
  Founded 1868. Population 1,100. General but brief info in English. Map showing location. Need to click on "In english".
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  
• Levi Finland
  Pop. 670. Located in Finnish Lapland, 170 km north of the Arctic circle. Brief info provided by a visitor.
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  
• Lieksa
  Population 17,000. The city shares a 98 km border with Russia. Within its own boundaries lies the 100 sq. km Patvinsuo National Park and the famous Ruunaa Rapids. Brief sections on Karelia, Tourism.
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  
• Lohja - Lojo
  Lohja city, Helsinki region. Contains info on the events in the Western Uusimaa region - traveller's info, services, map, Lohja business.
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  
• Lohtaja
  Lohtaja in a nutshell. A 400 year old maritime municipality. Population 3,000. Tourist info.
  Updated: Tue 19 Mar 2002
  
  
• Loviisa - Lovisa
  City of Loviisa (1745-1998). Population 7,800. Site of 1st nuclear power plant in Finland. Has nearby port. Website provides history of Loviisa, tourism, etc.
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  
• Längelmäki
  Orientation map given. Brief English outline. Finnish text not yet translated. (1998)
  Updated: Mon 23 Oct 2000
  
  
• Muhos
  Founded 1865. Population 7,900. Hometown of Miss Universe, 1952. The area was inhabited about 4,000 - 1,500 BC. Good geographical description. Covers tourism - places of interest. Lists enterprises with # of employees. Many photos.
  
  
• Municipality of Hartola
  General info, services, manufacturing (e.g. Peltonen skis), activities.
  Updated: Fri 22 Mar 2002
  
  
• Municipality of Oravais
  "Oravais is a rural district, and the population is approximately 2,400. The majority of our residents speak Swedish as their mother tongue." Capsule history of Oravais. Map.
  Updated: Fri 22 Mar 2002
  
  
• Mäntsälä
  Mäntsälä is a community in the Uusimaa province of Southern Finland. Population 16,000. Sections on Living, Tourism, Business and Statistics.
  Updated: Sun 6 Jan 2002
  
  
• Mänttä
  Population 7,300. Introduction to town. Tourist info. Map.
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  
• Naantali
  Naantali's age is calculated from 1443. Pop. 13,100. Seaside municipality. Location map. General info. Attractions and Events. President of Finland has summer residence in Naantali.
  Updated: Wed 22 Feb 2006
  
  
• Naantali - Nådendal
  Naantali, or the Valley of Mercy, as the place was originally called in Latin, has a population of 12,000. It has third busiest harbour in Finland re. goods traffic. "A recent national economic survey shows that Naantali is the most popular attraction for Finnish tourists. The popularity is probably due to the fact that Naantali, for a number of years, has made families with children a special target in its tourist marketing."
  
  
• Nokia
  Nokia is an industrial city with a population of 27,000. It is one of the municipalities that form the Tampere region. An interesting site but with a relatively long download time because of many graphics. Briefly describes events and attractions. For English click foreign.
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  
• Nummi-Pusula
  Established 1981. Pop 5,900. Website still mostly in Finnish.
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  
• Nurmijärvi
  Location map. Pop. 32,000. Birthplace of Finland's national author, Aleksis Kivi (1834 - 1872). Events calendar.
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  
• Nykarleby
  Nykarleby: Postcards, Map, Town map, Town model, Pictures, Souvenirs, Literature, Poetry, Guestbook, Contact, Sitesearch, Links.
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  
• Nykarleby - Uusikaarlepyy
  City of Nykarleby. Founded in 1620. Population 8,000. Majority Swedish-speaking. "The town by the river". Birthplace of Zacharias Topelius, one of Finland's great authors. Photos of: beautiful St. Birgitta Church built in 1708, Kuddnäs Museum, Nykarleby Museum and others.
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  
• Närpes - Närpiö
  The coastal town of Närpes (1993) has a population of about 10,000 inhabitants, 93 % Swedish speaking. Many descriptive photos. Description of old Närpes church (framework begun in 1435). Tourist info.
  
  
• Old Rauma
  On UNESCO's World Heritage list since 1991, Old Rauma is the largest unified historical wooden town in the Nordic countries. Virtual tour - Buildings. Lacemakers. Photos.
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  
• Oravais, Municipality of
  Pop. 2,400. 87% Swedish speaking. General info. History. Museum and Gallery of the Kimo Iron Works. Map.
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  
• Oulu, City of Revenge
  A brief history of the town leading up to and following the Great Wrath.
  Updated: Thu 24 Jan 2002
  
  
• Oulu Panoramas 360°
  OULU PANORAMAS 360° are 360° panoramic images, in which you can navigate in real time. Panoramic images use JAVA. A very interesting presentation.
  
  
• Oulu - Uleåborg
  Founded 1605. Population 113,600. Very comprehensive website. Many Oulu info pages including: city stats, major employers, arts/theatre/museums, sports, education, tourism, etc. Has a colorful small-scale map of Europe as well as tourist maps of Oulu.
  
  
• Outokumpu, town
  "...a mining town, from 1910-1989 site of Finland's most important mine, with deposits of copper, zinc, cobalt and small amounts of gold and silver." Sights. Events.
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  
• Pargas-Parainen
  Pargas = Parainen in Finnish. Pop. 12,000. The town in the Archipelago. Maps. General info. Photos. Tourist services.
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  
• Pelkosenniemi
  Lap municipality established 1916. Population 1240 (2001). Very brief facts. Need to click on English to get a brief Englsih presentation.
  Updated: Wed 23 Nov 2005
  
  
• Petäjävesi
  Petäjävesi is a municipality in Central Finland with great natural beauty, located about 30 kilometres from Jyväskylä to the west. Petäjävesi Region offers the traveller interesting attractions, whether you come alone, or together with family or friends. Here you can visit the Old Church of Petäjävesi, a site that attracts thousands of travellers and is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Pop. 3,800. Map showing location.
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  
• Pirkkala - Birkala
  Population 12,000. Located near Tampere and the international airport.
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  
• Pohja, Municipality of
  Pop. abt 5,000. Bilingual (60/40 Finn/Swede). Inhabited since 4000 BC. General info.
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  
• Pori - Björneborg
  City of Pori. Founded 1558. Population 75,500. Pori Jazz - a world famous festival. This site includes information on Pori - maps, history, Pori today, culture, industry, traveller's Pori. External links which include listings such as Registered Domain Names in Finland.
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  
• Porvoo - Borgå
  Population 43,000. "A long time ago...the Porvoo Castle was built on the hill and the town was named Borgå ("castle river") in Swedish. Porvoo parish and the church originated in the 13th century. The church was first built of wood, later of stone. It was founded high on the hill to dominate the town." General information | History of Porvoo | Visitor's guide to Porvoo.
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  
• Pudasjärvi
  Pudasjärvi is the largest municipality in the Oulu County. Population 10,691. Facts, history, nature. Map. Small photos.
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  
• Pudasjärvi, Municipality of
  Founded 1865. Pop. abt 11,000. General info. History. Map.
  Updated: Sat 27 Jan 2001
  
  
• Pyhäntä
  A rural village with a pop of 2,000. General info on the town, plus climate, tourist services and sights.
  Updated: Thu 21 Mar 2002
  
  
• Raisio
  Pop. 23,000. Tourist info. Activities. Sights.
  Updated: Mon 28 Feb 2005
  
  
• Rauma - History
  Cultural Heritage and Modern Industrial Town. Brief history. Population, Economy, Services.
  Updated: Thu 24 Jan 2002
  
  
• Rovaniemi
  City of Rovaniemi. Santa Claus' hometown, capital of Lapland. The site includes map, info on culture, tourism and travel, business and trade. Also an interesting webcamera page with reference to webcam links around the world.
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  
• Ruovesi
  Ruovesi info: Sights ("Akseli Gallen-Kallela (1865-1931), one of Finland's best-loved painters, found the perfect spot for a new wilderness studio at Ruhala in Ruovesi. Inspired by fine Karelian architecture, the artist designed the building down to the last detail and helped to build it in 1894-95. Ruovesi Museum is one of the oldest local history museums in Finland.") | Nature Attractions | Recreation | Accomodation | Restaurants | Maps.
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  
• Salla
  Pop. about 5500. General info. Good coverage of outdoor activities.
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  
• Savonlinna
  "The town of Savonlinna lies at the heart of Europe´s largest lake district. It has around 30,000 inhabitants and was built on three islands joined together by bridges." Tourist services, photos. Info on nature pursuits in Enonkoski Kerimäki Kesälahti Parikkala Punkaharju Rantasalmi Savonlinna Savonranta Sulkava.
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  
• Savukoski
  Established 1916. Pop. abt 1600.
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  
• Seinäjoki
  "City of Alvar Aalto". His architectural works in Seinäjoki are highlighted by photos. The website covers business, education, tourism and contacts in Seinäjoki.
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  
• Sibbo-Sipoo
  Pop. 17,000 plus. Facts and figures. Map including artist's map of area. Nice photo gallery.
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  
• Soini
  Municipality of Soini. Population 2,900. Brief intro describes industrial growth - basically wood processing.
  Updated: Tue 1 Apr 2003
  
  
• Sysma
  Pop. 5,000. Travel and leisure info. Calendar of events. Pictures and drawings. Map.
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  
• Tampere Maps
  Although mainly in Finnish, it is easy to use with parallel English instructions. General maps of Tampere. Search by street name, location of main buildings - hospitals, universities, etc. Zooming capabilities.
  
  
• Tampere - Tammerfors
  Population approaching 200,000. This is a well-laid-out, very comprehensive website covering every aspect of Tampere life - business, tourism, culture, education, What's on?, links, etc. Has large section on city statistics, area, climate, etc. Tampere has 16 twin cities around the world.
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  
• Tervo
  Pop. 2,000. History, location, employment, sights, events and services.
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  
• The Sights and sounds of Oulu
  General info, map, parks, theatres, library, art gallery, university, Science Centre, etc.
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  
• Town of Pyhäjärvi
  Slow loading website. General info - Location, Excellent town maps, Cultural activities, Spare time activities, Trade and services, Education, Trade and industry.
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  
• Turku Happenings
  Turku Info, Information for Tourists, Calendar of Events, Photos from Turku, Maps, Timetables, Search.
  Updated: Tue 6 Aug 2002
  
  
• Turku - Åbo
  Third biggest Finnish city (Population in 1998 = 171,000) and former capital. "A nationally significant seaport, commercial and fair city." Extensive website with many pages. You name it; it's there.
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  
• Tuusula
  An independent parish for over 350 years. Pop. 30,000. Location map. Culture. People. Sights. Nature.
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  
• Vaasa - Vasa
  City of Vaasa (Vasa in Swedish). 72 % of its 56,000 inhabitants speak Finnish, 26 % speak Swedish. Thus, this site has comprehensive coverage of both Finnish and Swedish institutes of higher learning. The website has an interesting historical account of Vaasa's foundation in 1606 and great fire of 1852. Being the cultural, educational and tourist centre of Western Finland, Vaasa's website has good presentations of city maps and streetnames, photos, colorful sports page, a current Air Quality Index value for the centre of the city of Vaasa, etc.
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  
• Vammala
  Established in 1965. Population of Vammala city is nearing 16,000. This website is mostly in Finnish but it contains a brief factual section in English, e.g. Topography, Connections, Churches, Businesses, Activities, Events, Tourism.
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  
• Vantaa - Vanda
  City of Vantaa. Vantaa is part of the Helsinki metropolitan area. Known as "The Airport City". The first signs of human settlement in an area known as Myyrmäki date back some 7,000 years. In 1974, Vantaa received full city rights and today, with a population of 171,000 is the 4th largest city in Finland. The biggest attraction in Vantaa is the Science Centre of Heureka in Tikkurila. The Church of St Lawrence dates back to the 15th century. The site is nicely organized with many sections including basic statistics, population growth map and map service of greater Helsinki, calendar of events, education, weather, etc.
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  
• Varkaus
  Varkaus, an industrial town, is situated in Central Savo in the province of Kuopio, on a waterway and around rapids. Population 24,000.
  Updated: Fri 5 May 2006
  
  
• Velkua - The Parish Of Many Islands
  Location map. 250 permanent year-round residents; up to 1600 residents during summer months.
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  
• Viljakkala
  Viljakkala has a long and fascinating history; The drinking horn presented on the coat of arms of Viljakkala was a present from the King of Sweden around one thousand years ago. The impressive ox horn, 53 cm in lenght, has been kept safe for the succeeding generations.
  Updated: Tue 7 Mar 2006
  
  
• Vörå
  Founded in 1868. Pop. about 3,600, 85% Swedish speaking. Primarily an agricultural community.
  Updated: Fri 22 Mar 2002
  
  
• Ylistaro
  Capsule history. The first settlers probably arrived around the 12th century, and from the 15th century agriculture began to be of greater importance. The Grand Church in Maijala Hill, completed in 1850 is one of the biggest churches in Finland seating about 2,500. "Historical calamities include the Death Years in the 17th century and the period known in Finnish history as the Great Hate from 1714 to 1721. In the battle of Napue (in present-day Isokyrö) in 1714 almost half the male population of Ylistaro was killed."
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  
• Äänekoski
  Founded 1932. Population 14,000. An industrial town (chemical pulp, graphic board, art paper, electronics industry, etc.). Sights and activities are briefly discussed.
  Updated: Sun 23 Oct 2005
  
  

• Etelä-Savo Region
  The region of Etelä-Savo is home to some 170 000 Finns. Located in the south-east Finland. Good info on: History and man. Nature. Living. Insustrial production. Tourism. Culture. Research. Statistics. Enterprises. Map, interactive but unfortunately in Finnish only.
  Updated: Wed 22 Feb 2006
  
  
• Hailuoto and Bay of Liminka area
  Situated just south of Oulu and about 600 km north of Helsinki, and because some 170 species of birds are known to rest in the area, it is a great bird watching destination. Good info and nice map of the area.
  Updated: Tue 19 Mar 2002
  
  
• Helsinki Metropolitan Area Council
  "Responsible for urban development planning, the development of regional information utility, regional public transport, air quality monitoring and regional waste management."
  Updated: Mon 24 Oct 2005
  
  
• International Lapland
  Informational website about Lapland; News & Events, Accomodations, Special Interests/Activities, Getting There, Facts about Lapland, Maps and more.
  Updated: Fri 7 Jan 2005
  
  
• Kymenlaakso Regional Council
  Kymenlaakso is a region of some 200,000 people in the south-easternmost Finland. Info on regional council.
  Updated: Mon 24 Oct 2005
  
  
• Ostrobothnia Region
  Many, possibly a majority of, emigrants from the late 1800s and early 1900s originated from this region and, for them, this link would be particularly interesting. The site gives a short presentation, map, municipalities, some statistics, region in pictures, news, links.
  Updated: Wed 21 Jun 2006
  
  
• Oulu Regional Business Agency
  Contains extensive info on the Oulu region including segments on Culture, Population, Living, Map, Technology, Research, Vision, IT, Cooperation, Forest, Energy, Logistics, Agriculture, Nature, Services.
  Updated: Thu 11 Sep 2003
  
  
• Regional Council of Lapland - Lapinliitto
  Objectives, statistics, map, publishing, links. Much of the website is in PDF format.
  Updated: Fri 10 Oct 2003
  
  
• Regional Council of Ostrobothnia
  Résumé of it's activities and main tasks plus Organisation. Also includes: A short presentation / A map and some statistics / The municipalities / Ostrobothnia Regional Energy Agency / Links / The region in pictures.
  Updated: Sun 15 Jul 2001
  
  
• Regional Council of Satakunta
  Area pop. 240,000. Location map. Info on this region - events, economy, education, nature.
  Updated: Fri 31 Dec 2004
  
  
• Regional Council of South Ostrobothnia
  Task of the council, History and future, Organization, Statistics, Municipalities and sub-regions, contacts.
  Updated: Sun 26 Mar 2006
  
  
• Regional Councils of Finland
  
  
• Regions in Finland
  Links to 20 regions of Finland, further subdivided into municipalities.
  Updated: Mon 24 Oct 2005
  
  
• The Kouvola Region Federation of Municipalities
  Website is essentially devoted to why live, work and visit in this region. Good summaries.
  Updated: Mon 24 Oct 2005
  
  
• Uusimaa Regional Council
  "According to Finnish law, regional councils are coalitions of their member municipalities, which mainly fund the councils' operations. There are 19 regional councils in Finland. Uusimaa Regional Council has 24 member municipalities, of which Finland's capital Helsinki is the biggest." Responsibilities, projects and activities of Uusimaa Regional Council.
  Updated: Mon 24 Oct 2005
  
  
• Virtual Åland
  "The Åland Islands form an autonomous, demilitarized and unilingually Swedish province of Finland. They consist of more than 6,500 islands, 6,400 of which are larger than 3,000 square metres. Many of the islands have been joined together or with the Main Island by means of bridges and causeways. The 25,000 inhabitants live in only 65 of the islands. Slightly over 40 per cent of the population now live in the only town, Mariehamn." This is a nicely conceived site, with Facts about Åland - it's parliament, government, administrative board, demilitarization, origin of Åland's autonomy, regional citizenship, language regulations, the municipalities, culture, economy & industry labour market, education, mass media, nature, historical milestones.
  Updated: Mon 24 Oct 2005
  
  
• Welcome to Finland - Regions
  Links to Mikkeli, Helsinki, Kemijärvi, Kuopio, Lahti, Lappeenranta, Seinäjoki and Turku.
  
  
• YTV - Helsinki Metropolitan Area Council
  A "joint municipal organisation of the capital area of Finland which consists of four cities, i.e. Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa and Kauniainen. YTV is responsible for matters of common interest, especially regional public transport, waste management, air quality and development planning."
  Updated: Wed 13 Jul 2005
  
  
• Åland
  Åland is a demilitarised, Swedish-speaking region with a right of self-government secured through international guarantees
  Updated: Fri 28 Oct 2005