The sounds of Finnish nature may be heard in the works of Sibelius, while architects such as Alvar Aalto and Raili and Reima Pieilä looked to their natural surroundings for inspiration and made their work and blend with it. World famous singers Karita Mattila and Jorma Hynninen refresh their inspiration in the Finnish countryside. Famous conductors Esa-Pekka Salonen and Jukka-Pekka Saraste return time after time to the Finnish landscapes. World famous Finnish glass has also adapted forms from Finnish nature, as seen in the works of Tapio Wirkkala one of the best known Finnish designers of art glass.

Finnish culture is also an important asset in the travel trade. The numerous festivals held throughout the year, although mostly during the summers, attract large numbers of people interested in all kinds of culture. The sounds of the accordion and those of the opera are equally at home in the Finnish summer.

But it is not only culture that brings people to Finland. In increasing numbers, Europeans are discovering the beauty of the Finnish countryside and the numerous opportunities it offers.

The number of foreign visitors has thus grown rapidly during the last few years.