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EVER wondered why Father Christmas decided to make Lapland his home?   Well, it's not such a mystery as any holidaymaker to Finland could tell you.

  If you are a nature lover, and we all know Santa is because of his reindeer, then Finland is a paradise waiting to be discovered.

  Traditionally, Finland has been one of the world's least-explored tourist destinations.

  For many potential holidaymakers it has been too expensive while, for others, too cold and dark.

  However, these myths can now be exploded.

  The Finnish mark has dropped in value in relation to other world currencies and inflation is low, making Finland an affordable option.

  A recent Finnish study has found that the price of hotel rooms in Helsinki is now lower than in many other major European cities.

  Finland also offers round the year attractions to visitors and the long daylight hours of summer are warm with temperatures often going above 30 degrees celsius.

  But probably Finland's greatest single attraction is the uninhabited (except for Santa, of course) wilds of Lapland.

  Lapland is an unspoiled forest wilderness containing thousands of lakes and rivers and home to a variety of wild animals and colourful vegetation.

  During the warmer months, visitors can ramble freely and pick the non-protected species of wild flowers, mushrooms and berries.

  Campers are also encouraged and allowed to pitch their tents almost anywhere.

  The clear unpolluted lakes are open to swimmers and boaters, and the really adventurous can take part in canoe safaris. Finland's famous saunas are an attraction all the year round.

  In the autumn, the leaves on the trees of Finland's woodlands turn into swathes of red and gold which, in a country where 65 per cent of the land is forest, can make an overwhelming impression.

  In spring, visitors can witness the Northern Lights during the twilight hours when the sky is filled by a magnificent natural lightshow which even the most experienced travellers find an unparalled experience.

  For many, winter is the best time to visit Finland, however, because it offers a chance to ski.

  Lapland is the most favoured destination for cross-country skiing and offers skiers the chance to ski right up until the spring.

  The main attraction for cross-country skiers is the chance to ski through snow-clad forests and across sunlit frozen lakes.

  Southern Finland offers opportunities for slalom skiing.

  One of the favourite ways for people to travel around Finland is on the ferries which ply the lakes. Many of these double as floating hotels.

  For those wishing to remain on solid ground, it is possible to rent or even buy a holiday cottage should you decide to return.



Tourists discover Santa's secret