How to photograph the Northern Lights?

Northern Lights are undoubtedly the most amazing natural phenomenon that is observable in Finland and probably on the whole planet. But how can one's show to others the beauty of these lights? As the saying tells: a picture is worth a thousand words. How often people get disappointed as their images are not translating what they saw? The explanation might be that taking a picture of a Northern Light is not as easy as pressing the shutter release in automatic mode. In this article I will try to give you the best tips to get the best possible result even without being a pro in photography.

Ruka 01.12.2013 1:35am, ISO1250, F/5.6, 30s, 24mm (Canon 5D Mark II) 

Kuopio in your pocket

This is the first blog of the series "In your pocket" in which I will tell you about 10 interesting places to visit in Finnish cities. It is easier, in my opinion, to look at one article that summarizes all main ideas when you are on the road. It is dedicated to Kuopio, the 8th biggest Finnish city, that I've visited seven times between 2005 and 2013.

Located at almost 400km North from Helsinki in the Savo region (or Savonia) in the middle of the Lakeland, the city of 106.000 inhabitants is a gem. Once there, it feels like visiting a village surrounded by the Kallavesi Lake, thousands of islands and small hills. The center counts a lot of old wooden houses, nice bars and friendly inhabitants. In Kuopio, you feel like at home!

Ice meets art festival

During the whole weekend, 30 top ice sculptors from 10 different countries are competing in the zoo of Helsinki on the island of Korkeasaari. They all have the same time to create the most amazing sculpture according to the theme. Visitors are encourage to vote for their favorite piece of art. The best sculpture will get a price. Some of them are really impressive! But not only professionals can play with ice. Everybody can participation to a common piece of art: decorating an ice wall.

The parks are full of snow (well not really this year) and most of the animals are outside. Even the lions! It is quite different to visit the zoo in winter than in summer time. It is very quiet and relaxing. As there are not too many visitors, people are whispering like at church.

Cheese cake with plum jam and hot chocolate for 6.80€

If you feel cold or are hungry, you can go to the restaurant in the wooden house in the middle of the zoo. The other snack bars are unfortunately closed. It is often pack there and you will probably have to share your table with others. The food is affordable and quite good. In general the dessert of the day is a big temptation. When the night comes, the statues are illuminated by colorful led spots.

When is the next tram coming? Geo-located it!

The public transportation of Helsinki offers a real-time geo-localisation map (see link at the bottom of the article) of its commuter trains, subways and on demand busses (called Kutusplus). It is quite interesting to have an overall view on the network which is, in my opinion, very well developed.

In the honor of the Sàmi people

Traditional costum from Inari and reindeer leather tambourine

On February 6th, Finland celebrates the Northern people, the Sàmi or Saami in Finnish. This date wasn't randomly chosen. It reminds when the first Sàmi concil meeting was held in Trondheim (Norway) in 1917. Different theories suggest that the origin of the Sámi goes back 4,000 years or more. About 163,000 Sàmis are currently living in Finland, Norway, Sweden and Russia in an area of 388,350km2. In Lapland, it is more frequent to see reindeers than humans! Locals speak about ten different dialects, and do not necessary understand each other. Traditionally, they were living of fishing, hunting, fur trapping and sheep herding. This day is important to remember these people with their different culture, languages, traditions and way of living.

It's Runeberg Day!

Runeberg statue on the Esplanade in Helsinki

Every 5th of February, Finland celebrates the anniversary of Johan Ludvig Runeberg by raising the flags and eating a delicious... Runeberg torte. Runeberg, Runeberg,... his name probably rings a bell if you have been to Helsinki. Like many people, you have probably photographed his statue in the middle of the Esplanade, always with a seagull on his head. But Runeberg wasn't a baker or a politician as some people might think. He was the national poet who wrote a lot about the rural life during the 19th century in Swedish language. But his most famous piece is undoubtably the poem "Vårt land" (Our Land Maamme in Finnish) which became the lyrics of the Finnish national anthem.

The Runeberg torte or Runebergin torttu in Finnish, is a cylindric pastry flavored with almonds and decorated with raspberry jam in a white or pink sugar ring. The pastry got its name as the poet was used to have them for breakfast. They are only available in Finland and during the months of January and February. Of course, you can always bake them at home anytime. Check the recipe: here

Homemade Runeberg tortes in Porvoo

Be visible!

Reflectors by Aarikka

In winter, it is quite dark and it is extremely important to be visible. You are seriousely walking at risk along the roads. It is the reason why you have to be visible by law. Don't worry, you won't get a fine if you don't have a reflector but the police will stop you and ask you to wear one. In order to avoid being killed, it is highly recommended to wear reflectors on your jacket and bag.