Top summer active holidays in Finland

The Finns are very proud of their countryside, which boasts almost 200,000 lakes, 35 national parks and miles and miles of coastline.

The Nordic country also has a strong concept of public access to non-agricultural land, making it an ideal, if less well-known, destination for an active holiday.

Holidaymakers can expect to see open countryside, rolling hills, river valleys and archipelagos on their trip, as well as some exciting wildlife.

1 - Go bear watching in Kuhmo, eastern Finland
Bears are one of Europe's last great mammals, and seeing them in their natural environment ranks as one of the most exciting wildlife holiday experiences on the continent.

The summer is an ideal time to go bear watching in Finland, as the animals can be seen at night - but being so far north it does not get dark.

Most bear-watching trips involve spending a night in hide in the forest, which have enough room for six to eight people, beds, a toilet, comfortable chairs, and most importantly, close viewing of the bears.

Wildlife experts explain that you can see bears as close as seven metres away, and in one night it is possible to see as many as 18 different bears.

2 - Island hopping in the archipelago
If the idea of having 2,000 islands to explore on foot and by bike sounds like a dream come true, a visit to the city Turku and the archipelago lying to its south and west is a must.

Considered to be one of Finland's most amazing natural areas, the archipelago can be explored by taking the ferries that go back and forth between the islands.

Holidaymakers can visit peaceful harbour villages, cycle around the main islands, along with seeing Turku - Finland's oldest city.

3- Go hiking in the Oulanka National Park
The north of Finland may be known for its freezing temperatures, but in the summer when it starts to warm up it also becomes a land of long days where it is hardly ever dark.

One of the ways the country's northern wilderness can be enjoyed is by visiting Oulanka National Park, which is a great place to go hiking in Finland.

Close to the Arctic Circle, the park has ancient spruce trees, streams and rapids, along with a wide variety of flowers and plants.

There are also well-marked hiking trails, geared for walkers with different levels of abilities.

For more information about all these active holiday options see www.visitfinland.com