Andy Symington and Catherine Le Nevez - Finland

Dont get the idea that the countrys just a backwoods emptiness, though. Vibrant cities stock the southern parts, headed by the capital, Helsinki, a cutting-edge urban space with world-famous design and music scenes. Embraced by the Baltic, its an enticing ensemble of modern and stately architecture, island restaurants, and stylish and quirky bars. And complaints about Finnish food are so last century: the new Suomi restaurant scene is kicking, with locally foraged flavours to the fore.

By Andy Symington, Author

My first impression of Finland was a winter one, when snow-hushed forests and Christmastime conviviality made an instant impact. You must come back in summer, everyone said, so I did, for midnight daytime saunas by impossibly picturesque lakes and melt-in-the-mouth fresh berries and potatoes. Fresh air, the Lapland wilderness, the hiking, the wildlife: it's a natural wonderland within an impressively technological modern nation. The real bonus? The Finns, who do their own thing and are much the better for it. Independent, loyal and welcoming memorable people in an inspirational country. Make it your business to get to know some.