Drawing strong influences from both its easterly neighbour, Russia, and from its western one, Sweden, Finland remains one of Europe’s most enigmatic countries. The Finnish landscape is flat and punctuated by huge forests and lakes, with the drama heightening as you head north. The capital, Helsinki, straddles several islands brightened by brilliant architecture and superb collections of late modern and contemporary artworks. The gradually rising fells and forests of Lapland are Finland’s most alluring terrain and are home to semi-nomadic reindeer herders.