Finland has been named the world's best destination for wildlife travel in 2019.
The country topped the list on True Luxury Travel 's Global Wildlife Travel Index, beating out 106 other destinations thanks to its "high levels of environmental sustainability, its unique and varied diversity of species, beautiful natural landscapes, and conservation efforts".
It's no surprise that Finland proved such a hit.
The country is renowned for offering a wide array of wildlife including wolves, bears, lynx, elks, and wolverines. If it's brown bears you're looking for, then Finland’s Lakeland district needs to be on your radar.
It's also popular with bird watchers hoping to catch a glimpse of the owls and eagles also found in its national parks.
Speaking of national parks, you won't be stuck for ideas if you're thinking of planning a trip in the Finnish landscape.
In fact, there are 40 national parks across Finland to discover.
Highlights include the Nuuksio National Park, Koli National Park and Hossa National Park, all of which look like something out of a storybook with their lush green forests and crystal-clear lakes.
(According to the Global Wildlife Travel Index, forest areas cover over 68 per cent of the country's land).
Looking for something particularly spectacular? Then head to the High Coast / Kvarken Archipelago, which is the country's only natural UNESCO World Heritage Site.
(It actually has seven in total, the other six being classified as cultural rather than natural sites).
In the summer the parks are ideal for adventures in the Great Outdoors from hikes and climbs to kayaking and cycling, but in the winter the country is transformed with the long winter nights, as the landscapes morph into winter wonderlands.
Of course come Christmas, Finland becomes extra magical as not only is it home to Lapland (and yes, it is possible to find cheap Lapland holidays ), but it can also be one of the best places to see the Northern Lights - it is on the Arctic Circle after all!
