August 2013 -- Finland
Like Copenhagen, Gothenburg, and Amsterdam, Helsinki has a healthy, energetic, progressive vibe. It's the sort of place you can find a great bookstore, lots of parks, and good food. Surprisingly, the architecture in Helsinki is varied and interesting.
However, the best part of Finland is the nature. The country is pretty flat, heavily treed, and gorgeous. If you're visiting, head north, or jump on a ferry to any of the zillion islands and kick back for a few days. I took a Tallink ferry to the Aland islands.
Mariehamn, the capital of Aland, is a great jumping-off point for exploring those beautiful islands. The weather is a bit tempermental, but it would be a superb place for a week of cycling or sailing.
