ChristianB

This is one of three official recidences for the president of Finland. It was finnished in 1993 and so far three Finnish presidents have lived there, Mauno Koivisto, Martti Ahtisaari and the current president Tarja Halonen.

It’s really big and looks very different to say the least. It was designed by Reima and Raili Pietilä and has 4,210 m² of floor space. There’s 300 windows, 212 corners on the exterior and 190 doors (of which 180 are all individual). I’d really like to see that up close.

This place is okay, but if you want to eat at the restaurant you should order in advance. Note also that the whole group eats the same ordered meal. But the place in itself is smack in the middle of the Vaasa archipelago. That makes this a good destination during summer. It’s also open during winter, and you can actually walk there over the ice. It’s quite a walk by the way (there and back). And don’t walk alone over the ice. Ever.

Here’s the menu: http://www.jannensaluuna.com/menu.htm

I’m biased but it’s definately worth visiting the archipelago. But you need to know the right spots. And don’t expect the Terranova museum being the whole experience. You need to visit the actual places to experience this one. Take a trip by boat, rent a cabin or even better – paddle a canoe through the islands. You’ll get some help on how to do this through here: http://www.kvarkenguide.org/ (the site is in Finnish, Swedish, English and German).