IN 2010, the winter started – in meteorological terms – on 17-19 November, with the whole country receiving its fair share of snow. This winter has been exceptionally warm, however, with Lapland feeling the strongest effects of the trend: its thermal winter arrived in mid-November, about one and a half months later than usual. According to Pauli Jokinen, a meteorologist at the Finnish Meteorological Institute, the statistics show a clear warming trend in the Nordic region, due to which the length of lasting snow cover has clearly shortened.

It is time to rethink this glorious region of the Mediterranean: it is closer to Athens than Istanbul, astonishingly green and has been blessed by no fewer than three popes.

If you have been to other parts of Turkey, such as Istanbul and the holiday destinations Alanya, Antalia etc., and you liked them, then you are going to enjoy Izmir even more. If, however, you have never been to Turkey, then Izmir is a fantastic place to get to know the country for the first time.

Wildlife watching is gaining popularity among families with children.

Wildlife tourism is attracting people to Finland from Central and Southern Europe. It is not about hunting, though, as these people want to watch and photograph bears, wolves, wolverines and other wild animals. An interesting development is that more and more families with children are among the wildlife tourists.

The perfect day in Madrid – already planned for you.

Are you planning a trip to Spain? Get to know the third largest city in the European Union, Madrid. Spain’s capital city has much to explore, from its colonial buildings and architecture to Goya’s famous paintings at the Prado and of course the famous football stadium, Estadio Santiago Bernabeu – home to the Real Madrid football team. Try Spain’s national drink, horchata, and don’t forget to taste some of the city’s world famous paella. Check out all the stops in my 24-hour itinerary and spend an incredible day in Madrid.

Makkaratalo

Thankfully the only part of the misguidedly ambitious City-Centre plan of the 1950s and 60s to be realised, this monstrosity was the creation of Viljo Revell and Heikki Castrén. The pile was completed in 1967 and quickly drew derision for its unabashed ugliness: its nickname comes from the supposedly decorative sausage-looking railing along the third floor. What is truly amazing is that it is now gazetted as a protected property by the National Board of Antiquities.

The mystery and allure of Prague help to attract visitors all year round.

Continuing with our popular series on the urban environment of our beautiful city, in this issue Helsinki Times presents a more focused look at South Helsinki with its grand Orthodox cathedral, Jugend-style buildings and an Aalto classic. We then take a little detour over to Kaivopuisto for an encounter with the stars.

LAST week, we explored some of Helsinki’s architectural glories, and we continue our tour round the city with a look at five more landmarks. In this instalment, Helsinki Times brings you two palaces, two houses and an emperor’s theatre.

Following on from our popular feature on statues in the city, Helsinki Times now presents a look at the events and values that Helsinki has chosen to enshrine in its squares and parks. These monuments, whether well-loved or controversial, are part of the fabric of life in the city.