Russian tourists value the shopping opportunities, unspoiled natural and opportunities for sports and other activities on offer in northern Finland during the summertime. Hiking and fishing trips as well as activities that involve reindeer were the most popular types of guided activities.
This information came to light in interviews conducted last summer at the Salla border crossing. The interviews were conducted by Paula Aspholm-Heimonen, a travel coordinator for the municipality of Salla, and altogether 224 Russian tourists participated in the study. From the crossing point, tourists from Russia typically continue on to Rovaniemi or the Kemi-Tornio region.
Each Russian traveler who crosses the border at Salla spends on average 520 euros during their stay in Finland.