NORTHERN UTOPIAS

[danbr00]

The south is already lost.

Tampere, Finland is the most populous inland city in any of the Nordic countries with about 300,000.

[DI1ck]

I have a friend that spent some time around Helsinki back in '08/'09. Finland seems desirable on numerous levels when compared to the modern-day state of other Nordic countries. Denmark has made headlines over the past year with some common-sense legislature. To be honest, the socio-political climate in virtually all of Europe is rather detestable these days so the net in which comparisons could be cast is not very wide or far reaching. But all things considered, especially those beyond the socio-political realm, Finland is definitely worth mention.

A bit farther north we have somewhat smaller Oulu and the Northern Ostrobothnia region...

[danbr00]

Kiruna is the northernmost town in Sweden with about 20,000. It has evidence of Sami settlement for six thousand years. The Kiruna mine is the largest and most modern underground iron ore mine in the world.

[Milo]

not related to the topic, but I think this is the first time I've seen someone take a screenshot with their browser not on Incognito mode

[DI1ck]

Tonight's selection - From Hordaland county Western Norway, a region that I've long wanted to visit for its history and beautiful landscapes, replete with endless fjords, mountains and valleys. These are from Ullensvang region [Taken from the name of the Norse god Ullin. The last element, vangr, meaning "field" or "meadow".], a relatively small region with a population peaking at only 3,369. The region's administrative center, Kinsarvik, stands with only 519 residents. Despite its rural character, the region retains a distinctive orderliness, characteristic of old Scandinavia.

[Albobalboa]

Kiruna looks ridiculously good during wintertime, beautiful town.

[danbr00]

Valmiera, Latvia lies at the crossroads of several important roads, 100 kilometres (62 miles) to the north-east from Riga, the capital of Latvia, and 50 km (31 mi) south of the border with Estonia. With population of about 30,000, Valmiera also lies on both banks of the Gauja River.

[DI1ck]

Karelia, a region divided between nations, not only possesses a lengthy and complex history but also an idyllic northern character replete with dense forests and lakes. These photos are exclusively from the present-day Russian side of Karelia.

[danbr00]

Velsk, Russia is a timber producing town with a population of about 25,000. Many residents of the town produce much of their own food as well. Velsk is located on the M8 Highway—one of the principal highways in Russia connecting Moscow and Arkhangelsk.

[DI1ck]

Kittilä, a small region north of the Arctic Circle, deep within Finnish Lapland is a relatively remote area more known for being the location of the lowest recorded temperature in Finnish history: −51.5 °C (−60.7 °F) [January 1999]. The "midnight sun" is above the horizon from May 29th to July 16th, and the period of continuous daylight lasts a bit longer.