Finland

Finland's south Karelia region may be famous for its outstanding natural beauty but this July tourists may have another reason to linger in the area.The small town of Ruokolahto plays host to the annual Old Geezer Carting World Championships on the 26th, where couples race around a 200 metre obstacle course in traditional milk carts.While the women push, their male teammates have the luxury of sitting back and enjoying the ride.New to the 2008 event is the Souped-Up Milk Cart Competition, in which entrants are encouraged to decorate and modify their vehicles for exhibition alongside the main event.After the prizes have been awarded, visitors have the added treat of listening to music at the SavottaRock concert, featuring a slew of local bands. Ruokolahti has around 6,000 inhabitants but the population doubles in summer when holidaymakers invade to occupy some 3,000 summer cottages in the region.

Each year on June 12th the Finnish capital celebrates its foundation over 450 years ago.Celebrated sine 1959, it is always held on the same date regardless of the day of the week.Fins remember when King Gustav I of Sweden founded the city in 1550 with a diverse range of events and free admission to museums and exhibitions.The day begins with free coffee and rhubarb tart (a Helsinki speciality) in Railway Square.For the rest of the event visitors will be treated to a free spectacular including music, magic and dance taking place in public parks and squares, as well as guided tours around the city.In 2000 the Finnish capital commemorated its 450th anniversary while simultaneously celebrating its status as a European Union city of culture.Other events held in the city include the Kirkko Soikoon Church Music Festival in April, the World Village Festival in May and a Midsummer Eve Celebration in June.

For a stellar feast in Finland, city centre Chez Dominique is the place to go.The only restaurant in the country to receive two Michelin stars, it boasts superb Nordic and French dishes served in increasingly innovative ways.Chef Hans Valimaki is somewhat of a celebrity in Finland and sampling his suckling pig it is easy to understand the adulation he receives here.The duck foie gras with Granny Smith apple is another treat, while popcorn and red berries for dessert goes a long way towards explaining why this establishment continues to be at the forefront of experimental European cuisine since opening in 1998.More daring diners might like to try the variety of surprise menus on offer, ranging from four to nine courses, with wine.Demo is another great place for a helping of Helsinki's culinary heritage. The menu changes almost daily but remains consistently good and very ambitious.

The cultural curfew is lifted for one day in Helsinki this summer for the capital's annual Night of the Arts.On August 22nd art galleries, libraries and book shops keep their doors open late while orchestras, dance troupes, pop stars and theatre companies provide round the clock outdoor entertainment.To facilitate the nocturnal programme, the city's public transport systems offers extended service hours to popular venues including Helsinki parks and the renowned Temppeliaukio Church - a natural concert hall carved out of granite bedrock.The sleepless celebrations form part of the wider Helsinki Festival spanning August and September.Free events include classical and contemporary music, dance, theatre, circus, cinema and art exhibitions.For other 24/7 sightseeing options in Europe, consider journeying to Paris for Nuit Blanche in October, or sign up for London's Museum Sleepover in August, aimed especially at young children.

For a slightly different seaside experience this year, fold away the deck chair and head to the harbour instead.The city of Kotka in Finland holds its annual Maritime Festival between July 24th and 27th.It was first launched as a small boating celebration in 1962 but has since grown to become the largest summer festival in the country, while still sticking to its shipping roots.Visitors can admire a wide range of vessels in the harbour, some of which compete in sailing competitions, rowing heats and motor boat races.Meanwhile, street theatre, parades, live music and an enormous market offer some less nautical diversions for those yet to find their sea legs.Kotka is located on the coast of the eastern Gulf of Finland, an hour's drive from Helsinki. Its maritime heritage offers a wealth of outdoor water-based activities, including sailing, shooting the rapids, archipelago trips and fishing.