Team ERA - Electric raceabout

Finnish contender compete in the X PRIZE competition for super efficient cars. Besides fame and the respect of other competitors, the winner will take home USD 10m.

Arcticstartup.com reported about the ERA (Electric Raceabout), a Finnish contender in the X PRIZE: "I just heard that the ERA team finished the second shakedown week in Michigan - in which the different cars needed to pass on-the-ground challenges - and they did it in style: The team passed all mandatory and optional tests with the first try, and were the only team to do so!".

Read more: www.raceabout.fi/era/

Finnish Wooden Boat Center

The Finnish Wooden Boat Center is an integrated 1.5 hectare area in Kotka’s Cultural Harbor, near the Maritime Centre Vellamo. The Boat Center’s appearance is dominated by the copper, arch-shaped roof of the boatyard (designed by architects Lahdelma & Mahlamäki). However, the Center also has a lot more to offer.

What makes the new building unique even on international terms is the fact that it was purpose-built for a wooden boat yard. Modern technology ensures temperature and humidity control as well as sawdust and dust removal. Another unique feature is the idea of a boatyard that is open for the public at no cost. The workshop is encircled by a Visitors’ Bridge at the second floor level, where the public can watch the boatwrights at work and observe the fascinating progress of boat-building. At the moment, the boatyard’s most notable attraction is the 21-meter-long classic wooden racing yacht Blue Marlin.

Don't miss the Wooden boat marina either. There you might see "Smuggler's boat (Pirtuvene)" and other rarities.

Kupe bicycles

Kupe is a new Finnish Bicycle brand est. 2010.

On their website they say: "We wish to give our customers good feeling and and nostalgic driving experience. We want our bike to stand out from mass- production bicycles with its delicate Finnish design and craftsmanship. You will find its specially designed, extra rigid frame and superb balance to match your driving needs whether you drive in a city or on the country roads... All frames, carriers and chainguards are handmade in Finland."

Kupe is manufactured by Eskolan konepaja and price is starting from 670 euros.

Another good news: Manufacture of the Finnish Jopo bicycles will be transferred back to Finland from Taiwan. Earlier only a fraction of the Jopo's were really made in Finland.

Do you remember Pelago bicycles?

Come to Finland

Come to Finland is all about Finnish travel posters and travel history.

It all started with an idea, ten years ago, outside an Antiquarian Book-shop in Helsinki. Today it is a succesful cultural and commercial project.

More info: www.cometofinland.fi