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Originally printed: 1937
Artist: Yrjö Kari
Size: 68 x 90 cm
Price: 19 € (+ shipping)
Background: In a 1938 guidebook to Finnish Lapland, international tourists are tempted with fishing, hiking, canoeing, cross-country and free fell skiing, as well as naturally reindeer sleigh ride. A suitable duration for an excursion on on a reindeer was 4–5 days, according to those in the know:
’It is a form of tourism that even those of more advanced years can practice. As you lie basking in the sun, you can see the sparse Lapland forest glide past as if it was a pack of comic trolls. It’s far more pleasant to ride on a reindeer than a horse. The swaying reindeer antlers do not spoil the view to the same extent as the hindquarters of a horse.
“Run, my dear reindeer!” The reindeer’s hooves dance along the snowy trail. The mountain birches wave farewell and the lichen has problems keeping up with the giddy ride. There we have a Laplander’s tent and a large herd of reindeer nearby has trampled the snow worse than any company of soldiers. The Northern Lights arch across the sky like a dragon that burns and sparkles in the expanse. The next day also affords the same invigorating relaxation. The wilderness is endless and the trails of wolverines, foxes and ermines are at the same time testimony to the insignificance of humans in this landscape. The reindeer sleigh slides along a river. The sun is warm. Suddenly one dozes off, but it’s fine as the driver takes cares of everything and wakes us up when it’s time to let the reindeer rest.’
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The above text and this poster can be found in the book Come to Finland. It's a quality coffee table book filled with vintage travel posters from Finland – and many travel tales and historical anecdotes. The book is the result of a long and successful cultural history project. You can order the book here.See the full range of posters in our Poster Shop