FINLAND POSTER WOMAN WAVING

If the purposes of a travel poster are to extend a warm welcome to visitors and attract them with a view of the country’s most scenic travel destination, then this charming  poster from 1948 promoting Finland has succeeded on both counts.

In the foreground is a pretty Finnish maiden dressed in traditional garb. She is smiling and shielding her eyes from the sun with her left hand. Her right arm is raised in a friendly, beckoning wave.  It’s as though she is greeting each tourist personally. 

A young woman, referred to as the “Maiden of Finland,” has been used in many forms and for many purposes over the years as a symbolic embodiment of the country. This is due in part to the fact that her shape, with her right arm raised and her skirt billowing out, matches the shape of the country, as the white outline shown beside her illustrates.

Behind the maiden is one of the most famous vistas in Finland. From the top of this hill one can look out over Koli National Park with its pristine waters, wooded forests and rolling hills. As Finland’s most treasured park, Koli is a favorite destination of natives and tourists alike seeking wilderness experiences and outdoor adventures.

Finnish graphic designer and artist Olavi Vepsäläinen (1927-1993) designed this engaging poster.

If you love beautiful vintage travel posters consider owning this one. And please take a look at the other vintage travel posters we offer for Finland, Sweden and Norway.

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