Finland Travel Guide

Overview

Capital:

Helsinki.

Geography:

With Sweden to the west, and Russia to the east, the history and politics of Finland have been shaped by its location. The national character of the Finns has been further coloured by the water-logged landscape - the country is hemmed in by the Gulf of Bothnia and the Gulf of Finland and 10% of its landmass lies underwater.

Finland has over 179,000 islands, including the 98,050 islands in its 188,000 inland lakes. The Saimaa Lake system in the southeast of the country is the fourth largest lake in Europe.

By European standards, Finland is very sparsely populated, and around 73% of the country is forested. In the south and southwest, the forest is mainly pine, fir and birch; in Lapland, in the far north, scattered dwarf birch forests give way to Arctic tundra.

Most of the national forests are managed for timber, which is used for the manufacture of furniture, paper and fibreboards and for domestic heating and warming Finland's two million saunas. Finland's forests are said to be the most sustainably managed in Europe.

Getting There

Getting There By Air

Finland's national carrier is Finnair (www.finnair.com), which flies direct from numerous countries, including the UK and the USA. Other airlines operating direct flights to Finland from the UK include British Airways (www.ba.com) and Norwegian (www.norwegian.com).

Major airport is: Helsinki-Vantaa Airport.

Departure Tax

Included in ticket price.

Flight Times

To Helsinki: from London - 2 hours 50 minutes; New York - 8 hours 10 minutes.

Getting There By Water

Helsinki (www.portofhelsinki.fi), Turku (www.port.turku.fi), Mariehamn (Åland; www.visitaland.com) and Vaasa (www.vaasa.fi/port). Car ferries sail daily to Finland from Stockholm and other Swedish ports, as well as from Tallinn (Estonia).

International ferry companies include Viking Line (tel: +358 600 41577; www.vikingline.fi) and Tallink Silja Line (tel: +49 40 547 541 222; www.tallink.com). Note that many locals use the international ferries for overnight 'booze cruises' as duty-free alcohol is sold on board; therefore they can be noisy and crowded at weekends.

Finnlines (tel: +358 10 34350; www.finnlines.com) runs ferry services to Finland from Rostock and Travemünde (Germany).

Several major international cruise lines call at Finnish ports.

Getting Around

Getting Around By Air

Finnair (www.finnair.com) and SAS (www.flysas.com) run an excellent network of domestic services. Look out for discounted äkkilähdot (last minute) fares.

Bike

You can hire bikes in most towns from tourist offices or camping grounds. HSL city bikes (kaupunkipyorat.hsl.fi; tel: +358 9 425 788 10) are available in Helsinki and Espoo and accept most credit cards.

Car Hire

Car hire is available in larger towns and cities from a variety of local and international firms. The minimum age varies from 20 to 25 years depending on the company, but all firms require a minimum of one year's driving experience.

Documentation

In Finland, the legal driving age is 18. A National driving licence or an International Driving Permit and insurance are required.

EU and Swiss driving licenses are both eligible to use in Finland.

Getting Around By Rail

Finnish trains are spacious, comfortable, clean and quiet, thanks to special booths where people can make mobile phone calls. Valtion Rautatiet - VR (tel: 0600 41902, in Finland only or +358 800 166 888; www.vr.fi) operates an extensive rail service around Finland. The main lines are Helsinki-Turku, Helsinki-Tampere-Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä-Kuopio and Helsinki-Seinäjoki-Oulu-Rovaniemi.

Prices vary according to the standard of the train; regional trains are cheapest and fast Pendolino trains are the most expensive. Sleeping berths are available on night trains and seat reservations are compulsory on IC and Pendolino services. Children under four travel free and tickets for children aged 4-16 have up to a 40% discount. Special discounts are available for groups, students, and seniors.

There are trams available in Finland but they are mostly available in inner-city Helsinki. The Helsinki Region Transport (www.hsl.fi/en), also called the HSL, has an extensive tram network. The service is easily accessible as it has 11 lines, connecting different areas of the inner-city to each other.

Regulations

Speed limits are 50kph (31mph) in built-up areas, 80kph (50mph) on non-urban roads and 80-120kph (50-75mph) on motorways. Seat belts must be worn by all passengers and headlights must be kept on at all times.

Traffic entering from the right has right of way, even when joining a major road from a minor road. Cars towing caravans may not exceed 80kph (50mph). From 01 December until 31 March, snow tyres are a legal requirement; you can hire them from rental firms.

Further information can be obtained from Autoliitto (Automobile and Touring Club of Finland) (tel: +358 9 7258 4400; www.autoliitto.fi)

Road Quality

In forested areas, heed the signs warning of elk and reindeer crossing the carriageway - many drivers are injured in collisions with deer every year.

Petrol stations are often unmanned but you can operate petrol pumps using banknotes and credit cards.

Side Of Road

r

Taxi

Available in every city and from airports and major hotels. Taxis have a yellow ‘taksi’ sign that is lit when the taxi is vacant. They can be booked at taxi ranks or hailed from the street. In Helsinki, you can call Taksi Helsinki on +358 100 0700. Fares are more expensive at night and at weekends; tipping is not customary. Taxis run by Yellow Line (tel: +358 600 555 555) operate to and from Helsinki Airport.

Urban Travel

Larger towns have efficient and integrated bus services, and Helsinki also has a metro and tram service, suburban rail lines and ferry services. Local transport in Helsinki (including the ferries) is covered by a single ticket system with a zonal flat fare and free transfers between services. Multi-trip tickets are sold in advance, as are various passes.

You can buy tickets from the driver, ticket machine or via mobile phone text message (Finnish service providers only). Tramline 3T runs past most of the main tourist attractions - a free brochure in English is available covering the stops along the route.

Helsinki Card: This handy discount card (www.helsinkicard.fi) is available for 24, 48 or 72 hours. Once purchased, it allows unlimited free travel on public transport (including the Suomenlinna ferry) and free entry to numerous museums and other sights in the city. Several other large cities offer similar transport cards.

Getting Around By Water

Many of Finland's inland waterways are serviced by waterbuses and ferries. Popular routes include the Silver Line (www.hopealinja.fi), which operates between Hämeenlinna and Tampere and Tampere and Viikinsaari island, and the Poet's Way (www.runoilijantie.fi), which runs between Tampere and Virrat.

Lake Päijänne Cruises (www.paijanne-risteilythilden.fi) runs services on the Päijänne Waterway, between Jyväskylä and Heinola, Lahti and Suolahti. Roll Cruises (www.roll.fi) offers cruises around Kuopio.

There are also regular car ferry services around the Lake Pielinen area. All ferries have restaurants or canteens and accommodation on overnight trips is provided in small private cabins.

Travel Advice

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

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This information is for people travelling on a full 'British citizen' passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government's understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Finland set and enforce entry rules. If you're not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Finnish Embassy in the UK.

Passport validity requirements

Finland follows Schengen area rules. Your passport must:

• have a 'date of issue' less than 10 years before the date you arrive – if you renewed your passport before 1 October 2018, it may have a date of issue that is more than 10 years ago
• have an 'expiry date' at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Visa requirements

You can travel without a visa to the Schengen area, which includes Finland, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies if you travel:

• as a tourist
• to visit family or friends
• to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events
• for short-term studies or training

The requirements for working in Finland are different. 

If you're travelling to other Schengen countries as well, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day visa-free limit. Visits to Schengen countries within the previous 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days.

If you're a visitor, border guards will look at your entry and exit stamps to check you have not overstayed the 90-day visa-free limit for the Schengen area.

If your passport is missing a stamp, show evidence of when and where you entered or left the Schengen area (for example, boarding passes or tickets) and ask the border guards to add the date and location in your passport.

At Finnish border control, you may also need to:

• show proof of your accommodation, for example, a hotel booking confirmation or proof of address for a second home
• show a return or onward ticket
• prove that you have enough money for your stay – the amount varies depending on your accommodation

Staying longer than 90 days in a 180-day period

To stay longer, you must meet the Finnish government's entry requirements. Check which type of visa or permit you need with the Finnish Embassy in the UK.

If you're in Finland with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit. 

Read about passport stamping if you live in Finland.

Travelling with children

To enter Finland with an adult who is not a parent or legal guardian, minor children must carry a letter of consent from a parent or legal guardian.  

Travelling from Russia

All border crossing points on the land border between Finland and Russia will remain closed until further notice. Monitor the Finnish Border Guard website for details of border closures with Russia.

The border crossing points for maritime traffic at Haapasaari, the port of Nuijamaa and Santio will be closed to leisure boating until further notice.

For more information on leaving Russia, see Russia travel advice.

Vaccine requirements

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro's Finland guide.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into and out of Finland. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Taking food and drink into Finland

You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries. There are some exceptions such as powdered baby milk, baby food and special foods or pet feed required for medical reasons.  

Restrictions on Russian vehicles in Finland

There are restrictions on vehicles with Russian licence plates in Finland. See Finland's Ministry of Foreign Affairs for more information.

Taking money into Finland

Declare cash or travellers cheques if the value is 10,000 euros or more. You will get a certified declaration to show you brought it in with you. If you do not, your money could be seized when you leave.

See guidance on declaring cash from Finnish Customs.

Terrorism 

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.     

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Finland

Terrorist attacks in Finland cannot be ruled out.

Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals.

Protecting your belongings

Pickpockets may target tourists in the tourist season in crowded areas. Take precautions and keep your personal belongings, passports and money safe.

Laws and cultural differences

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

Do not use, buy or carry illegal drugs. Possession of even the smallest quantities can lead to up to 10 years imprisonment.

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in Finland, see information on driving abroad and check the rules of the road in the RAC's Finland guide. The guide lists driving regulations and other legal requirements you need to be aware of.

You need a UK driving licence to drive in Finland. Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience, minimum age and holding an international driving permit.

Check if you need a UK sticker to drive your car outside the UK. 

Drink-driving laws

Drink-driving is a serious offence in Finland, and you could get a prison sentence if found guilty. The drink-drive limit in Finland is significantly lower than the limit in England.

Arctic travel

Parts of Finland are in the Arctic Circle, including some very remote areas of land. Emergency medical assistance and search and rescue are limited in these areas. See Arctic travel safety advice.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Dial 112 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance company quickly if you're referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip check:

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Finland
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you'll face in Finland, including insect bites and ticks.

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

Healthcare in Finland

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Finland where some staff will speak English.

Health insurance cards

To get medically necessary state healthcare in Finland, you need a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). 

The NHS's getting healthcare abroad webpage has details about:

• how to apply for a GHIC
• how to get temporary cover if you lose your card or it does not arrive in time
• who qualifies for a new EHIC instead of a GHIC
• what treatment counts as medically necessary

A GHIC or EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance. You may have costs your GHIC or EHIC does not cover, including:

• changes to travel and accommodation bookings
• additional standard costs for treatment
• medical repatriation to the UK
• treatment that is ruled non-urgent
• private healthcare
• private clinics

There is also guidance on healthcare if you're living in Finland.

Organ donation laws

In Finland, doctors may remove organs, tissues and cells to treat another person if there is no evidence the deceased would have objected. Read more information on Finland's Ministry of Justice Finlex website.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Finland

Telephone: 112 (ambulance, fire, police)

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking lawyers, funeral directors and translators and interpreters in Finland
• dealing with a death in Finland
• being arrested in Finland
• getting help if you're a victim of crime
• what to do if you're in hospital
• if you're affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO

Help abroad

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.

Help in the UK

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)

Find out about call charges

Get travel advice updates

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.

Follow and contact FCDO: 

• travel advice on X
• travel advice on Facebook

Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Finland on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.

Vaccinations

Title	Special Precautions
Rabies	No
Typhoid	No
Diphtheria	No
Tetanus	Yes
Yellow Fever	No
Malaria	No
Hepatitis A	No

Overview:

Travel insurance is advised for all visitors. In some medical cases, if you are European, you might be able to receive free treatment if you can show proof of a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) obtained in your country of origin.

The overall standards of healthcare in Finland are excellent. Hospitals and surgeries are well equipped and staff are proficient. In pharmacies, over-the-counter advice is given and standard medicines are sold.

Food Drink:

Food in Finland is safe to eat and usually prepared in accordance with hygiene guidelines, although care should be taken when purchasing food from unlicensed stalls. Tap water is also safe, although drinking from streams, lakes and rivers – however clean they look – isn’t recommended as even the most inviting-looking water can harbour parasites.

Other Risks:

Campers and trekkers should take precautions against tick bites; immunisation against tick-borne encephalitis is recommended if visiting rural areas in the south (particularly the Archipelago). Mosquitoes are a pest during the damp summers, particularly in the north - bring mosquito repellent and topical cream to stop bites becoming infected.

Currency Information:

Euro (EUR; symbol €) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of €500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of €2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10 and 5 cents. Note that 1 and 2 cent coins, while valid in other eurozone countries, are not used in Finland.

Credit Cards:

All major international credit and debit cards are widely accepted.

ATMs:

ATMs are found in every town and even in small villages.

Travellers Cheques:

Traveller's cheques can be exchanged at banks or exchange offices (at a lower commission), and can be used to pay for goods in some tourist-oriented shops. Travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in Euros, Pounds Sterling or US Dollars.

Banking Hours:

Mon-Fri 0900-1630 (regional variations may occur).

Currency Restrictions:

There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency. However, amounts exceeding €10,000 or equivalent must be declared if travelling from or to a country outside the European Union.

Currency Exchange:

Foreign currency and traveller's cheques can be exchanged in banks, post offices and at bureaux de change in major cities, ports and airports. Banks tend to charge higher commissions. As there are direct train and bus links from Helsinki to St Petersburg in Russia, it is easy to exchange Euros for Russian Roubles.

Currencies

Code	Symbol
EUR	€

Exchange Rates

0.71

1.00

1.19

0.96

Language

There are two official languages: Finnish, mother tongue for 91.6% of the population, and Swedish, first language of 5.5% of the population. Swedish Finns have a distinct cultural identity and often speak English more fluently than they speak Finnish. The Finnish language is related to only Estonian and Hungarian. Around 2,000 people in Lapland speak one of the dialects of the Sámi language, while Karelian dialects still survive amongst older people in the east of the country. English is taught as the first foreign language.

Overview:

Public holidays are listed here.

.

List Of Public Holidays

Title	Start Date	To Be Confirmed
New Year's Day	2024-01-01 00:00:00	0
Epiphany	2024-01-06 00:00:00	0
Good Friday	2024-03-29 00:00:00	0
Easter Sunday	2024-03-31 00:00:00	0
Easter Monday	2024-04-01 00:00:00	0
May Day	2024-05-01 00:00:00	0
Ascension Day	2024-05-09 00:00:00	0
Whit Sunday	2024-05-19 00:00:00	0
Midsummer	2024-06-22 00:00:00	0
All Saint's Day	2024-11-01 00:00:00	0
Independence Day	2024-12-06 00:00:00	0
Christmas Day	2024-12-25 00:00:00	0
St Stephen's Day (Tapaninp	2024-12-26 00:00:00	0

Overview:

Finland is within the European Union. If you are travelling from outside of the EU, you are entitled to buy fragrance, skincare, cosmetics, Champagne, wine, selected spirits, fashion accessories, gifts and souvenirs - all at tax-free equivalent prices.

Finland's duty-free allowance for travellers from EU countries:

If you are over 17 years old, you are free to buy and take goods with you when travelling between EU countries, provided that you have paid tax on these goods and they are for your own use (not for sale). However, if you bring in more than the following, customs officials are likely to question you:

• 800 cigarettes or 400 cigarillos or 200 cigars or 1kg of smoking tobacco and 1kg of chewing/nasal/oral tobacco (snus).
• 90L of still wine (60L of sparkling wine).
• 110L of beer.
• 10L of alcoholic beverages stronger than 22% or 20L of fortified or sparkling wine or other liqueurs up to 22%.

Beware that each EU country has different rules for travellers under 17 years old. Please check before you travel.

Finland's duty-free allowance for travellers from non-EU countries:

If you are arriving from a non-EU country, the following goods may be imported into Finland by travellers with a minimum age of 17 years without incurring customs duty:

• 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos (max. 3 grams each) or 50 cigars or 250g of smoking tobacco and 1kg of chewing/nasal/oral tobacco (snus). You may combine any of these tobacco products provided the limit is not exceeded.
• 4L of wine and 16L of beer and 1L of spirits over 22% volume or 2L of alcoholic beverages less than 22% volume or a proportional mix of these products provided the limit is not exceeded. If over 20 years old you may import all of the above; those aged over 18 years may only import alcoholic beverages with max. 22%).
• Other goods up to the value of €430 for air and sea travellers and €300 for other travellers.

.

Banned Imports:

Electric-shock batons, radar detectors, knuckle dusters, stiletto blades, endangered plant species (unless licensed in certain cases), pirated goods and certain plants from Russia (e.g. apple and pear trees).

Restricted imports include narcotics, firearms and ammunition, laser pointers, pets, pot plants and nursery plants, and endangered animal species.

You also cannot bring meat, fish or dairy products from outside the EU to Finland.

There is a ban on the import of the following goods from the Russian Federation into the EU: diamonds, gold, jewelry, cigarettes, cosmetics, seafood (e.g. caviar), spirits (e.g. vodka), shoes, clothing and smartwatches.

Telephone:

Local and international calls can be made from street-side telephone booths and, in larger cities, tele-centres. Most public telephones operate using a pre-paid card purchased from R-kiosks, shops and post offices. Shops also sell cards that can be used to make discounted international calls.

Mobile Telephone:

Roaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone companies and GSM 900/1800 coverage is excellent - as you might expect from the home of Nokia. You may find it cheaper to buy a Finnish SIM card, available for about €15, which includes €10 of calling credit.

Internet:

Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, restaurants and on public transport. There are also hotspots in some cities. Most large conurbations have commercial internet cafes.

Post

Generally Mon-Fri 0900-1800, with regional variations. Helsinki's central post office (Elielinaukio 2, 00100 Helsinki) is open Mon-Fri 0800-2000, Sat 1000-1600, Sun 1200-1600.

Post Office Hours:

Generally Mon-Fri 0900-1800, with regional variations. Helsinki's central post office at Mannerheiminaukio 1, 00100 Helsinki, is open Mon-Fri 0700-2100, Sat-Sun 1000-1800.

Media:

Finland has a strong and independent media with privately-owned newspapers that reflect a broad spectrum of political views. Public communications network YLE provides national radio and TV programming. Freedom of the press is enshrined in Finnish law, and Finns read the newspapers avidly.

Brave the cold for ice fishing

Every winter, thousands of Finns drill holes in the ice and try their luck at the masochistic sport of ice fishing, with a bottle of Kossu (Finnish vodka) on hand to keep the chills at bay. Of course, if you want to avoid hypothermic conditions, you could always go fishing during the summer by a lake or the shore.

Party at Finnish Festivals

Some of Finland's festivals are just plain bizarre. Attendees engage in rock mimes for Oulu’s Air Guitar World Festival, husbands haul their wives like sacks of potatoes for the Wife-Carrying World Championships in Sonkajärvi, Naantali's laziest resident is tossed into the sea on Sleepyhead Day, and thousands of people go down the Vantaa river and drink beer in rubber boats during the annual Kaljakellunta, or Beer Float festival. It’s safe to say festivals and parties in Finland are very unique.

Harness up huskies

There are few more thrilling experiences than whizzing across the snow on a traditional Arctic sled. After some expert instruction, you’ll be put in the driving seat to mush your very own dog sled through the wintery Finnish landscape. There are numerous dog-sled centres in Lapland, such as Hetta and Äkäskero.

Try exhilarating watersports

When the Finns can't ski on snow, they do the next best thing: ski on water. The 1,000-plus lakes of the Lakeland region provide some fantastic opportunities for water-skiing, jet-skiing and sailing. Many holiday cottages and outdoor centres offer water-sports facilities.

Eat and drink al fresco in Oulu

Famed for its beer terraces and technological whizz-kids, Oulu is one of the most appealing cities in Finland, particularly in summer, when stalls selling wild berries and seasonal foodstuffs fill the marketplace. Stock up on supplies for a picnic on the bird-filled wonderland of nearby Hailuoto Island.

Delve into Sámi culture

The capital of Sámi culture in Lapland, the tiny village of Inari is home to the wonderful Siida museum and the Pielpajärvi Wilderness Church, a meeting place for reindeer herders since at least 1646. Nearby Lemmonjoki National Park is the largest in Finland, and a popular destination for trekkers and gold-panners.

Don your skis

During the icy Finnish winters, cross-country skiing is not just the most efficient but often the only way to get around. There are marked tracks all over the country, including in many national parks. Fans of downhill skiing and snowboarding should head to the hills of Lapland for an exhilarating time.

Sleep outdoors in Savonlinna

Famous for its medieval castle and its summer opera festival, Savonlinna is an enchanting jumping-off point for exploring Lakeland. The surrounding lakes and forests are full of camping grounds that provide a perfect base for watery activities and birdwatching.

Sunbathe on the beaches of Pohjanmaa

See a different side of Finland in the Swedish-speaking villages that sprawl along the west coast near Vaasa. Also known as Ostrobothnia, this region offers long sandy beaches, warm summer weather, forested islands full of swimming elks, and quaint wooden villages such as Jakobstad and Kristinestad.

Meet Santa Claus

Nudging into the Arctic Circle, Rovaniemi is home to Santa Claus Village, where there are child-friendly, Santa-themed attractions and the opportunity to meet Santa Claus himself. Explore SantaPark, where you can take part in Elf school, make gingerbread biscuits with Mrs Gingerbread and even send greetings from the Post Office.

Celebrate Midsummer

Go up north and you will find the sun never truly sets during the summer months, and Finns take full advantage of the 24-hour daylight to party through the night. Midsummer is also the time when thousands of locals retreat to their mökit (summer cottages) in the countryside to enjoy the great Finnish outdoors.

Scan the night skies

Searching the Arctic skies for the spectacular Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) takes a lot of dedication but is definitely worth it in the end. Watch the spectacle transform the skies over Finland into a psychedelic light show during the polar night (kaamos) from November to May.

Sweat it out in a sauna

Sweating your troubles away in a steamy sauna is one of the quintessential Finnish experiences. Most hotels and holiday cottages have saunas, but there is a special magic to the Jätkänkämppä smoke sauna just outside Kuopio, and the super-modern architecture of Löyly in Helsinki’s Hernesaari district is sure to impress.

Go climbing in Kilpisjärvi

In the far northwest corner of Finland, a tiny spit of land juts out between Sweden and Norway. Climb from the village of Kilpisjärvi to picturesque Saana Fell or Halti Fell, the highest peak in Finland, and look out over three countries from one spot.

Escape to the snow-covered wilds

Point your nose northwards and keep going until you reach Finland's Arctic wilderness. Mystical and awe-inspiring Lapland is home to traditional Sámi reindeer herders, around 300,000 reindeer and three spectacular national parks, as well as, of course, the region’s most famous resident: Santa Claus.

Admire modernist masterpieces

The Finns are rightly proud of Alvar Aalto, a giant of 20th-century architecture, and Jyväskylä, an appealing Lakeland university town, contains many of his most famous buildings. Come August, Jyväskylä revs into action as it hosts the Finnish round of the World Rally Championship.

Discover Karelian culture

Split in two by the Russian border, the district of Karelia marches to the beat of its own drum. It’s famous for its Orthodox Christian culture, unique cuisine, distinct language, traditional villages and its centuries-old religious festivals. It is also the setting of the Finnish national epic, the Kalevala.

Hit the waters of Lakeland

‘Land of a thousand lakes’ may be Finland’s nickname, but also an understatement; there are in fact 187,888 of them. They provide a natural adventure playground for swimmers, canoeists, fishermen and boating enthusiasts, as well as people who just appreciate the soothing calm of still waters. With one lake per 26 Finns, there is more than enough space for everyone. The heart of the lake country is Lakeland in eastern Finland.

Enjoy culture and nightlife in Turku

The oldest town in Finland, Turku gazes across the archipelago towards Stockholm in Sweden. The main attractions include the town’s magnificent medieval castle, stately cathedral and intriguing museums, while the lively nightlife, centred on the floating 'boat bars' moored along the Aura River, provides ample light relief after dark.

Stay overnight in a lighthouse

The southernmost destination in Finland, Bengtskär lighthouse is an impressive building perched alone on an island of bare rocks. The tallest lighthouse in the Nordics, Bengtskär functions as a home to lighthouse keeper Paula Wilson, and she runs it as a hotel between June and September. The granite sauna dating back to 1907 is available for guests to use.

Explore handsome Helsinki

The Finnish capital is aesthetically pleasing; its architecture reflects its Russian and Swedish past as well as the more recent Scandi-style modernism of famous Finnish architects. Good design is ubiquitous; almost every café and shop will have a quirky chair, chic lamp or covetable coffee cup you’ll wish you had in your own home.

Overview

Duty-free: Anyone permanently resident outside the EU can claim a refund of 12-16% on goods that cost more than €40 at the time of departure from the EU. Retailers (look out for the 'Tax Free for Tourists' sign) will provide a cheque that can be redeemed at airports, ports or major land borders.

Opening Hours

Mon-Fri 0900-1800, Sat 0900-1500. Many large shopping centres are also open 0900-2100 during the week and Sat 0900-1800; some also open on Sunday.

Overview

As you might suspect for a nation dominated by water, seafood plays an essential role in Finnish cuisine. Salmon, herring and other fish are cooked fresh or served smoked and pickled in cold courses. Meat comes in various forms, including the ubiquitous meatballs and HK Sininen Lenkki sausage.

Reindeer, elk and bear meat are served as delicacies. In summer and autumn, look out for tender new potatoes, fresh fish, fresh peas, wild mushrooms and a fabulous assortment of wild berries, which are often used in jellies and preserves.

Finns drink more coffee than anyone else in the world and kahvilat (cafes, singular kahvila) are found in every village and town square. They’re also partial to beer. And vodka. And wine.

Regional Specialities

Tipping

A service charge may be added in restaurants. Tipping is otherwise not expected, but appreciated.

Drinking Age

18 years; 20 for anything over 22%.

Hotels

Most of the hotels in Finland belong to large national and international chains and rooms tend to be functional rather than luxurious or charming. Business travellers are the hotels' primary customers and room rates are significantly cheaper at weekends, as well as in late June and July. Rates generally include a shared sauna and a breakfast buffet. Hotels are graded from 1 to 5 stars and prices are significantly higher in Helsinki and in Lapland.

Camping Caravaning

There are about 200 campsites in Finland and some are graded on a similar star system to bed and breakfasts. Most have sites for tents and caravans and cabins or cottages for rent (see Cabins) as well as shops, cooking facilities and a cafe. Camping outside official campsites is permitted as long as no damage is caused to crops or private property and the camp is at least 150m (492ft) from human habitations.

Other

History

Finland’s first settlers lived in the region around 120,000-130,000 years ago. During the Iron Age, the land was inhabited by the Finnish Proper, Tavastian, Karelian, and Sámi cultures. The settlers spoke dialects belonging to the Finno-Ugric group (except Sámi who speak several distinct Uralic languages), quite different from the Indo-European languages spoken throughout most of the rest of Europe.

After centuries of violent conflict in the region, Finland ended up under Swedish rule around the 14th Century until 1809 when Alexander I of Russia invaded. Finland became a Grand Duchy of Russia and the capital was moved from Turku to Helsinki, closer to St. Petersburg and further away from Swedish influence. The period of Russian rule was marked by famine – the 1866-1868 famine killed 15% of the population in Finland – but also a strong nationalist movement, popular after the national epic Kalevala was compiled from folk stories dating back thousands of years. Progressive movements like women’s suffrage gained traction quickly; Finland was the first country in the world to implement full universal suffrage in 1906. In the following year the Finnish people elected the world’s first female members of parliament. In 1917, Finland finally gained independence from Russia.

Under the Paris Peace Treaties 1947, the Finns were forced to cede most of their Karelian territory to the USSR and pay reparations, resulting in more than 400,000 Karelian refugees being displaced. Since the fall of the Soviet Union there has been some debate over whether Russia should return Karelia to Finland, but this has not yet led to any formal discussions between the two powers.

Since joining the EU in 1995, the focus in Helsinki has switched towards Europe, and also the development of relations with the newly independent Baltic states of the former USSR, with whom there are cultural and linguistic links.

For decades, Finnish domestic politics was dominated by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the Centre Party (known as 'Kesk'), which led a long series of coalition governments. In recent years, however, the political landscape in Finland has shifted, with the emergence of the right-wing National Coalition Party (Kokoomus, referred to as 'Kok') and the populist far-right ‘True Finns’ party, both of whom entered a coalition alongside the Centre Party in 2015, booting the long-standing SDP’s into opposition.

Social Democrat Tarja Halonen, Finland’s first female president, took office at the beginning of 2000 and remained there until 2012. National Coalition Party’s Sauli Niinistö took over the role has since taken over the role.

Did you know?
• Finland has the highest number of heavy metal bands per capita in the world. There are around 2,800 heavy metal bands in Finland.
• Another thing Finland has in abundance? Saunas. It is estimated there are around two million of them serving a population of 5.5 million – that’s more than one for every three people.
• The average Finnish person consumes 12kg of coffee per year (compared to an annual world average of around 1.3kg per person). They also drink more milk per capita than anywhere else in the world.

Religion

70.9% Lutheran, 1% Finnish Orthodox; there are also Baptists, Methodists, Free Church, Roman Catholics, Jews and Muslims. 26.3% of the population are unaffiliated with any religion.

Social Conventions

If invited to someone's house for dinner, lateness (over 10 minutes) is seen as a discourtesy.

Shoes are always removed before entering the house and a gift for the host, such as a bottle of wine or a bunch of flowers, is well received.
Shoes should be removed when entering someone's home. Shaking hands is customary as a greeting and guests are expected to refrain from drinking until the host or hostess toasts their health with kippis (Finnish) or skål (Swedish). When toasting, make eye contact with everyone around the table, and take a sip of your drink; shots of liquor are not expected to downed all-in-one. Do expect your glass to be refilled frequently by the host or hostess.

Most Finns prefer practical, casual clothing, except for special occasions. ‘Alternative’ fashion, piercings and tattoos are popular among younger Finns; not surprising for a country where heavy metal bands top the charts regularly.

Although renowned for their liberal attitudes, Finns can appear to be rather reserved with strangers, so do not be alarmed if conversations start slowly. This sense of composure will often disappear after a few drinks, or in the sauna.

Best Time To Visit:

The climate of Finland varies greatly depending on the latitude; the relatively temperate climate of the south coast is quite different from the challenging winters in Lapland. Summer is Jun-Aug, winter is Nov-Mar, but snow in Lapland can start around October and linger until May.

July temperatures average 21°C (70°F) in the capital Helsinki and 20°C (68°F) in Rovaniemi. 86. In the far south there is no midnight sun, but around 19 hours of daylight in the summer. In Lapland you can expect midnight sun for up to 2 months.

January temperatures average -7°C (20°F) in Helsinki and -15°C (5°F) in Rovaniemi. Keep in mind that the record low temperatures range from -35°C to -45°C (-31°F to -40°F) regardless of region, and recent years have seen particularly cold winters. Around midwinter the sun will not rise in Lapland, perfect for spotting the northern lights. Further south there will be about 6 hours of daylight during the winter months.

Rainfall is distributed fairly evenly throughout the year in the south, with an average of around 18 days of rainfall in Helsinki per month. The north may be drier, but also particularly plagued by gnats and mosquitoes.

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Required Clothing

In summer, travellers can get away with lightweight clothing in the daytime, but long sleeves and long trousers or skirts may be more comfortable for the evening. Waterproof clothes are useful throughout the year. If you are hiking through forests, wear waterproof boots, long sleeves and trousers to protect against mosquitoes and ticks. In Lapland you will need insect repellent.

In winter, bring appropriate clothing for snowy conditions, including wool under-layers and socks (not cotton) as well as snow boots with a good grip. In the Arctic North, you may need expedition-quality winter clothing. Towns and resorts generally offer these for hire and hotel staff can give recommendations on what you will need.

Dialing Code:

+358

Area(sq km):

338,424

Population:

5.540.720

Population Density(per sq km):

17

Population Year:

2017

EU Member:

Yes

Main emergency number

112