VISIT Finland

Finland is a land of breathtaking natural beauty and modern innovation. From the lively capital Helsinki and its waterfront design district to the magical Northern Lights in Lapland, Finland offers unique experiences year‑round. Must‑see highlights include the vibrant city life of Helsinki, the serene lakes and forests of Lakeland, and Rovaniemi, home to Arctic adventures and Santa Claus Village.

❄️ December – February: Winter is prime for snowy landscapes, Northern Lights, and Lapland adventures. Temperatures often range from –10 °C (14 °F) to 0 °C (32 °F). Helsinki and other cities may see snow and festive markets.

🌱 March – May: Spring arrives gradually, melting forests and thawing frozen landscapes. Expect temperatures from 0 °C to 10 °C (32–50 °F), ideal for awakening nature walks.

☀️ June – August: Summer brings long daylight hours—even “midnight sun” in the north—and mild warmth between 17 °C (63 °F) and 25 °C (77 °F). Perfect for lakeside swimming, festivals, and hiking.

🍂 September – November: Autumn brings golden foliage and cooling air. Early September remains mild, but by November it can dip below 5 °C (41 °F). Fewer crowds and tranquil countryside make it peaceful.

Getting around Finland is straightforward:

🚌 Buses: Long‑distance and regional buses connect cities and remote areas reliably.

🚂 Trains: Finland’s train system is modern and comfortable, linking major cities like Helsinki, Turku, Tampere, and Rovaniemi.

🚗 Car Rental: Renting a car is great for flexible exploration, especially in rural and remote regions. Roads are well-maintained; an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your license isn’t in Latin script.

Finland is a contactless payments paradise. Visa, Mastercard, and mobile payments are accepted virtually everywhere, from cafés and taxis to remote berry stands. Cash is rarely needed but handy in some rural spots.

Finland uses plug types C and F, both with two round pins. The standard voltage is 230V and the frequency is 50Hz.

If needed, you can order an universal travel plug adapter here.

Tipping is not mandatory in Finland. Service charges are included in the bill. However, rounding up the total or leaving a few euros for excellent service is appreciated.

Tap water is safe to drink throughout Finland.

In Finland, most stores are closed on Sundays. There are 11 national public holidays in Finland:

• New Year’s Day (January 01)
• Epiphany (January 06)
• Good Friday and Easter Monday (dates vary)
• May Day (May 01)
• Ascension Day (date varies)
• Midsummer Day (late June)
• All Saints’ Day (early November)
• Independence Day (December 06)
• Christmas Day (December 25)
• Boxing Day (December 26)

On these days, most businesses and offices will be closed, and many attractions may be shut or have limited opening hours.

In Finland, traffic drives on the right-hand side of the road. The main speed limits are as follows:

• 50 kph / 30 mph in urban areas
• 80 kph / 50 mph on main roads outside built-up areas
• 100 kph / 62 mph on expressways

During adverse weather (rain, fog, etc.), the speed limits are lowered.

• Hello (informal) = Hei
• Good day = Hyvää päivää
• Goodbye = Näkemiin
• Yes = Kyllä
• No = Ei
• Thank you = Kiitos
• Please = Ole hyvä
• You’re welcome = Ei kestä
• Excuse me = Anteeksi
• Day = Päivä
• Night = Yö
• Good evening = Hyvää iltaa
• Goodnight = Hyvää yötä
• Mister = Herra
• Ma’am = Rouva
• Street = Katu
• Road = Tie

💡 Tip: With the GoogleTranslate app, you can download the Finnish language to use it even offline!

Finland is considered very safe for travelers. Crime rates are low, and infrastructure is excellent. As always, basic precautions are advised:

• Secure Your Belongings: Petty theft is rare but can happen in busy areas.

• Emergency Numbers: Dial 112 for all emergency services in Finland.