Finland Travel Guide

Some facts about Finland

People often call Finland the land of a thousand lakes, but that doesn't really do it justice. There are over 180,000 of them, which look just as beautiful surrounded by green forest in the summer as they do frozen over in the Lappish winter.

Speaking of Lapland, it's the 'official' home of Santa Claus himself, who you can meet at Santa Claus Village in the Lappish capital Rovaniemi. There are more reindeer than people in Finnish Lapland, so yes you'll feel very Christmassy if you visit in December. We went to Lapland and have a few tips and tricks on things to do while you're there.

Wherever you decide to visit in this wonderful country, you'll never be far from a sauna. There are over three million of them in Finland, after all. Saunas are an integral part of Finnish culture, and it's common for hardy locals to go from the intense heat of the sauna to diving into frozen lakes and rolling in the snow. Whether you choose to take the plunge or not, a stress-relieving sauna session is a must.

Practical Info

Culture and etiquette

Religion

Around two-thirds of the Finnish population are Christian – the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland is the largest religion.

Tipping

A tip is always appreciated but not expected – a service charge is usually added to the bill at restaurants.

Smoking

Smoking is banned in most enclosed public places including bars, restaurants and public transport. Finland plans to ban tobacco completely by 2030.

Language 101

There are two main official languages in Finland – Finnish is spoken by around 85% of the population, and Swedish is spoken by 5%. Lots of minority languages are officially recognised too. There are three Sami languages spoken in Lapland, Romani, Karelian, Finnish Sign Language and Finland-Swedish Sign Language.

Most Finns speak English too, so you shouldn't have much trouble speaking to the locals while you're there. But for anyone wanting to practise your Finnish, here are a few helpful words and phrases to learn before you go:

Hello – Hei

Goodbye – Hyvästi

How are you? – Mitä kuuluu?

Yes – Joo

No – Ei

What's your name? – Mikä sinun nimesi on?

My name is – Minun nimeni on

Please – There isn't really a word for 'please' in Finnish. While not necessary, feel free to add the Finnish word for thank you – kiitos – to the end of a question to add a bit of politeness.

Thank you – Kiitos

How much is it? – Kuinka paljon?

Where is – Missä on

Numbers:

• One – Yksi
• Two – Kaksi
• Three – Kolme
• Four – Neljä
• Five – Viisi

Jabs, visas and other advice

For up-to-date advice on jabs, visas and other foreign advice, we recommend following the government's website.

Emergency numbers

In an emergency, call 112.

Getting to Finland

The quickest way to get to Finland from the UK is to fly. Flights from London to Helsinki take around 2 hours 50 minutes, and it's 3 hours 20 minutes for Rovaniemi.

You'll love cruising there too. There are cruise ports all over the country, including Helsinki, and you'll get the chance to see other Nordic countries like Denmark, Norway and Sweden along the way.

Getting around Finland

Hiring a car is a great option in Finland. If you're driving in forested areas keep an eye out for elk and reindeer as they're often found crossing the road. Heading there in the winter? Take a look at our winter holiday tips that cover everything from what to pack to driving in the snow.

Finland's rail network is excellent too. Carriages are spacious and comfortable, and sleeper trains are available if you're travelling a long way. The route from Helsinki to Rovaniemi is particularly beautiful, taking you from the lively Finnish capital all the way to the home of Santa Claus in Lapland.

Most large towns and cities have efficient bus networks, and Helsinki has a metro, trams, trains and ferries that'll get you where you need to go.

Top

What's the weather like in Finland?

Finland's climate changes quite a lot depending on where in the country you are. But generally speaking you can expect cold, snowy winters and relatively warm, mild summers.

Between December and February the average temperature ranges from -30°C to -5°C, but it can be milder on the coast thanks to the Gulf Stream's influence. Northern Finland is known for its long and cold winters, with deep layers of snow lasting up to six months in Lapland. There's also a phenomenon known as kaamos – the polar night when the sun never rises, which happens in the northernmost parts of the country.

Around March to May, the weather starts to warm up a bit. Early spring can still be quite cold, especially in the north, but by late spring the temperatures usually rise to around 0°C to 10°C. The snow begins to melt, and the days get longer.

From June to August, the weather is usually at its warmest. Average temperatures during summer range from 10°C to 25°C. In the north this is also midnight sun season, when the sun does not set for several weeks. Summer's the best time to visit Finland if you're looking for warm weather and outdoor activities.

September to November sees a drop in temperatures as Finland heads towards winter again. Average temperatures range from 0°C to 10°C. This season brings beautiful autumn foliage, particularly in the Finnish Lakeland region, but it can also be quite wet and windy as the country prepares for winter.

When's the best time to visit Finland?

There's never a bad time to visit Finland. Winter's reliable snowy conditions are perfect for skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling and husky sledding if that's your thing. Plus the magical winter landscape is an excellent backdrop for viewing the Northern Lights, especially in Lapland from late autumn to early spring.

At the other end of the spectrum, Finnish summers are beautiful and offer the longest days, especially in the north with the midnight sun. This is the perfect time for hiking, cycling and enjoying lake activities like boating and fishing. It's also festival season – head there in June to celebrate Juhannus (Midsummer).

Spring is usually a quiet time to visit, which is great if you want to avoid the crowds. While the days get longer and nature starts to wake up, the weather can be unpredictable – winter activities may no longer be available and summer activities might not yet be in full swing.

For those who enjoy the red hues of Autumn, this is a great time to visit Finland – especially in the Lakeland region. The weather is cooler, the landscapes are beautiful with autumn foliage, and there are fewer tourists than in the summer.

Top

What to eat in Finland

Finnish food reflects the country's northern climate and its emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. You'll find fish, meat (particularly pork, beef, and reindeer), potatoes, dairy products, berries and mushrooms dominating many a menu across Finland.

Make sure to try karjalanpiirakka, a Karelian pasty made with a thin rye crust and filled with rice, potato, or carrot mixture. They are often served with egg butter, a mixture of butter and hard-boiled eggs, and are hearty and delicious. Speaking of rye – dense, dark rye bread can be found everywhere and is a staple in Finnish diets.

If you're visiting Lapland you'll no doubt see poronkäristys on the menu. This traditional Lappish dish features thinly sliced reindeer meat sautéed with onions, butter, and beer or water, which is often served with mashed potatoes and lingonberries. Reindeer has quite a unique, rich flavour and is much more tender than you might expect.

Fish is popular too – seek out lohikeitto (salmon soup), rapu (crayfish) and kalakukko (a traditional Finnish fish pie) and you won't be disappointed.

You'll want something to wash all that down with. Finns drink the most coffee per person in the world, so do as the locals do and grab a cup of kahvi. Or try some warm berry juice for the perfect medicine to a cold Lappish night.

Finland for families

Is Finland a good place to bring the kids? It's literally the home of Santa Claus, so we'll let you answer that question.

For a magical trip to the big man himself you should head to the Lappish capital Rovaniemi, where you'll find Santa Claus Village. While you're there you can feed his reindeer, head out on a relaxed reindeer sledge ride or an exhilarating husky ride through the snow-capped forest, and of course meet Father Christmas at his office. Give one of the elves at reception a present and Santa will give it to someone special when you meet him, plus you can buy pictures and a recording of your conversation at the end.

There's plenty more to keep the family entertained outside of Christmas fun. Get out in nature and explore Finland's forests, lakes and parks, go skiing, fishing, kayaking and more, or check out Helsinki's fascinating museums.

Accessibility in Finland

Finland is very progressive when it comes to accessibility. Pretty much all Finnish institutions and public facilities are required by law to have ramps, lifts and toilets accessible to people with limited mobility. Plus you'll find plenty of hotels and restaurants that have been designed or adapted with accessibility in mind.

Trains and buses are wheelchair accessible, and some national parks even have accessible trails, so everyone can get out and explore Finland's gorgeous scenery.

Finland for LGBTQI+ travellers

Finland is very welcoming to LGBTQI+ travellers. Same-sex marriage was legalised in 2017, transgender Finns over 18 have been able to legally change their gender by self-determination since 2023, and pubic acceptance of the LGBTQI+ community is high. A 2019 poll showed 80% of Finns believed gay, lesbian and bisexual people should have the same rights as heterosexual people.

Helsinki in particular is a great place for LGBTQI+ travellers to visit. While the number of gay bars worldwide is declining, more are opening in Finland's capital – DTM, once the largest gay club in Northern Europe, reopened in the meatpacking district in 2023, and there are plenty of other excellent venues ready to welcome you.

There are more than 40 Pride festivals across the country, with Helsinki Pride usually taking place at the end of June.

Sustainable tourism in Finland

It's pretty hard to travel from the UK to Finland and have no impact on the environment, but you can be sure that Finland is a world-leader when it comes to sustainable tourism. The country consistently ranks number one for sustainable development, and over 60 Finnish tourism companies signed the Glasgow Declaration for Climate Action in Tourism in June 2022 and committed to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

Visit Finland has lots of great ideas for more sustainable things to do if you want to reduce your impact on the environment on your trip to Finland.

Top

Finland FAQs

Is the tap water safe in Finland?

Yes, tap water is safe and of high quality throughout Finland. It's actually considered some of the highest quality tap water in the world, and is usually even cleaner than bottled water.

When is the best time to see the Northern Lights in Finland?

The best time to see the Northern Lights is from late September to March when the nights are darkest. Lapland, located in the far north of Finland, offers the best viewing conditions.

What should I pack for a trip to Finland?

Packing depends on the season. In winter, bring warm clothes, thermal layers and waterproof boots. In summer, pack light clothing with some warmer layers for cooler evenings. Always include a swimsuit for saunas and a waterproof jacket.

We've got some top winter holiday tips if you're heading to Finland during the winter.

Top