Finland travel tips
Finland travel tips: Nordic haven of lakes, forests, and design. Saunas, Northern Lights, and vibrant cities showcase a blend of nature and innovation.
Regions 🌎
Finland travel tips. Here is a list of all the regions of the Finland.
Uusimaa
Southwest Finland
Satakunta
Kanta-Häme
Pirkanmaa
Päijät-Häme
Kymenlaakso
South Karelia
Etelä-Savo
Pohjois-Savo
North Karelia
Central Finland
South Ostrobothnia
Ostrobothnia
Central Ostrobothnia
North Ostrobothnia
Kainuu
Lapland
Åland Islands
Before you go 🛩
Important information you should know before your trip
Info
Capital | Helsinki
Flag Codes:
ISO alpha-2 FI,
ISO alpha-3 FIN
Currency
Badge | Euro
CODE | EUR
NUMBER | 978
SYMBOL | €
FRACTION | Penny
Mobile Coverage
Dialing Code | +358
SIM Card
Coverage | 3G / 4G / 5G |
Mobile Networks | Elisa Mobile | DNA | Telia |
Location
Finland is located in Northern Europe, bordered by Sweden to the west, Norway to the north, Russia to the east, and Estonia to the south across the Gulf of Finland. It is situated between latitudes 60 degrees and 70 degrees North and longitudes 20 degrees and 32 degrees East. The country has a long coastline along the Baltic Sea and encompasses numerous islands, lakes, and forests. The capital and largest city of Finland is Helsinki, situated on the southern coast of the country.
Currency
The currency of Finland is the Euro (EUR). Finland adopted the euro as its official currency on January 1, 2002.
Before that, the currency used was the Finnish Mark (FIM).
Languages
The official and main language of Finland is Finnish. It is a Finno-Ugric language belonging to the same language family as Hungarian and Estonian. Finnish is the mother tongue of the majority of the Finnish population and is spoken throughout the country.
In addition to Finnish, Swedish is also spoken in some parts of Finland, especially in the coastal region and on the Swedish-speaking islands. Swedish is the second official language of the country and has protected minority language status in Finland.
Climate 🌡
Finland has a cold temperate climate with distinct seasons. The climate is influenced by its northern location, proximity to the Baltic Sea, and the presence of numerous lakes and forests. Here are some key features of Finland’s climate:
Winter (December to February):
Winters in Finland are long, cold, and snowy. Average temperatures range from -5 to -15 degrees Celsius (23 to 5 degrees Fahrenheit) in southern Finland and can drop even lower in the northern parts. The region experiences a phenomenon called polar night, where the sun does not rise above the horizon for a period of time.
Spring (March to May):
Spring in Finland is characterized by a gradual transition from winter to milder temperatures. However, it can still be chilly, especially in the early months. The snow starts to melt, and temperatures begin to rise, ranging from around 0 to 10 degrees Celsius (32 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit).
Summer (June to August):
Summers in Finland are relatively short but can be quite pleasant. The average temperatures range from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius (59 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit). In some parts of the country, particularly in the northern regions, the sun remains above the horizon for extended periods, resulting in the phenomenon of the midnight sun.
Autumn (September to November):
Autumn in Finland is characterized by beautiful fall foliage as the leaves change color. The temperatures gradually cool down, ranging from 5 to 15 degrees Celsius (41 to 59 degrees Fahrenheit). It can be a rainy season, and towards November, the region may experience the first snowfall.
It’s worth noting that Finland’s climate can vary significantly between different regions of the country. The coastal areas are generally milder due to the moderating influence of the Baltic Sea, while the inland areas experience more extreme temperatures. The northernmost parts of Finland, including Lapland, have subarctic and arctic climates with extremely cold winters and relatively short summers.
Finland travel tips
Traveling to Finland is an enchanting experience, offering a mix of pristine nature, vibrant cities, and unique cultural traditions. Here are some travel tips for your visit to Finland:
Northern Lights:
Visit Lapland in winter for a chance to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights. The aurora borealis is a natural wonder in the northern part of the country.
Old Towns:
Wander through the charming medieval Old Towns of Tallinn, Tartu, and Viljandi. Enjoy cobblestone streets and historic architecture.
Saunas:
Experience traditional Estonian saunas. It’s a cultural activity and a great way to relax, especially in the colder months.
Safety:
Estonia is generally safe, but exercise common travel precautions. Take care of your belongings, especially in crowded areas.
Transportation:
Finland has an efficient public transportation system, including trains and buses. Consider purchasing a travel pass for convenient city exploration. View Guide.
Design and Shopping:
Helsinki is a design hub. Explore local design shops and markets for unique Finnish products, including Marimekko and Iittala items.
Museums and Galleries:
Helsinki boasts numerous museums and galleries. Visit the Ateneum Art Museum and the Design Museum to explore Finnish art and design.
Enjoy your time in Finland!
The best of the best
Finland has a unique culinary heritage that showcases hearty and flavorful dishes, often influenced by its natural surroundings and seasonal ingredients.
Rye Bread (Ruisleipä)
Rye bread is a staple in Finnish cuisine. It is dense, dark, and often flavored with various seeds such as caraway, flax, or sunflower.
Salmon (Lohi)
Finland is known for its excellent quality salmon, both wild-caught and farmed.
Karelian Pies (Karjalanpiirakat)
Karelian pies are traditional pastries made from rye flour and filled with a rice or potato mixture.
Here are some typical foods of Finland:
Finnish Meatballs (Lihapullat): Similar to Swedish meatballs, Finnish meatballs are made from a mixture of ground meat, typically beef or a combination of beef and pork. They are seasoned with spices such as allspice and served with lingonberry sauce, mashed potatoes, and pickles.
Sautéed Reindeer (Poronkäristys): Reindeer meat is a delicacy in Finland, particularly in the northern regions. Sautéed reindeer is a traditional dish where thin slices of reindeer meat are lightly fried and served with mashed potatoes, lingonberry sauce, and pickles.
Fish Soup (Kalakeitto): Fish soup is a popular dish, especially in coastal areas. It is typically made with a variety of fresh fish, such as salmon, perch, or pike, combined with vegetables, potatoes, and cream. The soup is seasoned with dill and often enjoyed with rye bread.
Mushroom and Berry Dishes: Finland’s forests are rich in mushrooms and berries, and they play a significant role in Finnish cuisine. Chanterelle mushrooms, bilberries, lingonberries, and cloudberries are commonly used in dishes such as creamy mushroom soups, berry pies, and jams.
Squeaky Cheese (Leipäjuusto): Leipäjuusto is a Finnish squeaky cheese made from cow’s milk. It is typically grilled or baked until it develops a brown crust. The cheese is often served warm with cloudberry jam or eaten as a dessert with a sprinkle of sugar and a drizzle of cream.
Finnish Pancakes (Pannukakku): Finnish pancakes are slightly thicker and more custard-like compared to traditional pancakes. They are often served as a dessert or a sweet breakfast dish, topped with jam, fresh berries, or whipped cream.
Finland also offers a range of seasonal specialties, such as crayfish, game meats, and foraged foods, depending on the time of year.
Transportation 🚥
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