From its ultra-slick capital, Helsinki, to pristine national parks, Finland is a land of ice and snow and is one of the best places in the world to catch a glimpse of the aurora borealis. Just save up your money beforehand…
Finland Facts
• Capital City: Helsinki
• Currency: Euro, EUR
• Language: Finnish
• Time Zone: +2 GMT
• Dialling Code: +358
Practical Information
• Religions Practised: Christianity (Lutheran and Orthodox)
• Total Area: 337,030 square kilometres
• Population Size: 5351000
• Voltage and Plug Info: 230 V. European plug with two round metal pins.
Top Things to Do in Finland
Don’t leave Finland without…
Hurtling across Lapland
Surely one of the most exhilarating activities known to man or dog. Sloosh across snowy terrain at Levi Husky Park behind a pack of canines. All you’ve got to do is cling on. View my guide the best ski resorts in Finland.
Invading an island fortress
You won’t need a gun: the once heavily defended Suomenlinna island is now open to all. You might have a fight on to get a good picnic spot among the ruins though.
Snowmobiling
A cross between go-karting and jet-skiing, snowmobiling through a Finnish forest must rank fairly high on the ‘most fun you can have in -25 °C’ list.
Getting all sweaty
Sweating it all out, naked, in a wooden room surrounded by strangers is as normal as going to the supermarket in Finland. In every town and village you’ll find a sauna. Drop in and drop your trousers.
Pootling around Porvoo
Helsinki hogs the limelight but if charm and peacefulness are what you’re after, Porvoo’s where it’s at. Stroll through the old town’s red wooden houses on the riverfront before refuelling with strong Finnish coffee and tulla, a type of sweet bread.
Finland Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit?
In terms of weather, the summer months of June and August are the best time to visit Finland as there is little rain and this is the warmest time of year. This is peak holiday season so it can be busy and more expensive so some people prefer to travel in the spring or autumn. Winters are very cold, often below freezing, but the snowy scenery is beautiful.
Getting There and Away
There are excellent flight options to Finland from all over the world. Finnair and SAS are just two of the many airlines that offer frequent flights in and out of the country. There are also many buses and trains into Finland that offer affordable services that are usually very comfortable. The ferries that run from Sweden, Estonia and Germany are a great option and have huge shopping plazas, duty-free shops and food courts on board.
Getting Around
All towns and cities are incredibly well serviced with a reliable network of trains, buses and planes. Bicycles are a popular option during the summer months as a fun and cheap way to see a town or city.
Visas:
Most visitors to Finland do not need a visa and are welcome to stay for 90 days.
Safety:
Finland is an extremely safe place to visit with low crime rates and very little violence but you should always remain cautious in busy areas and keep your valuables hidden.
Vaccinations and Health:
There are no specific vaccines needed when travelling to Finland but, as with most countries, a tetanus booster is usually advised. Tick-borne encephalitis may also be necessary, particularly if you will be spending a lot of time outdoors.