Finland Travel Guide
Finland is the kind of place that feels calm in your bones. It’s all clean air, big skies, and nature that looks like it’s been quietly perfecting itself for centuries. Think endless forests, glassy lakes, little red cabins, and a coastline dotted with islands like someone dropped a handful of pebbles into the Baltic. Add in proper sauna culture, snowy winters, and summer nights that barely get dark, and you’ve got a country that does “peaceful but still wow” really well 🇫🇮✨
Finland is one of the Nordic countries in northern Europe, sitting between Sweden, Norway, and Russia. Its capital, Helsinki, is a stylish seaside city with a laid-back buzz. Expect design shops, waterfront markets, trams gliding past pastel buildings, and cafés where you’ll accidentally spend half your day. But the real magic is outside the city. You can island-hop around the Turku archipelago, hike in Lapland under the northern lights, paddle across lake districts that go on forever, or visit Santa’s hometown in Rovaniemi without feeling like you’ve wandered into a tacky theme park.
Whether you’re into hiking, winter adventures, wild swimming, cosy city breaks, or simply disappearing into nature for a bit, Finland’s got you covered, and it does it with zero fuss and a lot of quiet charm.
Best Time To Visit
Finland is no stranger to weather with range. One week it’s bright blue skies and lake swims, the next it’s misty forests and a “gloves again? really?” moment. But that’s part of the magic. The seasons here actually feel like seasons, and each one comes with its own vibe.
Summer (June to August) is generally the best time to visit if you want long daylight hours, warmer temperatures, and proper outdoor energy. Think hiking, island hopping, lake days, and those famous light nights where it barely gets dark in parts of the country. It’s also peak season, so prices and crowds rise, especially in July.
Late spring (May) and early autumn (September) are the sweet spot if you want fewer people and gorgeous scenery. May brings fresh green forests and lighter days, while September is brilliant for crisp air and early autumn colours. It’s great for city breaks in Helsinki and nature trips without the summer rush.
Winter (December to March) is for full Finland fairytale mode. Snowy landscapes, saunas, husky rides, and a real chance of northern lights up in Lapland. December adds extra sparkle with festive markets and cosy cafés, but pack properly, it can get seriously cold.
What To Expect
Capital: Helsinki
Language: Finnish and Swedish are the official languages (you’ll see both on signs, especially in coastal areas and the Åland islands). English is widely spoken in Helsinki, bigger towns, and tourist hotspots, and most people are happy to help. A couple of easy wins: “Hei” (hello), “Kiitos” (thank you), “Kyllä” (yes), “Ei” (no), “Anteeksi” (sorry/excuse me). Menus and museum info are often in English too.
Currency: The Euro (€). Handy ballpark maths if you’re converting: €10 ≈ £8–£9 and €10 ≈ $10–$11 (rates wobble, so a quick currency app check before you go saves guesswork).
Cash Machines & ATMs: Easy to find in cities and larger towns, but Finland is very card-first. Contactless is everywhere, including public transport, supermarkets, cafés, and even small kiosks. Cash is rarely needed, but keeping a little on you can help in remote areas or for small purchases.
Plugs: Types C and F (two round pins). Standard voltage 230 V, frequency 50 Hz. A standard European adapter will do the job.
Safety: Finland is generally very safe and calm for travellers. Standard city smarts still apply (keep an eye on your stuff in busy stations), but the biggest “travel hazards” are usually weather-related. In winter, pavements can be icy, so grippy boots or traction cleats are genuinely useful. If you’re heading into nature, plan for distances and changing conditions.
Never ever: Don’t treat the sauna like a noisy chat room or a phone-scroll session. Sauna etiquette is simple: shower first, keep it chill, and leave your phone out of it. Also, don’t underestimate cold water and thin ice if you’re doing lake walks or winter swimming. Finland is beautiful, but it does not mess about 🧊😅
Travel Guides
City Guides
Itineraries + Map
Best Places to Visit & Things to Do
Best Time to Visit (City Specific)
Finland Travel Tips and Advice
Everything Else
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Find the Cheapest Flights
Book tours and purchase tickets
Top 5 Things to See and Do in Finland
1. Hiking in Lapland National Parks (and feeling tiny in the best way)
Finland is hiking heaven, especially up in Lapland where the landscapes go full wide-screen. Trails in places like Urho Kekkonen and Pallas-Yllästunturi serve up fells, forests, and those open views that make you stop mid-walk like you’ve forgotten how legs work. Routes are usually well-marked and there are loads of options from easy day walks to multi-day treks. Pack layers, even in summer, because Finnish weather can flip moods fast. And if you spot a reindeer, act cool. You won’t. 🦌🥾
2. Chasing the Northern Lights in Finnish Lapland
Seeing the aurora in Finland feels like nature showing off. The best chances are in the dark months, roughly September to March, when nights are long and skies can be clear and crisp. Head north to places like Rovaniemi, Saariselkä, Levi, or Inari for proper “light pollution who?” conditions. The trick is patience, warm clothes, and a willingness to stand outside looking up like an eager golden retriever. Hot tip: book a cosy cabin stay and you can aurora-hunt with minimal suffering. ✨🌌
3. Wandering Helsinki’s Seaside Neighbourhoods and Design Spots
Helsinki is stylish but relaxed, and it’s built around the sea. You can spend a day hopping between market squares, waterfront walks, and neighbourhoods like Punavuori and Kallio where the cafés and vintage shops multiply like rabbits. Mix in the Design District, a stop at Temppeliaukio Church (the rock church), and a slow wander along the harbourside and you’ve got a city day that feels calm, not chaotic. It’s the kind of capital that doesn’t shout for attention, it just quietly wins you over. ☕🏙️
4. Island-Hopping to Suomenlinna Fortress (Helsinki’s easiest wow)
A ferry ride from Helsinki gets you to Suomenlinna, a UNESCO-listed sea fortress spread across a cluster of islands. It’s got old stone walls, tunnels, sea views, and picnic spots everywhere, plus that salty Baltic air that makes everything feel more cinematic. You can explore it as a quick half-day or drag it out into a lazy afternoon with a café stop and a coastal stroll. Go in the shoulder season for fewer crowds and more “I have this whole island to myself” energy. ⛴️🏰
5. Doing the Finnish Lake District properly (sauna, swim, repeat)
The Lake District is where Finland goes full postcard. Thousands of lakes, pine forests, and little cottages by the water where time slows down without asking permission. Base yourself around places like Savonlinna or Tampere, rent a lakeside cabin if you can, and lean into the Finnish routine: sauna, cold dip, snack, nap, repeat. Summer is dreamy for swimming and kayaking, autumn is gorgeous for foliage, and winter turns it into a snow-globe if you fancy ice walks and proper cosy evenings by the fire. 🔥🌊
Finland Travel Costs
Accommodation
- Hostel Dorms – £25–£50 / $32–$65 / €30–€58
- Hostel Private Rooms – £55–£105 / $70–$135 / €65–€120
- Budget Hotels – £80–£150 / $100–$190 / €95–€175
- Airbnb Private Rooms – £55–£105 / $70–$135 / €65–€120
- Airbnb Apartments – £100–£200 / $125–$255 / €115–€235
- Campsites – £15–£35 / $19–$45 / €18–€40
Transportation
- Local Bus or Tram (single ticket) – £2.50–£4.50 per ride / $3–$6 / €3–€5.50
- Intercity Bus – £8–£25 / $10–$32 / €9–€29
- Train (advance tickets) – £12–£55 / $15–$70 / €14–€65
- Taxi (per km) – £1.20–£2.20 / $1.50–$2.80 / €1.40–€2.50
- Car Rental (per day) – £35–£80 / $45–$105 / €40–€95
Food
- Budget Meal – £10–£18 / $13–$23 / €12–€21
- Mid-Range Restaurant Meal – £20–£40 / $25–$52 / €23–€47
- Coffee – £3–£6 / $4–$8 / €3.50–€7
- Beer – £6–£10 / $8–$13 / €7–€12
Activities
- Museum Entry – £10–£18 / $13–$23 / €12–€21
- Guided Tours – £25–£75 / $32–$95 / €30–€88
- Theatre Tickets – £25–£110 / $32–$140 / €30–€130
- Day Trips – £50–£140 / $65–$180 / €58–€165
Finland Suggested Budgets
Backpacker – €75–€120 per day (≈ £65–£105 / $82–$132)
Expect hostel dorms in Helsinki, Tampere, or Turku, lots of walking, and public transport when it’s too icy or too far. Food is your biggest budget swing, so mix supermarket bits, bakery stops, and the occasional cheap lunch deal. Nature is your secret weapon here too, trails, lakes, and coastal walks are often free, and you can still squeeze in a couple of museums if you pick wisely. Add a sauna visit and a beer or two and you’ve basically done Finland properly without bankrupting yourself 😅
Midrange – €130–€200 per day (≈ £112–£173 / $143–$220)
This is the comfy sweet spot. Think private rooms in good hotels or guesthouses, proper sit-down meals (hello salmon soup and rye bread), and enough budget for attractions, museums, and day trips without constantly checking your banking app. Trains and intercity buses fit nicely here, and you can add things like a Suomenlinna ferry day, a guided tour, or a sauna and spa session. If you’re heading to Lapland, this budget gives you more choice and less stress.
Upscale – €260+ per day (≈ £225+ / $285+)
Now you’re in design hotel territory, nice restaurants, and the kind of trip where you say “let’s just do it” and don’t immediately regret it. In Helsinki, that means higher-end stays, tasting menus, and private experiences. In Lapland, it can look like glass igloos, fancy cabins, husky rides, and guided northern lights trips with all the warm gear sorted for you. Basically, it’s Finland with extra comfort, extra cosiness, and fewer compromises.
Finland Money-Saving Tips
Bring a reusable water bottle – Finland’s tap water is excellent, and it’s safe to drink pretty much everywhere. Fill up at your accommodation, cafés, and stations and save your euros (and the planet) for something more fun than bottled water 💧
Use public transport smartly – In Helsinki, trams, buses, metro, and local trains are easy, but single tickets add up. Look at day tickets or zone passes if you’re doing lots of hops, and use trains for comfy intercity trips.
Travel off-peak – Midweek and outside school holidays usually means cheaper rooms and calmer attractions. For Lapland, early winter and late winter can be better value than the Christmas peak.
Stay in budget digs – Hostels, simple hotels, and compact apartments can be great value, especially if you book early. Staying a few stops outside central Helsinki often saves a chunk while still being super connected.
Cook a few meals – Finnish supermarkets are brilliant. Think K-Citymarket, Prisma, Lidl, and S-market. Grab breakfast and a couple of easy dinners, then splurge on one nice meal out without feeling guilty.
Join free walking tours – Helsinki has tip-based walking tours that are perfect for getting your bearings and picking up local tips without paying a fixed fee. Great on day one when your brain is still buffering.
Hunt discounts and city cards – Student discounts are common, and Helsinki passes can make sense if you’re stacking museums and transport in a short time. Always do a quick “will I actually use this?” check first.
Prioritise free nature – Finland is generous with the outdoors. Forest trails, lake walks, coastal paths, and loads of viewpoints are free, and it’s often the best part of the trip. Pack snacks and make it a proper day.
Skip overpriced “experiences” when DIY works – You don’t always need the pricey package. A ferry to Suomenlinna, a self-guided sauna day, or a simple hike can deliver the same magic for less.
Book Lapland stuff early – Winter accommodation, trains, and popular tours (husky, snowmobile, aurora trips) can sell out fast. Early booking usually gets you better prices and better time slots.
Use cards almost everywhere – Finland is very card and contactless friendly, and some places are card-only. Still, keep a physical card as backup in case your phone dies mid-tram, because it absolutely will 😅
Aim for shoulder season – May and September are great for fewer crowds and decent prices, with lovely light and comfortable temps. For northern lights, late September to early November can be a sweet spot before peak winter pricing kicks in.
How to Get Around in Finland
Getting Around Finland: The Basics
Finland is spacious, but travel is straightforward. Cities are easy to navigate, long-distance trains are comfy, and buses cover the gaps. If you want Lapland, lakes, or little villages without stress, Finland is set up for it. The only real wildcard is weather, especially in winter, when snow and ice can slow things down.
Walking
Helsinki, Tampere, Turku, and smaller town centres are very walkable. Expect wide pavements, clear signage, and lots of waterfront strolling. In winter, paths can be icy, so proper boots help more than you’d think. If you’re heading into nature, trails are usually well-marked, but distances can feel bigger than they look on a map.
Public Transportation
Finnish city transport is reliable and easy once you get the hang of zones and ticket types. Helsinki has trams, buses, metro, and local trains, and most other cities rely on buses with some local rail.
Tickets: Buy via apps, machines, or contactless options depending on the city.
Helsinki transport: Trams are brilliant for central sightseeing, and the metro is quick for crossing the city.
Day tickets: Worth it if you’re doing multiple rides in a day.
Airport Transfers
Main gateways are Helsinki (HEL), Rovaniemi (RVN), Oulu (OUL), and Turku (TKU).
Helsinki: Trains and buses connect the airport to the city smoothly.
Lapland airports: Rovaniemi is the big one for winter trips, with transfers and buses into town and resorts.
Private transfers: Handy if you arrive late, have lots of luggage, or you’re travelling in a group.
Trains
Trains are one of the best ways to travel Finland long-distance. They’re comfortable, reliable, and make big distances feel easy.
Great for Helsinki to Tampere, Turku, and Oulu.
Overnight trains are popular for Lapland routes, and can save you a night’s accommodation.
Book ahead for better prices, especially for holiday periods and winter peak weeks.
Buses and Coaches
Buses are excellent for reaching smaller places, lake district towns, and routes where trains do not go.
Often the simplest option for rural areas and national parks.
Tickets are usually bought online or via apps, and timetables can vary more on weekends.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis are safe and regulated, but they are not cheap, especially in Helsinki and tourist seasons.
Use official taxi ranks or reputable apps.
If you’re on a budget, public transport is almost always better value.
Car Rental
A car is brilliant for the Lake District, national parks, and chasing quiet countryside stays. It’s also handy if you want maximum flexibility in Lapland.
Drive on the right.
Winter driving can be intense if you’re not used to snow and ice, so take it seriously.
Parking in Helsinki can be pricey, but outside big cities it’s usually easy.
Cycling
Finland is great for cycling in warmer months, especially in Helsinki and along coastal paths. Cities often have good cycle lanes, and nature routes can be gorgeous.
Bike rentals are common in larger cities.
In winter, cycling is still a thing, but it’s very much “locals who mean business” territory.
Apps to Use
Google Maps works well for planning. City transport apps are useful for tickets and live times in Helsinki and other major cities. Train and coach apps make long-distance travel easier and cheaper if you book ahead.
Money & Tickets
Finland is heavily card and contactless friendly, and some places are card-only. Still, keep a physical card as backup in case your phone dies mid-journey. Cash is rarely needed, but a small amount can be handy in remote areas.
Tips for Smooth Travel
In winter, give yourself extra time for travel days, snow can cause delays.
Book trains early for Lapland and holiday weekends, popular times sell out.
Weekend schedules can be lighter in smaller towns, so check timetables before you wing it.
Pack traction friendly footwear if you’re visiting in icy months, it’s not glamorous but it’s a game-changer.
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