Finland travel guide
Finland Tourism | Finland Guide
You're Going to Love Finland
Finland is a country of great natural beauty with three quarters of the country covered by forest and around 10% of the land covered with lakes. There is a striking contrast between the sparsely populated north of the country and the more developed south, which makes this an interesting place to visit.
What to do in Finland
1. Witness the Changing of the Seasons
Celebrate the summer solstice and head up to the north of Finland so you can experience the days when the sun never sets.
2. Catch the Northern Lights
Look out for the Northern Lights between the months of November and May. While a sighting of this magical spectacle is never guaranteed, it is well worth taking the risk.
3. Go Skiing
Cross-country skiing is one of the most common ways to get around during the winter and skiing and snowboarding options are available around Lapland.
4. Travel by Dog Sled
After being shown by an expert how to manage your team of huskies, you will be able to go off on your own through the winter landscape.
5. Take in the Rich Culture
The cultural side of Finland ranges from modernist architecture in Jyväskylä (a town in Lakeland in the east of the country) to the Sámi culture of Lapland and the Karelian culture that exists as a result of the district of Karelia being split by the Russian border.
When to visit Finland
For visiting Lapland, the reindeer and Santa Claus, the best time to go is around December. In Lapland, the sun doesn't rise in the winter, while in the south of the country you can expect around 6 hours of daylight. If you want to enjoy the summer, the months between June and August are the best time of the year to plan your trip.
How to Get to Finland
Entry Requirements
Passport holders from the Schengen countries, as well as the USA, Canada and Australia, will not need a visa, but your passport should be valid for three months after the date you leave Finland.
Plane
The main point of entry into Finland by air is Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, which operates international flights for around 30 foreign airlines, as well as the two Finnish airlines Finnair and Norra.
Train
Both Interrail and Eurail tickets include trips into Finland. You can also travel directly between Russia and Finland on trains.
Boat
There are a number of ferry companies that operate between Finland and countries including Sweden, Denmark, Germany and Estonia. It is possible to buy tickets for cars and passengers while some of the ferry companies will provide cabins for overnight trips.
Popular airports in Finland
Popular airlines serving Finland
Where to stay in Finland
Finland has a number of options for tourist accommodation, including bed and breakfasts that can be booked via the Finnish Tourist Board. The Youth Hostels in Finland tend to be busier during the summer months. There are also plenty of budget and luxury hotels.
Where to stay in popular areas of Finland
Most booked hotels in Finland
How to Get Around Finland
Public Transportation
There is an extensive, well-run public transport system throughout Finland. It can be relatively expensive compared with other countries in Europe.
Trains
Trains in in Finland are fast and efficient, and the rail network runs throughout the country. Tickets cost anywhere from around €9-60 ($10-66) depending on the day you are traveling and the distance.
Bus
Different bus routes link cities and towns across Finland and there is a good bus network in Greater Helsinki, Turku and Tempere. The Matkahuolto bus company provides transport links to most of Finland while serving as the only overland travel option to Lapland.
Car
Renting a car can cost you approximately €80 ($89) per day, although longer rentals often enjoy a discount on the daily rate. The main roads are well kept and the highways are mostly in the south of the country and near bigger cities.
Plane
You can book flights internally from Helsinki to Oulo for around €34 ($37) on a budget airline or around €260 ($289) for a fully flexible fare.
The Cost of Living in Finland
The cost of living is considered to be one of the highest in Europe. Eating out can range anywhere from €12-60 ($13-66). A monthly transport pass can cost around €55 ($61). It is possible to use all major credit and debit cards in Finland and there are ATMs in most towns and villages.