Best in May
Finland
Helsinki
Cool
From $106 /day
Finland
Finland is a land of profound contrasts, where ultra-modern design and vibrant urban culture meet one of the most untouched wildernesses in Europe. Known as the happiest country in the world, it offers travelers a chance to reconnect with nature through its 188,000 lakes and vast, snow-covered forests. Whether you are chasing the ethereal glow of the Northern Lights in the Arctic north or exploring the sleek galleries of the capital, the country’s quiet beauty leaves a lasting impression. You will find a society that values silence, punctuality, and a deep-rooted connection to the land, best experienced through the ritual of a traditional wood-fired sauna. From the midnight sun of summer to the blue twilight of winter, Finland provides a sanctuary for those seeking both adventure and peace.
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We built this guide using official tourism data, local travel insights, and real pricing from our city guides, so you can plan your trip with confidence.
2 cities
6 guides
$106 – $143 Daily Budget
Quick Facts
Capital
Helsinki
Languages
Finnish, Swedish
Currency
Euro (EUR)
1 € ≈ 1.18 $
Plug Type
Type C/F
Driving Side
Right
Dial Code
+358
Entry Requirements
Check requirements →
Time Zone
EET (UTC+2)
Emergency
112 (Police/Fire/Ambulance)
Why Visit Finland
The Magic of the Northern Lights
Finnish Lapland is one of the premier locations on Earth to witness the Aurora Borealis, which appear on roughly 200 nights a year. Staying in a glass igloo allows you to watch the dancing green lights from the comfort of your bed during the long winter nights.
Unmatched Sauna Culture
With over three million saunas for a population of five million, this ritual is the beating heart of Finnish life. You can experience everything from rustic smoke saunas in the wilderness to high-end design saunas in the city, often followed by a refreshing dip in an ice-cold lake.
Arctic Adventures in Lapland
The northern reaches offer unique bucket-list experiences like husky sledding, reindeer safaris, and snowmobiling through frozen landscapes. It is also the official home of Santa Claus, making it a magical destination for families and those young at heart.
World-Class Nordic Design
Finland is a global hub for architecture and design, home to iconic brands like Marimekko and Iittala. Exploring the Design District in the capital reveals a commitment to functional beauty that permeates everything from public libraries to household glassware.
Pristine Nature and Public Rights
The 'Everyman’s Right' allows anyone to roam freely in nature, pick wild berries, and forage for mushrooms throughout the vast national parks. This unique freedom makes Finland an ideal destination for hikers and lovers of the great outdoors.
The Enchanting Midnight Sun
During the summer months, the sun does not set for weeks in the north, creating a surreal and beautiful atmosphere for late-night hiking or festivals. Even in the south, the 'white nights' offer endless daylight for exploring the coast and islands.
Top Experiences
Top-rated tours and activities in Finland
Cities & Destinations
Regions
Helsinki Region
This coastal capital area blends seaside charm with cutting-edge architecture and a thriving culinary scene. You can easily hop between historical sites like the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress and modern landmarks like the Oodi Central Library.
Finnish Lapland
The vast Arctic north is the realm of the Sami people, reindeer, and the Northern Lights. It is the go-to region for winter sports, sub-zero adventures, and visiting the Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi.
The Lakeland
Europe’s largest lake district is a blue-and-green labyrinth of thousands of islands and waterways. It is the quintessential summer destination for renting a lakeside cottage, rowing, and spotting the rare Saimaa ringed seal.
Coast and Archipelago
Stretching along the Baltic Sea, this region features the world’s largest archipelago, characterized by wooden seaside towns and old lighthouses. The autonomous Åland Islands are a highlight here, offering world-class cycling and maritime history.
Cities & Destinations:
Best Time to Visit
Finland is a year-round destination offering distinct experiences across four seasons. The best time to visit depends on whether you seek the midnight sun and festivals in summer or the Northern Lights and snow sports in winter.
Peak Season
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Jun, Jul, Aug
Winter (December–March) is peak for Lapland, featuring heavy snow, Christmas markets, and peak Aurora viewing. Summer (June–August) is peak for the south, with warm weather averaging 15–25°C (59–77°F) and the midnight sun.
Shoulder Season
Apr, May, Sep, Oct
Late spring (May) sees the landscape bloom during the Vappu holiday, while autumn (September–October) is famous for 'ruska' (fall foliage), offering crisp hiking conditions and the return of the Northern Lights.
Off-Peak
Nov
November is the darkest and wettest month, with many regional attractions in the south closed or operating on reduced hours as the country transitions into winter.
Getting Around
Finland boasts one of Europe's most efficient and punctual transport networks. While Helsinki has an integrated system of metro, trams, and ferries, the rest of the country is well-connected by modern rail and long-distance coach services.
Train
Operated by VR, trains are comfortable and offer high-speed Pendolino Plus services between major cities. Tickets for long-distance routes can be booked up to August 2026.
Bus
Matkahuolto and OnniBus provide a comprehensive coach network covering 90% of Finnish roads, reaching remote areas where trains do not operate.
Flight
Finnair operates frequent domestic flights connecting Helsinki to northern hubs like Rovaniemi, Kittilä, and Oulu, crucial for reaching Lapland quickly.
Metro
The Helsinki Metro is the northernmost in the world, connecting the capital to the eastern suburbs and Espoo, and is fully integrated with the HSL ticket system.
Food & Drink
Finnish cuisine is defined by its simplicity, seasonality, and reliance on foraged ingredients from the forests and sea. You will find that flavors are honest and hearty, often centered around rye, root vegetables, fish, and wild game.
Must Try
Karjalanpiirakka
These thin-crust rye pastries are typically filled with creamy rice porridge and topped with munavoi, a mixture of butter and chopped boiled eggs.
Poronkäristys
Sautéed reindeer is a staple of the north, usually served thinly sliced with creamy mashed potatoes, pickles, and tart lingonberry jam.
Leipäjuusto
Often called 'squeaky cheese,' this mild, oven-baked cheese is best enjoyed warm and topped with sweet cloudberry jam.
Lohikeitto
A rich and comforting salmon soup made with heavy cream, potatoes, leeks, and a generous amount of fresh dill.
Korvapuusti
Finnish cinnamon buns are distinctively shaped and seasoned with plenty of cardamom, making them the perfect accompaniment to the country's high coffee consumption.
Salmiakki
A polarizing national obsession, this salty black liquorice is flavored with ammonium chloride and found in everything from candy to vodka.
Muikku
Small vendace fish from the lakes are lightly breaded in rye flour and pan-fried in butter, often served as a popular summer street food at harbor markets.
Money & Costs
Finland is a moderately expensive destination with an average daily budget of ~$125 / €106. Prices are comparable to other Nordic nations but generally higher than Southern Europe.
Tipping
Tipping is not expected or mandatory as service is included in prices. Rounding up to the nearest euro or leaving a 5–10% tip for exceptional service is appreciated but never required.
Cards
Card acceptance is near-universal; Finland is largely a cashless society. Mobile payments and contactless Visa/Mastercard are used even at small market stalls.
ATMs
ATMs are called 'Otto' and are widely available in cities and shopping centers. Fees are uncommon for EU cards, but travelers should watch for DCC (dynamic currency conversion) prompts.
Culture & Etiquette
Finns value honesty, punctuality, and personal space above all else. While they may seem reserved at first, they are known for their dry sense of humor and deep loyalty once a friendship is established.
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Always remove your shoes when entering a Finnish home; it is considered essential for cleanliness and respect.
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Show up exactly at the agreed-upon time for meetings or social gatherings, as being late is viewed as highly disrespectful.
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Shower thoroughly before entering a public or private sauna to maintain the hygiene of the shared space.
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Don't feel the need to fill every silence with small talk; Finns consider silence comfortable and a sign of thoughtfulness.
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Don't speak loudly on public transport or in restaurants, as loud behavior is often perceived as intrusive or rude.
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Don't leave a tip at restaurants unless the service was exceptional, as service charges are already included in the bill.
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Respect personal space in public by leaving an arm's length of distance when queuing or standing at bus stops.
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Don't interrupt someone while they are speaking, as it is polite to wait for a full pause before contributing to the conversation.
Safety & Health
Finland is consistently ranked as one of the world's safest countries. Tourists should exercise normal precautions, though all land border crossings with Russia remain closed indefinitely.
Tap Water
Safe to drink
Vaccinations
No mandatory vaccines are required, but a Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) vaccine is recommended for those visiting rural or forested areas between March and November.
Common Scams
- ⚠ ATM skimming devices in busy Helsinki shopping centers or train stations.
- ⚠ Unlicensed taxi drivers at airports offering 'flat rates' that exceed metered prices.
- ⚠ Fake online accommodation listings for 'too good to be true' lakeside cottages.
- ⚠ Pickpocketing in crowded areas like the Helsinki Market Square or Kamppi center.
Healthcare is of a high standard. EU citizens should carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), while others must have insurance covering at least $35,340 / €30,000.
Language
Most Finns speak fluent English, especially in urban centers and tourism hubs. While learning Finnish is not necessary for travel, small attempts to use the local language are highly appreciated.
English Spoken: Widely spoken
Key Phrases
| Meaning | Local | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Hei | hay |
| Thank you | Kiitos | kee-toss |
| Yes | Kyllä | kuhl-la |
| No | Ei | ay |
| Please / You're welcome | Ole hyvä | oh-leh huu-vah |
| Sorry / Excuse me | Anteeksi | ahn-tehk-see |
| Do you speak English? | Puhutteko englantia? | poo-hoot-teh-koh eng-lahn-tee-ah |
| Where is...? | Missä on...? | mees-sa on |
Visa & Entry
As a member of the Schengen Area, Finland allows for visa-free entry for many nationalities. All non-EU travelers will be subject to the new European Entry/Exit System (EES) requiring fingerprints and photos.
Max Stay
90 days in 180-day period
Passport Validity
6 months recommended (minimum 3 months beyond intended stay)
Visa-free for
USA, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Israel, and most EU/EEA citizens.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why you can trust this guide
Jan Křenek
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
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