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Helsinki Cathedral, Helsinki, Finland
Helsinki Cathedral
Helsinki Cathedral is the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran cathedral of the Diocese of Helsinki, located in the neighborhood of Kruununhaka in the centre of Helsinki

Helsinki Cathedral

Helsinki Cathedral is the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran cathedral of the Diocese of Helsinki, located in the...

Top 10 Beautiful Places to Visit in Finland - Finland 2023 Travel Guide
Helsinki, Finland by night
Helsinki by night
Snow covered streets of the capital at night

Helsinki by night

Snow covered streets of the capital at night

Northern Lights in Lapland, Fínland
Lapland
Lapland is Finland’s northernmost region, a sparsely populated area bordering Sweden, Norway, Russia and the Baltic Sea. It’s known for its vast subarctic wilderness, ski resorts and natural phenomena including the midnight sun and the Northern Lights.

Lapland

Lapland is Finland’s northernmost region, a sparsely populated area bordering Sweden, Norway, Russia and the...

Finland flag

Finland Travel Information

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Key facts

Capital:

Helsinki

Location:

Northern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, Gulf of Bothnia, and Gulf of Finland, between Sweden and Russia

Currency:

euros (EUR)

Area:

338,145 sq km

Population:

5,587,442 (July 2021 est.)

Languages:

Finnish (official) 86.9%, Swedish (official) 5.2%, Russian 1.5%, other 6.4% (2020 est.)

Religion:

Lutheran 67.8%, Greek Orthodox 1.1%, other 1.7%, unspecified 29.4% (2020 est.)

TimeZone:

UTC+2

Tel Code:

+358

Things to Do

  • 1. Visit Santa Claus Village

    Experience the magic of Christmas at Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, Lapland. Meet Santa Claus, ride a reindeer sleigh, and explore the winter wonderland.

  • 2. Explore Helsinki

    Discover the vibrant capital city of Finland, Helsinki. Visit the iconic landmarks such as Helsinki Cathedral, Suomenlinna Fortress, and Market Square. Explore the design district and enjoy the city's vibrant nightlife.

  • 3. Ski in Levi

    Go skiing in Levi, one of the largest ski resorts in Finland. Enjoy the beautiful slopes, modern facilities, and breathtaking views of the Arctic wilderness.

  • 4. Visit Porvoo

    Take a trip to the charming town of Porvoo, known for its well-preserved old town with colorful wooden houses. Stroll along the cobblestone streets, visit the medieval cathedral, and enjoy the local food and culture.

  • 5. Hike in Urho Kekkonen National Park

    Explore the pristine wilderness of Urho Kekkonen National Park in Finnish Lapland. Hike through the Arctic landscapes, spot wildlife, and discover the rugged beauty of the Finnish nature.

  • 6. Visit Turku Castle

    Step back in time and visit Turku Castle, one of the oldest and largest surviving medieval castles in Finland. Explore the castle's towers, halls, and exhibitions to learn about its rich history.

  • 7. Relax in a Finnish Sauna

    Experience the Finnish tradition of sauna bathing. Enjoy the soothing heat, cleanse your body, and unwind in the peaceful atmosphere of a traditional Finnish sauna.

  • 8. Visit Nuuksio National Park

    Escape the city and explore the tranquil nature of Nuuksio National Park near Helsinki. Hike through the forests, spot wildlife, and enjoy the peaceful lakes and picturesque landscapes.

  • 9. Lapland Reindeer Sleigh Ride

    Experience the traditional way of transportation in Finnish Lapland - a reindeer sleigh ride. Enjoy the peacefulness of the Arctic wilderness and listen to the jingling of reindeer bells.

  • 10. Visit the Åland Islands

    Explore the beautiful archipelago of the Åland Islands. Visit the picturesque villages, enjoy the nature trails, and discover the rich maritime history of the region.

Weather

Climate

Finland has a relatively cold climate due to its high latitude. Winters in Finland can be long and harsh, with temperatures dropping below freezing and snowfall common. Summers in Finland are short and mild, with temperatures ranging from comfortable to warm.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Finland depends on what you are interested in experiencing. If you are interested in outdoor activities such as skiing or snowboarding, the winter months of December to March are the best time to visit. If you are interested in experiencing the midnight sun or other summer activities such as hiking, the summer months of June to August are the best time to visit. In general, temperatures are most comfortable in the months of May to September, making these months ideal for sightseeing and exploring Finland's natural beauty.

Visas

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

COVID Status

I am vaccinated 
Finland Open
Test
Not required
Quarantine
Not required

Check Visa Requirements

      Accommodation

      Hotels and Resorts

      Finland is home to a variety of international hotel chains, as well as local boutique hotels and resorts. These options range from budget-friendly to luxury, making it easy to find the right accommodation for your needs and budget.

      Hostels and Guesthouses

      For budget-conscious travelers, hostels and guesthouses are a great option. These options offer basic but comfortable accommodations at an affordable price.

      Cottages and Cabins

      For those looking for a unique and authentic Finnish experience, cottages and cabins are a great option. These options range from basic to luxurious and provide the perfect opportunity to experience Finland's natural beauty.

      Campsites

      For outdoor enthusiasts, camping is a popular option in Finland. There are many campsites throughout the country, offering a variety of amenities and services.

      Vacation Rentals

      Vacation rentals, such as apartments and holiday homes, are also available in Finland. These options offer more space, privacy, and comfort than a hotel room, making them ideal for families or groups of friends.

      Transportation

      Public Transportation

      Finland's public transportation system is efficient and reliable, making it a great option for getting around the cities and suburbs. Buses and trains are the main forms of public transportation, and there are also trams and metros in some cities.

      Taxis and Ride-Hailing Services

      Taxis and ride-hailing services such as Uber are also available in Finland. These options provide a convenient and flexible way to get around, especially in cities and suburbs.

      Rental Cars

      For those who prefer to travel at their own pace, rental cars are a popular option in Finland. There are many car rental agencies throughout the country, offering a variety of vehicles to choose from.

      Bikes and Scooters

      For a more environmentally friendly option, bikes and scooters can be rented in many cities in Finland. This is a great way to explore the cities and suburbs, as well as take in the sights and sounds at your own pace.

      Ferries

      For those interested in exploring the many islands and lakes in Finland, ferries are a great option. These options provide a convenient and scenic way to travel, and are especially popular during the summer months.

      Money

      Money Tips for Travel

      • Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
      • Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
      • Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
      • Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
      • Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
      • Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
      • Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
      • Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
      • NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
      • Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

      ATM and Credit Cards

      • Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
      • Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
      • Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
      • Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
      • Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
      • Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

      Exchange Rates

      • Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
      • Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
      • Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
      • Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
      • Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

      Insurance

      Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

      Medical Coverage

      Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

      Trip Cancellation and Interruption

      Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

      Lost or Stolen Luggage

      Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

      Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

      Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

      Liability coverage

      Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

      Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

      Mobile

      When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

      eSIM

      Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

      Dual SIM phone

      If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

      Extend your home plan

      Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

      Keep your primary SIM

      With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

      Community

      There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

      Facebook groups

      There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

      Meetup

      Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

      Internations

      Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

      Couchsurfing

      Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

      Reddit

      Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

      Linkedin

      LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

      At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.