Places to Visit
- Places to Visit
- Savonlinna
Finland is a year-round destination, with each season offering a unique experience.
For long, sunny days, vibrant city life, and access to the stunning archipelago, the summer months (June-August) are ideal. This is also when you can experience the famous Midnight Sun in the north. If you dream of snow, winter sports, and a chance to see the Northern Lights, the period from December to March is perfect.
Spring and autumn are excellent for hiking, foraging, and enjoying the beautiful fall foliage.
Traveling across Finland is simple and eco-friendly:
- Trains: Scenic journeys connect major cities and extend north to Lapland.
- Buses: Reach even remote villages and nature reserves.
- Domestic Flights: Quick connections from Helsinki to Lapland and northern destinations.
- Ferries: Explore coastal archipelagos or cross the Baltic Sea.
Whether you’re chasing birds in wetlands or hiking Arctic fells, Finland’s transport network makes every adventure possible.
Travel costs in Finland are comparable to other Nordic countries and major Western European destinations. While some services and goods can be pricey, particularly in cities and during peak seasons, there are many ways to manage your budget.
Utilizing the efficient public transport network, staying in mid-range hotels or cabins, and exploring the countless free natural attractions will help keep costs down.
Booking well in advance is highly recommended for flights and accommodation, especially in Finnish Lapland during winter.
Finland uses the Euro (€). Credit and debit cards are the dominant form of payment and are universally accepted, even for small purchases at local markets or remote gas stations.
Cash is rarely necessary, but it can be useful to have a small amount on hand for very minor transactions or in areas where technology may be limited.
The official languages of Finland are Finnish and Swedish. However, English proficiency is exceptionally high throughout the country, particularly in major cities, tourist areas, and among younger generations.
You will have no difficulty communicating, navigating, and accessing services using only English. Learning a few basic Finnish phrases like “kiitos” (thank you) or “hei” (hello) will be appreciated by the locals.
Finland has a comprehensive and reliable public transportation system. VR trains connect major cities, offering comfortable and scenic journeys, including overnight sleeper trains to the north. Buses fill in the gaps where trains do not operate, with an extensive network covering most of the country.
Within cities, trams and local buses are highly efficient. Domestic flights are also a popular and quick way to travel long distances, especially to and from Lapland.
Finland is renowned for its incredible natural spectacles.
The most famous is the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, which are best viewed in Finnish Lapland from late August to April. In the summer, you can experience the Midnight Sun, where the sun doesn’t set for weeks in the north, creating a magical, endless day.
Finland’s vast forests and “everyman’s right” to roam freely also allow you to explore pristine nature, from the thousands of lakes to the beautiful national parks.
Finnish cuisine is based on fresh, seasonal ingredients from the forests and lakes. You must try classic dishes like lohikeitto (creamy salmon soup), karjalanpiirakka (Karelian pasties), and freshly prepared fish, such as arctic char or perch. In Lapland, poronkäristys (sautéed reindeer) is a traditional delicacy.
Don’t forget to indulge in the country’s celebrated coffee culture and bakery items, such as a cinnamon bun (korvapuusti).
Yes, absolutely.
The tap water in Finland is of exceptionally high quality and is perfectly safe in most cases to drink from the tap.
Some rental cabins might not be connected to the country water system, but rather than in such isolated and remote cabins, there is usually no need to purchase bottled water, and you can confidently refill your water bottle from any tap.
The sauna is a fundamental and sacred part of Finnish culture, an essential experience for any visitor. It is a place for relaxation, social gatherings, and physical and mental cleansing.
There are millions of saunas in Finland—in homes, hotels, and public facilities. Etiquette is simple: be respectful, and while it’s a social space, a quiet moment of reflection is also part of the tradition.
A trip of 5-7 days allows you to explore a major city like Helsinki and take a day trip to the surrounding natural beauty or islands.
For a more comprehensive experience, including a journey to the magnificent Finnish Lakeland or a visit to Lapland to see the Northern Lights, we recommend planning for 7-10 days.
This will give you enough time to travel between regions and immerse yourself in Finland’s diverse landscapes and activities.