Know before you go : Finland Edition

In this article, I’ll make an overview of everything useful to know before going to Finland, including some travel tips.

You’ll find : 

Finland is located in Northern Europe, bordered by Sweden to the west, Norway to the north, and Russia to the east. It is surrounded by the Baltic Sea to the south, with the Gulf of Finland separating it from Estonia.

The capital is Helsinki, Finland’s largest city, located on the southern coast along the Gulf of Finland.

As of 2024, Finland covers about 338,455 km² and has a population of approximately 5.6 million people.

The best time to visit Finland depends on what you want to experience. For mild weather and long daylight hours, visit during summer (June to August), when temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C. If you’re looking to experience the Northern Lights, the best time to come is between November and March, when the country transforms into a winter wonderland.

In winter, temperatures can drop as low as -20°C, so pack warm clothes, especially if you plan to visit Lapland. Summer is more temperate but still cool, so bring layers.

I went in June and it was a great weather to visit the countryside, but I will definitely come back in winter to discover Lapland landscapes and chase the Northern lights !

In Finland, the currency is the Euro (€). The cost of living is relatively high, especially in cities like Helsinki. A meal at a casual restaurant might cost around 15-20€, while mid-range restaurants are easily above 30€ person.

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, and if you are looking for ATMs without fees in the city, look for Otto or Nosto.

Accommodation options vary from budget hostels and Airbnbs to high-end hotels, with prices starting around €80-120 per night for two people in central areas.

Regarding accommodation, options in Helsinki are varied: budget hotels and hostels typically start at around €70-100 per night, while mid-range hotels generally range from €120-180 per night for two people. To save on accommodations, we opted for an hotel a little outside the city center, paying around €60 per night for two people for a nice room, easily accessible by public transportation (The hotel was Noli Herttoniemi).

Clothing : Pack layers for Finland, as temperatures can be cool even in summer. Even if you are visiting in July or August, bring a light jacket or sweater. In winter, bring thermal layers, gloves, hats, heavy socks and jackets. Good walking shoes are essential, as Finland is great for exploring on foot or hiking in nature.

Rain gear : Be sure to pack an umbrella and rain jacket, for unpredictable weather in spring and autum.

Adapter : Finland uses Type C and F power outlets. If you’re coming from outside Europe, you’ll need a plug adapter. A power bank is also useful for keeping your devices charged while exploring.

Finland offers a variety of unique souvenirs to bring back home!

Traditional Items: Look for traditional Finnish souvenirs such as Sámi crafts or Moomin merchandise (iconic Finnish characters).

Food: Consider bringing back Finnish specialties like rye bread, cloudberry jam, or salmiakki (salty licorice). Finnish chocolates and local honey make delightful treats.

Design Goods: Finland is famous for its design, so consider bringing back items like Marimekko textiles, Iittala glassware, or sleek Finnish home décor. Finnish knives, known as Puukko, are also popular souvenirs.

In Finland, Finnish is the official language, but many people, especially in tourist areas, speak English.

Here are a few Finnish phrases that might come in handy:

Hello: Hei [hay]

Thank you: Kiitos [kee-tos]

You’re welcome: Ole hyvä [oh-leh h-oo-va]

I (don’t) understand: En ymmärrä [en uum-ma-rah]

Sorry: Anteeksi [an-tek-see]

My name is…: Nimeni on… [nee-men-ee on]

Yes / No: Kyllä / Ei [kew-lah / ey]

As we came from Europe, our mobile plan included internet and calls in Finland, but if you plan on buying one on arrival, you can find Telia, DNA, or Elisa SIM cards at the airport for around €10.

Public transportation in Finland is efficient, and especially in cities like Helsinki, with trams, buses, and the metro operating regularly throughout the city. For more flexibility or to explore beyond Helsinki, renting a bike is a popular option.

If you’re traveling to more remote areas or want to explore Finland’s nature, renting a car is a convenient option (you can look on Kayak, Skyscanner or other comparison platforms for the best deals). Be sure to check rental requirements, as credit cards are often needed.

Finland offers a wealth of nature and sightseeing. Here are some of the best things to do in the country :

That’s it for my Finland travel tips! To get more detailed information and pictures about these places, be sure to check out my full day itinerary in Helsinki and this article about some day trips from Helsinki.