12 Essential Summer Travel Tips for Finland (That Most Tourists Don’t Know)

Finland in summer is a dream for many: midnight sun, crystal clear lakes, saunas, lush forests, and a peaceful atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else. As someone who lives here, I’ve seen visitors fall in love with Finnish summer—but also get caught off guard by some of our local quirks.

Whether you're heading to Helsinki or road-tripping through Lapland, here are my best tips for traveling in Finland in summer—especially the kind of advice you won’t find in a typical guidebook.

1. Tap Water Is Better Than Bottled

This might sound odd, but don’t buy bottled water in Finland—it’s totally unnecessary. Tap water here is some of the cleanest and tastiest in the world. I always bring a reusable bottle when I travel or go anywhere from my apartment and just refill it at cafes, gas stations, or even in the forest (yes, many natural springs are drinkable!).

It's a waste of money and nature if you buy bottled water in Finland. It's one of the best things in Finland and every traveller should embrace it!

2. Midnight Sun Means Sleep Can Be Tricky

From mid-June to mid-July, especially in the north, the sun doesn't set—it just circles low on the horizon before rising again. Even in Helsinki, nights are surprisingly bright and it hardly gets dark.

While this constant daylight is magical for sightseeing, hiking, or photography, it can mess with your sleep rhythm. That's what happens to most Finns every summer.

Remember to pack a sleep mask, choose accommodations with blackout curtains, and try not to overpack your days. It’s easy to stay up until 2am without realizing it!

But at the same time, I highly suggest you to do some activities like hiking in the night in Lapland. The light is absolutely amazing and there will be nobody around.

3. Silence Isn’t Awkward—It’s Part of the Culture

If you’re used to chatty cultures, Finland might feel… quiet. On buses, in elevators, or waiting in line, people usually don’t talk unless necessary. It’s not coldness—it’s just a form of respect for personal space.

Even small talk with strangers is rare unless there’s a clear reason (like asking for help). But don’t worry—if you initiate a polite conversation, most Finns will respond kindly. Just don’t expect big smiles or long back-and-forths.

Strangely enough, this doesn't happen when you're in a sauna and naked, because that's a place where Finns love to have a chat! You should try it haha.

4. Try a Traditional Summer Cottage Weekend (If You Can)

Nearly every Finnish family has access to a mökki—a summer cottage usually by a lake, surrounded by forest, with usually no neighbors in sight. Most are simple: no Wi-Fi, no running water, and a wood-fired sauna followed by a swim in a lake or the sea.

The cottage experience is about slowing down: swimming in the lake, hanging out with friends and family, grilling sausages and summer food, playing board games, and listening to birds instead of traffic. And usually a little bit of partying too, at least on midsummers eve!

You can rent one on booking sites, but If a local invites you—go! It’s one of the most authentic Finnish experiences you'll ever have.

5. Yes, There Are Mosquitoes—But You Can Outsmart Them

Mosquitoes (hyttyset, sääsket, itikat - they have many names) can be a real nuisance in forested and lake areas, especially in June and July. But they’re rarely a problem in cities, coastal areas, or in windy places.

They’re annoying, but not dangerous—and don’t carry diseases.

Here’s how to deal with them:

• Use a lot of repellent and never even think of going to the forest without it!

• Wear light, long-sleeved clothing in the evenings and get yourself a mosquito hat! It's a hat with a mosquito net to cover your head and face. This is a lifesaver in mosquito areas.

• Sleep with mosquito nets if camping

• Try to keep the doors closed in the evenings. Or basically always when the mosquitos are out.

• Buy mosquito rings, which will smoke and keep the mosquitos away

If possible, hang out on a windy place when outside. Mosquitos don't fly when it's windy.

6. Watch Out for Ticks—Especially in Southern Finland

Ticks might not be the first thing you think of when planning your Finnish summer adventure, but they’re something to be aware of—especially if you’ll be hiking, camping, or spending time in long grass or forested areas in the southern and coastal parts of Finland.

Some ticks in Finland can carry diseases like Lyme disease, so it’s smart to take a few simple precautions:

• Wear long light coloured clothing and pants tucked into your socks when walking through tall grass or wooded areas.

• Use insect repellent that also protects against ticks (look for "puutiaiskarkote" in Finnish stores).

• Do a daily tick check and every time you've been in the "bush", especially around ankles, behind knees, under arms, behind ears and yes, you should remember to check your private parts. They really love to go to those areas and I bet almost every Finn can tell you that. :D

• If you find a tick, remove it carefully and immediately using tweezers. The quicker you remove it, the lower the risk of any issues.

Ticks are a part of Finnish nature, but they don’t need to be a big concern if you’re prepared. A few habits can go a long way in helping you enjoy the outdoors safely.

7. Finland’s National Parks Are World-Class—and totally Free

With 41 national parks, Finland is a dream for hikers and nature lovers. What’s even better? Entry is always free, and most have excellent facilities: marked trails, dry toilets, free fire pits (with wood!), and usually even overnight shelters or free wilderness cabins!

Here’s what most tourists don’t know:

• Trails are well-marked, no guide needed for most common hikes.

• Campfires are allowed (not if there's a fire warning), but only in marked spots and firewood is free and available in most places.

• Dry toilets are common in every national park —but bring your own toilet paper.

• You can camp in designated areas or use lean-to shelters.

• Some huts are free to sleep in for one night—first come, first served. These are called "autiotupa". Then there's "varaustupa" which can be rented for a small price.

• Download offline maps before heading out—cell coverage isn’t guaranteed.

• Always pack out your trash and keep dogs leashed.

Even short visits to these parks feel like an escape into pure, untouched nature and I can highly recommend going.

8. Driving a car? Watch out for Reindeer, Moose and Speed Cameras on the road

If you’re renting a car to explore Finland, remember to take it slow even though there's not much traffic. Reindeer roam freely in Lapland, especially near roads in the north. They’re not afraid of cars and often walk right in front of you. Respect the animals and if they don't move, open the window and give them a shout!

Watch out for Moose and Deer! Mooses are big animals and cause a lot of damage to you and the car if you hit them. Watch out especially during sunset and sunrise when they like to move. The same goes for deers, which are plenty in Southern Finland.

Speed cameras are automated and strict. Always obey posted limits, especially near towns or schools.

Driving in Finland is easy, with empty roads, polite drivers, and beautiful scenery. Just remember to keep an eye open.

9. Try Seasonal Finnish Summer Food—It’s Simple and Delicious

Finnish people eat more vegetables in the three months of summer than during the rest of the year. Finnish cuisine in summer is all about fresh, local ingredients. Don’t leave without tasting:

• Strawberries, blueberries, lingonberries – often sold by the roadside or at markets, but after June you can find free berries from all the forest!

• New potatoes with butter and dill – a summer staple. Pair it with herring (silli).

• Salmon soup or any kind of fish soup

• Grilled or smoked freshwater fish like perch, pike, or vendace (muikku). Venice is my favourite summer snack food!

• Muurinpohjalettu. “These are buckwheat flour pancakes, a Finnish crêpe, prepared in a really rustic way in a big pan over an open fire. The thinner you can get them, with a really crispy edge, the better they are.

You’ll also see salmiakki (salty licorice) everywhere—it’s a love-it-or-hate-it situation, but worth a try!

10. No Need to Tip—And Don’t Expect Extra Service

In Finland, service charges are already included in restaurant and hotel bills. Tipping is appreciated but not expected—rounding up the bill or leaving a couple of euros is enough.

Also, don’t expect staff to be overly chatty or check on your table often. Service is low-pressure and hands-off, which some travelers love, others find odd.

Just wave or go to the counter if you need something—it’s not rude!

11. Don’t Trust the Sunshine—Pack for All Seasons

Summer in Finland can be stunningly beautiful—but also wildly unpredictable. You might start your day in a T-shirt under the sun and end it in a rain jacket shivering by a campfire. Even in July, temperatures can drop below 10°C at night, especially in Lapland or near the coast.

Here’s what to pack, no matter how nice the forecast looks:

• A lightweight waterproof jacket (you could get lucky with no rain for a week, but sometimes it rains every day for a week)

• Light down hoodie or fleece—Also merino wool or synthetic base layers can be a good idea if you're heading to Lapland

• A beanie or light hat, especially if you’ll be out late or camping. In the fells of Lapland, it can be very windy and cold!

• Quick-drying clothes for hiking or outdoor activities

• Comfortable walking shoes— And a sturdy pair of hiking boots if heading for a longer hike

• But don't forget to bring your swimsuit for the sauna and swimming sessions!

Locals say: "There’s no bad weather, only bad clothing." Pack smart and you’ll enjoy every kind of Finnish summer day.

12. Alcohol Rules Are Stricter Than You’d Expect

In Finland, alcohol is easy to find—but sold under strict rules that often surprise visitors.

• Grocery stores only sell drinks up to 8% (beer, cider, long drinks, wine), and you can buy until 9 PM and from 9 AM onwards. I've seen countless of times tourist after nine trying to buy alcohol from shops and being surprised they can't.

• Tip: You can still buy 2.8% or lower drinks after 9 PM. If you really need a beer!

• Wine and spirits are sold at Alko, the state-run liquor store. It closes by 8 PM on weekdays, 6 PM on Saturdays, and is closed Sundays.

• Bars typically stay open until 2–4 AM on weekends. Last call is 30 minutes before closing.

• Drinking in public (parks, streets) is technically banned, though it’s quite relaxed especially during festivals or events. In trains or buses you will get kicked out if caught.

• The legal driving limit is 0.5‰—very low. Even one drink can put you over. New drivers have an even lower limit: 0.2‰.

Tip: Buy your drinks early and never risk driving if you’ve been drinking—penalties are tough and strictly enforced.

Extra tip

Sauna Etiquette

Sauna is a deeply rooted part of Finnish life—calming, cleansing, and often social. If you’re heading into a public or private sauna, keep these essentials in mind:

• Shower before entering. Cleanliness is non-negotiable.

• Swimwear rules vary: in public saunas, wear a swimsuit unless told otherwise; in private ones, nudity is often the norm and completely non-sexual.

• Silence is golden—but not a rule. Many Finns enjoy the peaceful quiet, but don’t be surprised if someone starts a relaxed chat. Saunas can be one of the few places where even shy locals open up.

• Throwing water on the stove (löyly) is part of the experience. Just use common sense: if the sauna is already really hot, it’s polite to ask if others are okay with more löyly.

• Phones and cameras are a no-go. This is a screen-free zone. Unless you are with friends, then it's ok!

• After your session, cool off outside or in a lake, then go back in. Repeat as many times as you like. But remember to keep hydrated with water!

Embracing the sauna culture isn’t just relaxing—it’s one of the most authentic ways to feel at home in Finland.

Final Thoughts: Enjoy Finland Like a Local

Traveling in Finland in summer is all about slowing down, enjoying nature, and embracing the little things—like the taste of fresh blueberries you picked yourself, the quiet heat of a lakeside sauna, or the glow of the midnight sun while walking through a forest trail at 11 PM.

By knowing a few of these local tips and cultural habits, you’ll not only avoid common surprises—you’ll experience Finland more deeply and respectfully.

So pack your layers, fill up your water bottle from the tap, and get ready to explore one of Europe’s most peaceful, pure, and welcoming destinations.

Hyvää matkaa – have a great trip!