Things to know before visiting Finland

I’ve put together all the little things you should know before exploring Finland.

Stuff that makes getting around, eating out, and enjoying nature way easier. Practical tips, and things that can actually save you time and headaches.

GETTING AROUND

Finland might look small on the map, but it’s actually a big country and distances can be long. You won’t be able to hop from city to city super quickly without planning, so it’s good to think your route through in advance.

• You don’t always need a car. Public transport in Finland is clean, comfortable, and very reliable, and you can reach a lot of places without driving. For traveling between cities, VR trains are fast and easy, while regional buses connect smaller towns and villages. My personal favorite bus company is OnniBus, it’s usually the cheapest option.

• You can even take a train all the way to Lapland. I highly recommend the night train, so you can sleep through most of the journey (it’s around 12 hours).

• The only time I really recommend renting a car is if you’re planning a bigger road trip, visiting lesser-known places, or heading to more remote nature spots.

• Taxis are expensive, so try to avoid using them when possible. You don’t even need one from the airport. The airport train takes you to Helsinki city center in 30 minutes.

• City bikes are also available in most cities, a fun and quick way to explore for short trips. If you do rent a car, keep in mind that parking can be expensive in city centers.

MONEY

• Finland uses the euro. If you arrive with dollars, pounds or kronor, you’ll need to exchange or withdraw euros locally.

• Card payments are accepted almost everywhere, even for small purchases. Card payments are accepted almost everywhere, even for small purchases. That said, I still recommend carrying a small amount of cash, just in case, especially in smaller towns, local markets, or tiny shops.

• Mobile payments like MobilePay, Apple Pay, or Google Pay are also widely accepted.

• Finland is not a tipping country, so tipping is not expected. Service is always included in the bill, whether you’re having a coffee or a three-course meal. Of course, if the service truly warms your heart, a small tip is always appreciated.

• ATMs are easy to find almost everywhere, and if you can, avoid exchanging money at the airport. Rates are usually worse.

FOOD & EATING CULTURE

• Always check opening hours. Restaurants often close early, especially outside big cities, and kitchens may close earlier than the restaurant itself.

• Vegetarian and vegan options are widely available all around Finland.

• Alcohol is quite expensive compared to many countries, especially in city bars and restaurants. Strong alcohol is sold only in a government-owned store called Alko, which has limited opening hours.

• You don’t need to buy bottled water. Finnish tap water is safe and very high quality, so bring a reusable water bottle and refill it almost anywhere.

• Supermarkets are also great for grabbing local snacks, sandwiches, or drinks for day trips.

OPENING HOURS

• Summer is the high season in Finland. In winter, smaller towns can get very quiet, and some cafés and shops may be closed. I recommend visiting small towns in summer, when they’re fully alive.

• The same goes for islands and the archipelago. Some ferry routes don’t operate in winter.

• Most museums are closed on Mondays, so always double-check opening hours in advance.

• The same applies to restaurants: some are closed on Sundays or Mondays, and some places are only open a few days a week. This is completely normal in Finland.

NATURE

Nature in Finland is free, even national parks. But there are a few important things to know before heading out.

• Don’t leave trash. You might occasionally see litter, but nature is generally very clean, and locals take this seriously. Trash bins can be found in many popular areas.

• Finland has something called Everyman’s Right, which means you’re allowed to hike, swim, camp temporarily, and pick berries and mushrooms in many natural areas. Just don’t enter private property or go too close to someone’s home.

• Swimming is popular and safe in lakes and the sea, and many nature spots have small hidden beaches. Some trails can be uneven, so comfortable shoes are important.

• Mosquitoes can be annoying in summer near water and forests so bug spray is handy.

SAUNA CULTURE

Sauna is not a luxury in Finland, it’s part of everyday life. It’s also something you really should experience when visiting, because Finnish sauna culture is very different from most other countries.

• You might feel nervous about the idea of sauna being done naked, but you don’t have to be. Even though some people say that’s the “only way,” it’s not true. You can wear a towel or a swimsuit, especially in public saunas or if you’re going swimming. It’s completely okay.

• You can find saunas almost everywhere: spas, hotels, even at the airport. My biggest recommendation is to visit a local public sauna, often located by the sea or a lake. You can sauna and then take a dip in the water, a very authentic Finnish experience.

WEATHER

Weather in Finland is very unpredictable. One day it can be sunny, the next it might rain or even snow. It’s best to be prepared for a bit of everything.

• Don’t expect winters to always be extremely cold or summers to be very hot. Especially in Southern Finland, winters can be mild (sometimes even above zero), and summers can feel surprisingly chilly. Always check the forecast before arriving.

• Winter days are very short. In the south, there are around 6 hours of daylight, and in Lapland even less. Some days can feel dark even around midday.

• Summer in the south offers long daylight hours, and in June/July, the north has the midnight sun.

• Wind is a real thing here and can make temperatures feel much colder than expected, especially along the coast and near the water.

• Snow is not guaranteed everywhere. In Lapland, usually yes, but in the rest of Finland, not necessarily.

CULTURAL THINGS

• Some people think Finns are rude because we’re quiet, but that’s not true. Finns are polite and helpful, just a bit reserved at first, especially with people they don’t know.

• Personal space is very important.

• English is widely spoken, especially among younger people, so you’ll be absolutely fine getting around without speaking Finnish. That said, locals are always happily surprised if you know a word or two.

• On public transport and in saunas, quietness is appreciated. Keep your voice down, and you’ll blend in easily.

SAFETY

• Emergency number is 112.

• Finland is considered one of the safest countries in the world. You can usually walk alone at night and feel safe, which makes it a great destination for solo travelers, including women. Pickpocketing is rare but possible in busy areas.

CLOTHING

Packing for Finland can be tricky because of the changing weather, but here’s a quick checklist:

• Layers are a must, even in summer. Evenings can get chilly, so a light jacket or hoodie is always useful.

• Comfortable shoes are essential, especially if you’re exploring nature, the archipelago, or cities with cobblestone streets.

• Umbrella or waterproof outerwear is useful year-round, as rain is quite common.

• Sunglasses are helpful both in summer and winter. Winter sun can be surprisingly blinding.

• In winter, don’t forget lip balm and hand cream, the dry air can be harsh on your skin.