Image: Uber Sleigh, pulled by one of Santa's reindeer in Lapland, Finland. (photo courtesy of Uber)
Image: Uber Sleigh, pulled by one of Santa's reindeer in Lapland, Finland. (photo courtesy of Uber)
Finland Today: October 10, 12:58 AM 44°F Light Rain

Finland Travel Guide 

 

    Finland is known as the “happiest country in the world”, but have you ever wondered how to navigate your way there?

    This country is more than saunas, heavy metal, and forests. And there are some things to prepare for when planning a trip there (especially some winter clothes). 

    Our travel guide is here to help you prepare for a trip to Finland. We’ll show you where to stay, what to pack, and even look at the best ways to get around Finland.

    You can get around Finland using trains, buses, plains, bicycles, and most recently, even sleighs! 

    We strongly recommend using the train, which will allow you to navigate to most parts of the country via Helsinki Central Station. 

    There are high-speed trains as well as slower trains, and “sleeper trains” for longer journeys. We also loved that the trains have children’s cars with play areas for the little ones. 

    Buses are also a great option to travel in Finland. Vakiovuoro buses stop more frequently and we found it to be a budget-friendly option for tourists. 

    Pikavuoro express buses travel more quickly between cities and are a bit pricier. 

    If you prefer the scenic route and a sense of adventure, make use of the well-integrated routes for exploring Finland by bicycle. We also loved the ferries, which are another popular option for tourists. 

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Important Things To Know

Currency

The currency used in Finland is the Euro. 

The Northern Lights of Finland

The Northern Lights of Finland (Photo Credit: Provided by Collette)

National Languages

The two main official languages in Finland are Finnish and Swedish. 70% of the nation speaks fluent English as a second language.

Time Zone

Finland observes daylight savings time. The clocks are moved one hour forward (UTC+3) during the winter months. 

Climate And Weather

Finland’s winter days are cold, dark, and long because of the country’s distance from the equator. The average temperature between winter and summer ranges from 25 - 72°F (-4 - 22°C). 

Warmer and cooler temperatures can be observed depending on the region. 

For example, the highest recorded inland temperatures range between 90 - 95°F (32-35°C). 

During the winter, the average temperature in Lapland varies between -49- -58°F (-45 - -50°C), compared to -13 - -31°F (-25 - -35°C) in the island and coastal regions. 

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When To Visit Finland

The Northern Lights of Finland
The Northern Lights of Finland (Photo Credit: Provided by Collette)

If you aren’t a fan of the cold, we recommend visiting Finland during the summer months of June, July, and August. 

Keep in mind that the winter months offer their own magic, and the Finns are well prepared to deal with the cold, making it a great time to experience the magic this country offers. 

The high season in Lapland (December to April) also provides an opportunity to experience some winter sports (our favorite time for skiing). 

If you go during March or April, you can catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. 

Best Places To Stay In Finland

The Northern Lights of Finland
The Northern Lights of Finland (Photo Credit: Provided by Collette)

The best places to stay depend on your needs, but here are our top picks:

  • Helsinki is our recommendation for travelers on a budget and offers plenty of entertainment and cheap hotels. 
  • Lapland is popular in the winter and our recommendation if you want to experience everything that comes with this winter wonderland. 
  • The Oulo region is a great city alternative to Helsinki and provides entertainment and various options for accommodation. 
  • We recommend the Finnish Archipelago for a tranquil getaway outside of the Baltic Sea. 
  • We also love Porvoo, which is the second oldest town in Finland. This place oozes charm and is brimming with character. 

 

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