Finland
Finland is a scenic country of lakes, islands, and forests, its pristine wilderness juxtaposed against ultramodern technology. With it extending well into the Arctic Circle, the sun never quite sets during summer, nor does it ever quite rise in the winter time. This land of contrasts has plenty to delight and enchant visitors, from its forbidding castles and onion-domed Slavic churches to the reindeer herds of the indigenous Sami people of Lapland in the north.
Visitors can dine on reindeer steak, traverse the northern arctic home of Santa Claus, and ski or dog sled across virgin snow. After a trip out in the cold or one of the traditional folk festivals, it’s good to let off some steam in a sauna. Invented by the Finnish, there are some two million saunas in the country.
The lively, modern capital city of Helsinki is packed with galleries, museums, and cafes, while beyond it lies vast swathes of countryside to explore in the clean clear air. Around 65 percent of the country is covered in forest and there are almost 40 national parks.
Despite its seemingly rugged environment, Finland is by no means a basic and simple country. In fact, it is regarded as being one of the most high-tech societies in the world and was the first country in the world to make internet access a legal right.
Key Facts
- Language:
- Finnish and Swedish share status as Finlands official languages. Sami is spoken by an isolated population group in Lapland. English is taught at schools and is widely understood.
- Passport/Visa:
The borderless region known as the Schengen Area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option, and which allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all the aforementioned countries. It is highly recommended that travellers’ passports have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
- Currency:
The official currency of Finland is the euro (EUR), which is divided into 100 cents. Banks, ATMs and bureaux de change are available in all cities and airports; banks are closed on weekends. American Express, Diner’s Club, Eurocard, Access, MasterCard and Visa are accepted in hotels, restaurants and larger shops. ATMs are the easiest and most economical way to get cash.
- Electricity:
- Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. Standard European two-pin plugs are in use.
Overview
From the pulsating cultural scene in the capital of Helsinki to the striking natural beauty of the jagged and icy countryside, Finland remains one of the more unexplored places in Europe. While the cities and towns offer many unique cultural and historical attractions, the natural surroundings serve as a playground for both winter and summer activities.
Helsinki is the main point of entry for most visitors to Finland. This is where sightseers will find the country’s finest museums, art galleries, restaurants, and shopping. It’s easy to spend a week exploring the city and enjoying the cultural attractions. Some of the most important sights in the city include Finlandia Hall, the architecture around Senate Square, Suomenlinna, and the underground Rock Church.
Those with an interest in history or art will also want to allow some time to wander through the Finnish National Museum or the Finnish National Museum of Art. Nearby, the Open-Air Folk Museum on the island of Seurasaari, with old houses and timber buildings, reveals an in depth historical perspective on Finland.
From Helsinki there are a number of great day trips. Northeast of the city is the historic town of Provoo, which can be reached by road or by boat. To the north of Helsinki lies the medieval castle at Hameenlinna. To the west lies Turku, the ancient capital of Finland. Those looking to venture further afield will find a countryside of forests and lakes.
Climate in Finland
Considering how far north Finland is, the country has a milder climate than one might expect. In general, Finland has an extreme swing between summer and winter, with bitterly cold winters when temperatures drop to -4ºF (-20ºC) in many areas, particularly in northern Lapland. Summer, by contrast, can be surprisingly warm with temperatures rising to 68ºF (20ºC) or more. Temperatures as high as 86ºF (30ºC) are possible in the south and east of the country.
The capital, Helsinki, remains fairly temperate varying between an average of 63ºF (17ºC) in July to 23ºF (-5ºC) in February. February is the coldest month in Finland and July is the warmest. Snow usually covers the ground in southern Finland from December to April, and northern Finland is snowbound from October to April.
In the far north, the sun does not set for about 73 days during summer, while in winter the sun remains below the horizon for a 51-day stretch. The winter night sky – especially in the northern areas of Finland – is often lit up with the seemingly magical light displays of the Northern Lights. If you want the mildest weather, the best time to visit Finland is between May and September. But when you should go is dependent on what you want out of your holiday.
Health Notes when travelling to Finland
There are no major health risks associated with travel to Finland, though everyone 12 years of age and older should get fully vaccinated for COVID-19 before visiting. EU nationals should ensure they have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which entitles citizens to emergency medical treatment on the same terms as Finnish citizens. Comprehensive travel insurance is advised. After Brexit, the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for UK citizens. The GHIC allows UK citizens access to state healthcare during visits to the EU. The GHIC is not valid in Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland, nor is it an alternative to travel insurance.
Safety Notes when travelling to Finland
Crime levels are low in Finland and visitors can be assured of a trouble-free vacation. Drug offences and drinking and driving are dealt with very harshly. The main danger in the country is driving during the winter months, when icy roads are a hazard and cars must be fitted with snow tyres.
Customs in Finland
The sauna is a Finnish way of life, so they are extremely popular. Words are taken seriously in Finland and people are held to what they say, so visitors should be sure of what they’re saying before they speak.
Duty Free in Finland
Travellers arriving from the EU can enter Finland without restrictions on the quantity of purchases, provided they have been bought in the EU for personal consumption or as gift items. No restrictions are placed on meat and dairy products; some restrictions may apply to selected tobacco products. Travellers over 20 years arriving from non-EU countries are allowed to bring in the following items without incurring customs duty: 200 cigarettes, or 100 cigarillos, or 50 cigars, or 250g of tobacco. They can also bring in one litre of spirits with maximum 22 percent alcohol content, or two litres of alcoholic beverages not exceeding 22 percent alcohol content, as well as four litres of wine and 16 litres of beer.
Doing Business in Finland
Business is conducted formally in Finland. A formal, understated sense of dress is important and being late is considered rude. Appointments should always be made and confirmed; meetings are often strictly business and are rarely over lunch. Finns do not require a strong relationship prior to doing business, with deals often taking place over the phone, fax, and via e-mail. However, the sauna is an important part of the culture and it is not unusual for business to be discussed in this environment if negotiations ever take place on a more sociable level.
Finns are very direct and prefer getting straight to the point; a verbal agreement may hold. Business cards are exchanged at meetings and should have, on the alternate side, details in Finnish. Business hours are generally 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday.
Communication in Finland
The international country dialling code for Finland is +358. Free WiFi is available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and similar establishments in all major towns and cities. There are free WiFi hotspots with high speed internet in Helsinki.
Tipping in Finland
Tips are not expected in Finland because a service charge is generally added to restaurant, bar and hotel bills, but customers often choose to round up the bill when paying in cash. Taxi drivers also appreciate any small change or coins that are added to round up the fare.
Passport/Visa Note
The borderless region known as the Schengen Area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option, and which allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all the aforementioned countries. It is highly recommended that travellers’ passports have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
US citizens must have a passport that is valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay in Finland. A visa is not required for a stay of up to 90 days in a 180 day period.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay in Finland. A visa is not required for a stay of up to 90 days in a 180 day period.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
British passports endorsed ‘British Citizen’, ‘British Subject’ (containing a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode issued by the United Kingdom), and ‘British Overseas Territories Citizen’ issued by Gibraltar, only need to be valid for period of intended stay in Finland. All other endorsements require at least three months validity beyond the period of intended stay in Finland.
A visa is not required for passports endorsed ‘British Citizen’, ‘British Subject’ (containing a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode issued by the United Kingdom), and ‘British Overseas Territories Citizen’ issued by Gibraltar. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days in a 180 day period for holders of passports with any other endorsement.
Holders of identity cards issued by Gibraltar authories, and endorsed ‘Validated for EU travel purposes under the authority of the United Kingdom’, do not require a visa to visit Finland.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay in Finland. A visa is not required for a stay of up to 90 days in a 180 day period.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid on arrival. No visa is required.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay in Finland. A visa is not required for a stay of up to 90 days in a 180 day period.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for three months beyond the intended period of stay, and a valid Schengen visa, to enter Finland.
Tourist Offices
Helsinki Tourist Information, Helsinki: +358 (0)10 3101 3300 or http://www.visitfinland.com
Finland Embassies
- In the United States:
Embassy of Finland, Washington DC, United States: +1 (0)202 298 5800
- In Canada:
Embassy of Finland, Ottawa, Canada: +1 (0)613 288 2233
- In the United Kingdom:
Embassy of Finland, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7838 6200
- In Australia:
Embassy of Finland, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6273 3800
- In Ireland:
Embassy of Finland, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 478 1344
- In New Zealand:
Consulate-General of Finland, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 (0)4 924 3416
- In South Africa:
Embassy of Finland, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 343 0275
Foreign Embassies in Finland
- American Embassy
United States Embassy, Helsinki: +358 (0)9 616 250
- Canadian Embassy
Canadian Embassy, Helsinki: +358 (0)9 228 530
- British Embassy
British Embassy, Helsinki: +358 (0)9 2286 5100
- Australian Embassy
Australian Embassy, Helsinki: +358 (0)10 42 04 492
- Irish Embassy
Irish Embassy, Helsinki: +358 (0)9 682 4240
- New Zealand Embassy
New Zealand Embassy, The Hague, Netherlands (also responsible for Finland): +31 (0)70 346 9324
- South African Embassy
South African Embassy, Helsinki: +358 (0)9 6860 3100
Public Holidays Around the World
Planning your year? Knowing public holidays in different countries can help you plan trips, schedule events, or understand global schedules. Below, find a comprehensive list of public holidays sorted by country.
