Facts about Finland

Essential info for travelers to Finland

Finland in a nutshell

Finland is located in Northern Europe and is bordered by Sweden, Norway, and Russia. It features over 188,000 lakes and has around 75% forest cover.

Helsinki is the capital and largest city of Finland, known for its vibrant design scene, historic architecture, and seaside location.

The three official languages of Finland are Finnish, Swedish and Sámi. English is widely spoken, especially in urban areas and tourist destinations.

Currency and Payment

Finland uses the euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s good to carry some cash for small purchases, particularly in rural areas. Tipping is not mandatory in Finland, as service charges are typically included in bills. However, rounding up or leaving small change is appreciated for excellent service.

Transportation

Finland has an efficient and reliable public transportation system, including buses, trains, and trams, making it easy to navigate cities and travel between regions.

Driving

If you rent a car, remember to drive on the right side. Distances can be vast, especially in Lapland, so plan your routes accordingly.

Lapland winter sun facts
happy cute toddler finland facts
autumn landscape finland facts
Oulu city

Climate and Best Time to Visit

Finland experiences four distinct seasons. Summer (June to August) is quite warm and perfect for outdoor activities, while winter (December to February) brings snow and the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights. Colourful Autumn is beautiful, when nature is starting to prepare to the winter.

Pack Accordingly

Layered clothing is key. Temperatures can fluctuate widely, so be prepared for anything from a warm summer day to a chilly winter night. If traveling in winter, don’t forget your thermals.

Cultural Etiquette

Finns are known for their courtesy, so a simple “please” and “thank you” go a long way. They also value personal space and respect silence; don’t feel pressured to fill every moment with conversation.

Sauna Nation

Finland has more saunas than cars – approximately 2 million saunas for 5.5 million people. It’s basically our version of a living room.

sauna finland
Blueberry tart Finland facts
Oulu creamy soup gastronomy

Food and Drink

Don’t miss trying traditional Finnish dishes like ’karjalanpiirakka’ (Karelian pasties), ’poronkäristys’ (sautéed reindeer), and ’lohikeitto’ (salmon soup). And yes, there are plenty of delicious berry pastries.

Attractions & Activities

Nature is central to Finnish life. Hiking, berry-picking, and mushroom-picking are popular activities, especially in national parks like Oulanka and Nuuksio.

hiking trails finland
mobile phone finnish business facts

Connectivity and Internet

Finland boasts one of the highest rates of internet connectivity in the world. Most cafés, restaurants, and public areas have free Wi-Fi, so staying connected is easy.

General Facts

  • Due to its northern latitude, Finland experiences the phenomenon of the Midnight Sun in summer, where the sun does not set for several weeks, and Polar Nights in winter, when the sun barely rises.
  • The indigenous Sámi people inhabit Finland’s northern regions, especially Lapland, and offer unique cultural experiences, including reindeer herding and traditional crafts.
  • Finland hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, celebrating everything from music and food to art and design.
  • Finland boasts over 40 national parks, perfect for hiking, camping, and wildlife watching. Popular options include Nuuksio National Park and Oulanka National Park.
  • Known as the home of Santa Claus, Finnish Lapland offers unique experiences such as visiting Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, snowmobiling, and viewing the Northern Lights.
  • Finnish architecture is known for its modern and functionalist design, with notable architects like Alvar Aalto. The city of Helsinki is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding architecture.
  • Finland is known for being one of the safest countries in the world, with low crime rates and a generally welcoming attitude towards tourists.
  • Finland is home to diverse wildlife, including bears, elk, and lynx. Many national parks offer guided tours for wildlife enthusiasts.
  • Finns are among the world’s top coffee consumers. It’s common to take a coffee break (known as “kahvitauko”) during the day.
  • The “Everyman’s Rights” allows everyone to roam freely in nature, pick wildflowers and berries, and enjoy outdoor activities without landowners’ permission, as long as they respect nature.

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