Finland Travel Guide
Finland offers a quieter, more nature driven way to experience Europe. Forests, lakes, and open landscapes shape much of the country, while cities like Helsinki and Turku showcase modern architecture, waterfront sights, and a growing food and cultural scene. Seasonal contrast defines the experience, from long summer days spent by the water to winter months built around snow, saunas, and northern light sightings.
This travel guide explains what to expect when visiting Finland, how to get around, and the top experiences to include in your itinerary.
Destinations
Helsinki Lapland
What to Expect in Finland
Weather
Finland experiences distinct seasons, with major differences between the southern cities and the northern Lapland region.
Spring and autumn are short and transition quickly between the extremes of winter and summer. Summers are mild and pleasant, averaging 60–72°F (16–22°C) in the south and slightly cooler in the north.
Winters are long, cold, and snowy. In the south, including Helsinki and Turku, temperatures typically range from 15–30°F (–9 to –1°C). In Lapland, winter temperatures can drop well below 0°F (–18°C), and snow cover often lasts from October through April.
The Midnight Sun brings nearly 24 hours of daylight to northern Finland in June and July, while winter months see very limited daylight, especially above the Arctic Circle.
Best Time to Visit
Summer (June to August) is the most popular time to visit Finland, offering warm days, long hours of sunlight, and ideal conditions for exploring lakes, forests, and coastal areas.
Winter appeals to travelers seeking the northern lights, skiing, husky safaris, and other Arctic experiences, especially in Lapland.
For milder weather and fewer crowds, late spring (May) and early autumn (September) offer comfortable temperatures and colorful scenery, although weather can be unpredictable.
Language
Finnish and Swedish are the two official languages of Finland, with Swedish spoken more commonly along the western and southern coasts.
English is widely spoken, especially in Helsinki, major towns, and tourism related areas. Visitors will find communication easy in hotels, restaurants, and transportation hubs, though learning a few basic Finnish greetings is appreciated by locals.
Currency
Finland uses the euro (€). Credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere, and mobile payments are very common.
Cash is rarely necessary, though it can be useful in small rural areas. ATMs are widely available in cities, but less frequent in remote parts of Lapland.
Getting There
Finland is well connected to Europe and beyond. Helsinki Airport is the main international hub with extensive global routes, including direct flights from many European capitals, North America, and Asia.
Travelers within Europe can also arrive by ferry from Sweden, Estonia, and Germany, with frequent routes connecting Helsinki, Turku, and the Åland Islands.
Rail travel is primarily used within Finland, linking the southern cities with central regions and the far north. Domestic flights and long-distance trains make onward travel to Lapland and other destinations fast and easy, even over long distances.
How to Get Around Finland
Top Experiences in Finland
LATEST POSTS ABOUT FINLAND
WHAT TO PACK FOR FINLAND
Finland FAQ
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Plan 5 to 7 days to see the main highlights of Finland. Three days work well for Helsinki, with extra time for nearby regions such as Porvoo or the Finnish Lakeland. If you want to visit northern Finland, including Lapland, add 3 to 5 additional days to account for longer distances and slower travel between destinations.
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Saunas are an everyday part of Finnish culture. Swimsuits may be required in public saunas, while private saunas are often nude. Shower before entering, sit on a towel or cloth seat cover, and keep conversation quiet. Take a break between short sauna sessions with a dip in the Baltic Sea or just enjoy the cool outside air. It's the perfect respite from the steam and heat!
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Trains are the easiest way to travel between major cities like Helsinki, Tampere, and Turku. In Lapland, longer distances are covered by domestic flights and buses. A rental car is your best bet if you're visiting national parks or rural areas.
“Finland, Finland, Finland // The country where I quite want to be“
Monty Python