Finland
With a mix of natural beauty, modern structures, and great cuisine, Finland is a winter wonderland and a summer dream.
If you’re craving pure unadulterated air, picturesque lakes, and dense forests, Finland is the place for you. With some of the best hiking trails and kayaking adventures, along with an abundance of national parks, you can catch a glimpse of bears and elks in their natural surroundings.
How you experience Finland depends on when you visit. Winter has a charm of its own. In Winter, you can take a snowmobile or charter reindeers and dogs for a ride along the snowy paths.
Of course, the main attraction is the aurora borealis, The Northern Lights. Other activities include sauna baths, skiing, ice fishing, and staying in an ice hotel. In Summer, Finland comes to life with abundant produce, art exhibitions, music, and midnight sunlight.
While much of Finland is covered with immaculate wilderness, it also has some pulsing cities. Its capital, Helsinki, is quite cosmopolitan and contemporary with stylish restaurants and bars. Apart from Helsinki, you must visit Tampere and Turku, which are also spirited and engaging.
Drop into The Suomenlinna Fortress, which is one of the biggest sea fortresses in the world, and is minutes away from Helsinki’s Market Square. You can’t miss a visit to Helsinki’s harbor which is a fundamental part of the city and has a busy marketplace with local fishermen, farmers, and food vendors. Much of the city folk gather in the promenade of Esplanadi during the summer.
You can’t leave without stopping by Rovaniemi, famous for being the home of Santa Claus. It is also a great place for skiing and sledding on reindeers. Another must-visit is the second oldest town of Porvoo, which has redwood buildings, a scenic waterfront, quaint streets, and a hilltop cathedral.
Finland is abound with water bodies like rivers, ponds, and lakes. Lake Saimaa, which is 1300 square kilometers in the area is the main lake of the region. Other interesting places are the town of Vaasa which was built in the 1300s, the Lemmenjoki National Park, the village of Oullo, and Hameenlinna.
Finland is situated in the North of Europe and bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north, and Russia in the west.
Most of Finland is flat land and around 70% of it is swathed by dense forests. The South of Finland has plenty of water bodies and you can find numerous clear water lakes all around.
Lakes are the most distinguishing feature of Finland’s geography and some of the largest lakes are Nasijarv, Paijanne, Pielinen, and Lake Saima.
Apart from lakes, Finland also has plenty of rivers like the Kemi, Muonio, Oulo, Torne, and Teno.
Finland is Europe’s eighth biggest country, spanning across an area of 338,455 sq. km.
Finland has a diverse kind of weather. It is also erratic and can change rapidly, which is a common feature in Scandinavian countries. Since it is situated at the intersection of both polar and tropical air masses, the weather is subject to frequent change, especially during the Winter.
It is warmest in the month of July and coldest in the month of February. The wettest time of the year is August, while February is its driest month.
Summers in Finland are lovely, when the weather turns mild and warm, while the winters are long and chilly.
In winter, the mildest climate is found in the South West part of Finland, in the numerous islands in the Baltic Sea.
Finland’s cuisine is a cornucopia of flavours derived from its four seasons. It truly receives nature’s bounty with produce that is packed with health and brilliant flavour. Bilberries, cranberries and rye are of the best kind.
Finnish cuisine has been inspired by both Russian and Swedish flavours. Meals quintessentially consist of potatoes, meat, fish, butter and milk.
When you travel to Finland, you should try some traditional Finnish cuisine. Sample Rapu, a crayfish dish that is simmered and then seasoned with dill. Apart from this, Kaalikääryleet is also a favourite. It is created out of cabbage rolls stuffed with lamb, pork or beef.
Another meal that you must savour is Kalakukko, which is fish baked in bread. Other dishes that you can’t leave without trying are the Lihapullat, meatballs with gravy; Mustamakkara, sausage with berry jam and Mykyrokka, dumplings that are filled with potatoes, meat and onions.
The national beverage of Finland is milk, and curdled milk is commonly served. You must also sip on some Kilju, which is another traditional beverage made from yeast, sugar and water.
Beer lovers should try Sahti, a Finnish beer, and Lakka, a liqueur made from cloudberries that are drenched in alcohol.
Finnish desserts and pastries are quite delicious and popular. A dessert that you absolutely must not miss is the Mannapuuro, a type of semolina porridge that is creamy and also doubles up as a breakfast snack.
Another dessert to satiate your sweet tooth is the Laskiaispulla, a delectable pastry created out of cardamom flavoured dough and baked until brown-gold. The bun is cut into two and stuffed with whipped cream and jam.
The two main languages in Finland are Finnish and Swedish. There are other languages that are spoken less but nevertheless are still in usage. Some variations of the Sami language are spoken in Lapland.
Other Finnish dialects are also conversationally used across the country, while you will find Swedish speakers in the West and South of Finland.
When you travel to Finland, you shouldn’t face many issues, since English is widely spoken in most areas.
Some phrases you could acquaint yourself with before you travel are Kitos- please/thank you; Hei Hei – hi/bye; Mitä tama/tuo on? – What is this/that?; Ei kesta – No problem; Anteeksi – I’m sorry/excuse me; Kippis- cheers.
The fashion and style in Finland is somewhat minimalistic. So, just like Sweden, black rules the style quotient, never mind the time of year.
Sometimes, the Finnish can be quite adventurous with color. So don’t be afraid to add a pop of color to liven up a dull outfit.
As with any cold country, layering is key to coping with the climate and weather changes. If you travel to Finland in winter, you can pack in long sleeve shirts or t-shirts, leather jackets, hats, and scarves.
Males can carry t-shirts, shirts, woolen jerseys, jeans, and trousers.
During spring and summer, carry tank tops, blouses, and floral pattern dresses. Choose knee-length and form-fitting dresses over maxi dresses. Wear some boots while you are hanging out in the city since these go with most outfits.
Males can carry t-shirts, shirts, woolen jerseys, jeans, and trousers.
Remember to carry a bathing suit if you intend to stop by a Finnish sauna. Carry sneakers and athletic shoes if you plan on doing a lot of walking or adventure activities.
Also, don’t forget to get a raincoat or a waterproof jacket as it rains almost throughout the year. Both men and women should carry thermal innerwear.
The ‘Euro’ is the currency used in Finland.
You can use all major debit and credit cards when you travel to Finland. If you carry travellers’ cheques, they can be exchanged at banks and exchange offices. Travellers’ cheques are best carried in Euros or Pound Sterling.
If you are carrying an excess of 10,000 sterling pounds, the same needs to be declared. You can exchange your foreign currency or traveller’s cheques at banks, post offices or exchange bureaus.
The Finnish are driven by equality, honesty and morality. There are some customs and traditions that are unique only to Finnish culture.
The Sauna has a special place in Finnish customs. You can’t leave the country without experiencing the act of utilizing the vihta orvasta, a bundle of twigs that you should use to hit our body gently. It is known to assist in blood circulation and is especially useful during the Midsummer celebrations.
The Finnish are fans of heavy metal music and hard rock. So, playing an air guitar is quite a tradition in Finland. In fact, it is so popular that the Air Guitar World Championships are held in Finland every year. If you’re wondering what this is, think about a guitar that doesn’t really exist. Then imagine strumming an imaginary guitar and taking it to a crescendo.
It is customary to greet Finnish through handshakes. Cheek kisses are not encouraged. Avoid questions regarding finances. If you are invited to a dinner, attempt to eat everything on your plate.
If you happen to stay in Finland for a longer period of time, you’ll come across pea soup and pan cake being served every Thursday. Nobody knows for sure why this is, but apparently this tradition can be traced back to Catholic times.
Travelers from the UK can enjoy visa-free travel to the Schengen area including Finland. UK passport holders can stay for up to 90 days in a 180-day period, without a visa.
Additionally, the traveler’s passport must be valid for at least 6 months and with at least 2 blank pages. You may be asked to show proof of adequate funds and evidence of return air tickets.
Also, it is best to recheck with the airline that you will be allowed to board without a visa, just in case conditions change.
Type F (also called “Schuko”) power plugs and sockets are used in Finland. Its standard frequency is 50Hz and its standard voltage is 230V.
So travelers from the UK can use their electronics in Finland without issues. Take care while using devices like shavers, clocks, and heaters.
To be doubly cautious, check the equipment’s label. If the label mentions ‘INPUT: 100-240V, 50/60 Hz’, it can be used across all countries in the world. This is usually in the case of mobile phone chargers, cell phones, toothbrushes, etc.
If you’re craving pure unadulterated air, picturesque lakes, and dense forests, Finland is the place for you. With some of the best hiking trails and kayaking adventures, along with an abundance of national parks, you can catch a glimpse of bears and elks in their natural surroundings.
How you experience Finland depends on when you visit. Winter has a charm of its own. In Winter, you can take a snowmobile or charter reindeers and dogs for a ride along the snowy paths.
Of course, the main attraction is the aurora borealis, The Northern Lights. Other activities include sauna baths, skiing, ice fishing, and staying in an ice hotel. In Summer, Finland comes to life with abundant produce, art exhibitions, music, and midnight sunlight.
While much of Finland is covered with immaculate wilderness, it also has some pulsing cities. Its capital, Helsinki, is quite cosmopolitan and contemporary with stylish restaurants and bars. Apart from Helsinki, you must visit Tampere and Turku, which are also spirited and engaging.
Drop into The Suomenlinna Fortress, which is one of the biggest sea fortresses in the world, and is minutes away from Helsinki’s Market Square. You can’t miss a visit to Helsinki’s harbor which is a fundamental part of the city and has a busy marketplace with local fishermen, farmers, and food vendors. Much of the city folk gather in the promenade of Esplanadi during the summer.
You can’t leave without stopping by Rovaniemi, famous for being the home of Santa Claus. It is also a great place for skiing and sledding on reindeers. Another must-visit is the second oldest town of Porvoo, which has redwood buildings, a scenic waterfront, quaint streets, and a hilltop cathedral.
Finland is abound with water bodies like rivers, ponds, and lakes. Lake Saimaa, which is 1300 square kilometers in the area is the main lake of the region. Other interesting places are the town of Vaasa which was built in the 1300s, the Lemmenjoki National Park, the village of Oullo, and Hameenlinna.
Finland is situated in the North of Europe and bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north, and Russia in the west.
Most of Finland is flat land and around 70% of it is swathed by dense forests. The South of Finland has plenty of water bodies and you can find numerous clear water lakes all around.
Lakes are the most distinguishing feature of Finland’s geography and some of the largest lakes are Nasijarv, Paijanne, Pielinen, and Lake Saima.
Apart from lakes, Finland also has plenty of rivers like the Kemi, Muonio, Oulo, Torne, and Teno.
Finland is Europe’s eighth biggest country, spanning across an area of 338,455 sq. km.
Finland has a diverse kind of weather. It is also erratic and can change rapidly, which is a common feature in Scandinavian countries. Since it is situated at the intersection of both polar and tropical air masses, the weather is subject to frequent change, especially during the Winter.
It is warmest in the month of July and coldest in the month of February. The wettest time of the year is August, while February is its driest month.
Summers in Finland are lovely, when the weather turns mild and warm, while the winters are long and chilly.
In winter, the mildest climate is found in the South West part of Finland, in the numerous islands in the Baltic Sea.
Finland’s cuisine is a cornucopia of flavours derived from its four seasons. It truly receives nature’s bounty with produce that is packed with health and brilliant flavour. Bilberries, cranberries and rye are of the best kind.
Finnish cuisine has been inspired by both Russian and Swedish flavours. Meals quintessentially consist of potatoes, meat, fish, butter and milk.
When you travel to Finland, you should try some traditional Finnish cuisine. Sample Rapu, a crayfish dish that is simmered and then seasoned with dill. Apart from this, Kaalikääryleet is also a favourite. It is created out of cabbage rolls stuffed with lamb, pork or beef.
Another meal that you must savour is Kalakukko, which is fish baked in bread. Other dishes that you can’t leave without trying are the Lihapullat, meatballs with gravy; Mustamakkara, sausage with berry jam and Mykyrokka, dumplings that are filled with potatoes, meat and onions.
The national beverage of Finland is milk, and curdled milk is commonly served. You must also sip on some Kilju, which is another traditional beverage made from yeast, sugar and water.
Beer lovers should try Sahti, a Finnish beer, and Lakka, a liqueur made from cloudberries that are drenched in alcohol.
Finnish desserts and pastries are quite delicious and popular. A dessert that you absolutely must not miss is the Mannapuuro, a type of semolina porridge that is creamy and also doubles up as a breakfast snack.
Another dessert to satiate your sweet tooth is the Laskiaispulla, a delectable pastry created out of cardamom flavoured dough and baked until brown-gold. The bun is cut into two and stuffed with whipped cream and jam.
The two main languages in Finland are Finnish and Swedish. There are other languages that are spoken less but nevertheless are still in usage. Some variations of the Sami language are spoken in Lapland.
Other Finnish dialects are also conversationally used across the country, while you will find Swedish speakers in the West and South of Finland.
When you travel to Finland, you shouldn’t face many issues, since English is widely spoken in most areas.
Some phrases you could acquaint yourself with before you travel are Kitos- please/thank you; Hei Hei – hi/bye; Mitä tama/tuo on? – What is this/that?; Ei kesta – No problem; Anteeksi – I’m sorry/excuse me; Kippis- cheers.
The fashion and style in Finland is somewhat minimalistic. So, just like Sweden, black rules the style quotient, never mind the time of year.
Sometimes, the Finnish can be quite adventurous with color. So don’t be afraid to add a pop of color to liven up a dull outfit.
As with any cold country, layering is key to coping with the climate and weather changes. If you travel to Finland in winter, you can pack in long sleeve shirts or t-shirts, leather jackets, hats, and scarves.
Males can carry t-shirts, shirts, woolen jerseys, jeans, and trousers.
During spring and summer, carry tank tops, blouses, and floral pattern dresses. Choose knee-length and form-fitting dresses over maxi dresses. Wear some boots while you are hanging out in the city since these go with most outfits.
Males can carry t-shirts, shirts, woolen jerseys, jeans, and trousers.
Remember to carry a bathing suit if you intend to stop by a Finnish sauna. Carry sneakers and athletic shoes if you plan on doing a lot of walking or adventure activities.
Also, don’t forget to get a raincoat or a waterproof jacket as it rains almost throughout the year. Both men and women should carry thermal innerwear.
The ‘Euro’ is the currency used in Finland.
You can use all major debit and credit cards when you travel to Finland. If you carry travellers’ cheques, they can be exchanged at banks and exchange offices. Travellers’ cheques are best carried in Euros or Pound Sterling.
If you are carrying an excess of 10,000 sterling pounds, the same needs to be declared. You can exchange your foreign currency or traveller’s cheques at banks, post offices or exchange bureaus.
The Finnish are driven by equality, honesty and morality. There are some customs and traditions that are unique only to Finnish culture.
The Sauna has a special place in Finnish customs. You can’t leave the country without experiencing the act of utilizing the vihta orvasta, a bundle of twigs that you should use to hit our body gently. It is known to assist in blood circulation and is especially useful during the Midsummer celebrations.
The Finnish are fans of heavy metal music and hard rock. So, playing an air guitar is quite a tradition in Finland. In fact, it is so popular that the Air Guitar World Championships are held in Finland every year. If you’re wondering what this is, think about a guitar that doesn’t really exist. Then imagine strumming an imaginary guitar and taking it to a crescendo.
It is customary to greet Finnish through handshakes. Cheek kisses are not encouraged. Avoid questions regarding finances. If you are invited to a dinner, attempt to eat everything on your plate.
If you happen to stay in Finland for a longer period of time, you’ll come across pea soup and pan cake being served every Thursday. Nobody knows for sure why this is, but apparently this tradition can be traced back to Catholic times.
Travelers from the UK can enjoy visa-free travel to the Schengen area including Finland. UK passport holders can stay for up to 90 days in a 180-day period, without a visa.
Additionally, the traveler’s passport must be valid for at least 6 months and with at least 2 blank pages. You may be asked to show proof of adequate funds and evidence of return air tickets.
Also, it is best to recheck with the airline that you will be allowed to board without a visa, just in case conditions change.
Type F (also called “Schuko”) power plugs and sockets are used in Finland. Its standard frequency is 50Hz and its standard voltage is 230V.
So travelers from the UK can use their electronics in Finland without issues. Take care while using devices like shavers, clocks, and heaters.
To be doubly cautious, check the equipment’s label. If the label mentions ‘INPUT: 100-240V, 50/60 Hz’, it can be used across all countries in the world. This is usually in the case of mobile phone chargers, cell phones, toothbrushes, etc.
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