Travel landscape in Finland
Finland flagRoutaya · Country guide

Travel guide to Finland

Finland, renowned for its vast forests, lakes, and Northern Lights, is a perfect destination for lovers of nature and Nordic culture.

Photo by Markus Winkler · Pexels

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Information is provided as a travel-planning aid. Confirm entry, health and safety requirements with official authorities before departure.

Quick facts

Official languages
Finnish, Swedish
Time zones
UTC+2 (Eastern European Time), UTC+3 in summer
Electrical outlets
230 V, 50 Hz, Type F plugs
Climate
Subarctic continental climate with cold winters and mild summers; northern areas experience long snowy winters.

Health

Healthcare in Finland is of high quality; EU citizens should carry a European Health Insurance Card.

Travel health advice

  • Consult your doctor before traveling
  • Prepare an appropriate first aid kit
  • Dress warmly in winter

Recommended vaccines: Routine vaccines up to date

Required vaccines:

Money

Currency: Euro (EUR)

Euros are widely accepted; cash is recommended for small expenses in rural areas.

Credit cards and ATMs are widely available in cities.

Safety

Finland is generally safe; remain vigilant in big cities at night.

  • Observe traffic rules, especially for pedestrians and cyclists
  • Protect against mosquitoes in summer
  • Follow wilderness safety guidelines

Areas to check before travel:

Regions

Uusimaa — travel guide
Region

Uusimaa

Region surrounding Helsinki, the economic and cultural hub with many urban attractions.

Lapland — travel guide
Region

Lapland

Northern region famed for Arctic landscapes, Northern Lights, and winter activities.

Tavastia — travel guide
Region

Tavastia

Historic region with vast forests, lakes, and heritage-rich towns.

Karelia — travel guide
Region

Karelia

Known for forests, lakes, and Russian cultural influences.

Pirkanmaa — travel guide
Region

Pirkanmaa

Dynamic region with industrial cities like Tampere and an active cultural scene.

Ostrobothnia — travel guide
Region

Ostrobothnia

Coastal region with Swedish heritage and wild nature.

Cities

Helsinki — city guide
City guide

Helsinki

Vibrant capital offering museums, modern architecture, and nightlife.

  • Helsinki Cathedral
  • Senate Square
  • Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art
  • Market Hall
  • Suomenlinna Island
Rovaniemi — city guide
City guide

Rovaniemi

Gateway to Lapland, official hometown of Santa Claus.

  • Santa Claus Village
  • Arktikum Museum
  • Snowmobile safaris
  • Northern Lights viewing
Tampere — city guide
City guide

Tampere

Industrial hub turned cultural city with museums and lively streets.

  • Vapriikki Museum
  • Lake Näsijärvi
  • Tampere Cathedral
Turku — city guide
City guide

Turku

Former capital, rich in history and medieval castles.

  • Turku Castle
  • Turku Cathedral
  • Aura River banks
Jyväskylä — city guide
City guide

Jyväskylä

University city famous for Alvar Aalto architecture and lakes.

  • Alvar Aalto Museum
  • Lake Jyväsjärvi
  • University life
Kuopio — city guide
City guide

Kuopio

City in the heart of Lake Saimaa, known for festivals and local cuisine.

  • Puijo Tower
  • Market Square
  • Harju Island
Oulu — city guide
City guide

Oulu

Modern, dynamic city on the Baltic Sea coast.

  • City center
  • Tietomaa Science Museum
  • Hupisaaret Park

Highlights

Suomenlinna — travel guide
Must-see

Suomenlinna

Maritime fortress on several islands near Helsinki, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Nuuksio National Park — travel guide
Must-see

Nuuksio National Park

Natural area near Helsinki ideal for hiking and wildlife observation.

Savonlinna Castle — travel guide
Must-see

Savonlinna Castle

Medieval island castle hosting a famous opera festival.

Turku Archipelago — travel guide
Must-see

Turku Archipelago

Group of islands offering beautiful nature and water activities.

Arctic Circle — travel guide
Must-see

Arctic Circle

Symbolic line across Lapland, a must-see for visitors.

Seurasaari Open-Air Museum — travel guide
Must-see

Seurasaari Open-Air Museum

Showcases traditional Finnish architecture and lifestyle.

Nature & other places

Koli National Park — travel guide
National Park

Koli National Park

Hills and forests offering splendid views over lakes and countryside.

Lake Saimaa — travel guide
Lake

Lake Saimaa

Finland's largest lake, known for aquatic landscapes and rare species.

Åland Islands — travel guide
Archipelago

Åland Islands

Autonomous archipelago known for wilderness and maritime traditions.

Oulanka National Park — travel guide
National Park

Oulanka National Park

Forests, rivers, and trails famed for hiking.

Lemmenjoki National Park — travel guide
National Park

Lemmenjoki National Park

Largest national park with Arctic landscapes and Sami culture.

Hailuoto Island — travel guide
Island

Hailuoto Island

Island off the Bothnian Bay known for beaches and wildlife.

Travel conditions can change. Always consult official government travel advice and health authorities shortly before your trip.

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