Get to know Finland!
Finland is an independent, social democratic country located in Northeast Europe. It is neighbored by Estonia, Sweden, Norway, and Russia. Finland also boasts a stunning coastline along the Baltic Sea. Known as the land of a thousand lakes, Finland actually has an astonishing 168,000 lakes or ponds and additionally 224,661 islands. Visitors to Finland can experience four distinct seasons: a snowy winter, lush summer, colorful autumn, and refreshing spring.
The capital city of Helsinki is situated on the southern coast. The northernmost city, Kemijärvi, lies on the Arctic Circle, at a latitude comparable to the northern parts of Canada and Alaska. Finland is also dotted with smaller villages extending up to its northernmost tip. The country is famous for its sauna culture, Santa Claus who resides at Korvatunturi, the Moomins, reindeer, distinctive architecture, and metal music. Finland is also known as a haven for introverts, as Finns cherish silence and value personal space and time.
This rich blend of nature, culture, and history makes Finland a unique and enchanting destination for travelers seeking a diverse European experience.
Finland – the happiest country in the world
In the World Happiness Report, Finland has repeatedly been listed as the happiest country in the world, partly due to its strong social security system and high standard of living. The beauty and purity of nature provide Finns with a calming and healthy environment in which to live and relax. The education system is world-class, offering equal opportunities for learning and development to everyone. Strong community and social support are key to the happiness of Finns, evident in the widespread trust in other people and societal institutions. Additionally, Finland’s political stability and safety create an environment conducive to a carefree and happy life.
How to get to Finland?
Finland is easily accessible from different parts of the world. As Finland is located a bit separately from the rest of Europe and the Nordic countries, across the Baltic Sea, flying is a popular option to reach the country. International connections from major cities arrive at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, from where you can continue your journey with domestic flights or public transport. The northernmost airports can be found in the upper parts of Lapland, in Ivalo and Hetta (Enontekiö).
For travelers coming from Europe, ferry connections are also available from countries like Germany, Sweden, and Estonia, directly linking to the Port of Helsinki.
Traveling to Finland by road is only possible through the north from Sweden and Norway.
The most northerly train connections in Finland extend beyond the Arctic Circle to Kolari and Kemijärvi, and a popular option is to travel from Helsinki to Rovaniemi in Lapland by overnight train, where you can also take your car if needed.
Frequently asked questions
Do you see reindeer everywhere in Finland?
Not everywhere, but in Northern Finland, especially in Lapland and Kainuu, seeing reindeer is common, particularly in rural areas.
Is it always cold in Finland?
No, Finland has four seasons. Summers can be warm, and winters are cold, especially in the north.
Are Finns really quiet?
Finns value their own space and may seem quiet at first, but they are friendly and talkative once you get to know them.
Where can you best see the Northern Lights?
Especially in northern Lapland. The best places are Utsjoki, Inari, and Enontekiö. Arrive sometime between September and March. The Northern Lights cannot be seen in summer because it is too bright then. If you want to maximize your chances, allocate enough time – for example, a week. If the weather is initially cloudy, when the Northern Lights of course cannot be seen, the weather may clear up before the end of your holiday.
Are everyman’s rights true?
Yes, everyman’s rights allow moving in nature and picking berries and mushrooms on anyone’s land without permission. However, everyman’s rights do not permit just anything. Moving around in people’s yards is strictly forbidden. Also, making a fire is only allowed at designated, maintained fire sites. In nature reserves, such as national parks, everyman’s rights are not applicable as such, and these areas have their own rules, which should be familiarized with in advance.
Are the Moomins a Finnish invention?
Yes, the Moomins are created by Tove Jansson and are part of Finnish cultural heritage. The Moomins, however, are imaginary creatures, so you cannot see Moomins in the Finnish nature, for example. Moomin World in Naantali is a popular summer destination for families with children, where they can meet Moomin characters.
Is there really midnight sun in Finland?
Yes, during the summer in the north, the sun does not set at all for several weeks. Because Finland is a long country, the phenomenon varies between the south and the north. In Southern Finland, there is a brief twilight period during the nights of midsummer, but in the northernmost part of Lapland, the sun indeed shines brightly throughout the night.
What is Finnish “sisu”?
Sisu is a Finnish concept that denotes inner strength, determination, and the ability to cope with tough situations.
Is Santa Claus really from Finland?
Yes, according to Finnish tradition, Santa Claus lives on Korvatunturi in Lapland. Many children and adults around the world believe that Santa Claus starts his gift distribution journey on Christmas Eve from Finland.
What really is a Finnish sauna and how hot is it?
The sauna is an important part of Finnish culture. It’s a warm room where people sit and throw löyly (water onto hot stones), causing them to sweat and relax. The temperature in a Finnish sauna usually ranges from 70 to 100 degrees Celsius, but it can vary according to the bather’s preference.
Weather in Finland
The weather in Finland varies significantly with the seasons, so travelers should be prepared for a range of conditions.
Spring (March – May): In spring, the weather starts to warm up, but there can still be snow cover and freezing temperatures in March and April, especially in the north. By May, the snow melts and nature comes to life. Layered clothing and waterproof shoes are recommended.
Summer (June – August): During the summer, Finland is bright and daytime temperatures can rise to around 20-30 degrees Celsius. Nights are light, especially in the north, where the sun doesn’t set at all in midsummer. In addition to summer clothes, it’s wise to pack rain gear and mosquito repellent.
Autumn (September – November): In autumn, the weather cools down and nature turns colorful. Rain showers are common, and the first snow can fall in the north as early as September. Warm clothing, rain gear, and good footwear are necessary.
Winter (December – February): In winter, Finland is covered in snow and temperatures can be very cold, especially in the north. Warm winter clothing, such as down jackets, hats, gloves, and warm shoes are essential. Reflectors and a headlamp are useful due to the long periods of darkness.
Travelers should check the weather forecast before their trip and pack appropriate clothing and gear for potentially varying conditions.
Top tip! If you’re arriving in Finland to enjoy nature and are unsure about what kind of clothing or gear you’ll need, it’s a good idea to contact the nature center in the area you’re traveling to in advance.
Is Finland the same everywhere?
Finland is over 1100 kilometers long from north to south. Its nature and landscapes vary greatly depending on where you are in Finland. When you arrive in Finland, we recommend traveling in both Southern and Northern Finland. Transitions can be smoothly made, for example, by bus and train.
Archipelago Sea (South-West)
The Archipelago Sea is a globally unique part of the Baltic Sea, comprising thousands of rocky islands and islets off the city of Turku. It is famous for its idyllic fishing villages, yellow free-of-charge ferries, and the Archipelago Trail, which allows you to enjoy the landscapes by car or bicycle.
Lapland (North)
Lapland is known for its vast wilderness, fells, Northern Lights, and midnight sun. In winter, Lapland is covered with a thick layer of snow, making it an excellent place for skiing and husky safaris. In summer, you can admire the nightless night and hiking trails that wind through stunning fell landscapes. Finland’s most mountainous landscapes can be found in Kilpisjärvi near the Norwegian border, but breathtaking elevations and fell landscapes can be admired elsewhere in Lapland, such as in Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park and the Teno River Valley.
Ostrobothnia (West)
Ostrobothnia is known for its flat plains and wide river deltas. The area has a distinctive cultural heritage, and the landscape is open and flat, with fields stretching as far as the eye can see. Here, you can experience the vast horizon! When visiting Ostrobothnia, it’s also worth exploring coastal towns like Kokkola and Vaasa, as well as visiting the Kvarken Archipelago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Savonia & Karelia (East)
Eastern Finland is known for its numerous lakes and forests. The Saimaa area, in particular, is famous for its beautiful wilderness lake landscapes and labyrinthine waterways, which are excellent terrain for hiking, for example, in Kolovesi and Linnansaari National Parks. Further east, you’ll find the rugged national landscape of Koli and more national parks like Petkeljärvi and the wilderness of Patvinsuo.
Southern Finland
The nature of Southern Finland is a diverse mix of beautiful forests, lakes, countryside, and Baltic sea coastal areas. For example, Nuuksio National Park offers wonderful hiking trails and the opportunity to see the diversity of the Finnish forest. On the coastal areas, you can enjoy sandy beaches, smooth rocks, and maritime landscapes, for instance, in Helsinki’s Uutela, Kirkkonummi’s Porkkalanniemi, or the coastal cities of Kotka and Hamina, all of which are popular destinations.
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