Finland Holidays

What is Finland known for?

Finland is a beautiful Nordic country famed for its deep-rooted connection to nature. Despite being known as the ‘Land of a Thousand Lakes’, the title doesn’t do it justice. Finland has (quite a few) more than a thousand lakes, with an impressive total of 188,000. These, and several lush green forests, make up close to 75% of the country’s total surface area.

And while these natural marvels are well worth checking out on a trip to Finland, it’s the otherworldly Northern Lights that entice most visitors. If you time it right (and visit in autumn or winter), you might just bag a front seat for nature’s famous light show. The festive region of Lapland is one of the most spectacular destinations for seeing the colourful aurora borealis.

The Finnish people are also famed for their connection to the natural world. Their slow, easy-going pace of life means that the Finns are consistently ranked among the happiest people on Earth. What’s more, their sauna culture has extended rapidly across the past few decades to the rest of Europe and beyond – the perfect activity to enjoy while on a relaxing break.

What are the best Finnish foods to try?

Finland might not be famed for its culinary prowess, but it still boasts a bevy of amazing dishes. Emphasis is placed on fresh and natural ingredients, and an amalgamation of Nordic and Russian recipes collide to create a truly one-of-a-kind cuisine.

If you’re after something truly authentic, consider chowing down on one of these dishes during your travels:

• Karjalanpiirakka (Karelian pies). Filled with rice porridge, these rye crust pastries are commonly topped with egg butter and served alongside meat and veg.
• Leipajuusto (Finnish squeaky cheese). Also known as ‘bread cheese’, this fresh cheese ‘squeaks’ when you bite into it. It’s served both warm and grilled and is similar in taste and texture to halloumi.
• Poronkaristys (Sauteed reindeer). Fancy trying something a little more daring? This dish offers you the chance to sample thin slices of seasoned reindeer, sauteed with butter. It’s usually plated up with mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam.
• Ruisleipa (Finnish rye bread). This simple yet hearty dark rye bread is a meal in itself or can be served alongside several other popular dishes.

What should I drink in Finland?

Finland has a host of delicious drinks to savour for every occasion. Whether you’re after a family-friendly or adult-only option, the Finns have a wide selection of tipples to pick from.

For the whole clan, some of the best are:

• Puolukkamehu (Lingonberry juice). This juice is made from tart lingonberries; to make it a little more palatable, honey is usually added as a sweetener.
• Kuusenkerkkasiirappi (Spruce shoot drink). Made by mixing young spruce shoots with sparkling water, this piney concoction isn’t for everyone, but it’s worth trying for the experience alone.
• Mustikkakeitto (Blueberry soup). While not strictly a drink, this thick soup is a staple in most Finnish Lapland kitchens, enjoyed both hot and cold. It’s a popular choice for many around Christmas time.

If you’re looking for a drink which packs more of a punch, then you could try:

• Mesimarja (Arctic bramble liqueur). This liqueur is made from either brambles or raspberries and has sweet, tangy undertones.
• Koskenkorva Vodka. A classic Finnish vodka, perfect for anyone wanting to try something authentic on their trip. This smooth spirit is offered in several different flavours, and you’ll find it served in local bars.
• Sahti. This Finnish farmhouse ale is a timeless classic brewed with hops and flavoured with juniper berries.

What are the rules on tipping in Finland?

Unlike many places, tipping isn’t customary in Finland. Restaurant staff and servers tend to be paid a good wage, and a service charge (if there is one) is often built into your bill.

Social etiquette rules in Finland

Finns appreciate directness, punctuality and a respect for personal space. Stick to these three social norms, and you shouldn’t accidentally offend anyone. That means shaking hands rather than embracing, being open and honest with any feedback, and arriving on time.

Beyond that, the usual etiquette you’d follow elsewhere should also apply, including dressing appropriately and respecting the world around you, especially in any areas of religious or cultural importance.

When is the best time to visit Finland?

We’ll let you in on a secret: there’s never a bad time to visit Finland. When you travel will depend on the reason you’re visiting. Here are some of the best things to check out in each of the different seasons:

• Spring. This is when Finland starts turning green again. Enjoy events like Vappu (May Day celebrations), watch as flowers begin to bloom or catch the end of the winter snow before it fully melts away.
• Summer. Hiking, canoeing, kayaking and fishing are best enjoyed during the warmest months of the year. Midsummer events happen around this time, and it’s also a great excuse to get out and explore some of Finland’s national parks.
• Autumn. The Northern Lights begin to appear at this time of year. You can also forage for delicious berries and watch as the trees transform into a host of different autumnal shades.
• Winter. Seeing the Northern Lights is a highlight of the colder months, as is hitting the slopes. This is the perfect time to give skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, ice swimming, dog sledding or snowmobiling a try.

What is the weather like in Finland?

The weather in Finland changes a lot throughout the year, so it’s important to check the forecast before you pack. Despite having a reputation as a very cold country, airflows from the Baltic Sea and Atlantic Ocean mean that things can heat up in the summer. Temperatures range from 30°C in the height of summer to as low as -30°C in the north during winter.

Where is Finland?

Finland is in the north of Europe. It shares a border with Sweden to the north-west, Norway to the north and Russia to the east.

How big is Finland?

Finland has a total area of 130,128 square miles, making it the eighth-largest country in Europe. As much as 69% of the total land mass comprises forested areas.

What plugs are used in Finland?

Both Type C (two round pins) and Type F (two round pins with two grounding clips) plugs are used in Finland. Most sockets use a standard voltage of 230V at a frequency of 50Hz. We suggest bringing a travel adaptor with you just in case.

What is the capital city of Finland?

Helsinki is the capital city of Finland. It’s also the most populous city in the country, with a total of 686,595 residents. The city and its surrounding suburbs are considered the northernmost metropolitan area in the world.

What language do they speak in Finland?

The two official languages of Finland are Finnish and Swedish, but there are also lesser-spoken languages, including variants of the indigenous Sami language from Lapland.

There are different Finnish dialects around the country, and Swedish speakers are mostly settled in the west and south. English is widely spoken, so you should have no problem communicating while travelling.

What is the time difference between the UK and Finland?

Finland is two hours ahead of GMT. This time is fixed throughout the year, as Finland follows daylight saving time. This means it’s always easy to work out what time it is back home – just take two hours off your Finnish watch.

What currency does Finland use?

Finland uses the Euro. This is likely to be the only currency accepted in most stores you visit.

Many retailers allow easy cash withdrawals (with international Visa and MasterCard). Banks and retailers are harder to find in the north, so we recommend always carrying cash with you. Most banks are open Monday through Friday from 9am to 4:15pm.

Can you drink the tap water in Finland?

Local tap water is safe to drink in Finland. If you’re on a hiking trail and have the urge to sip from a local spring, be cautious. While some are fresh, some may be polluted from further upstream.

When do stores open in Finland?

In general, shops are open Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm, and Saturday from 9am to 3pm. Supermarkets are open until 9pm on weekdays (until 6pm on Saturday). In June, July and August, most shops are also open on Sundays. If you want to check for a specific store, make sure to look up their hours to avoid disappointment.

How long is the flight to Finland?

A flight to Finland takes roughly three hours from the UK, and most routes are direct. There are more than 40 airports in Finland, so you should be able to find one to suit you. Be aware that in the winter, it’s more common for planes to be grounded thanks to bad weather.

Do I need a visa to visit Finland?

You don’t need a visa to enter Finland from the UK. But if you plan to stay in the Schengen area collectively for more than 90 days, you’ll have to apply for a permit.

What are the passport requirements for visiting Finland?

Your passport should be valid for the entirety of your stay and expire at least three months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen. You’ll also need to check that the date of issue is less than ten years before the date you arrive.

What are the vaccination requirements when visiting Finland?

There are no mandatory vaccine requirements for entering Finland. We recommend staying up to date on all the ones you need for your specific healthcare requirements.