Finland

In 2005, Finnish tourism earned more than €6.7 billion, a 5% increase over the previous year. Much of the rapid development may be ascribed to the country’s globalization and modernization, as well as an increase in favorable publicity and awareness. Finland has numerous attractions that drew nearly 8 million tourists in 2013.

The Finnish landscape is characterized by dense pine woods and undulating hills, as well as a maze of lakes and inlets. From the southern beaches of the Gulf of Finland to the high fells of Lapland, most of Finland remains pure and virgin. It has 37 national parks. Finland also boasts urbanized areas with a plethora of cultural events and activities.

Commercial cruises connecting major Baltic coastal and port towns such as Helsinki, Turku, Tallinn, Stockholm, and Travemünde play an important part in the local tourist sector. Finland is known locally as the home of Saint Nicholas or Santa Claus, who lives in northern Lapland. Above the Arctic Circle, there is a polar night, a time when the sun does not rise for days, weeks, or even months, and, in the summer, there is midnight sun, with no sunset even at midnight (for up to 73 consecutive days, at the northernmost point). Because Lapland lies so far north, the Aurora Borealis, or light in the upper atmosphere caused by solar wind, may be viewed on a regular basis throughout the autumn, winter, and spring.

Among the numerous outdoor activities available are Nordic skiing, golf, fishing, yachting, lake cruises, hiking, and kayaking. Finland has a plethora of wildlife. Bird-watching is popular among people who like avifauna, but hunting is also popular. In Finland, elk and hare are common game. The annual Savonlinna Opera Festival is held at Olavinlinna, Savonlinna.

Finland is one of the world’s northernmost nations, located roughly between latitudes 60° and 70° N and longitudes 20° and 32° E. Only Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, is farther north than Helsinki. The distance between the country’s southernmost point, Hanko, and its northernmost point, Nuorgam, is 1,160 kilometers (720 mi).

Finland has hundreds of lakes and islands, with about 188,000 lakes (greater than 500 m2 or 0.12 acres) and 179,000 islands. Saimaa, its biggest lake, is the fourth largest in Europe. The region with the most lakes is known as Finnish Lakeland. The Archipelago Sea between mainland Finland and the major island of Land has the highest number of islands.

The Ice Age explains much of Finland’s geography. Fennoscandia’s glaciers were thicker and lasted longer than the rest of Europe’s. Their eroding impacts have resulted in a largely flat Finnish environment with few hills and even fewer mountains. The Halti, at 1,324 metres (4,344 feet), is located in the very north of Lapland, on the boundary between Finland and Norway. Ridnitsohkka (1,316 m/4,318 ft), which is immediately next to Halti, is the tallest mountain whose summit is completely in Finland.

The terrain has been left with morainic deposits in the shape of eskers by receding glaciers. These are ridges of stratified gravel and sand that stretch northwest to southeast, where the glacier’s old margin originally lay. The three Salpausselkä ridges that stretch through southern Finland are among the largest of them.

The post-glacial rebound is causing the ground in Finland to rise after being crushed by the tremendous weight of the glaciers. The impact is most pronounced in the Gulf of Bothnia, where land gradually rises by approximately 1 cm (0.4 in) each year. As a consequence, the ancient sea floor gradually transforms into dry land: the country’s surface area grows by approximately 7 square kilometers (2.7 square miles) each year. Finland, in relative terms, is rising from the sea.

The terrain is dominated by coniferous taiga woods and fens, with just a small amount of farmed land. Lakes, rivers, and ponds account for 10% of the overall land, while forest accounts for 78%. The forest is made up of pine, spruce, birch, and other tree types. Finland is Europe’s biggest producer of wood and one of the world’s largest. Granite is the most prevalent kind of rock. It is a common feature of the landscape, evident anywhere there is no soil cover. The most prevalent kind of soil is moraine or till, which is coated by a thin layer of organic humus. Except in areas with inadequate drainage, Podzol profile development may be observed in most forest soils. Gleysols and peat bogs thrive in poorly drained environments.

Finland has a moderate climate that is really mild for its latitude due to the moderating effect of the Gulf Stream. Winter, on the other hand, is just as gloomy as it is elsewhere in these latitudes, with temperatures reaching -30°C in the south and even dipping to -50°C in the north, with 0 to -25°C being typical in the south. The short Finnish summer is much more pleasant, with day temperatures ranging from +15 to +25°C (on occasion reaching +35°C), and is usually the best time to visit. July is the hottest month of the year. Early spring (March–April) is when the snow begins to melt and Finns prefer to travel north for skiing and winter sports, while the transition from fall to winter (October–December) is the worst season to visit since it is damp, gloomy, dark, and generally unpleasant.

Due to its high latitude, Finland sees the renowned Midnight Sun around the summer solstice, when (if above the Arctic Circle) the sun never sets throughout the night and it never truly gets dark even in southern Finland. The Arctic Night (kaamos) in the winter is the polar opposite, when the sun never rises in the north. In the south, daylight is restricted to a few miserable hours, with the sun barely breaking through the trees before setting again.

Finland presently has a population of about 5,500,000 people. Finland has a population density of 18 people per square kilometer. This is the third-lowest population density of any European nation, behind only Norway and Iceland, and the lowest in the EU. Finland’s population has traditionally been concentrated in the country’s south, a tendency that grew much more apparent throughout the twentieth century’s urbanization. Finland’s biggest cities are those in the Greater Helsinki metropolitan region, which includes Helsinki, Espoo, and Vantaa. Tampere, Turku, Oulu, Jyväskylä, Kuopio, and Lahti are other cities with populations over 100,000.

In 2014, Finland had 322,700 individuals of foreign origin (5.9 percent of the population), the majority of whom were from Russia, Estonia, Somalia, Iraq, and Yugoslavia. Foreigners’ children are not automatically awarded Finnish citizenship since Finnish nationality law follows and maintains a jus sanguinis principle in which only children born to at least one Finnish parent are granted citizenship. They become citizens if they are born in Finland and are unable to get citizenship in another nation. Furthermore, some people of Finnish ancestry who live in countries that were formerly part of the Soviet Union have the right of return, which allows them to acquire permanent residence in the nation and ultimately qualify for citizenship.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland, which was disestablished by the Church Act in 1869, has about four million members (or 73.0 percent at the end of 2015). It was the first state church to be abolished in the Nordic nations, with the Church of Sweden following suit in 2000. The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland is one of the world’s biggest Lutheran churches, despite the fact that its proportion of the country’s population has been declining by around 1% each year in recent years. Church membership resignations and decreasing baptism rates have also contributed to the decrease. The second biggest group has no religious connection, accounting for 24.3 percent of the population in 2015. From slightly about 13 percent in 2000, the irreligious minority grew rapidly. The Finnish Orthodox Church has a tiny minority (1.1 percent ). Other Protestant denominations and the Roman Catholic Church, as well as Muslim, Jewish, and other non-Christian groups, are considerably smaller (totalling 1.6 percent ). The major Lutheran and Orthodox churches in Finland are national churches with specific functions such as state ceremonies and schools.

By enacting the Church Act in 1869, Finland became the first Nordic nation to disestablish its Evangelical Lutheran church. Despite the fact that the church still has a particular connection with the state, it is not defined as a state religion in the Finnish Constitution or any legislation enacted by the Finnish Parliament. Until 1809, Finland’s state church was the Church of Sweden. Finland maintained the Lutheran State Church system as an independent Grand Duchy under Russia from 1809 to 1917, and a distinct state church from Sweden, subsequently called the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland, was formed. When the new church law went into effect in 1869, it was separated from the state as a distinct judicial body. After Finland achieved independence in 1917, religious freedom was proclaimed in the 1919 constitution and a separate religious freedom legislation was passed in 1922. The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland lost its position as a state church as a result of this agreement, but acquired constitutional standing as a national church alongside the Finnish Orthodox Church, whose position is not enshrined in the constitution.

In 2014, 72.4 percent of Finnish children were baptized, and 82.3 percent were confirmed at the age of 15, while Christian funerals account for more than 90 percent of all funerals. The bulk of Lutherans, however, only attend church on exceptional occasions such as Christmas services, weddings, and funerals. According to the Lutheran Church, about 1.8 percent of its members attend weekly church services. Church members make about two church visits each year on average.

According to a Eurobarometer survey conducted in 2010, 33% of Finnish people said “they think there is a God,” 42% said “they believe there is some kind of spirit or life force,” and 22% said “they do not believe there is any form of spirit, God, or life force.” According to ISSP survey data (2008), 8% consider themselves “very religious,” while 31% consider themselves “moderately religious.” In the same poll, 28% identified as “agnostic,” while 29% identified as “non-religious.”

Finland is officially bilingual in Finnish (suomi) and Swedish (svenska), with both languages being taught in almost all schools (with varying results). Also acknowledged in the constitution are Sami, Romani, and Finnish sign language, although they are not spoken outside of their own areas and the people are multilingual with Finnish.

The majority of individuals you will encounter will be fluent in English.

Businesses with a domestic client base often have their web sites and other marketing materials exclusively in Finnish. This is not to say that they cannot offer service in English and make visitors feel welcome (although they might have to improvise more than those used to foreigners). If the company seems to be intriguing, just contact them to get the necessary details.

The Scandinavian languages (Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, Icelandic, and Faroese), Russian, and English are not related to Finnish, which is the mother tongue of 92 percent of the people. It is not even an Indo-European language, but rather belongs to the Uralic group of languages, which also includes Hungarian and Estonian, making it difficult to learn for speakers of most other European languages. While Finnish and Estonian are quite similar, Hungarian and Finnish are approximately as similar as Spanish and Russian.

Because Finnish borrows so few terms from other European languages, reading signboards may be challenging. The relationship between spelling and formal pronunciation is simple (simply learn how to pronounce individual letters — the problem is adhering to it), while colloquial speech varies significantly from what is taught in most language classes.

The Finnish language contains a few exceptions but a lot of norms (where some rules might be considered cleverly disguised exceptions). There are about 17 distinct instances for “getting some coffee and receiving the coffee, going into a pub, being in a bar, getting out of a pub, being on the roof, getting onto the roof, getting off the roof, utilizing something as a roof,” and so on, which are encoded into the word ends (kahvia, kahvi, pubiin, pubissa, pubista, katolle, katolta, kattona). Unfortunately, verb conjugation is a little more difficult.

Using a dictionary is made more difficult by word inflection; furthermore, the stem of many words changes slightly (e.g. roof, “katto”, above). Many distinct words are created from the same root by various ends (kirjain, kirjuri, kirjasin, kirjoitin, kirje, kirjelmä, kirjasto, and kirjaamo are all substantives connected to “kirja,” book, and there are also related verbs and adjectives).

Swedish, which is linked to Norwegian and Danish, is spoken by 5.6 percent of Finns. There are no big cities with a Swedish majority, and the Swedish-speaking populations are mostly found in smaller towns and rural municipalities along the coast, as well as as minority in cities. Many villages and road signs along the coast utilize alternate Finnish and Swedish names, making road signs difficult to read. The tiny autonomous province of land, as well as municipalities like as Närpes, Korsnäs, and Larsmo, are almost all Swedish-speaking, and locals often know little or no Finnish, thus English is a better option. Since the 1970s, Swedish has been required in Finnish-speaking schools (as Finnish in Swedish-speaking schools). Outside of cities and towns with a large Swedish-speaking populace, it is uncommon to encounter proficient Swedish speakers on the street; nevertheless, about half of the population considers themselves conversant in it, including any national-level politician. In cities like Helsinki and Turku, most people know enough Swedish to deal with simple conversations you might have as a tourist, and often a little more, but living would be difficult without knowledge of Finnish, whereas in traditionally Swedish towns like Vaasa and Porvoo, nearly half the population is Swedish-speaking, and many Swedish-speaking locals expect service in Swedish. The majority of bigger hotels and restaurants in regions where Swedish is commonly spoken have Swedish-speaking employees.

With the exception of the elderly, almost all individuals you may encounter as a visitor in bigger towns speak English quite well, and even in the rural, younger people will almost always know enough to converse. Outside of Swedish-speaking areas, English is generally much more widely understood than Swedish. In certain Swedish-speaking areas, English may be more widely understood than Finnish. In Finland, English is spoken by 73% of the population. Don’t be afraid to ask for assistance: Finns may be timid, but they are generally delighted to assist those in need.

Russian is spoken at shops and hotels catering to Russian visitors, especially close the Russian border, such as in Lappeenranta, Imatra, and Joensuu, but also in several large Helsinki businesses such as Stockmann. Tourist sites in Eastern and Northern Finland that are popular with Russians have some Russian-speaking personnel. Otherwise, few Finns are fluent in Russian.

Aside from the languages mentioned above, some Finns can speak German (18% conversational) or French (3% conversant), with other secondary languages (Spanish, Italian) being uncommon.

Subtitled TV shows and movies are almost always available. Only children’s shows and movies are dubbed into Finnish or Swedish.

By mail

Posti, Finland’s postal service, is quick, dependable, and expensive. A postcard or regular letter to a local address costs €1.20/1.10 (express/economy; max 20g), whereas a postcard or regular letter to an international destination costs €1.30/1.20. Land has its own postal service, complete with its own stamps. There are Poste restante services in cities, but it is frequently preferable to have the mail delivered to a trustworthy location, such as your lodging.

By phone

Mobile phones are widespread in Finland, as one would expect given Nokia’s native country. Although GSM and WCDMA (3G) networks cover the whole nation, it is still possible to locate wilderness regions with weak service, most notably in Lapland and the outlying archipelago. The biggest carriers are Sonera and Elisa, both of which are Vodafone partners, however travelers looking for a local number can choose DNA’s Prepaid plan, which can cost as low as €6. Request a pricing list and special deals from any convenience shop.

In Finland, public telephones are almost gone, but a few may still be found in airports, large train/bus stations, and other locations. It’s better to carry your own phone or purchase one – a basic GSM device can be had for less than €40.

When used without the country code, the area codes (one or more digits after the +358) are preceded by 0, i.e. +358 9 123 456 (a land line number in Helsinki) may be dialed as 09 123 456 (123 456 from local land lines), and is frequently written “(09) 123 456”. Mobile phone numbers, like all other numbers that lack genuine area codes, are written without the parenthesis: “0400 123 456” for +358 400 123 456. As in the example, mobile phone numbers often begin with 04 or 05.

Toll-free numbers beginning with 0800 or 116 are available on domestic phones. 0700 numbers are likely to be for high-priced entertainment services. There is no assurance that any service number is fairly priced (for example, Eniro number and schedule information is 6€/min, with the price given only in Finnish), but pricing should be mentioned when the number is marketed (“pvm/mpm” stands for the price of a typical call). Queuing may or may not be available. Service numbers are often prefixed with 010, 020, 030, 060, 070, or 075 (with the area code prefix 0) or 10. (without 0). There are other service numbers that begin with a valid area code (such as usually for taxi). Many service numbers are inaccessible from outside the country.

As in the rest of the EU, the prefix for international calls (from local land lines) is 00. Other prefixes may be available as well.

Telephone numbers, such as 0200 16100, 020202, 0100 100, 0300 3000, and 118, may be inquired from, with difficult to find changing prices (sometimes provided per 10s instead of per minute), e.g. €1–2/call+€1–6/min with certain combinations of operators, service, and time of day. Having the provider connect the call is typically an additional charge. For the time being (spring 2016), dialing 0200 16100 costs €1.83/call+€2,5/min (€0.084/min when connected). Some providers, for example, have a maximum charge of €24 per call.

All of the major carriers have excellent roaming capabilities, so using your foreign SIM card should be no problem. However, the expenses may be very high. The European Union has agreed to eliminate roaming costs, and once that is implemented, calls to an EU number with an EU SIM should cost the same as they do in the nation of origin.

By net

Internet cafés are few in this nation where everyone gets on at home and at work, but almost every public library in the country offers free Internet access, but you may have to register for a time slot ahead of time or wait. Wifi hotspots are also becoming more prevalent. Elisa provides prepaid internet service. The capital area and main cities are served by LTE (4G) networks.

Another (and arguably the most convenient) alternative is to get a prepaid SIM card with a data plan. Prices begin at 4,90€. (100MB). You may purchase them as soon as you arrive at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport at the baggage claim vending machine, or in R-kioskis, post offices, and DNA shops across Finland. Remember that your phone may act as a wifi hotspot for other devices.

Finland’s economy has a per capita production comparable to that of major European economies such as France, Germany, Belgium, or the United Kingdom. Services account for 66 percent of the GDP, followed by manufacturing and refining at 31 percent. Primary production accounts for 2.9 percent of total output. Manufacturing is the most important economic sector in terms of international trade. In 2007, the biggest industries were electronics (22%), equipment, automobiles, and other engineered metal goods (21.1%), the forest sector (13%), and chemicals (11 percent ). In 2008, the gross domestic product reached its high. The country’s economy is still at 2006 levels in 2015.

Finland has abundant wood, mineral resources (iron, chromium, copper, nickel, and gold), and freshwater. Forestry, paper mills, and agriculture (on which taxpayers spend about 3 billion euros each year) are politically sensitive to rural people. The Greater Helsinki region accounts for about one-third of GDP. In an OECD comparison from 2004, Finland placed second behind Ireland in terms of high-technology manufacturing. Knowledge-intensive services have also placed the smallest and slowest-growing industries – including agriculture and low-tech manufacturing – as the second biggest after Ireland. The overall short-term prognosis was positive, and GDP growth has been higher than that of many EU counterparts.

Finland’s economy is strongly linked with the global economy, with foreign commerce accounting for one-third of GDP. The European Union accounts for 60% of overall commerce. Germany, Russia, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the United States, the Netherlands, and China have the highest trade flows. Except for agriculture, trade policy is handled by the European Union, and Finland has historically been a proponent of free trade. Finland is the only Nordic nation to be a member of the Eurozone.

Growing crops in Finland is particularly difficult due to the temperature and soils. The nation is located between latitudes 60°N and 70°N, and it has harsh winters and relatively short growth seasons, which are sometimes interrupted by frosts. However, due to the Gulf Stream and the North Atlantic Drift Current, Finland has half of the world’s arable land north of 60° north latitude. Annual precipitation is generally enough, although it falls nearly entirely in the winter, making summer droughts a continuous danger. Farmers have depended on quick-ripening and frost-resistant crop types in response to the environment, and they have planted south-facing slopes as well as richer bottomlands to guarantee output even in years with summer frosts. Most farmland was initially forest or marsh, and the soil needed lime treatment and years of cultivation to neutralize excess acid and establish fertility. Irrigation was seldom required, but drainage systems were often required to remove surplus water. Agriculture in Finland was efficient and productive, at least when compared to farming in other European nations.

Forests are important to the country’s economy, making it one of the world’s top wood producers and supplying raw materials at reasonable rates to the vital wood-processing industries. As in agriculture, the government has long taken the lead in forestry, controlling tree cutting, supporting technological advances, and developing long-term plans to guarantee that the country’s woods continue to feed the wood-processing industries. To preserve the country’s competitive edge in forest products, Finnish authorities sought to increase timber production to ecological limitations. The Forest 2000 plan, developed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, was released by the government in 1984. The strategy intended to increase forest harvests by approximately 3% each year while also preserving forestland for leisure and other purposes.

There are 1.8 million private sector workers, with about one-third having a tertiary degree. In 2004, the average hourly wage for a private sector employee was 25.1 euros. In 2008, the country’s average buying power-adjusted income levels were comparable to those of Italy, Sweden, Germany, and France. In 2006, 62 percent of the workforce worked for businesses with less than 250 workers, which accounted for 49 percent of total company turnover and grew at the fastest pace. The female labor force participation rate is high. Gender segregation between male-dominated and female-dominated occupations is greater than in the United States. In 1999, the percentage of part-time employees was among the lowest in the OECD. Itella, Nokia, OP-Pohjola, ISS, VR, Kesko, UPM-Kymmene, YIT, Metso, and Nordea were the top ten private sector employers in Finland in 2013.

The unemployment rate in 2015 was 9.4 percent, up from 8.7 percent in 2014. The percentage of youth unemployment increased from 16.5 percent in 2007 to 20.5 percent in 2014. At the age of 50, one-fifth of inhabitants are unemployed, and fewer than one-third are working at the age of 61. As of today, over one million individuals are living on minimum wage or are jobless in amounts insufficient to meet their living expenses.

Finland had 2.4 million homes in 2006. The average household size is 2.1 people; 40% of homes have a single person, 32% have two people, and 28% have three or more people. There are 1.2 million residential structures, and the average living area is 38 square metres (410 square feet) per person. The typical residential house without land costs 1,187 euros per square metre, whereas residential land costs 8.6 euros per square metre. 74% of households had a vehicle. There are 2.5 million automobiles and 0.4 million other vehicles in the country.

Around 92 percent own a cell phone, and 83.5 percent have a home Internet connection (2009 data). The average total household consumption was 20,000 euros, with housing accounting for approximately 5,500 euros, transportation accounting for approximately 3,000 euros, food and beverages excluding alcoholic beverages accounting for approximately 2,500 euros, and recreation and culture accounting for approximately 2,000 euros. According to Invest in Finland, private consumption increased by 3% in 2006, with consumer trends including durables, high-quality goods, and well-being expenditure.

Finland is a signatory to the Schengen Agreement.

Border restrictions are usually not required between nations that have signed and implemented the pact. This covers the majority of the European Union as well as a few additional nations.

Before boarding foreign planes or boats, passengers’ identities are typically checked. Temporary border restrictions are sometimes used at land boundaries.

A visa issued to any Schengen member is also valid in all other countries that have signed and implemented the treaty.

Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, located near Helsinki, is Finland’s major international hub. There are bases for Finnair, SAS, and Flybe, as well as Norwegian Air Shuttle, which offers local and international flights. Around 30 international airlines fly to Helsinki-Vantaa, an airport that was initially constructed to serve the 1952 Olympic Games in Helsinki. The terminal structure was later enlarged and renovated, and one additional runway was constructed.

International flights to other locations are once again limited, since Air Baltic and Ryanair have discontinued most of their services to rural Finland; for example, Ryanair only serves Tampere in the summer. Direct flights to Tampere and Turku are available from just a few international destinations, as are flights to Lappeenranta from Bergamo and Mariehamn, Oulu, and Vaasa from Stockholm. In addition, there are sporadic direct charters (particularly in December) and seasonal scheduled flights (December-March) to Lapland.

If your destination is in Southern Finland, it may be worthwhile to take a low-cost aircraft to Tallinn and then follow the boat instructions for the last part.

VR and Russian Railways run combined services between Saint Petersburg and Helsinki, including stops at Vyborg, Kouvola, and Lahti along the route (rail was introduced in Finland under Russian rule, so the gauge is the same). To minimize delays at the border, border procedures are performed while the train is going. The route was renovated in 2010, and the sleek new Allegro-branded trains travel between the two cities in three and a half hours at speeds of up to 220 km/h. In both directions, the route is serviced four times each day. Prices range from €30 to €80 each way, depending on the popularity of the departure and the time of year you book. There is also a conventional overnight sleeper train from Moscow that takes around 15 hours.

There are no direct trains between Sweden or Norway and Finland (the rail gauge is different), however the bus from Boden/Lule (Sweden) to Kemi (Finland) is free with a Eurail/Inter Rail ticket, and these cards also provide a 50% discount on most ferries.

Buses are the cheapest mode of transportation between Russia and Finland, but they are also the slowest and least pleasant.

A bus from northern Sweden or Norway to Finland is also an option.

Traveling to and from Finland by water is one of the most convenient options. The ships from Estonia and Sweden, in example, are massive, multi-story floating palaces and department shops with low rates supported by tax-free alcohol sales: a roundtrip journey to Tallinn with a cabin for up to four people may cost as little as €50. If you go by Interrail, you may save up to 50% on off-deck tickets. Standing on the outdoor terrace with a view of Helsinki is the finest way to arrive.

On a calm day, the crossings over the Sea of Land or Kvarken and the Gulf of Finland from Sweden and Estonia, respectively, are short enough for most boats (many also come over the sea from Gotland). Because Finland is renowned for its archipelagos, particularly the Archipelago Sea, arriving by small boat is a viable option.

Estonia and the Baltic states

The distance between Helsinki and Tallinn is just 80 kilometers. All year, Viking Line, Eckerö, and Tallink Silja offer full-service vehicle ferries. Travel times range from 2.5 hours (most ferries) to 3.5 hours (Tallink Silja’s largest cruise ships). Some services go overnight and stay outside the port until the following morning. Linda Line has rapid services that finish the journey in 1.5 hours, although they charge much more, have no entertainment on board, and stop services in severe weather and throughout the winter. If the weather forecast is bleak and you’re prone to seasickness, go for the large, sluggish ships.

The Tallink cruise boat connects Tallinn and Stockholm and stops in Mariehamn (late at night/early in the morning). There is also a Navirail service from Paldiski to Hanko.

There are no scheduled trips to Latvia or Lithuania, although several of the aforementioned companies provide semi-regular summer cruises, with Riga being the most popular destination.

Germany

Finnlines travels from Travemünde near Lübeck and Hamburg to Helsinki in 27–36 hours.

In the past, traffic to Germany was more active, with the GTS Finnjet being the fastest and biggest passenger ferry in the world in the 1970s. Freight and people could be carried in just 22 hours between Helsinki and Travemünde (and the rest of continental Europe west of the Iron Curtain), considerably quicker than the other (non-air) routes at the time.

Russia

For many years, regular ferry services from Russia have been intermittent. St Peter Line operates a frequent boat service from Saint Petersburg to Helsinki, with fares starting at €30 one way.

In the summer, Saimaa Travel provides sailings along the Saimaa Canal from Vyborg to Lappeenranta. This route is mainly utilized for cruises to Russia, since short-term cruise guests are exempt from Russian visa requirements.

Sweden

Silja and Viking both provide overnight cruises to Helsinki as well as daytime cruises to Turku from Stockholm, with stops at the landislands along the route. These are among of the world’s biggest and most luxury passenger ferries, with up to 14 storeys and a plethora of restaurants, bars, discos, pool and spa facilities, and so on. The lower cabin classes below the vehicle decks are relatively sparse, while the upper sea view accommodations may be rather pleasant.

There is also a car ferry link between Ume and Vaasa (Wasa line; 4 hours), which lacks taxfree shops but attempts to replicate the atmosphere of the southern routes.

Both Silja and Viking do not allow unaccompanied children under the age of 23 to cruise on Fridays or Saturdays owing to swarms of unruly youths looking to get completely drunk on cheap tax-free alcohol. (On other evenings, the age restriction is 20, and just 18 for those not on same-day-return cruise packages.) Furthermore, Silja does not provide deck class on its overnight services, while Viking does.

It’s also worth noting that with Viking Line, booking a cruise rather than “route traffic” is often less expensive. The cruise covers both ways, with or without a stopover. If you wish to remain longer, just do not return — it may still be less expensive than buying a one-way “route traffic” ticket. This is particularly true for last-minute tickets (you might, for example, travel from Stockholm to Turku for about 10€ overnight – “route traffic” would be more than 30€ for a lower-quality cabin).

Aside from the main two, FinnLink has the cheapest car ferry link from Kapellskär to Naantali (from €60 for a vehicle with driver).

Car ferries typically stop for a few minutes in Mariehamn or Lngnäs on the land Islands, which are outside the EU tax zone and therefore enable duty-free purchases.

Sweden

A car ferry, as previously stated, is one of the most convenient methods to travel by vehicle from Sweden to Finland. The European Route E18 connects Kapellskär and Naantali through a boat route. You may alternatively take the floating palaces through the close Stockholm–Turku pass or the longer Stockholm–Helsinki route. Further north, the E12 (Finnish national route 3) connects Ume and Vaasa by a vehicle ferry (4 hours).

Land border crossings are also available in Lapland at Tornio, Ylitornio, Pello, Kolari, Muonio, and Kaaresuvanto.

Norway

Finland and Norway are linked via European Routes E8 and E75. Border crossings are available in Kilpisjärvi, Kivilompolo, Karigasniemi, Utsjoki, Nuorgam, and Näätämö. Going via Sweden is more convenient for central and southern sections of Norway, such as through E12 (from Mo I Rana to Vaasa) or E18 (from Oslo via Stockholm/Kapellskär).

Russia

European road E18, like Russian route M10, connects St. Petersburg to the Vaalimaa/Torfyanovka border post at Hamina via Vyborg. From there, E18 becomes Finnish national route 7 and continues down the coast as highway 1 to Turku. Trucks will have to wait in a long truck queue in Vaalimaa. This backlog has no direct impact on other cars. Vaalimaa has border control and customs inspections, and passports and, if necessary, Schengen visas are required.

Other border crossings may be located from south to north at Nuijamaa/Brusnichnoye (Lappeenranta), Niirala (Tohmajärvi), Vartius (Kuhmo), Kelloselkä (Salla), and Raja-Jooseppi (Inari). Except for the first, all are very distant. Salla and Raja-Jooseppi are exclusively available to Finnish, Russian, and Belarussian citizens and their families as of March 2016, and will remain so until at least September 2016.

Estonia

As previously stated, there is a vehicle ferry that connects Tallinn and Helsinki. It is part of the European route E67 Via Baltica, which goes from Tallinn, Estonia, via Riga, Latvia, and Kaunas, Lithuania, to Warsaw, Poland. The distance between Tallinn and Warsaw is about 970 kilometers, without counting any diversions. From Paldiski to Hanko, there is a vehicle and freight ferry service.

Bikes may be carried on the boats for a small charge (access through the parking deck, check when to arrive). The land boundaries with Norway and Sweden have no particular restrictions.

During the current immigration crisis in Europe, the Finnish Border Agency prohibited cyclists from crossing the border from Russia at the northernmost checkpoints (Raja-Jooseppi and Salla). However, it seems that crossing the border by bicycle across the southern boundaries is still permitted.

While walk-ins from Sweden and Norway are permitted, crossing the Russian border on foot is not. This prohibition is most likely implemented by Russian border guards (as asked to by Finland). If they allow you out, the Finnish border guard may let you in if your documents, if any, are in order. In any event, the Finnish border guard has no authority to turn away asylum applicants. The UN Refugee Protocol, which Finland has ratified, states that it is not permissible to refuse the right to seek refuge on the basis of formalities or the methods by which they entered the country.

Flights are the quickest but also the most costly mode of transportation. The new low-cost airlines, on the other hand, offer rates that are as low as half of rail prices on routes between the north and south. In certain instances, flying through Riga may be less expensive than taking the rail. Regional flights from Helsinki are still operated by Finnair and several smaller airlines to destinations across the country, including Kuopio, Rovaniemi, Ivalo, and Vaasa. If feasible, book in advance: a fully flexible return economy ticket on the country’s busiest route, Helsinki–Oulu, costs a staggering €251, while an advance-purchase non-changeable one-way ticket may cost as little as €39, which is less than the price of a rail ticket. Finnair generally offers lower prices if you book at least three weeks before your intended trip. If you travel into Finland on Finnair and buy a combo ticket straight to your ultimate destination, you may be able to obtain cheaper domestic flights. Finnair also offers a youth (16–25) and senior ticket (+65 or pension decision) that are much less expensive and set in price regardless of when you book.

Domestic flights are offered by two main airlines:

In addition, there are a few smaller airlines that often only operate from Helsinki to one airport. Because the locations serviced are often accessible by rail, bus, or automobile, flights are typically unprofitable, and as a result, businesses and services come and go.

The rather large train network is operated by VR (Valtion Rautatiet, “State’s Railways”). Trains are typically the most comfortable and often the quickest mode of transportation when connections are available. In the afternoon, there are about every hour departures from Helsinki to Tampere, Turku, and Lahti.

The following service classes are offered, with fares and durations for the popular Helsinki–Tampere service in parentheses.

Trains are usually extremely pleasant, particularly intercity and long-distance services, which may include restaurant and family cars (with a play area for children), power outlets, and free Wi-Fi access (depending on connection and kind of train). There are additional fees for traveling in first class, which is labeled “Extra” on certain trains and includes more spacious seats, newspapers, and sometimes a snack. Check particular rail services if you need them; for example, accommodations for families and wheelchair users differ greatly.

Overnight sleepers are offered for long-distance flights and are extremely affordable at €11/21/43 for a bed in a three/two/one-bed compartment, but one-bed compartments are only accessible in first class. Advance reservations on overnight trains only allow for the reservation of a seat, not a bed.

One kid under the age of 17 travels free with each fare-paying adult (check: this may have changed), and elders over the age of 65, as well as students with Finnish student ID (ISIC cards, etc., are eligible for a 50% discount. Groups of three or more get a 15% discount. If you book far in advance on the internet, you may be able to obtain a good deal.

Finland is a member of the Interrail and Eurail networks. Residents of Europe may purchase InterRail Finland passes that provide 3–8 days of unrestricted travel in one month for €109–229 (adult 2nd class), while non-residents can purchase the Eurail Finland pass for €178–320 for 3–10 days. However, you would have to go a long distance to make any of them worthwhile; for example, a full-fare InterCity return ticket across the whole nation from Helsinki to Rovaniemi and back costs €162.

Trains are generally most busy during the start and conclusion of the weekend, i.e. Friday and Sunday evenings. Trains are typically extremely crowded just before and during big holidays such as Christmas/New Year’s and Easter. If you attempt to book for these days at the last minute, you may discover that the seat you reserve is one of the least desired, that is, facing backwards, without reclining, and facing other passengers and sharing legroom.

While VR’s trains are sleek, severe winter weather and underinvestment in maintenance mean that delays are frequent, with the luxury Pendolinos being especially prone to breaking down. As with the rest of the EU, you’ll receive a 25% refund if the train is 1–2 hours late, and a 50% refund if it’s more than that. Trafi, which licenses this data under the CC-BY Copyleft license, enables real-time train traffic statistics for every railway station in Finland via a webapp or iOS app.

Finnish Railways is in the midst of a major privatization process, and conventional operations are being challenged by the possibility for smaller operators to join markets. Nonetheless, the former state agency operates the majority of the railway network, offering excellent service in most instances but charging exorbitant fees in others. The fundamental problem with Finnish railroads is the country’s breadth and tiny population. As a result, numerous routes and stops that were formerly driven by political or territorial considerations have been stopped. While some railway business has been opened up to competition, the majority of passenger travel remains a monopoly of one firm.

There are long-distance bus links to almost every region of Finland along the major highways. The bus is also the sole mode of transportation in Lapland, since the train network does not reach to the far north. Bus connections between the major thoroughfares may be limited.

The majority of buses connecting larger towns are express buses (pikavuoro/snabbtur), which make fewer stops than “regular” buses (vakiovuoro/reguljär tur), which are almost extinct on certain routes. There are also special express (erikoispikavuoro/express) buses that run between certain major cities with few stops. When using the bus to go to the countryside, be sure not only that there are buses along the correct route, but also that there are buses stopping not too far from where you want to get off or on on the scheduled day.

Buses are usually somewhat more expensive than trains, but they may be significantly less expensive on routes with direct rail competition. Speeds are typically slower than trains, but may be extremely sluggish (from Helsinki to Oulu) or even quicker (from Helsinki to Kotka and Pori). However, buses are more frequent on many routes, so you may still get at your destination quicker than if you wait for the next train. Credit and debit cards should be accepted on the major express and long-distance services (and when purchasing tickets in advance), but cash is more likely to be required on “ordinary” coaches traveling small distances.

Matkahuolto continues to provide certain services to bus operators, such as schedules, ticket sales, and freight. Matkahuolto service stations may be found at almost every bus stop, as well as in small towns and villages, typically in collaboration with a local company. Although the personnel is usually friendly, they and their tools may be unfamiliar with local circumstances in different areas of the nation. Checking with locals (such as the local host or transportation operator) about any peculiarities may be beneficial at times.

Student discounts, like rail savings, are exclusively accessible to Finnish students or international students studying at Finnish institutions. A Matkahuolto/VR student discount card (€5) or a student card with the Matkahuolto emblem are required.

Senior discounts are available to individuals over the age of 65 or who have a Finnish pension decision.

Matkahuolto sells the BusPass travel pass, which provides unlimited travel within a defined time frame and costs 149 € for 7 days and 249 € for 14 days. It is important to note that it is accepted by most long-distance buses but not by Onnibus.

Children aged 4–11 pay about half the fee (infants are free), while juniors (12–16) get discounts of up to 30% or 50% for lengthy non-return journeys. The age limit on city buses varies from one city or area to the next; typically, minors aged 7–14 must pay a charge. In Helsinki and Turku, for example, one infant in a baby carriage provides one adult with a free trip (but entering may be difficult in rush hours).

Onnibus provides a cheaper option (down to €2 even for lengthy trips if purchased early enough online) for long-distance buses on routes between major cities in Finland, however seats must be reserved in advance online at their website since they do not take cash. It should be noted that the routes do not always service the city centers, although they may offer direct access to certain adjacent areas. Onnibuses have free unencrypted WiFi as well as a 24V DC -> 220V AC converter that allows power outlets.

Greater Helsinki, Tampere , Oulu , Lahti , and Turku] all have well-developed local transportation networks. On weekdays, public transportation networks in smaller cities are useful, but on weekends and during the summer, they are scarce. There are simple high-tech English route planners with maps to help you figure out how to utilize Matkahuolto’s local bus services.

Lake cruises are a wonderful way to view the beauty of Finland during the summer, but many of them just make round tourist loops and aren’t very helpful for going anywhere. Most cruise ships accommodate 100–200 people (reserve early on weekends! ), and many are vintage steamboats. Turku–Naantali, Helsinki–Porvoo, and other Saimaa lines are popular.

Many inhabited islands rely on boat links in the archipelago of land and the Archipelago Sea. Because they are maintained as a public service, the majority of them are free, including the half-day lines. Some are helpful as cruises, but there isn’t much amusement apart from the landscape. These are designed to get you someplace, so be sure you have a place to sleep when you get off.

Car rental is available in Finland, although it is usually costly, with prices averaging €80/day, but costs decrease for longer rentals. Foreign-registered vehicles may only be used in Finland for a limited period, and registering them locally entails paying a significant fee to bring the price up to Finnish standards. If you decide to purchase a vehicle in Finland, check sure all yearly taxes have been paid and that the next annual inspection is due: the deadline is the same day as the automobile’s first date of use, unless the registration form specifies 00.00.xx in first date of use. In such scenario, which is only seen on extremely ancient vehicles, the inspection date is determined by the license plate’s final number. All vehicles must pass emissions testing as well as accurate brake testing, among other things. Police may take away the license plates of cars that have not completed their yearly inspections on schedule and penalize you.

In Finland, traffic is on the right, and there are no tolls on roads or motorways. Roads are well-maintained and vast, but expressways are only available in the country’s south. Drivers must be on the lookout for wild animals, especially at dawn and night. Crashes with moose (often fatal) are widespread across the nation, deer (usually survivable) cause many collisions in the country’s southern and southwestern regions, and semi-domesticated reindeer are a major source of accidents in Lapland. Bear crashes occur on occasion in the country’s eastern regions. Pass behind the animal to allow it to flee ahead. Even if you are unharmed, call the emergency number (112) to report an accident since the animal may be wounded.

VR’s overnight car carrier trains are popular for avoiding the lengthy journey from Helsinki to Lapland and instead enjoying a good night’s sleep: a one-way ticket from Helsinki to Rovaniemi with vehicle and cabin for 1–3 people begins at €215.

Here are a few odd or obscure regulations to be aware of:

Winter driving may be dangerous, particularly for drivers who are not accustomed to driving in cold weather. Winter tyres (M+S) are required from December 1st to the end of February, with studded tyres permitted from November 1st until after Easter (and “when circumstances require”, with a liberal interpretation). The most hazardous weather occurs around zero degrees Celsius (°C), when slippery but almost undetectable black ice develops on the roadways. Many Finnish vehicles feature an engine block heater (lohkolämmitin) that is used to pre-heat the engine and potentially the inside of the car, and many parking lots provide electric outlets to supply them. It is worth noting that, particularly in the Helsinki region, the majority of vehicles are fitted with steel-studded tyres, which allow for more dynamic driving and shorter braking distances on frozen roads than standard traction tyres (M+S) used in several other European nations.

Speeding fines in Finland are calculated depending on your income, so be cautious: a Nokia VP who had cashed in some stock options the previous year was once fined $204,000! Non-residents are typically fined €100–200 since their tax records are unavailable. Speed restrictions in towns are 50 km/h, 80–100 km/h outside of towns, and no more than 120 km/h on highways. From around mid-October to April, highway speed limits are reduced to 100 km/h, and most 100 km/h restrictions are reduced to 80 km/h.

GPS navigator software that warns about fixed safety cameras is lawful and is loaded by default in many mobile phones. Warning signs are needed by law before fixed cameras (often at the beginning of the supervised road).

A blood alcohol level of more than 0.05 percent is deemed drunk driving, and 0.12 percent is considered aggravated drunk driving, so reconsider that second beer. Random roadblocks and sobriety tests are used by Finnish police to rigorously enforce this. There is no practical method to reject the sobriety test, which is performed using a portable breath alcohol analyzer.

If you’re traveling late at night when gas stations are closed (they typically shut at 9 p.m.), always carry some petrol money with you. In Finland, automated petrol stations seldom accept international visa/credit cards, however you may pay using Euro notes. Distances of 50 km or more between gas stations are not uncommon in sparsely inhabited parts of the nation, so don’t risk with those final litres of gasoline.

The beginning price is set at €5.50 no matter where you travel in the nation, increasing to €8.60 at night and on Sundays. The per-kilometer fee begins at €1.43/km for 1 or 2 people and rises to €2,01/km for 7 or 8 passengers (in minivans). In the countryside, you pay for the distance to where you wait, but this is deducted if you are returning to the taxi’s origin (more or less). A 20–25 km trip (say, from the airport to downtown Helsinki) may easily cost €30–40. The price of very lengthy trips may occasionally be negotiated.

Taxis may be any color or form, but they will always carry a yellow “TAXI” (occasionally spelt “TAKSI”) sign on the roof. It is difficult to hail taxis on the street, so either locate a taxi station or order by phone (any bar or restaurant will assist you with this – expect to pay €2 for the call). In cities, you contact a call center; in rural areas, you may wish to phone a taxi business directly.

A standard cab can transport four passengers and a modest quantity of baggage. If you have a lot of baggage, you should book a “farmari” cab, which is an estate/wagon vehicle with a larger luggage area. There is also a third kind of taxi available, the tilataksi, which is a vehicle that can easily transport approximately 8 passengers (many also equipped for wheelchairs). Tilataksis are typically designed to transport people in wheelchairs. The fares are the same, but you may have to wait a little longer (a wheelchair or other special service will rise the price though).

In the Helsinki area, Uber is a less expensive – but seemingly unlawful – alternative to legally regulated taxis. A few drivers have been convicted, but the Supreme Court has yet to hear a case. Customers seem to face little legal danger.

On Friday and Saturday evenings, anticipate lengthy lines at taxi stands in city centers. The same is true at ferry terminals, train stations, and other such locations. It is not unusual for strangers to share a cab if they are traveling in the same general direction.

There may be “Kimppataksi” minivans openly offering rides with strangers at airports, train stations, and other places where numerous people are traveling in the same direction at the same time. They are as pleasant as regular taxis and will depart as soon as possible.

Unlicensed taxis (pimeä taksi) may be found in major city centers, especially at night and on weekends, however they should be avoided. You may misplace your wallet/purse/phone, get scammed, or even be attacked. Despite the fact that such crimes are uncommon in general.

Hitchhiking is feasible, though rare, due to the severe environment, which does not promote hanging about and waiting for vehicles. Many middle-aged and elderly individuals hitchhiked when they were younger, but in recent decades, improved living standards and tales of abuse have had a deterrent impact. Getting out of Helsinki is the most difficult job. Spring and summer have lengthy daylight hours, but in the winter and fall, you need prepare ahead of time. The route between Helsinki and Saint Petersburg has a significant proportion of Russian drivers.

Most Finnish cities have excellent bike lanes, particularly outside of the city centers, and riding a bike may be a fast, healthful, and ecologically friendly way to get about. You may frequently locate appropriate peaceful paths in the countryside, although it may take some work. Not all major highways allow for safe riding. There are maps for cyclists in various locations.

Off-road riding is considered part of the right to access, although bicycling may cause erosion or other damage, so select your route carefully and unmount your bike at vulnerable parts. There are certain routes that are specifically designed (also) for off-road motorcycles, such as those found in national parks.

Children under the age of 12 may use the pavement where there is no bike route, as long as they do not cause undue disruption to pedestrians. Bikes on bike paths must yield to vehicles crossing roadways.

The roads are usually well-paved, but gravel roads are sometimes necessary. You won’t need suspension or grooved tyres if you don’t go off-road.

Be aware that a decent bike route may suddenly stop, forcing you out among the vehicles; bike network construction efforts are not properly coordinated. Directions for bicyclists are often overlooked during road construction.

Because of the relatively moderate geographical relief, excessively steep terrain is seldom an issue, although in the winter months, wind chill necessitates greater protection against cold than walking. Winter bike routes are adequately maintained in certain municipalities but not in others. It is generally too hazardous to ride a bike amid the vehicles in the winter (some locals do, but they know the circumstances). In the dark, a headlamp and a rear reflector are required.

Due to the lengthy distances, bicycle visitors should plan ahead of time and be prepared to use public transportation for the less fascinating parts. Long-distance coaches are well-equipped to transport a few bicycles. Fares vary by business and distance, but are usually approximately half the price of a regular ticket. It is not necessary to pack the bike, but getting on at the bus station and arriving on time may assist find space for the bike.

Trains accept bicycles for €5 if there is adequate room (varies by train type, some trains need prior booking; on IC trains, a 50c token is also required; tandem bikes or bikes with trailer fit only on certain trains, €10). If the shipment is small enough, packed bikes are free (requires taking the bike apart, exact dimensions vary by train type). It is essential to load the bikes on trains to Russia (100 cm x 60 cm x 40 cm). Bikes may be unloaded for free on trains in the Helsinki area, although they are not permitted during peak hours (7:00–9:00 and 15:00–18:00).

Ferries typically accept bikes for free or at a low cost.

It should be able to rent a bike at your location. At least in Helsinki and Turku, municipalities are experimenting with offering bikes for short trips at a low cost.

Bikes are often stolen, at least in cities, therefore carry a lock and use it, and avoid leaving the bike in dangerous locations.

Finland is an excellent boating destination because to its many lakes, extensive coastline, and several archipelagos. Rowboats and the smallest motorboats are not included among the 165,000 registered motorboats and 14,000 yachts owned by residents. On every sixth Finn, there is a boat. If you stay at a cottage, chances are you’ll have access to a rowing boat.

Yachts and motorboats may be chartered in most major cities along navigable waterways. You may also wish to hire a boat or kayak to travel down a river or explore the archipelagos.

Accommodation in Finland is costly, with average hotel rooms costing €100 or more per night. Many big hotels are less expensive on weekends and in the summer. Check out local chains Cumulus, Scandic, Finlandia, and Sokos in addition to the typical international names. The tiny but rapidly expanding Omena company provides often low-cost self-service hotels, where you book online and get a keycode for your room, with no check-in required. What is notable is the lack of international hotel chains outside of the city; you will only rarely encounter global hotel names, but the majority of hotels are operated by locals or by a local brand. So don’t expect to rack up points if you remain in the country.

Check if breakfast and linen are included when looking for cheap choices; they are in normal hotels but not in many budget ones. Extras like saunas and Internet access are occasionally offered at low-cost rates.

Staying at youth hostels (retkeilymaja) is one of the few methods to minimize the harm, since the Finnish Youth Hostel Association has a very extensive network across the country and a dorm bed typically costs less than €20 per night. Many hostels now offer private rooms for as low as €30 per night, which is a fantastic bargain if you want a bit more solitude.

Staying in a cottage (mökki), hundreds of which dot the lake banks, is a great way to see the Finnish countryside. These are usually finest in the summer, although there are numerous cottages near Lapland’s ski destinations as well. Prices vary greatly depending on the amenities, location, and season: basic cottages may be found for as low as €20/night, but €40–80 is more common; there are more costly large or luxury cottages; and the price at a winter resort can more than double during school holidays. Some cabins are only accessible for a single night. Be aware that, while all but the most basic cottages will have electricity, it’s very common for them to lack running water: instead, the cottage will have an outhouse (pit toilet), and you’ll be expected to bathe in a shared shower/sauna (which you may have to book in advance) or even in the sauna and lake. Renting a vehicle is often required since there may be no amenities (shops, restaurants, etc.) within walking distance. Choose if you want a cottage away from others, in a “cottage village,” or a compromise. Lomarengas and Nettimökki, the two biggest cottage rental businesses, both offer English interfaces.

There are other campgrounds located across the nation. Prices range from €10–20 for tent or caravan plus €4–6/€2 per person, but there are some more costly sites. A discount card may be beneficial. In season, night temperatures are seldom a problem (usually 5–15°C, but freezing temperatures are conceivable in July, at least in Lapland). Unless they include cottages suitable for winter usage, most campgrounds are closed during the off season.

An even less expensive alternative is to take use of Finland’s right to access, also known as Every Man’s Right (jokamiehenoikeus), which permits camping, hiking, berry and mushroom picking, and basic (rod and hook) fishing on uncultivated ground outside of built-up areas or yards. To prevent awkward situations, it may be a good idea to discuss travel arrangements with a local – or just inquire at the closest home – since this is sometimes misunderstood by visiting foreigners. It should be noted that starting a fire needs the consent of the landowner.

Almost every accommodation in Finland offers a sauna for visitors – don’t miss it! However, check the operation hours since they are often only heated in the nights and may have different shifts for men and women. Saunas at cottages are often heated with wood; you should definitely ask for directions.

• On a hot and bright summer day, Helsinki, the Baltic’s Daughter
• Turku’s historical buildings and the surrounding Archipelago Sea are best seen from a yacht or the deck of a large vehicle ferry.
• Puttering about Porvoo, Finland’s second-oldest city, with its beautiful wooden homes
• Renting a vehicle and touring Eastern Finland’s Lake Land, which is studded with approximately 60 000 lakes and a comparable number of islands, each with its own lake…
• The most atmospheric castle in Finland is Olavinlinna Castle in Savonlinna, particularly during the annual Opera Festival.
• The oldest castle in Finland is Hämeenlinna Castle in Hämeenlinna. Built in the thirteenth century.
• In Kemi, you may cruise on an icebreaker and see the world’s largest snow castle.
• At Saariselkä, you may see the Northern Lights and try your hand at sledding down a mile-long course.
• A ride on the classic wooden roller coaster “Linnanmäki” (Helsinki). Unlike contemporary designs, it relies only on gravity to keep it on the track, and each train needs a driver to activate the brakes.

Finland is not the adrenaline-filled winter sports paradise you would imagine, missing rugged mountains and crenellated fjords: the typical Finnish hobby is cross-country skiing over mostly flat terrain. You’ll need to go to Lapland and destinations like Levi and Saariselkä if you want to do downhill skiing or snowboarding.

Ice hockey (jääkiekko) is Finland’s national sport, and winning the Ice Hockey World Championship is akin to nirvana — particularly if they beat arch-rivals Sweden, as they did in 1995 and 2011. The Liiga (finnish) is the annual national championship, in which 14 teams compete, and watching a game if you’re traveling during the season (September to March) is highly recommended. While the action on the rink is intense, spectators are usually well behaved. Tickets start at about €16. (if not necessarily sober). If you chance to be in Finland when they win the World Championship, traffic in the city centers may be clogged as supporters rush through the streets, generally inebriated, to celebrate.

Finland’s national sport, though, is pesäpallo, which literally translates to “baseball,” but looks and plays very differently from its American counterpart. The most noticeable change is that the pitcher sits beside the hitter at home plate and throws straight upward, making hitting the ball easier and catching it more difficult. In the summer, both men’s and women’s teams compete in the Superpesis league for the annual title.

If you want to try your hand at something really Finnish, don’t miss the summer’s variety of odd sporting competitions, which include:

During the brief summer season, you may swim, paddle, row, or sail on the lakes or the sea. Around the 20th of July, the water is at its hottest. The current surface temperatures are typically published in local media, and a map of the surface temperatures may be accessed on the Environment Ministry’s website. During the hottest periods, late at night or early in the morning, when the air temperature is lower than the water temperature, the water may feel very nice. Most towns have swimming pools with somewhat warmer water, although these are often closed during the summer. Some beaches have lifeguards during peak hours, although non-obvious hazards are uncommon; almost any shore may be utilized as long as you do not leap in without first checking for obstructions. Due to eutrophication, cyanobacteria plague the waterways throughout the hottest season; if the water seems to contain large quantities of blue-green flakes, do not swim or use the water, and do not allow children or pets to enter it. Many Finns swim in the winter as well.

Because of the freedom to access and the sparse population, it is simple to go trekking wherever you are. If you’re serious about hiking in the Nordic countries, check out Hiking in the Nordic Countries for tips and Finnish National Parks for locations. There are routes for day walks as well as week-long hikes – as well as vast wilderness for the expert. Early fall is the greatest time for hiking since most mosquitoes have killed off and the autumn colors have bloomed, but summer is still enjoyable, and hiking may be done at any time of year.

Going berry picking in a neighboring woodland is a lighter form of being outside. In larger cities, appropriate forests are typically mixed with the suburbs (i.e. within half a kilometre from a local bus stop). Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) is so abundant that you may get it almost everywhere (in July–August) for your morning porridge, a pie, or as a dessert with cream and sugar. Wild strawberry (late June), lingonberry (August–September), bog bilberry, raspberry, and crowberry are other popular berries. Cloudberry and cranberry may be found on bogs, with the latter being harvested late in the fall. Many Finns also collect mushrooms, but you have to know what you’re doing since there are some that are deadly, such as the European destroying angel, which is easily misidentified as an Agaricus (field/button/common mushroom and the like).

Cross-country skiing is the way to go in the winter (and spring in the north). Most cities, as well as winter sports facilities and national parks, have well-maintained trails. Backpackers in the wilderness utilize bigger skis and do not depend on pre-existing trails.

Many Finns like fishing, and recreational fishing is accessible to foreigners as well. Most calm waterways allow for free rod and hook fishing. Fishing with a (single) reel and lure is permitted in most still waters, provided a national fishing fee is paid at a Metsähallitus service point (such as a national park visitor centre) or R-kioski, in the web shop (Finnish only), or by bank giro (2016: €39 for a year, €12 for a week, €5 for a day, plus any bank or kiosk surcharge; children under 18 and the elderly over 64 When paying, report the desired beginning date and produce the receipt upon request. Separate licenses must be purchased for flowing waterways rich in salmon or similar species, as well as certain specifically controlled streams. You may fish using most legal techniques if you have a national permit and permission from the owner of the waterways (most landowners in the countryside have a share). There are minimal sizes, protected species, and other specific restrictions to be aware of, such as when obtaining a permission. More information is available at 020-69-2424 (08:00–16:00) and on websites such as ahven.net. When moving between bodies of water, you should sanitize your equipment, including your boat and footwear (there are salmon parasites and crayfish plague). Many small companies organize fishing trips. There is no catch-and-release fishing (but undersize fish is released).

Land has its own fishing legislation, and almost all fishing needs permission from the owner of the waterways, which may be obtained for many particular locations by paying a charge. Except for 15.4–15.6, residents may fish by rod and hook in their home municipality, and Nordic residents may fish for domestic use by any legal method in waterways without an owner (far enough from inhabited islands).

During the summer, Finland organizes a number of music festivals (festari). Among the most noteworthy are:

Most festivals span 2–4 days and are very well planned, with many different acts performing, such as Foo Fighters and Linkin Park at Provinssirock in 2008. The standard full ticket fee (all days) is about €60–100, which includes a camp site where you may sleep, dine, and meet other festival attendees. Festivals provide a fantastic atmosphere, and you’re certain to meet new people. Drinking a lot of beer is, of course, a part of the experience.

Many tourists want to see the mysterious Northern Lights (aurora borealis, or revontulet in Finnish) blazing in the sky. Far north Lapland in Finland is one of the finest locations to view aurorae since it is easily accessible, offers high-quality accommodations, and has reasonably clear sky when compared to coastal Norway. However, viewing them requires some forethought and good fortune. Because it is bright at night in the summer, the aurora frequently becomes invisible, and they do not appear every night even in the north. To have a decent chance of seeing them, spend at least a few days, ideally a week or more, in the far north during the appropriate season.

Northern lights are seldom observed in the southern hemisphere. Northern lights appear approximately once a month in Helsinki, for example, but the places where you are most likely to see them are too light polluted. Northern Lapland, on the other hand, has a 50–70% chance of seeing some northern lights every night with clear sky, and light pollution is very simple to avoid.

Finland’s most important contribution to the world (and the world’s lexicon) is the sauna. The sauna is basically a chamber heated to 70–120°C; according to an often-quoted figure, this 5 million-person country has no fewer than 2 million saunas, in homes, workplaces, summer cottages, and even Parliament (many agreements in business and politics are reached informally after a sauna bath). Saunas (because they were the cleanest locations nearby) were used to give birth and cure the ill in ancient times, and they were the first structure built when establishing a new home. The ancient Finnish proverb, “If it can’t be healed by sauna, tar, and booze, it’s for life,” maybe crystallizes the Finnish reverence for the sacred chamber.

If you are welcomed to a Finnish house, you may be asked to bathe in the sauna as well – this is an honor and should be regarded as such, but Finns realize that outsiders may be put off by the notion. After having a shower, enter the sauna naked, since wearing a bathing suit or any other clothes is regarded a bit of a faux pas, but if you’re feeling timid, cover yourself in a bath towel. Unlike in some other cultures, there is little erotica in Finnish saunas. Even when Finns bathe unisex, it is simply for cleansing and refreshing, or for talks about life or politics. Gender segregation is common in public saunas in swimming pools and spas. A separate mixed sauna with entrances to both men’s and women’s showers, for example, may be beneficial for couples or families; admission to the incorrect side should be prevented. There are typically distinct shifts for men and women, and perhaps a mixed-gender shift, in locations with a single sauna. Children under the age of seven may typically work any shift. In private saunas, the bathing turns are typically organized along similar lines by the host.

After you’ve had your fill, you may cool down by going outdoors, simply to sit on the veranda, for a roll in the snow (in winter) or a plunge in the lake (any time of year, beach sandals or the like can be useful in the winter) — and then coming back in for another round. Repeat many times, then crack open a cool beer, grill a sausage over an open fire, and enjoy complete relaxation Finnish style.

Nowadays, the most popular kind of sauna has an electrically heated burner that is simple to operate and maintain. Wood-fired saunas may still be found in the countryside, but purists prefer the (now extremely uncommon) traditional chimneyless smoke saunas (savusauna), in which a huge pile of stones is heated and the sauna is thoroughly aired before entering.

Anyone over the age of 65 or with a medical problem (particularly high blood pressure) should contact their doctor before using a sauna – although sauna bathing as a routine is beneficial for the heart, your initial visits may need professional guidance.

If you like social dancing – foxtrot, tango, waltz, jive, etc. – you should visit one of the dance pavilions (Finnish: lavatanssit at a tanssilava), which are typically located near a lake or in a beautiful rural environment. They have declined in popularity since the 1950s, but they still retain a devoted following. Similar dances are organized at a number of rural community centers. In the summer, most dance pavilions have at least weekly dances, and there is usually a dance somewhere in the area on most days. Part of the same population may be seen in warm indoor venues throughout the winter (mostly community centres, a few of the pavilions, some dance restaurants).

Finnish cuisine is strongly inspired by its neighbors, with potatoes and bread serving as mainstays, with a variety of fish and meat dishes on the side. Milk or cream has historically been seen as an essential component of the diet and is often used as an ingredient in meals and beverages, even for adults. Cheeses and other milk products are also made. While traditional Finnish cuisine is notoriously bland, the culinary revolution that followed Finland’s accession to the EU has resulted in a surge of sophisticated restaurants experimenting with local ingredients, sometimes with great results.

The Finnish palate is mild, and spices are employed sparingly. The traditional culinary experience featured more oil and butter than is now advised, and it was notably more down-to-earth, but no less tasty. Contemporary Finnish cuisine incorporates flavors and influences from across the globe. Because components make up a large portion of food, agricultural goods in Finland may suffer from the cold environment. Despite their tiny size and rarity, the fish are delicious. Salmon is often imported from Norway and sold in Finnish stores and marketplaces. When going through the center of Finland, there is an unique opportunity to buy freshly caught and cooked fish from one of the thousand lakes. The “Kalakukko,” a delicious and amazing mix of fish, beef, and bread, is maybe one of the most renowned and delectable meals.

Seafood

Fish is a mainstay in Finland, which has tens of thousands of lakes and a lengthy coastline, and there’s a lot more on the menu than simply salmon (lohi). Among the specialties are:

Other local fish to keep an eye out for include zander (kuha), an expensive delicacy, pike (hauki), flounder (kampela), and perch (ahven).

Every year in October, Helsinki hosts a traditional Herring Fair. That is a fantastic experience to partake in; the fish is delicious, and a large crowd has gathered. The same might be said about Turku and other coastal cities.

Meat dishes

Milk products

In Finland, cheese and other milk products are extremely popular. The most popular types are mild hard cheeses like as Edam and Emmental, although there are also local specialties such as:

Viili, a kind of curd, has the texture of super-stretchy liquid bubble gum yet tastes like plain yoghurt. It is usually served with cinnamon and sugar sprinkled on top. Fermented dairy products assist to regulate the digestive system, so give them a try if yours is unsettled (those without jam or those labelled AB are probably best for this use).

Yoghurt, typically combined with jam, is widely consumed. Skyr, an Icelandic cultured milk product, has become a popular yogurt alternative. Flavored Kefir is growing increasingly popular as a cultured dairy drink and is now available in bigger stores. Soya, almond, hazelnut, rice, and coconut milk drinks are available in bigger supermarkets, occasionally flavored, and typically in long-life packaging near the dairy fridges. There is also cream and (sweetened) condensed milk available.

A lot of cheese (juusto) is eaten, a lot of it locally made mild to medium aged. Imported cheeses are widely accessible, while local farm cheeses may be tasted and bought in open air markets (tori) and market halls year round. A baked egg cheese (munajuusto) block is a popular culinary component produced from milk, buttermilk, and egg that may be eaten cold with (cloud berry) jam, in a salad, or warmed with meals.

Other dishes

Bread

Bread (leipä) is eaten with every meal in Finland and is available in a wide variety of flavors. The most popular bread in Finland is rye bread (ruisleipä, rgbröd). It may be up to 100% rye, and it is typically sourdough bread, which is darker, heavier, and chewier than American-style mixed wheat-rye bread. Unlike in Swedish tradition, many Finnish rye breads are unsweetened and therefore sour, if not unpleasant. Malt is often used to sweeten the sweet kinds (sometimes also with treacle).

Seasonal specialities

Keep a look out for mämmi, a kind of brown sweet rye pudding, around Easter. It has a notoriously ugly appearance but really tastes very nice (best eaten with creamy milk and sugar). Throughout the year, larger stores sell frozen pool mämmi. Tippaleipä, a palm-sized funnel cake typically eaten with mead, is one delicious specialty for May Day. It is customary to offer the first potatoes of the year with herring during the Midsummer festival in late June. From the end of July until the beginning of September, it’s worth asking about crayfish (rapu) menus and pricing at nicer restaurants. It’s not inexpensive, you don’t get full from the crayfish alone, and there are numerous rituals involved, the majority of which involve huge amounts of ice-cold vodka, but it’s worth trying at least once. Or attempt to get on the guestlist for a business crayfish party; spots are highly sought after at some. Baked ham is the traditional star of the Christmas dinner table, with a galaxy of casseroles around it.

Regional specialities

Regional specialties include Savonia’s kalakukko, which is small vendace or other fish wrapped in bacon and enclosed in rye bread dough and baked for a long time so the fish bones soften to become actually quite pleasant in texture, and Tampere’s fast food black sausage (mustamakkara), which is basically blood, fat, and soaked barley kernels made into a sausage and is best with lingonberry jam. Vetyatomi (hydrogen atom) is a pie with meat and rice content and fillings (ham and fried egg) offered at grillikioski, not just in Lappeenranta since it is very excellent if you want to consume local flavor quick food.

Desserts

Finnish pastries abound for dessert or as a snack, and are often consumed with coffee after a meal. Look for cardamom coffee bread (pulla), as well as a broad range of tarts (torttu) and doughnuts (big ones are called munkki but the small ones are called donitsi). In the summer, a large variety of fresh berries are available, notably the delicious but costly cloudberry (lakka), and berry products are available all year as jam (hillo), soup (keitto), and kiisseli, a kind of gooey transparent pudding.

Finnish chocolate is also very excellent, with Fazer goods such as the famous Sininen (“Blue”) bar being sold all over the globe. Licorice is a more Finnish specialty (lakritsi). Ammonium chloride, in particular, gives strong salty liquorice (salmiakki) its distinct (and acquired) flavor.

Following a meal, it is customary to munch on chewing gum (purukumi) containing xylitol, which is beneficial to oral health. Jenkki is a popular xylitol-containing chewing gum brand in the United States (many flavours available).

Places to eat

Finns prefer to dine out only on rare occasions, and restaurant costs reflect this. The one exception is around noon, when corporate cafeterias and almost every restaurant in town provide set meals for about €8–9, typically consisting of a main dish, salad bar, bread table, and a drink, due to a government-sponsored lunch voucher system. University cafeterias, many of which are accessible to the public, are especially inexpensive, with lunches in the €2–4 level for students, but if you don’t have a Finnish student ID, you’ll typically have to pay about € 5–7. There are also public cafeterias in office / administrative areas that are only available during working day lunch hours. While not very fashionable and often difficult to locate, they generally provide a high-quality buffet lunch at a moderate price (8.40 Euros).

The café culture has grown rapidly, particularly during the 1990s and particularly in Helsinki. The selection of cakes and pastries may not be as extensive as in Central Europe, but the local unique coffees (lattes, mochas, etc.) are worth trying at the two major local coffee house chains: Wayne’s Coffee (founded in Sweden) and Robert’s Coffee (Finland). Starbucks is expanding into Finland as well.

Dinner options are restricted to generic fast food (pizza, hamburgers, kebabs, and so on) in the €5–10 range, or you must spend more than €20 for a meal at a “good” restaurant. Look for grill kiosks (grilli) that offer sausages, hamburgers, and other portable, though not very health-conscious, food late into the night at affordable rates. Aside from hamburgers and hot dogs, seek for meat pies (lihapiirakka), which are similar to large savory doughnuts filled with minced beef and your choice of sausage, fried eggs, and sauces. With a comparable menu, Hesburger is the local fast-food counterpart of McDonald’s. A few meals, such as a sour-rye chicken sandwich, have a “Finnish” twist. Of course, most international fast food companies are available, including McDonald’s, which provides sour-rye buns as a replacement for several of their sandwich buns on request.

The Finnish term for buffet is seisova pöytä (“standing table”), and although it is increasingly being used to refer to all-you-can-eat Chinese or Italian restaurants, the original connotation is similar to Sweden’s smörgsbord: a large variety of sandwiches, fish, meats, and pastries. It’s typically eaten in three rounds: first the fish, then the cold meats, and lastly the heated meals, with the first being the main attraction. Though costly and uncommon in a restaurant environment, if you are lucky enough to be officially invited to a Finn’s house, they will almost certainly have prepared a feast for their visitor, as well as lots of coffee. Breakfast in nicer hotels is similar, and it’s simple to eat enough to cover lunch as well!

Self-catering may save you a lot of money if you’re very tight on cash. Ready-to-eat casseroles and other basic food that can be swiftly cooked in a microwave may be purchased at any supermarket for a few euros. It’s worth noting that you’re usually expected to weigh and label any fruits or vegetables yourself (bag it, place it on the scale, and press the numbered button; the correct number can be found on the price sign), and green signs indicate potentially tastier but unquestionably more expensive organic (luomu) produce. One should be mindful that inexpensive food often includes a disproportionate quantity of fat.

Despite the high costs, servings at restaurants are very modest, at least when compared to the United States, Canada, and many European countries. Finns are used to having a big breakfast and lunch, thus supper does not need to be very filling and may be two- or single-course. Dinner is typically served about 5 or 6 p.m., although it may be as early as 4 p.m.

Dietary restrictions

Traditional Finnish food primarily depends on meat and fish, although vegetarianism (kasvissyönti) is becoming more common and well-understood, and will seldom cause an issue for visitors. Almost every restaurant has vegetarian choices, which are typically denoted on menus with a “V.” Because egg (kananmuna or muna) is included in many prepared dishes, ready meals, and baked products, vegan meals are not popular outside of select restaurants, but the variety of raw ingredients, specialty grains, and health foods is sufficient for making your own. Similarly, gelatine (liivate) is often found in yoghurt, jellies, and desserts. Labels will always indicate both.

Lactose intolerance (laktoosi-intoleranssi, inability to digest the milk sugar lactose) and celiac disease are two frequent illnesses among Finns (keliakia, inability to digest gluten). Lactose-free choices are often labeled “L” in restaurants (low-lactose goods are sometimes referred to as “Hyla” or labeled with “VL”), whereas gluten-free options are labeled with “G”. However, hydrolyzed lactose (EILA or HYLA brand) milk or lactose-free milk drink for lactose intolerant people is readily accessible, which implies that a lactose-free meal does not always imply milk-free. Allergies are also very prevalent among Finns, therefore restaurant staff are generally highly informed about what goes into each meal, and it is often feasible to order the dish without specific components if requested.

Kosher and halal cuisine are uncommon in Finland, and are usually unavailable outside of a few specialty stores and restaurants catering to the country’s small Jewish and Islamic populations. Keep an eye out for minced meat meals like meatballs, which often contain a combination of beef and pig. In Helsinki, the Jewish Community of Helsinki operates a modest kosher deli.

A variety of substances with more common allergies and dietary restrictions may be written in bold writing in the list of ingredients (ainekset or ainesosat) on all packaged products, but you must inquire at restaurants and stores.

Finland has abundant of water sources because to its hundreds of lakes, and tap water is always safe to drink (in fact, never purchase bottled water if you can obtain tap water!). The typical soft drinks and juices are readily accessible, but there is also a large variety of berry juices (marjamehu), particularly in the summer, as well as Pommac, an odd soda produced from (according to the label) “mixed fruits” that you will either love or detest. Many berry juices must be combined with water, even if purchased in concentrate form; sugar is often added. Take note of the distinction between mehu and mehujuoma, since the latter may include just traces of the nominal component.

Coffee and tea

Finns consume the most coffee (kahvi) in the world, averaging 3–4 cups a day. Most Finns drink it strong and black, although sugar and milk are always available, and more European versions like as espresso and cappuccino are becoming more popular, particularly in larger cities. Starbucks has come in Helsinki, although all of the major cities have had French-style expensive cafés for a long time, and new rivals, such as Wayne’s or Robert’s Coffee, are emerging. You can get a fast caffeine fix at any convenience shop, which will pour you a cup of coffee for around €2. Tea hasn’t taken off nearly as well, but getting hot water and a package of Lipton Yellow Label won’t be an issue. Check out some of the better downtown cafés or tea houses for brewed tea.

Finnish coffee, on the other hand, is often made using filters (“sumppi”), yielding a fairly mild substance. Finding a powerful high pressure espresso may be difficult in certain places, but experiencing the smooth taste of mocca mix is something to consider. Discussing coffee preparation mechanics with Finns is not a terrible idea; they are usually receptive to new ideas and tastes. The Eastern style “mud coffee” is the most traditional choice for filtered coffee in Finland. The ground coffee beans are cooked in a big saucepan in that recipe. Before serving, the ground coffee is allowed to cool before being topped with the smooth flavored coffee. Today, this kind of “pannukahvi” is seldom seen in public cafés, but it is worth a try while visiting private houses or summer cottages. You can even buy specific ground coffee for that purpose in most stores (it is not that fine-grounded like normal filter coffee let alone like espresso). It tastes very well with cream instead of milk.

Dairy

In Finland, people of all ages drink milk (maito) as a complement to their meals. Piimä, or buttermilk, is another popular choice.

Alcohol

Alcohol is extremely costly in Finland when compared to most other nations (though not when compared to its Nordic neighbors Sweden and Norway), yet it is very inexpensive in other countries. With Estonia’s accession to the EU, the government has been obliged to reduce alcohol tariffs somewhat. Still, a single beer will set you back about €4–5, or €1 and up, at a bar or tavern, or €1 and more in a supermarket. While beer and cider are accessible at any supermarket or convenience shop from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Alko is your only option for wine or anything stronger. For milder beverages, the legal drinking age is 18, but to purchase hard liquor from Alko, you must be 20. All young-looking customers are typically asked for identification (nowadays all looking to be under 30). Some restaurants have greater age restrictions, up to 30 years old, although these are their own rules that are not usually enforced, particularly during slower periods.

Despite the relatively high expense of alcohol, the Finnish people are widely renowned for their tolerance and party culture. Do not be afraid to attend Finnish gatherings, which are generally not particularly dry. While Finnish people prefer to adhere to separate bills in the bar, when you get together with them in the summer cottage, things typically flip around and everyone enjoys what is on the table jointly.

Surprisingly, the national drink is not Finlandia Vodka, but its local brand Koskenkorva, often known as Kossu in common parlance. However, the two beverages are closely related: Kossu contains 38% alcohol, whereas Finlandia is 40%, and Kossu has a tiny quantity of added sugar, which makes the two drinks taste somewhat different. There are many different vodkas (viina) on the market, the most of which taste quite similar.

Salmiakki-Kossu or Salmari is a local specialty made by combining salty black salmiakkilicorice, the flavor of which hides the alcohol behind it frighteningly well. Fisu (“Fish”) shots are much more deadly when combined with Fisherman’s Friend menthol cough drops. Hipsters in the know like Pantteri (“Panther”), which is a blend of Salmari and Fisu. Jaloviina (Jallu) cut brandy and Tervasnapsi “tar schnapps” with a unique smoky fragrance are two other famous shots.

Beer (olut or kalja) is also popular, although most Finnish beers are virtually similar, mild lagers: famous brands include Lapin Kulta, Karjala, Olvi, Koff, and Karhu. When shopping, pay attention to the label: beers labeled “I” are less costly and have a lower alcohol level, but beers labeled “III” and “IV” are stronger and more expensive. There are no beverages with more than 4.7 percent alcohol in regular stores. You may also come across kotikalja (“house beer”), a dark brown beer-like beverage with a low alcohol content. Imported beers are widely accessible in larger supermarkets, most pubs and bars, and Czech beers in particular are popular and just slightly more costly. Some microbreweries (Laitila, Stadin panimo, Nokian panimo, etc.) have gained a footing in recent years with their indigenous dark lagers, wheat beers, and ales.

Ciders are the current craze (siideri). The majority of them are chemically flavored sugary concoctions that taste nothing like the English or French versions, but more genuine variations are gaining market popularity. The ever-popular gin long drink, also known as lonkero (“tentacle”), is a pre-bottled combination of gin and grapefruit soda that tastes better than it sounds and has the added benefit of illuminating under ultraviolet light. With up to 610 kcal/litre, it also enables you to forego supper, giving you more time to drink.

Glögi, a kind of spiced mulled wine served with almonds and raisins that can be readily prepared at home, is a must-try throughout the winter. Although it was originally prepared with old wine, and Finns often add in some wine or spirits, the bottled item in shops is generally alcohol-free. Glögi is served in restaurants either without alcohol or with 2cl vodka added. Fresh, hot glögi may be obtained, for example, at the Helsinki Christmas market.

There are a variety of unique liquors (likööri) produced from berries available, but they are all extremely sweet and typically served with dessert. Even if you don’t enjoy the berries fresh, cloudberry liquor (lakkalikööri) is worth a try.

You have been cautioned against homemade spirits (pontikka). Anecdotal information indicates that they are sometimes performed as a joke on unsuspecting foreigners, since they are more prevalent in rural regions, illegal, and often distilled on modified water purification facilities – which are now subject to import control regulations. Refuse the offer politely, particularly if you are still sober.

Finally, two traditional drinks worth seeking out are mead (sima), an age-old wine-like brew produced from brown sugar, lemon, and yeast and popular during the Vappu festival in May, and sahti, a kind of unfiltered, generally extremely strong beer frequently flavored with juniper berries (an acquired taste).

The euro is used in Finland. It is one of many European nations that utilize the Euro. All euro banknotes and coins are legal tender across the EU.

One euro is made up of 100 cents.

The euro’s official sign is €, and its ISO code is EUR. The cent does not have an official symbol.

In Finland, 1 and 2 cent coins are not used in monetary transactions; instead, all amounts are rounded to the closest 5 cents. However, the coins remain legal tender, and there are even tiny amounts of Finnish 1c and 2c coins, which are highly prized by collectors. Prices are often written without cents or the euro symbol, and the comma is used as a decimal separator: “5,50” indicates five euros and fifty cents, while 5,– means five euros.

When using a credit card, however, the payment is fulfilled to the penny.

In cities, getting or exchanging money is seldom an issue since ATMs are widely available and may be used with foreign credit and debit cards (Visa, Visa Electron, MasterCard, Maestro). ATMs are more difficult to locate in rural areas. Some stores accept credit cards to get cash.

Other currencies besides the euro are usually not accepted, but the Swedish krona may be accepted in land and northern border towns like as Tornio (and Norwegian crowns likewise in the extreme north). Stockmann accepts US dollars, pound sterling, Swedish krona, and Russian rubles as exceptions. Many currencies may also be accepted on the boats from Sweden and Estonia.

Credit cards are generally accepted, however if you spend more than €50, you will be asked for identification (and may be asked to show it even for smaller purchases). Because Visa Electron and Visa Debit card readers can be found at all big and small retailers, carrying significant quantities of cash is seldom required. Have cash or a cheque on hand for open-air marketplaces, small lodging companies, purchasing handicrafts at the workshop, and other such transactions.

Exchange bureaux may be located in larger cities and near borders, and they usually provide better rates, longer hours of operation, and quicker service than banks. It should be noted that not all bank branches accept cash.

Even for minor transactions, many Finns now use a card, and the usage of cash is quickly declining. If you do not use a chip-based card, using a foreign card may become a problem. PIN is required by many suppliers. Don’t be surprised if Finns pay modest 1-5 eur sums using cards, even if there’s a long line behind them.

Tipping is virtually never required in Finland, since restaurant bills already contain service costs; tipping is completely voluntary and extremely unheard of outside of specific industries. Tipping is very prevalent at restaurants. Taxis and other bills paid in cash are sometimes rounded up to the next suitable number. Cloakrooms (narikka) at nightclubs and nicer restaurants often have non-negotiable costs (generally well marked, €2 is typical), and hotel porters will demand about the same per bag in the few hotels that use them. When exiting a bar, customers may pay the bouncer in exchange for overall good service. As a result, tips are often pooled. A brass tippikello (tip bell) beside the counter is common in bars. When a tip is received, the service worker strikes it with the highest denomination of coin provided in the tip.

Tipping government and municipal employees for any service will not be allowed since it may be seen as a bribe.

Declared the most expensive nation in the world in 1990, prices have subsequently moderated slightly but remain high by most measures. Traveling at rock-bottom costs at least €25/day if living in hostel dormitories and self-catering, and it’s better to estimate double that amount. The lowest hotels cost about €50 per night, while more expensive hotels start at €100. Instead of hotels or hostels, search for vacation cottages, particularly if you’re traveling in a group and during the off-season; a fully furnished cottage may be found for €10–15 per person per night. Camping costs between €10 to €20 for tent or caravan, plus about €5/2 per person.

Museums and tourist sites charge admission fees ranging from €5 to €25. Depending on the city, using public transportation costs a few euros a day. One-way rail or bus travel between large cities costs between €20 and €100, depending on distance. Children, according to various definitions, often pay half the fee or less (young children are free), except at children’s attractions.

A VAT of 24% is levied on almost everything (the major exception being food, which is levied at 14%), although this is required by law to be included in the advertised price. Non-EU citizens may receive a tax refund on purchases of more than €40 at selected stores; just search for the Tax-Free Shopping emblem.

Souvenir buying in Finland is not inexpensive, as one would anticipate considering the overall price level. Finnish puukko knives and handmade ryijy carpets are traditional purchases. Look for the “Sámi Duodji” mark, which guarantees genuine Lappish handicrafts. Every conceivable component of a reindeer, lye-soaked lutefisk (lipeäkala), and pine tar (terva) syrup are popular delicacies to eat or bring home to wow your friends. If you can’t bear the thought of terva on your pancakes, you can buy it perfumed soap at almost any supermarket or pharmacy shop. Tar-flavored sweets are also available, the most popular of which are the Leijona Lakritsi candies.

Marimekko clothes, Iittala glass, Arabia ceramics, Kalevala Koru jewelry, Pentik interior design, and, if you don’t mind the shipping charges, Artek furniture by famous architect and designer Alvar Aalto are all popular names for contemporary (or timeless) Finnish design. Moomin figures, which cover souvenir shop shelves, are popular with both children and adults, while Angry Birds items have spread across the nation.

Be aware of the restricted shopping hours in Finland. Smaller businesses typically operate from 9 a.m. to 5 or 6 p.m. on weekdays, although most shut early on Saturdays and are closed completely on Sundays. Larger retailers and department stores are often open until 9 p.m. on weekdays and 6 p.m. on weekends and holidays. Small grocery shops in cities often offer extended hours. Almost all shops are closed on national holidays. Shopping hours for tiny and specialty shops in small towns and the countryside are often considerably shorter than in large cities, although most national chains maintain consistent hours throughout the country. The restriction of opening hours was abandoned in 2016, with larger lines at major shops being the first response, but the long-term consequences remain unclear.

Convenience shops, such as the omnipresent R-Kioski, maintain somewhat longer hours, although they are nevertheless often closed when you need them the most. Gas station convenience shops are typically open on weekends and until late at night if you are in urgent need of essential goods. Some gas station convenience shops, especially the ABC! brand, are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Supermarkets at Helsinki’s Asematunneli, under the Central Railway Station, remain open until 10 p.m. every day except Christmas Day (December 25). Regardless of the shop’s hours of operation, the sale of alcohol is always limited to 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Most items must be imported, which is reflected in the product selection and price. It is fairly unusual to see the same product at the same price at various stores. When purchasing consumer electronics, keep in mind that the shelf life of the goods may be very lengthy, particularly if the store isn’t specialized in consumer electronics. There is a danger of purchasing an expensive product that has already been discontinued or replaced by a newer one.

While merchants may fiercely deny it to a foreigner, pricing in smaller shops are far from set. It is fairly unusual to get a 30% discount when purchasing hobby equipment (hint: find the international price level from a web shop and print it out). The greater the difference between Finnish and foreign pricing, the greater the savings via mail order. When a package is stopped by customs (which is uncommon for physically tiny goods), the buyer is informed and has the option of picking it up from customs or having it forwarded to the nearest post office after clearing. Bring a copy of the order, which is then signed by the buyer and archived, as well as VAT and potentially import tax if the purchase exceeds a particular amount.

The euro is used in Finland. It is one of many European nations that utilize the Euro. All euro banknotes and coins are legal tender across the EU.

One euro is made up of 100 cents.

The euro’s official sign is €, and its ISO code is EUR. The cent does not have an official symbol.

In Finland, 1 and 2 cent coins are not used in monetary transactions; instead, all amounts are rounded to the closest 5 cents. However, the coins remain legal tender, and there are even tiny amounts of Finnish 1c and 2c coins, which are highly prized by collectors. Prices are often written without cents or the euro symbol, and the comma is used as a decimal separator: “5,50” indicates five euros and fifty cents, while 5,– means five euros.

When using a credit card, however, the payment is fulfilled to the penny.

In cities, getting or exchanging money is seldom an issue since ATMs are widely available and may be used with foreign credit and debit cards (Visa, Visa Electron, MasterCard, Maestro). ATMs are more difficult to locate in rural areas. Some stores accept credit cards to get cash.

Other currencies besides the euro are usually not accepted, but the Swedish krona may be accepted in land and northern border towns like as Tornio (and Norwegian crowns likewise in the extreme north). Stockmann accepts US dollars, pound sterling, Swedish krona, and Russian rubles as exceptions. Many currencies may also be accepted on the boats from Sweden and Estonia.

Credit cards are generally accepted, however if you spend more than €50, you will be asked for identification (and may be asked to show it even for smaller purchases). Because Visa Electron and Visa Debit card readers can be found at all big and small retailers, carrying significant quantities of cash is seldom required. Have cash or a cheque on hand for open-air marketplaces, small lodging companies, purchasing handicrafts at the workshop, and other such transactions.

Exchange bureaux may be located in larger cities and near borders, and they usually provide better rates, longer hours of operation, and quicker service than banks. It should be noted that not all bank branches accept cash.

Even for minor transactions, many Finns now use a card, and the usage of cash is quickly declining. If you do not use a chip-based card, using a foreign card may become a problem. PIN is required by many suppliers. Don’t be surprised if Finns pay modest 1-5 eur sums using cards, even if there’s a long line behind them.

Tipping is virtually never required in Finland, since restaurant bills already contain service costs; tipping is completely voluntary and extremely unheard of outside of specific industries. Tipping is very prevalent at restaurants. Taxis and other bills paid in cash are sometimes rounded up to the next suitable number. Cloakrooms (narikka) at nightclubs and nicer restaurants often have non-negotiable costs (generally well marked, €2 is typical), and hotel porters will demand about the same per bag in the few hotels that use them. When exiting a bar, customers may pay the bouncer in exchange for overall good service. As a result, tips are often pooled. A brass tippikello (tip bell) beside the counter is common in bars. When a tip is received, the service worker strikes it with the highest denomination of coin provided in the tip.

Tipping government and municipal employees for any service will not be allowed since it may be seen as a bribe.

Declared the most expensive nation in the world in 1990, prices have subsequently moderated slightly but remain high by most measures. Traveling at rock-bottom costs at least €25/day if living in hostel dormitories and self-catering, and it’s better to estimate double that amount. The lowest hotels cost about €50 per night, while more expensive hotels start at €100. Instead of hotels or hostels, search for vacation cottages, particularly if you’re traveling in a group and during the off-season; a fully furnished cottage may be found for €10–15 per person per night. Camping costs between €10 to €20 for tent or caravan, plus about €5/2 per person.

Museums and tourist sites charge admission fees ranging from €5 to €25. Depending on the city, using public transportation costs a few euros a day. One-way rail or bus travel between large cities costs between €20 and €100, depending on distance. Children, according to various definitions, often pay half the fee or less (young children are free), except at children’s attractions.

A VAT of 24% is levied on almost everything (the major exception being food, which is levied at 14%), although this is required by law to be included in the advertised price. Non-EU citizens may receive a tax refund on purchases of more than €40 at selected stores; just search for the Tax-Free Shopping emblem.

Souvenir buying in Finland is not inexpensive, as one would anticipate considering the overall price level. Finnish puukko knives and handmade ryijy carpets are traditional purchases. Look for the “Sámi Duodji” mark, which guarantees genuine Lappish handicrafts. Every conceivable component of a reindeer, lye-soaked lutefisk (lipeäkala), and pine tar (terva) syrup are popular delicacies to eat or bring home to wow your friends. If you can’t bear the thought of terva on your pancakes, you can buy it perfumed soap at almost any supermarket or pharmacy shop. Tar-flavored sweets are also available, the most popular of which are the Leijona Lakritsi candies.

Marimekko clothes, Iittala glass, Arabia ceramics, Kalevala Koru jewelry, Pentik interior design, and, if you don’t mind the shipping charges, Artek furniture by famous architect and designer Alvar Aalto are all popular names for contemporary (or timeless) Finnish design. Moomin figures, which cover souvenir shop shelves, are popular with both children and adults, while Angry Birds items have spread across the nation.

Be aware of the restricted shopping hours in Finland. Smaller businesses typically operate from 9 a.m. to 5 or 6 p.m. on weekdays, although most shut early on Saturdays and are closed completely on Sundays. Larger retailers and department stores are often open until 9 p.m. on weekdays and 6 p.m. on weekends and holidays. Small grocery shops in cities often offer extended hours. Almost all shops are closed on national holidays. Shopping hours for tiny and specialty shops in small towns and the countryside are often considerably shorter than in large cities, although most national chains maintain consistent hours throughout the country. The restriction of opening hours was abandoned in 2016, with larger lines at major shops being the first response, but the long-term consequences remain unclear.

Convenience shops, such as the omnipresent R-Kioski, maintain somewhat longer hours, although they are nevertheless often closed when you need them the most. Gas station convenience shops are typically open on weekends and until late at night if you are in urgent need of essential goods. Some gas station convenience shops, especially the ABC! brand, are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Supermarkets at Helsinki’s Asematunneli, under the Central Railway Station, remain open until 10 p.m. every day except Christmas Day (December 25). Regardless of the shop’s hours of operation, the sale of alcohol is always limited to 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Most items must be imported, which is reflected in the product selection and price. It is fairly unusual to see the same product at the same price at various stores. When purchasing consumer electronics, keep in mind that the shelf life of the goods may be very lengthy, particularly if the store isn’t specialized in consumer electronics. There is a danger of purchasing an expensive product that has already been discontinued or replaced by a newer one.

While merchants may fiercely deny it to a foreigner, pricing in smaller shops are far from set. It is fairly unusual to get a 30% discount when purchasing hobby equipment (hint: find the international price level from a web shop and print it out). The greater the difference between Finnish and foreign pricing, the greater the savings via mail order. When a package is stopped by customs (which is uncommon for physically tiny goods), the buyer is informed and has the option of picking it up from customs or having it forwarded to the nearest post office after clearing. Bring a copy of the order, which is then signed by the buyer and archived, as well as VAT and potentially import tax if the purchase exceeds a particular amount.

Acts of Parliament establish all public holidays in Finland. The official holidays are split into two categories: Christian and non-Christian festivals. Christmas, New Year’s Day, Epiphany, Easter, Ascension Day, Pentecost, Midsummer Day, and All Saints’ Day are the major Christian festivals. May Day and Finland’s Independence Day are non-Christian festivals.

Furthermore, all Sundays are official holidays, although they are not as significant as the special holidays. The titles of the Sundays are based on the liturgical calendar and may be classified as Christian festivals. When the normal working week in Finland was shortened to 40 hours by an act of Parliament in the late 1960s, it also meant that all Saturdays became de facto public holidays, although not official ones. Easter and Pentecost are Sundays that are part of a larger festival and are preceded by special Saturdays.

Several Christian festivals that were formerly observed on working days or on set dates have been shifted to Saturdays and Sundays. Midsummer Day was relocated to the Saturday after June 19th in 1955, the Annunciation to the Sunday after March 21st (or, if this overlaps with Easter or Palm Sunday, the Sunday before Palm Sunday), and All Saints’ Day to the Saturday after October 30th. More holidays were shifted in 1973, including Epiphany, which was moved to the Saturday after January 5th, and Ascension Day, which was moved to the Saturday preceding the usual Thursday, but these changes were restored in 1991.

Christmas Eve and Midsummer Eve may be the two most significant holidays for Finns throughout the year. Surprisingly, they are not officially named holidays and are not noted on calendars, but for most people, they are not working days, and in reality, they vary from official holidays only in that most stores are open from early morning until noon on such days. They have this de facto status owing to certain legislative declarations, but also because most work contracts include these days as complete holidays. A number of the less significant major holidays are also preceded by de facto half days, which means that working hours in certain (but not all) workplaces are reduced. These dates are Maundy Thursday, May Day, and New Year’s Eve.

Working hours were shorter on Saturdays (4…5 h) than on other weekdays (8 h) before the 5 day working week was widely adopted in Finland in the late 1960s, but they were also shorter on all eves of public holidays, such as the eve of Epiphany, the eve of All Saints’ Day, and even Christmas Eve and Midsummer Eve. However, since Saturdays were no longer considered working days, new contracts eliminated similar shortenings from other holiday eves, with the exception of Midsummer and Christmas Eve, which also became de facto vacations.

Special flag days are also included in the Finnish calendar. The designation of a day as a flag day has no formal relationship to its ultimate designation as an official or de facto holiday. However, May Day, Midsummer Day, and Independence Day are both flag days and public holidays.

Finland celebrates a national holiday on December 6th. Minor observances are also recorded in the Finnish calendar, although they have not been deemed worthy of holiday or flag day status.

Finns are generally laid-back when it comes to manners and dressing up, and a visitor is unlikely to offend them by accident. In most cases, common sense is sufficient, however there are a few of considerations to bear in mind:

Finns are a notoriously quiet people with little time for small talk or social niceties, so don’t expect to hear phrases like “thank you” or “you’re welcome” very often. Because the Finnish language lacks a term for “please,” Finns may forget to say it while speaking English, even when they have no intention of being impolite. The difference between “he” and “she” is also missing in Finnish, which may lead to confusion. Loud speaking and laughing are not common in Finland and may annoy some Finns. Occasional silence is seen as a natural element of the discussion, rather than as a sign of animosity or annoyance. Although the word mitä kuuluu translates to “how are you?” in Finnish, it has a literal sense, i.e. a lengthier conversation is anticipated; it is not part of the welcome as it is in English.

All of this is to say that Finns are usually friendly and courteous, and they are happy to assist bewildered visitors if requested. The absence of pleasantries is due to the fact that honesty is highly valued in Finnish society; one should open one’s lips only to mean what one is going to say. When there is no later time to be anticipated, do not add “maybe later.” A tourist is unlikely to get many praises from Finns, but those that do are likely to be sincere.

Punctuality is another highly valued virtue in Finland. Even if they are just a few minutes late, visitors should apologize. Being late for an extended period of time generally necessitates a brief explanation. Typically, ten minutes is regarded the difference between being “acceptably” late and being very late. Some people will depart pre-arranged meeting places after fifteen minutes. With the invention of mobile phones, it is now common practice to send a text message even if you are just a few minutes late. Being even one or two minutes late for a business meeting is considered impolite.

A handshake is the traditional greeting. Hugs are only given to family members and close friends in certain circumstances, and kisses, especially on the cheek, are almost never given. Touching is usually reserved for family members. The gap between strangers is about 1.2 m, while the space between friends is approximately 70 cm.

The only mistake guests may make when welcomed to a Finnish house is failing to remove their shoes. Shoes will carry a lot of snow or dirt for the most of the year. As a result, even in the heat, it is usual to remove them. During the rainy season, you may request that your shoes be placed someplace to dry during your stay. These restrictions do not apply to more formal events held in private houses, such as baptisms (which are often held at home in Finland) or someone’s 50th birthday celebration. In the winter, this may imply that visitors bring clean shoes and put them on while leaving outside shoes in the hall. Bringing a gift to the host, such as a pastry, wine, or flowers, is welcomed but not necessary.

In Finland, there isn’t much of a clothing code. The typical dress code is informal, and even in business meetings, the dress code is more relaxed than in other nations (although sport clothing in a business meeting is indeed bad form). Topless sunbathing is acceptable but not particularly popular on beaches in the summer, but it is prevalent in lakeside saunas and the rare dedicated nudist beaches; at regular public beaches, swimwear is required for everyone over the age of six.

Finns are very egalitarian. Women engage in society and have positions of leadership all the way up to the Presidency. Both genders are to be treated with equal respect, and there is minimal official sex segregation. Because social status is not typically an essential component of social etiquette, a Dr. Spencer is frequently addressed to as just “Spencer,” rather than “tohtori Spencer” or “herra Spencer,” without any disrespect intended.

Although written Finnish may be traced back to Mikael Agricola’s translation of the New Testament into Finnish during the Protestant Reformation, few significant works of literature were produced until the nineteenth century and the emergence of a Finnish national Romantic Movement. This inspired Elias Lönnrot to compile and publish Finnish and Karelian traditional poetry as the Kalevala, Finland’s national epic. The period witnessed the emergence of Finnish poets and writers, most notably Aleksis Kivi and Eino Leino. Many national awakening authors, such as national poet Johan Ludvig Runeberg and Zachris Topelius, wrote in Swedish.

Following Finland’s independence, there was a surge of modernist authors, most notably Finnish-speaking Mika Waltari and Swedish-speaking Edith Södergran. In 1939, Frans Eemil Sillanpää was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature. The Second World War encouraged a return to more national concerns as opposed to Väinö Linna’s more international school of thinking. Aside from Kalevala and Waltari, the most translated Finnish author is the Swedish-speaking Tove Jansson. Popular contemporary authors include Arto Paasilinna, Ilkka Remes, Kari Hotakainen, Sofi Oksanen, and Jari Tervo, and the Finlandia Prize is given yearly to the finest book.

The visual arts in Finland began to develop their own features in the nineteenth century, when Romantic nationalism was on the rise in autonomous Finland. Akseli Gallen-Kallela, the most well-known Finnish painter, began in a naturalist style before transitioning to national romanticism. Wäinö Aaltonen, Finland’s best-known sculptor of the twentieth century, is renowned for his colossal busts and sculptures. Timo Sarpaneva, Tapio Wirkkala, and Ilmari Tapiovaara are among the globally recognized Finns who have made significant contributions to handicrafts and industrial design.

Finnish architecture is well-known across the globe, and it has made major contributions to many worldwide styles, including Jugendstil (or Art Nouveau), Nordic Classicism, and Functionalism. Eliel Saarinen and his son Eero Saarinen are two of the most well-known twentieth-century Finnish architects. Architect Alvar Aalto is widely recognized as one of the world’s most influential twentieth-century designers; he helped introduce functionalist architecture to Finland, but quickly became a pioneer in its evolution toward an organic form. Aalto is also well-known for his work in furniture, lighting, fabrics, and glassware, all of which were often integrated into his structures.

Classical

Traditional Karelian melodies and lyrics, as found in the Kalevala, have inspired much of Finland’s classical music. Karelian culture is seen as the finest manifestation of Finnic myths and beliefs, with less Germanic influence than the Nordic folk dance music that essentially supplanted the kalevaic tradition. In recent decades, Finnish folk music has seen a roots resurgence and has become a component of mainstream music.

The Sami people of northern Finland, Sweden, and Norway are well renowned for their profoundly spiritual songs known as joik. The same term is often used to apply to lavlu or vuelie tunes, which is strictly wrong.

Fredrik Pacius, a German-born composer, wrote the first Finnish opera in 1852. Pacius also composed the melody for Finland’s national song, Maamme/Vrt land (Our Country). Finnish nationalism centered on the Kalevala grew in the 1890s, and Jean Sibelius became renowned for his vocal symphony Kullervo. He quickly obtained a scholarship to study runo singers in Karelia, and his ascent as Finland’s first famous musician proceeded. In 1899, he wrote Finlandia, which was instrumental in Finland’s independence. He is still one of Finland’s most beloved national personalities and a national emblem.

Today, Finland maintains a thriving classical music industry, and several of the country’s most famous composers, including as Magnus Lindberg, Kaija Saariaho, Kalevi Aho, and Aulis Sallinen, are still alive. Esa-Pekka Salonen, Osmo Vänskä, Jukka-Pekka Saraste, and Leif Segerstam are among the many outstanding conductors accompanying the composers. Karita Mattila, Soile Isokoski, Pekka Kuusisto, Olli Mustonen, and Linda Lampenius are among the globally renowned Finnish classical artists.

Modern

Iskelmä is a traditional Finnish term for a light popular song. It is derived straight from the German word Schlager, which means “hit.” Finnish popular music also contains a variety of dancing music; tango, an Argentine music style, is particularly popular. Light music in Swedish-speaking regions is influenced significantly by Sweden. Modern Finnish popular music has a variety of well-known rock bands, jazz musicians, hip hop artists, dance music groups, and so on.

The first major wave of Finnish rock groups formed in the early 1960s, performing instrumental rock influenced by groups such as The Shadows. Beatlemania came in Finland about 1964, fueling the growth of the local rock scene. During the late 1960s and early 1970s, Finnish rock artists began to compose their own songs rather than translating foreign successes into Finnish. Some progressive rock bands, such as Tasavallan Presidentti and Wigwam, earned international acclaim throughout the decade but failed to establish a commercial success outside of Finland. Hurriganes, a rock and roll band, met the same fate. In the 1980s, the Finnish punk movement spawned several globally recognized names, notably Terveet Kädet. Hanoi Rocks were a pioneering 1980s glam rock outfit that influenced American hard rock band Guns N’ Roses, among others.

Many Finnish metal bands have achieved worldwide acclaim. HIM and Nightwish are two of Finland’s most well-known worldwide bands. Dark Light, HIM’s 2005 album, was certified gold in the United States. Apocalyptica is a well-known Finnish band best known for combining string-led classical music with traditional heavy metal. Amorphis, Children of Bodom, Impaled Nazarene, Korpiklaani, Sentenced, Sonata Arctica, Stratovarius, Turisas, Finntroll, Ensiferum, Insomnium, Moonsorrow, Wintersun, Poets of the Fall, and Waltari are some more well-known metal bands.

Finland hosted the Eurovision Song Contest in 2007 after the Finnish hard rock/heavy metal band Lordi won the competition in 2006.

Finnish cuisine is renowned for blending traditional rural food and haute cuisine with modern culinary techniques. Traditional Finnish meals from the western portion of the nation include fish and meat, while dishes from the eastern half have historically featured different vegetables and mushrooms. Karelian refugees aided in the production of crops in eastern Finland.

Wholemeal products (rye, barley, oats) and berries are often used in Finnish cuisine (such as bilberries, lingonberries, cloudberries, and sea buckthorn). Milk and its derivatives, such as buttermilk, are often used as food, drink, or in a variety of dishes. Various turnips were popular in traditional cuisine until being supplanted by the potato, which was introduced in the 18th century.

According to data, red meat consumption has increased, although Finns still consume less beef than many other countries and consume more fish and chicken. This is mostly due to the high expense of beef in Finland.

Finland has the highest per capita coffee consumption in the world.

In Finland, a variety of sports activities are popular. The national sport of Finland is pesäpallo, which is similar to baseball, although ice hockey is the most popular sport in terms of spectators. The final game of the 2016 Ice Hockey World Championships, Finland-Canada, was seen by 69 percent of Finnish citizens on television. Athletics, cross-country skiing, ski jumping, football, and basketball are other prominent sports. While ice hockey is the most popular sport in terms of game attendance, association football is the most played team sport in terms of player numbers in the nation and is also the most popular sport in Finland.

Finland is the top performing nation in Olympic history in terms of medals and gold medals earned per population. Finland first competed in the Olympic Games as a separate country in 1908, although being an independent Grand Duchy under the Russian Empire. The three gold medals won by the first “Flying Finn,” Hannes Kolehmainen, in the 1912 Summer Olympics were a source of tremendous pride.

Prior to World War II, Finland was one of the most successful Olympic nations. Finland, a country of just 3.2 million inhabitants at the time, finished second in the medal count at the 1924 Summer Olympics. Finnish long-distance runners dominated the Olympics in the 1920s and 1930s, with Paavo Nurmi winning nine Olympic gold medals between 1920 and 1928 and establishing 22 recognized world records between 1921 and 1931. Nurmi is widely regarded as the best Finnish athlete and one of the greatest athletes of all time.

Finnish male and female athletes have regularly excelled in the javelin throw for over 100 years. Finland has won nine Olympic gold medals, five world championships, five European championships, and set 24 world records as a result of the event.

Long-distance runners Ville Ritola and Lasse Virén; ski-jumpers Matti Nykänen and Janne Ahonen; cross-country skiers Veikko Hakulinen, Eero Mäntyranta, Marja-Liisa Kirvesniemi, and Mika Myllylä; rower Pertti Karppinen; gymnast Heikko Savolainen; professional skateboarder Arto Saar Finland is also one of the most successful countries in bandy, having won a Bandy World Championship with Russia and Sweden.

Helsinki hosted the Summer Olympics in 1952. Other significant sports events hosted in Finland include the World Championships in Athletics in 1983 and 2005.

Finland has a long history of figure skating. Finnish synchronized skaters have won eight world championships and thirteen junior world cups, and the country is regarded as one of the finest in the world.

Floorball, Nordic walking, jogging, cycling, and skiing are some of the most popular leisure sports and pastimes (alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, and ski jumping). Floorball is the third most popular sport in terms of registered players, behind only football and ice hockey. Floorball is the most popular school, youth, club, and workplace sport in Finland, according to the Finnish Floorball Federation. The overall number of licensed players as of 2016 is 57,400.

Finland’s national basketball squad has gained significant public interest, particularly after the 2014 Basketball World Cup. Over 8,000 Finns traveled to Spain to cheer on their squad. They hired more than 40 aircraft in all.

Crime

Finland has a low crime rate and is, in general, a relatively safe location to visit. While shopping, parents often leave their sleeping infants in a baby carriage on the street, while in the countryside, vehicles and home doors are frequently left unlocked.

Use caution at night, especially on Friday and Saturday, when Finland’s young go to the streets to get drunk and, in some tragic instances, seek for trouble.

Racism is usually not a significant issue for visitors, particularly in cosmopolitan large cities, although certain intoxicated individuals seeking for trouble may be more inclined to target foreign-looking people. If you match that description, avoiding fights with intoxicated gangs may be more essential. Prior to the 1990s, immigration to Finland was relatively restricted, and not everyone was used to globalization.

Pickpockets used to be uncommon, but that has changed, particularly during the bustling tourist season in the summer, when organized pickpockets come from Eastern Europe. Never leave your phone, laptop, tablet, keys, or wallet unattended at a restaurant. In Helsinki, criminals have begun targeting hotel breakfast buffets, where customers often leave valuables unsecured for a few minutes. Regardless, most Finns keep their wallets in their pockets or handbags and feel quite secure doing so.

Bicycle thieves abound; never leave your bike unsecured for even a minute.

If anything happens, don’t be afraid to call the police. The Finnish police force is similar to police forces across Western Europe in terms of public trust, respect, and lack of corruption.

If a police officer approaches you, being cool and courteous will assist keep the issue on the table for conversation. They have the authority to verify your identification and your eligibility to remain in the nation. They may ask odd questions like where you’re from, where you’re going next, where you live, or whether you’ve seen, met, or know anybody. If you believe that an inquiry may jeopardize your privacy, please express your concerns respectfully. Finnish police have broad arrest and search powers, although they are unlikely to misuse them. If the situation worsens, they will most likely arrest you, using force if necessary.

Whatever happens, keep in mind that Finland is one of the least corrupt nations in the world. Bribes will be greeted with surprise, if not outright hostility. Payment on the spot is never anticipated or even feasible if you are penalized. A “cop” asking for money is a dead giveaway that they aren’t genuine cops. Request that the police officer display his badge; here is an example of a real badge. The border guard and customs officers, in addition to the police, have police powers; the border guard operates on behalf of the police in certain sparsely inhabited border regions.

Customs and police are tough when it comes to narcotics, especially cannabis. In ports and airports, sniffer dogs are employed, and a positive marking invariably results in a thorough search. Cannabis usage is not well accepted by the general public.

Although there have been stories in recent news coverage regarding different civic organizations patrolling the streets, this phenomena is relatively minor. Aside from the police, no street patrols have any official authority, and the police will not allow any effort to take authorities. There are no street gangs or paramilitaries, on the other hand.

Prostitution is not against the law. Pimping, on the other hand, is unlawful, as is utilizing the services of a prostitute who is a victim of human trafficking.

Nature

In Finland, there are few severe health hazards. The cold will be your main adversary, particularly in the winter and at sea.

Because Finland is a sparsely populated nation, it is essential that you register your trip intentions with someone who can notify emergency authorities if you do not return. If you go into danger, always have your phone nearby. Dress warmly in layers and carry a good pair of sunglasses to avoid snow blindness, particularly if you intend to spend the day outside. When hiking in the woods, always carry a map, a compass, and ideally a GPS. Take additional care in Lapland, where getting to a home or road may take several days. Weather may change quickly, and even if the sun is shining today, you might be dealing with a medium-sized snowstorm (no joke!) an hour or two later. Although weather forecasts are usually of high quality, there are certain cases when the weather is difficult to anticipate, particularly in areas with fells or islands. Also, keep in mind that many predictions only show daytime temperatures, while it is frequently 10–15°C (20–30°F) cooler at night and in the early morning.

If you’re out on the lakes or the sea, bear in mind that wind and water will chill you quicker than cold air, and being dry means staying warm. A person who falls into near-freezing water must be rescued immediately, and even in the summer, water will rapidly chill you down. Safety in tiny boats: Avoid drinking alcohol, always wear a life jacket, and if your boat capsizes, keep your clothing on to remain warm and cling to the boat (small boats are made to be unsinkable).

Given the size of the Finnish population, a shockingly large number of people drown each summer in the lakes. According to a yearly public awareness campaign (partially Finnish dark comedy, partly reality), the archetypal accident involves an inebriated amateur fisherman capsizes his boat while standing up to urinate. Other dangers include attempting to swim too far across the river or colliding with an under-water boulder or submerged log.

Lakes and the sea freeze over in the winter. Walking, skating, or even driving a vehicle on the ice is usual, but deadly incidents are not unheard of, so seek and follow local counsel. If the ice breaks, it will be difficult to get out of the water since the ice would be slippery. Ice picks are offered as a piece of safety equipment (a pair of steel needles with bright plastic grips, connected with a safety line). Stay cool, call for assistance, break the ice in the direction you came from, get up, crawl away, and get inside as soon as possible. Someone with a rope, a long staff, or any other such improvised assistance may be required (no use having both of you in the water).

Wasps (ampiainen), bees (mehiläinen), and bumblebees are the only toxic insects in Finland (kimalainen). Their stings may be unpleasant, but they are rarely harmful unless you get several stings or a sting near the trachea (do not attract a wasp onto your sandwich!). Alternatively, if you are severely allergic to it.

In Finland, there is just one species of venomous snake: the European adder (Finnish: kyy or kyykäärme), which has a characteristic zig-zag pattern on its back, but some are nearly entirely black. The snake may be found across Finland, from the south to the north in Lapland. Although their bites are seldom deadly (save for young children and allergic people), one should use caution in the summer, particularly when strolling in the woods or on open fields in the countryside. Snakes will generally flee if you make the earth vibrate; they only attack humans if they are scared. If you are bitten by a snake, get medical attention immediately. It is recommended that you get a kyypakkaus if you want to travel in nature during the summer (“Adder pack”, a medicine set which contains a couple of hydrocortisone pills). It is available at any Finnish drugstore. It is used to alleviate some of the symptoms of an adder bite, but you should still visit a doctor as soon as possible. The kyypakkaus may also be used to treat bee sting pain, swelling, and other allergic responses. If you find an ant nest, the ants have most likely eaten all of the snakes in the area.

In terms of other hazardous animals, although brown bears (karhu), wolves (susi), and other large carnivores are found across Finland, they are classified as endangered species and generally avoid people whenever possible. If you see one, consider yourself fortunate. Talking with your companions while in the woods should be enough to keep you from coming in the way of a bear and her cubs. If you happen to spot a bear, back off slowly. Contrary to common perception elsewhere, there are no polar bears in Finland, much alone polar bears roaming through the cities.

In case of emergency

112 is the national phone number for all emergency services, including police, and it does not need an area code, regardless of phone type. The number works on any mobile phone, keylocked or unlocked, with or without a SIM card. If your smartphone prompts you for a PIN code, just enter 112 – most phones will offer you the option to call the number (or call without asking).

Call the national Toxin Information Office at (09) 471 977 if you have any questions regarding poisons or toxins (from mushrooms, plants, medication, or other substances).

In sparsely inhabited regions, the time it takes for assistance to come may be fairly lengthy (about an hour, longer in severe locations), therefore it’s a good idea to have basic first-aid supplies on hand while visiting cottages or the woods. Finns often have a “adder kit” (kyypakkaus, 50 mg hydrocortisone) at their cottages, but this is insufficient even for bee or wasp stings: for an adder bite, contact 112 immediately.

In Finland, you’re unlikely to experience stomach problems since tap water is always drinkable (and usually very delicious), and restaurant cleanliness standards are high. If you have any allergies, many restaurants will include the most common substances that individuals are sensitive to on their menu. Examples: (L) Means lactose-free, (VL) = low lactose, (G) = gluten-free; if in doubt, ask the waiter or restaurant staff.

Medication is exclusively sold at pharmacies, not in general stores (other than by special arrangements in many remote areas). Any non-essential medicine needs a prescription (stricter criteria than in many other countries).

Although Finland is home to a variety of venomous insects, you are unlikely to meet them if you remain in large city centers. Mosquitoes (hyttynen), which swarm throughout Finland (particularly Lapland) in the summer, are a major annoyance. While they do not transmit malaria or other illnesses, several species of Finnish mosquitos produce a unique (and very annoying) whining sound while pursuing their meal, and their bites are extremely itchy. Mosquitoes, as usual, are most active around dawn and sunset — which, in the Land of the Midnight Sun, may mean much of the night in summer. Mosquito repellents come in a variety of formulations and may be purchased at virtually any store. Another summer annoyance are gadflies (paarma, which are prevalent where cattle are present), whose bites may leave a mark that lasts for days, if not a month. Deer keds (hirvikärpänen), a more recent addition to Finnish summers, may be especially bothersome if they manage to lose their wings and burrow into hair (although they rarely bite and humans are not their intended targets; they are mainly encountered in forests). Use repellent, make sure your tent has adequate mosquito netting, and consider prophylaxis with cetirizine (brand names include Zyrtec, Heinix, and Cetirizin Ratiopharm), an anti-allergen that will neutralize your response to any bites if taken in advance! As an over-the-counter medicine, topical anti-allergen gels and lotions are also available. Deer keds may be removed using a flea comb.

Ticks (punkki) may spread Lyme’s disease (borreliosis) and viral encephalitis (TBE) via a bite in southern Finland, particularly land, the Lappeenranta-Parikkala-Imatra-axis, and places near Turku’s shore. Although these occurrences are uncommon, and not all ticks transmit the illness, it is best to wear pants rather than shorts if you want to go through thick and/or tall grass regions (the usual habitat for ticks). If you are bitten by a tick, you may obtain special tick tweezers at the pharmacy (punkkipihdit) to securely remove it. To minimize the risk of illness, remove the tick from your skin as quickly as possible, ideally without crushing it. If the tick bite begins to develop red rings on the skin surrounding it, or if you have other tick-related symptoms, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.

Finnish healthcare is mostly public, with municipal, central, or university hospitals providing critical care, advanced care, and emergency treatment. Terveyskeskus, a municipal mostly outpatient clinic, (keskus)sairaala, a (central) hospital with surgery, and yliopistollinen keskussairaala, a university hospital, are the most relevant to travelers. With their European Health Insurance Card, EU/EEA and Swiss nationals may access emergency and health services, resulting in minimal payments for public healthcare in most instances (visiting a doctor typically €15–30, children free, day surgery €100; certain associated expenditures can be reimbursed). Other foreigners are also receiving critically needed care, but they may be required to pay the whole cost. Students have access to basic health care via student unions as part of their student union membership. There are also private clinics (lääkäriasema or lääkärikeskus), which can frequently arrange appointments with less waiting but charge higher costs (residents usually get reimbursements). If you are not a resident of the EU/EEA, the price difference may be less substantial; check with your insurance provider. If advanced treatments are required, the clinics may be forced to send the patient to a public hospital.