Things to Know Before Visiting Finland – Tips From a Local

Are you thinking about visiting Finland?

It’s my home country, and I would say it’s a great travel destination and definitely worth visiting.

But I know, many travelers don’t know anything about this Nordic country and it might never have crossed your mind to travel to Finland.

I am therefore very excited to share some information about my country and hope you will decide to visit Finland someday!

Things to Know About Finland Before Visiting

  

1. Finland Is a Recently Urbanized Country

Ok, let’s be honest here. Us Finnish people were “forest people” for a long time.

It means that urbanization started relatively late here, around the 1960s. Before that, most people lived in the countryside and/or in relatively small villages and got their livelihood from agriculture. We did have some factories, but no big cities really.

Finland is a small country when it comes to population size. We are only about 5.6 million people. Helsinki, the capital, has around 640,000 inhabitants, and in the greater metropolitan area, there are 1.3 million.

The urbanized culture is still relatively young, but, in today’s world, innovation spreads from one country to another rapidly and Finland is no exception.

Nowadays Helsinki is like any other cool capital in the world, and the other bigger cities in Finland, such as Turku, Tampere, and Oulu, are all modern and vibrant cities.

As a matter of fact, I think Helsinki is one of the coolest places on earth. Yes, I love big cities but Helsinki has a bit of everything without the megacity problems, such as congestion, bad air quality, etc.

One of my favorite things to do in Helsinki is to visit the different cafes the city has to offer, to enjoy a quality cappuccino and read magazines.

Fun fact: The Finns are the world’s biggest coffee drinkers, drinking twice as much as the Italians and three times as much as the Americans!

Also Read: Interview With an Expat About Moving to & Living in Helsinki

2. The Finnish Personality

A thing to know when visiting Finland is that when you first arrive, people might seem a bit reserved.

Finnish people are polite but not majorly interested in endless chit-chat and in talking to strangers. We aren’t very gregarious, but once you get to know us, you have a loyal friend who you can count on.

We have this old proverb actually: “a Finnish guy doesn’t talk nor kiss”. Well, luckily they do, nowadays, but the old folks or those living in the countryside might still be a bit reserved or blunt when trying to communicate.

In addition, Finnish people are quite modest (in both good and bad ways).

It’s not part of our national heritage to brag about our achievements. It can be really awkward to a Finn if you are just praising them and commenting on what a marvelous job they have done.

Sometimes we really should be more proud of our achievements. Perhaps the younger generation is getting better at this.

3. Education & Language

The Finnish education system is one of the best in the world.

And what’s even better, education is free! No tuition fees. This way, it doesn’t matter what your family background is. You can still go to university and get a good degree.

English is widely spoken, especially in the bigger cities, so you will be able to travel around without any real language issues.

And by the way, Finland is officially bilingual.

While most people speak Finnish as their native tongue, the Swedish population makes up about 5,5% of Finland. The latter are mostly bilingual whereas not all Finnish people speak Swedish well, even though it’s mandatory to study Swedish at primary school.

4. The Weather in Finland

Yes, this is a bit problematic for any trip to Finland. You never really know what the weather is going to be like in Finland.

I mean, the summer can be quite nice, 20-27 degrees Celsius (68-80 Fahrenheit) or a crappy 18 degrees (64 Fahrenheit).

You can have horrible blizzards in winter but nowadays, in the Southern part, the weather can be quite mild as well.

So, whenever you visit Finland, remember to take all kinds of clothing with you. Unless you are visiting Lapland in winter. Then it’s going to be cold, guaranteed!

4.1. The Best Seasons to Visit Finland

Finland is one of those countries where your experience will completely change depending on the season, so it’s worth planning around what you want most.

• Summer (June–August): Think long days, warm weather (up to 25°C / 77°F), festivals, and the famous midnight sun up north. Great for hiking, boating, and enjoying Finland’s thousands of lakes. Downside? Mosquitoes in July.
• Autumn (September–October): Crisp air, fewer crowds, and the forests light up with autumn colors. A really underrated season if you ask me!
• Winter (November–March): Cold, snowy, magical. Perfect for skiing, husky rides, Northern Lights, and cozy sauna nights. In Lapland, temperatures can drop below –20°C (–4°F), so come prepared!
• Spring (April–May): The snow melts, the days get longer, and everything comes back to life. Not as dramatic as winter or summer, but peaceful and cheaper.

In short, if you want endless daylight, go in summer. If you want snow and Northern Lights, winter is your time.

5. Equality and the Nordic Welfare State

We don’t have major class differences here. Most people belong to the middle class and there are very few super-rich or very poor people.

We don’t have any gated communities and in general, you don’t have to worry about getting robbed in the middle of the night.

Our presidents are usually quite down to earth and they don’t like making a big fuss about themselves.

Our previous female president, for instance, Tarja Halonen, was seen at Stockmann department store during her presidency, buying the very plain undies, Sloggies. That is something you wouldn’t see a president do in many other countries!

6. Nature in Finland

Nature is very important to Finns, and we’re never too far from the nearest park or forest.

People go jogging, skiing and berry picking in the forest. Or they go there just to relax and “recharge the batteries” as we say in Finnish.

We have a law called “Every man’s right” which means that anyone can visit and camp in anyone’s forest as long as they don’t cause any harm or trouble and stay away from the dwellings.

7. Lapland – Finland’s Top Attraction

To Southerners, Lapland is often as exotic as it is to foreigners.

Some people visit Lapland regularly, to go snowboarding in winter or hiking and fishing in summer and autumn, but many Southerners have never been to Lapland.

The landscape in Lapland is completely different from the rest of Finland and we find reindeer as cute and exotic as you do!

Also read: Where, When and How to See the Northern Lights in Lapland

8. Saunas in Finland

Sauna is a big part of our national heritage. Almost all the detached houses have a sauna and it’s a ritual in many households to have a sauna night on Saturdays.

Which brings up the next topic; nudity. In general, Finns are not very prude when it comes to nudity though the traditions vary a bit.

If you are with your family or spouse, of course, you are naked in the sauna. If you are with friends, people might be naked or some might wear a bathing suit.

At public saunas or swimming pools, there are often separate saunas for ladies and gents but there are mixed ones as well (where you would wear a bathing suit).

But, whether it’s the sauna in your Airbnb, your hotel, or a public one, when you visit Finland you have to try a Finnish sauna at least once!

9. Drinking in Finland

Finns do drink quite a lot. The wine culture arrived here relatively late (remember the forest people reference), and people were drinking mainly beer and spirits earlier.

Notorious Finnish drinking habits were a horror in neighboring Tallinn, Estonia, but I think the situation has improved.

The new, urban generation has learned the continental drinking manners in which we sample different wines and have a bottle with a nice meal.

Unfortunately, we still have a state monopoly in Finland when it comes to liquor. You can only buy alcohol (over 5,5%) from a shop called Alko, which is our bottle shop.

And a tip: buy your bottles before 6PM on Saturdays since that is when they close and they don’t open on Sundays.

Most younger people, especially the ones in cities, can’t wait for the law to change one day so that we will finally be able to buy our wine at the grocery store.

On a positive note; tipping is not compulsory. Although of course it is always appreciated.

10. Finland is Expensive!

This is unfortunately true. Pretty much everything is expensive in Finland. Alcohol, food, gas, clothes, cars…

The expansive welfare state model needs to be financed, and that means that taxes on most things are high.

In general, salaries in Finland are also high so that makes up for it, but as a tourist you will find Finland an expensive destination.

Don’t let that put you off though. Finland is beautiful and a country and culture well worth exploring!

10.1 What Things Cost in Finland

Finland isn’t cheap, but if you know what to expect, it’s less of a shock.

• Accommodation: Hostels in Helsinki start around €30–50 for a dorm bed. A mid-range hotel is closer to €100–150 per night. In Lapland, unique stays like glass igloos can cost a small fortune, but they’re magical.
• Food: A casual restaurant meal is €12–25. Coffee is €3–5. A pint of beer is usually €6–8.
• Transport: A single city ticket is about €3, and daily passes are a good deal if you’re exploring. Long-distance trains vary, but expect €20–40 for shorter routes.
• Daily Budget: On the low end, budget travelers can get by on about €70–90 per day if staying in hostels and self-catering. Mid-range is more like €120–180+.

Pro tip: look out for “lounas” (lunch specials) in restaurants. They’re usually cheaper, hearty meals, and a very Finnish way to eat out.

11. How to Travel Around Finland

Finland is a big country with a small population, but the good news is that public transport is reliable and easy to use.

• Trains: Comfortable, clean, and punctual. VR (the national railway) connects all the major cities, and routes like Helsinki–Tampere or Helsinki–Turku are quick and convenient.
• Buses: Go pretty much everywhere, especially smaller towns where trains don’t.
• Flights: Useful if you’re heading up to Lapland. Helsinki to Rovaniemi takes about 1 hour, compared to a 9-hour train ride.
• Driving: Roads are in great condition, and driving is straightforward, but in winter you’ll need snow tires and nerves of steel if you’re not used to icy roads.
• Cities: In Helsinki and other big cities, public transport is excellent. The HSL app in Helsinki makes buying tram, bus, metro, and ferry tickets super easy. Cycling is also popular in summer.

You don’t need a car unless you want to explore remote nature or Lapland at your own pace.

12. Health and Safety Tips

Finland is one of the safest countries in the world, but there are still a few practical things to know:

• Winter safety: Sidewalks can be icy and slippery. Good shoes with grip (or even clip-on spikes) make a huge difference.
• Wildlife: Be extra cautious of moose and reindeer when driving, especially in Lapland. Collisions happen.
• Mosquitoes: In summer, especially near lakes and forests, they can be relentless. Bring repellent.
• Healthcare: The emergency number is 112. Pharmacies (“Apteekki”) are easy to find, and tap water is safe everywhere.
• General safety: Petty crime is very rare, and you can walk around cities at night without worry.

Honestly, the biggest danger is slipping on ice in winter or being eaten alive by mosquitoes in July.

13. Finland’s Highlights Not to Miss

Beyond the everyday things to know, there are a few experiences in Finland that are just too special to skip. These are the moments that will stay with you long after your trip.

• Northern Lights: Seeing the aurora dance across the sky in Lapland is truly magical. The best time is from late September to March, on clear, dark nights.
• Midnight Sun: If you come in summer, especially up north, prepare for surreal nights when the sun never sets. It’s perfect for late hikes, lake swims, or just enjoying the novelty of daylight at 2 a.m.
• Glass Igloos & Snow Hotels: Sleeping under the stars (and hopefully the aurora) in a glass igloo, or bundling up in an ice hotel, is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of stay. They’re pricey but unforgettable.
• Sauna + Ice Swimming: This is peak Finnish culture. Warm up in a traditional sauna, then take a dip in a freezing lake or even the sea. It sounds crazy, but afterward you’ll feel amazing.
• Reindeer & Husky Adventures: Whether it’s a sleigh ride in winter or meeting reindeer up close, these Lapland experiences connect you to the local culture in a unique way.
• Free Wilderness Huts: One of Finland’s best-kept secrets. Scattered around national parks and remote areas, these simple huts (“laavus” or “autiotuvat”) are free to use. Perfect for hikers, campers, and anyone wanting a taste of true Finnish nature life.

These highlights show off what makes Finland different from anywhere else in the world: raw nature, quirky traditions, and unforgettable bucket-list experiences.

Practical Things to Know About Finland

Currency: Euro (use xe.com to convert currencies)
Time zone: UTC+2 (UTC+3 in summer)
Calling code: +358
Capital & largest city: Helsinki
Plugs: Types C and F (C = two round pins, F = two round pins with two earth clips on the side)

Visa and Entry Requirements: Finland is part of the Schengen Area, so most visitors from the EU, U.S., Canada, Australia, and many other countries can stay up to 90 days without a visa. Just know that border officials might ask for proof of accommodation, a return ticket, or funds, so it’s good to have those ready. If in doubt, always double-check the official Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs website before you travel.

One last fun fact: Finland is lovingly called the ‘Land of a Thousand Lakes’. But actually, there are many more lakes than that. There are 187,888 lakes, to be exact, and 179,584 islands within the territory of Finland!

I hope you will enjoy visiting my country, and I hope these things to know about Finland helped you understand the country a bit better.

Have a great trip!

Also Read:

• 10 Tips on How to Find the Cheapest Flights
• Best Places to See the Northern Lights in Lapland
• Interview With an Expat: Living in Helsinki
• A Practical Travel Guide for Visiting Vaasa, Finland