Although my visit lasted only a few days, Finland and I really vibed.
I respected the Finns’ appreciation of fine fresh foods, I adored the quaint red wooden buildings set into thick green forests, and I found the breezy summer days to be so pleasantly cool (for those of us who yearn to escape humidity).
My trip to the south of Finland was during the midsummer months, but I’ve heard that it can be equally as wonderful to visit during winter or the shoulder seasons. Nestled in the northernmost corner of Europe, Finland offers travellers a wide range of attractions from historic architecture to stunning forest-covered islands to viewing the mystical northern lights.
Before you embark on your journey to this enchanting Nordic destination, here are some essential things you need to know to make the most of your visit!
Quick summary:
Finland is an easy country to visit, with excellent public transport, widespread English, and no tipping culture. Payment cards are accepted almost everywhere. Travel experiences vary by season, from the Midnight Sun in summer to snowy winters and northern lights between September and March.
Recommended tours & experiences:
🎅 Santa Claus Village Tour from Rovaniemi – Visit Santa Claus Village, cross the Arctic Circle, and explore Lapland without hiring a car.
🌌 Rovaniemi Northern Lights Group Tour – Chase the aurora with local experts, flexible routing, photos included, or money back.
🔥 Helsinki Löyly Sauna Entry Ticket – Experience a traditional Finnish sauna and sea swim at Helsinki’s iconic Löyly complex.
1. The seasons will affect your trip
Finland experiences distinct seasons, each offering a different charm. I visited in the summer for mild and pleasant temperatures, which is also during the “Midnight Sun” season (late May to mid-July) when the sun hardly sets in the northern parts of Finland.
🎅 Winter visits to Finland will instead feature snowy streets and will offer opportunities for skiing or even reindeer sleigh rides – you can even travel to Lapland to see Santa Claus Village in the Arctic Circle!
2. You don’t need to learn Finnish
Many Finns speak English fluently, especially in urban areas, so learning Finnish phrases isn’t necessary (though you may find that trying out the local lingo is a fun way of enhancing your travel experience!).
3. You probably won’t need to drive
If you’re planning on hanging out in one of Finland’s cities, you should find it relatively easy to get around via public transport. Finland boasts efficient and reliable trains, trams, and buses which are well-connected and punctual, making it easy to get around without a car.
Alternatively, guided escapades to Finland (handcrafted for the discerning adventurer) might make getting around even easier as some transport and activities are included in group tours.
4. Tipping is unnecessary
Unlike in many other countries, tipping is not a common practice in Finland. Service charges are generally included in bills, and it’s not expected to leave an additional tip. This can be difficult to comprehend if you live in a country that does practice tipping (like USA), but just remember that the staff are actually getting paid a decent wage, so they don’t need to rely on tips for their income.
5. It’s a cashless society
Finland uses the Euro (EUR) as currency, but as one of the most cashless societies globally, credit and debit cards are widely accepted even for small transactions. It’s likely that you’ll only need to carry cards rather than cash during your trip to Finland.
6. You’ll have to escape the city for the northern lights
Many people visit Finland to see the famed northern lights, but it’s essential to get out of the capital if you want to witness the aurora. This bucket-list experience is only possible if you visit Finland between September and March.
Head north to Lapland — Rovaniemi is the most popular base — for the best chances of seeing the lights. Even then, sightings aren’t guaranteed, as weather, cloud cover and solar activity all play a role.
🌌 Joining a Rovaniemi guided northern lights tour can significantly improve your odds, with local experts using real-time weather and aurora data to find clear skies — and some tours even offer a guaranteed view or your money back.
7. A sauna visit is essential
You haven’t properly experienced Finland if you miss out on sauna culture. Saunas are an integral part of daily life, and you’ll find them everywhere from private homes to public waterfront complexes.
🔥 In Helsinki, Löyly Sauna is one of the most popular places for visitors to experience a traditional Finnish sauna, with wood-burning saunas and the chance to cool off with a swim in the Baltic Sea. Swimwear is required, and towels and shower essentials are typically provided.
This is a social activity and it’s not unusual for visitors to join in with the locals. In many public saunas, swimwear rules vary — some are nude-only, while others require bathers — so always check signage or ask before entering.
8. The cuisine is worth a taste
Finnish foods may not be as well-known as some other European cuisines, but it has some unique delicacies. As a vegetarian I didn’t get to try all of the Finnish specialties, but you may be interested in trying the fish or reindeer and game meats. Potatoes, rye bread, and dairy products are also popular, and don’t forget to try the traditional Karelian pastry (karjalanpiirakka).
9. Pay attention to cultural etiquette
Finns are known for valuing their personal space and privacy. Don’t be surprised if you find people keeping a comfortable distance in public places. It’s essential to respect this cultural norm to avoid making anyone uncomfortable. Finns tend to be reserved, but are also friendly. Handshakes are the usual greeting.
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