Below you can find my latest posts about my experiences of plus-size travel in Finland! Plus scroll down for practical information on travelling to Finland, including entry requirements, luggage storage, how to use the public transport, and more.
Latest Posts
Finland Travel Advice
Practical information to plan your trip
Entry Requirements
If you are an EU or UK national and own a valid passport, you are able to stay in Finland for up to 90 days.
Coronavirus
Passengers arriving in Finland currently do not need to show proof of COVID vaccination, a negative COVID test, or a certificate of recovery from COVID.
VISA
All non-EU citizens that intend to travel to Finland need to apply for a VISA. You can read more information on the requirements and whether you need to apply for one here.
ETIAS Waiver
From Mid-2025, visitors that do not need a visa to enter Europe will need to register with ETIAS. ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) will become a mandatory entry requirement.
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
If you’re entering the EU as a UK resident, you can apply for an EHIC. It is completely free, and entitles you to essential medical care during a temporary stay in Europe.
Read more about it, check your eligibility, and apply for an EHIC here.
Finland Weather
These are the average highs and lows of the temperature in Finland throughout the year:
| City | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Helsinki | -7° / -2° | -8° / -2° | -5° / 2° | 0° / 8° | 5° / 14° | 10° / 18° |
| Tampere | -10° / -4° | -10° / -3° | -7° / 1° | -1° / 8° | 4° / 15° | 9° / 19° |
| Rovaniemi | -14° / -8° | -13° / -7° | -9° / -2° | -3° / 4° | 3° / 11° | 9° / 16° |
| City | Jul | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Helsinki | 13° / 21° | 11° / 19° | 7° / 14° | 3° / 9° | -1° / 4° | -5° / 0° |
| Tampere | 12° / 21° | 10° / 19° | 6° / 14° | 2° / 7° | -3° / 2° | -7° / -2° |
| Rovaniemi | 12° / 19° | 9° / 16° | 5° / 11° | -1° / 3° | -7° / -2° | -12° / -6° |
When to visit
The best time to visit Finland is in the Summer, between the months of June – August. The daylight hours are longer and the temperatures are warm, but if you’re looking to see the Northern Lights, then it’s better to visit in the Winter months of December – March.
Getting around in Finland
Children under 7 travel for free.
The Helsinki Card gives you free entry to top attractions in the city, including museums, exhibitions and zoos, as well as access to multiple sightseeing tours. It also gives you unlimited travel across all transport networks in Helsinki, including buses, trams, local trains and the metro, as well as the Suomenlinna Ferry.
Available for 24, 48, or 72 hour time frames, you can only purchase the Helsinki card online, at helsinkicard.com. The cost is €48 for adults and €24 for kids (ages 7-16) for 24 hours, €58/€29 for 48 hours, and €66/€33 for 72 hours.
Alternatively, the most convenient thing to do when visiting Helsinki is purchase a day ticket from a ticket machine. They are valid for buses, trams, trains, the metro and the Suomenlinna Ferry, and cost €9 for one day, €13.50 for two, €18 for three, or €22.50 for four. You can purchase a day ticket for up to 13 days at a time, which costs €63.
You need to present the ticket to a card reader when you first start your journey, and then the ticket will be valid from that time. After that, you only need to show the ticket on buses and if a ticket inspector asks to see it.
Lastly, you can download the HSL app and buy single and day tickets on there with your debit/credit card. You can set the validity of a day ticket to start immediately or within 24 hours.
Trains
Trains in Finland are run by Valtion Rautatiet (VR). The best place to buy a train ticket is on their website, and the sooner the better, as tickets are generally cheaper the earlier you buy them.
Trains connect most places in Southern Finland, but in Northern Finland, they only cover the main cities, including Kolari, Rovaniemi and Kemijärvi.
From Helsinki Airport to Helsinki City Center, you can take either the I or P train which will get you there in under 30 minutes. A single ticket costs under €5 and you need to purchase one for the ABC zone.
Buses
There are plenty of buses in Finland and the long-distance network is well connected. Enter the bus from the front door, validate your single ticket at the card reader (or your day ticket if it’s your first journey on it) or purchase one from the driver. You can pay with cash or card, but if you’re paying with cash, you’ll need to pay the exact fare as the driver will not give change.
Metros
The Copenhagen metro has four lines and runs 24/7, meaning it’s very convenient to travel by metro throughout the city. You can find the map on the official website.
Boats
A ferry runs a round trip from Helsinki to Suomenlinna a few times an hour and takes around 15 minutes. A single round trip costs €9 for adults and €2.50 for children (6-16 years). You can board the ferry at the Kauppatori ferry terminal next to the Market Square.
Taxis
While expensive, Finnish taxis are generally reliable, clean and safe. Drivers are not known to overcharge or scam travellers. Menevä taxis offer transport all over Finland and can be booked via their app, on the website, or by phone.
You can expect a taxi ride between Helsinki airport and the city centre to cost around €50.
Bikes
There are plenty of bicycle rental companies in Finland, including Bicyclean Helsinki, City Bikes, and Carfield.
Further practical information for travelling in Finland
What language is mainly spoken in Finland?
Finnish is the official language of Finland, and around 70% of people speak English.
What is the main currency of Finland?
The currency of Finland is the Euro (€).
What is the emergency number in Finland?
If you need emergency services in Finland, you can dial 112 and ask for an ambulance, the fire service, the police and other services such as the coastguard.
What kind of plug adapter do I need in Finland?
You will need a Type C or F 2-pin system adapter for plugs in Finland. Finland operates on a 230V supply voltage & 50Hz.
Is the tap water safe to drink in Finland?
Yes, the tap water is perfectly safe to drink in Finland.
Are public toilets free in Finland?
Generally, public toilets cost between €0.50-€1 to use, so it’s worth carrying around a little pocket change in case you cannot pay by card.
Is there free public wi-fi in Finland?
There are lots of free wi-fi spots in Finland, including on some public transport. Look for it in places like museums, parks, cafes and other public locations.
Is tipping expected in Finland?
When tipping serving staff, it’s normal to round up the bill 5-15% to a convenient number, for example €27 to €30, but it’s not expected.
What is the drinking age in Finland?
The official drinking age in Finland is 18 years old.
Are there are venomous or dangerous animals in Finland?
There is some dangerous wildlife in Finland, including the European Adder, and bigger animals such as wolves, moose and brown bears. Always research the area you’re travelling to, to see if there’s anything there that might pose a threat to you.
Updated 14/06/2024
Looking to book a hotel in Finland? Use Booking.com to browse hundreds of hotels in the area you want to stay, using filters like price range, star rating, facilities and much more to find your ideal room. By signing up to their free loyalty program, the more you travel, the more you save, with exclusive discounts, free breakfasts, free room upgrades and more.
Alternatively, Expedia and Hotels.com also offer hotels comparisons, with handy apps which offer exclusive discounts on thousands of hotels, and other rewards when you book.
Check out where else I’ve travelled in Scandinavia!