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Finland, lake landscape and dense forests
Home › Destinations › Europe › Finland
Destination

Finland

approx. 3 hrs from Frankfurt
Jun–Aug / Dec–Feb
Nature · Winter · Calm
HelsinkiRovaniemi
No visa
Entry (DE passport)
Jun–Aug
Best time
GMT+2/+3
Time zone
EUR
Currency
Country Guide

Why a trip to Finland is worth it

Finland is a country of contrasts: bright, short summers with endless daylight and tens of thousands of lakes stand in stark contrast to dark, snowy winters, when with a bit of luck the northern lights dance across the sky. Around 75% of the country is covered in forest, making Finland one of the most nature-immersed destinations in Europe.

Alongside the calm, modern capital Helsinki, it's Lapland in the north that draws visitors with unique winter experiences like snowmobile tours, husky sledding and the Aurora Borealis. Finnish sauna culture — there are famously more saunas than cars in the country — is a genuine part of everyday life and easily accessible to travelers.

Good to know
Over 180,000 lakes and vast, untouched forest areas invite nature and outdoor adventures
In the north (Lapland), good chances of spotting the northern lights from September to March
World-famous sauna culture is deeply woven into daily life and accessible to visitors everywhere
Midnight sun in the north during summer, very long, bright days across the whole country
Considered one of the safest and cleanest countries in the world, with a high quality of life
Interactive Map

Our Stops on the Map

Highlights

My stops in Finland

You'll find accommodations, beaches, food and activities directly on each place's detail page.

Helsinki, Finland
South coast, capital
Helsinki

Finland's capital combines modern architecture, design and a calm, pleasant atmosphere right on the water — with exciting museums, cozy cafés and the charm of especially atmospheric winter evenings.

Oodi Central Library with striking modern architectureSuomenlinna fortress island and the harbor market squareCozy cafés like Cafe Regatta with an open fire
Learn more →
Rovaniemi, Finland
Lapland
Rovaniemi

The gateway to Lapland, sitting right on the Arctic Circle — the starting point for northern lights tours, husky sledding and snowmobile trips, plus the Santa Claus Village.

Located directly on the Arctic CircleGood chances of northern lights in winterStarting point for husky and snowmobile tours
Learn more →
Everything You Need to Know

Practical Info

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Getting there & transport

Direct flights from several German airports to Helsinki, and during winter season also direct connections to Rovaniemi in Lapland. Within the country, trains (VR) connect the larger cities well; for the far north, domestic flights or night trains are convenient.

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Accommodation

Everything from hostels to design hotels in Helsinki to glass igloos in Lapland. Accommodation with northern lights views or a private sauna is especially in demand in Lapland and should be booked early.

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Food & drink

Fish (salmon in particular), berries, game and reindeer meat define Finnish cuisine. Restaurant prices are above the western European average, while grocery shopping is significantly cheaper. Tap water is excellent quality and safe to drink.

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Packing list

In winter, a layered system of thermal underwear, a fleece sweater and a windproof, waterproof outer layer is essential, along with warm winter boots, gloves and a hat. In summer, light clothing and a rain jacket are enough, plus mosquito repellent for the bright nights.

For northern lights viewing, a camera with manual settings and a tripod are worth bringing. A power bank is helpful in the cold, since batteries drain faster. An adapter isn't needed for travelers from Germany, since Finland uses the same outlets (Type C/F).

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Drone rules

EU-wide drone regulations apply in Finland, and registration with Traficom, the Finnish aviation authority, is required for most drones over 250 grams. Flying is prohibited near airports and over military areas.

In Lapland, many national parks and nature reserves have additional restrictions, which are best checked directly with the relevant park beforehand. Batteries lose power noticeably faster in the cold, which should be factored into flight planning during winter.

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Health & safety

No mandatory vaccinations required, and medical care is of a very high standard. In winter, make sure to dress appropriately against the cold. Finland ranks among the safest countries in the world.

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Culture & etiquette

Finns are known for being reserved and direct, and small talk is less common than in more southern countries. Punctuality is valued. The sauna is a regular, unfussy part of daily life, often shared with colleagues or used in mixed public saunas.