Welcome to Finland

The Finland you experience will depend on the season in which you visit. With that said, this Scandinavian gem is a four-season wonderland. Bundle up and heed the call of the wild in the Lapland in the winter months, glimpsing the Northern Lights, warming up in a wood-fired sauna, ice fishing, dog sledding or staying in a glittering ice hotel.

Come summer, long days provide endless hours of outdoor recreation, from kayaking to music festivals, hiking to art exhibitions. Take advantage of the Midnight Sun and visit some of the six national parks near Helsinki and explore the countless lakes of Lakeland. Try the Finnish triad of lake cottage, sauna and water activities.

Be sure to visit the country’s vibrant cities – Helsinki is the obvious choice for its lively university ambience, but Tampere and Turku are just as engaging. Visit historic Porvoo and the artistic Jarvenpaa-Tuusula area. The allure of Finland is neverending.

Unique Facts

• Finland is consistently ranked as the happiest country in the world.
• Heavy metal music is a fan favorite in Finland. Put tracks from Lordi, Nightwish, Apocalyptica, Ensiferum, HIM, Amorphis and Children of Bodom on your playlist before you arrive.
• Finns have “Everyman’s right,” or Jokamiehen Oikeus, meaning they can walk freely in nature, throughout the country, anywhere they want – all the better for foraging for mushrooms and berries.
• Helsinki’s tap water is the cleanest of all major cities in the world. Kilpisjarvi in Lapland boasts the cleanest air in Europe.
• There are more saunas than cars in Finland – more than one sauna for every other citizen.

Language

Finland’s official languages are Finnish and Swedish.

When To Go

For snow and winter activities, the best time to go to Finland is December through March. For sun and early summer activities, visit during April and May. For the longest, warmest days, visit June through August.

Airports

Helsinki-Vantaa Airport

Passport Validity

Passport must be valid at time of entry for six months beyond arrival date.

Visa Required By US Citizen?

None

Vaccinations

The CDC recommends the following vaccines for most travelers when visiting Finland: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and Rabies.

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: types C and F. Standard voltage: 230V. Frequency: 50Hz.

Currency

Official local currency: Euro

Getting Around

Finland has an extensive network of highways. Road signs use standard international symbols and Finnish text. Many urban streets have traffic lanes reserved for public transportation only.

Winter driving in Finland can be hazardous. Daylight hours are very short and drivers should be comfortable driving in darkness. Icy road conditions are common.

Especially at night, be aware of moose wandering onto major roadways.

Public transportation in Finland is of good quality and is the recommended method of travel. Passenger trains, intercity buses and air flights provide regular service over longer distances. Public transportation in urban centers includes buses, subways, trams, suburban trains and taxis.

Driver’s License

Valid US driver’s license is required.

US Embassy Info

U.S. Embassy Helsinki
Itäinen Puistotie 14B
00140 Helsinki
Finland
Telephone: +(358) 9-616-250
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(358) 9-616-250 and select 0
Fax: +(358) 9-174-681
HelsinkiACS@state.gov

Local Visitor Info

Tourist Information Booth
Central Railway Station
Kaivokatu 1
Helsinki

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

General Emergency: 112

Safety and Security

The crime rate is low in Finland. Violent crime is uncommon. Pickpocketing does occur occasionally. Do not leave personal possessions unattended in public.