Finland
Between a thousand lakes, ancient forests, and magical northern lights: your guide to Finland.
Our Guide to Finland
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Flair
Quiet, close to nature, and surprisingly modern.
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Best time to go
June through August for lakes and light; January through March for winter sports and the Northern Lights.
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Trip length
One to two weeks covers nature highlights and Helsinki comfortably.
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Currency
Euro — card payment is the absolute norm here, even at small stalls.
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Tipping
Not expected. Service is included in the price, so no need to tip.
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Getting around
Rent a car for Lapland — it's the only real option. Trains work well between cities.
Orientation
Where is Finland located?
Finland is one of the northernmost countries in the world — a full third of the country lies north of the Arctic Circle.
It shares its longest border with Russia to the east, borders Norway to the north, and Sweden to the northwest.
Everywhere else, Finland meets the sea: the west and south face the Baltic Sea, and the south also borders the Gulf of Finland.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to travel to Finland?
Finland has a reputation as a cold country — but that really only applies to certain parts. The north is indeed cool even in summer, though often beautifully sunny. The south, including Helsinki, can get genuinely warm, with temperatures around 28°C (82°F) and plenty of swimming in the inland lakes.
For sightseeing and outdoor activities, the summer months — June, July, and August — are your best bet. June is especially good: the tourist crowds haven’t fully arrived yet, and the days are incredibly long.
If winter sports are your thing, January through March are absolutely worth considering. The further north you go, the colder it gets — in January, temperatures can plunge as low as -40°C (-40°F).
How do I get to Finland?
Flying is by far the fastest and most practical option. Helsinki is well connected from major European cities — flight times are typically two to three hours. Finnair and EasyJet both run regular routes.
If you’d rather not fly, you can reach Finland overland through Poland, the Baltic states, and Russia — though that’s well over 3,000 km. A much more scenic option is the ferry from Tallinn or from Sweden.
How big is Finland?
Finland covers an area of 338,448 km² — roughly the size of Germany. It’s a big country, so plan your trip carefully if you want to cover more than one region.
How many people live in Finland?
Despite its size, Finland is remarkably sparsely populated — just around 5.5 million people in a country the size of Germany. That works out to about 16 inhabitants per km², making it one of the least densely populated countries in Europe.
For travelers, that means wide-open spaces, quiet nature, and a real sense of having the wilderness to yourself.
What is the capital of Finland?
Finland’s capital is Helsinki — the northernmost capital of any EU member state. Around 656,000 people live there (as of 2020), making it by far the country’s largest city.
What language do they speak in Finland?
The main language is Finnish, with just under 6% of the population speaking Swedish as their native tongue. Helsinki is officially bilingual, so you’ll see street signs and public transport announcements in both Finnish and Swedish.
That said, English is spoken very widely across the country — you’ll have no trouble getting around as a traveler.
