Finland
Europe · Helsinki · FI
Finland is a country defined by water, forest, and an intimate relationship with the seasons. In summer, the Finnish Lakeland turns into a shimmering labyrinth of interconnected waterways, pine-covered islands, and wooden saunas where locals cool off by plunging directly into dark, clear lake water. Helsinki, the capital, spreads across a peninsula and offshore islands, its design-forward architecture and neoclassical Senate Square reflecting a culture that prizes functional beauty. In winter, the same landscape transforms under snow, and the northern Lapland region becomes a realm of reindeer, aurora borealis, and the tradition of the kota, a tent-like shelter where stories are shared over open fires. Finnish cuisine has moved far beyond its conservative reputation, with foraged ingredients, wild game, and modern restaurants transforming local staples like rye, berries, and freshwater fish into refined dishes. The Finnish sauna tradition, with over three million saunas serving a population of five and a half million, is perhaps the most authentic window into the national character.
Overview
Finland is a country in Europe. Its capital is Helsinki and the international dialling code is +358. Languages commonly used in everyday life here include Finnish and Swedish. Local currency is the Euro (EUR). Our guide covers 1 airport, including Helsinki Airport. We also list 1 city in Finland: Helsinki.
Getting around Finland
Finland is large and sparsely populated, so planning matters. VR trains link Helsinki with Tampere, Turku and Oulu and run overnight sleeper trains to Lapland (Rovaniemi, Kemijärvi) in winter. Within Helsinki, the metro, trams and buses are punctual and easy to use, and the airport is 30 minutes by train from the centre.
In Lapland, distances are huge and public transport is limited — a rental car or guided tours are the practical options, and winter driving with studded tyres is the norm. A short ferry ride connects Helsinki with Tallinn (Estonia), and longer sailings reach Stockholm.
When to visit Finland
The midnight sun lights up Lapland above the Arctic Circle from late May to mid-July. Winter (December–March) is the season for Santa Claus Village, reindeer sleighs, huskies and northern-light hunting around Rovaniemi and Saariselkä. Spring and late autumn fall into a quieter, shoulder season.
The best time for the aurora in northern Finland is roughly September to March, on clear dark nights. Summer is mild in the south with lakes in the Lakeland region (Kuopio, Jyväskylä) perfect for boating and swimming.
Eating and drinking
Finnish food is built on forests, lakes and the sea: smoked salmon, salmon soup (lohikeitto), rye bread, bilberries, mushrooms and fish dishes. The classic combo is a plate of poronkäristys (reindeer stew) with mashed potatoes and lingonberries in Lapland.
Finns are proud of their coffee culture — they drink more per person than almost anywhere in the world — and the sauna is a national ritual, often followed by a swim or a jump in the lake. Tipping is not expected; leaving a small amount for excellent service is appreciated but optional.
Money and local customs
Finland uses the euro. Cards and contactless payment work almost everywhere, and cash is rarely needed; some places are cash-free entirely.
Finnish manners are based on trust and quiet efficiency: shaking hands, making eye contact and giving people personal space matter. It is normal to wait for the green man before crossing, and it is appreciated to remove shoes indoors when visiting someone's home. Never start a conversation about the sauna asking exactly how hot it is inside a private one — practice tolerance and quiet.
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- Capital
- Helsinki
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)
- Languages
- Finnish, Swedish
- Calling code
- +358
- Internet TLD
- fi
Entry requirements
Check who can enter →See which passports travel visa-free or need a visa to enter Finland.
Which nationalities can enter Finland?
Current visa status for tourism for the origins we cover, with links to the detailed requirements.
Airports (1)
All airports →Cities (1)
All cities →Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to visit Finland?
For the origins we track, travellers from Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina and Australia currently enter Finland visa-free for tourism. Entry rules depend on your passport and the purpose of your trip, so check the current requirements for your own nationality with our entry requirements tool.
What is the capital of Finland?
Helsinki is the capital of Finland, and the country sits in Europe.
What currency is used in Finland?
You pay with Euro (EUR) in Finland. Exchange rates move day to day, so check the current rate before you change money or use your card abroad.
Which languages do people speak in Finland?
The languages we list for Finland are Finnish and Swedish. A couple of greetings in the local language go a long way when you travel, even in cities where another language is widely used.
What is the international dialling code for Finland?
The dialling code for Finland is +358 — keep the plus sign when you save the number.
Which airports serve Finland?
Helsinki Airport (HEL) in Helsinki is the airport we cover for Finland.
Which cities in Finland do you cover?
Our guide lists 1 city for Finland: Helsinki (capital).