Country Guide
Finland
Land of a Thousand Lakes, Saunas, and Northern Lights
Finland - Basic Information
Population
5.5 million
Capital
Helsinki
Currency
Euro (€)
Language
Finnish, Swedish
English friendly?
You'll have zero trouble communicating in English here. Finns learn it from a young age, and most people, especially anyone under 50, speak it fluently. Don't be surprised if a random reindeer herder in Lapland switches to perfect English mid-conversation.
Best time to visit
December-March for winter magic & northern lights, June-August for midnight sun & hiking
Timezone
EET (UTC+2) / EEST (UTC+3 in summer)
How to win a Finn's heart
- ♥Accept every sauna invitation - saying no is basically a declaration of war
- ♥Never show up to someone's home empty-handed. Coffee, pastries, or wine - pick your weapon
- ♥Respect personal space. The Finnish bus stop meme is real, and we're proud of it
- ♥Learn to appreciate silence. Comfortable silence is the highest form of Finnish friendship
- ♥Try salmiakki (salty liquorice) without making a face. Bonus points if you actually like it
- ♥Never, ever skip removing your shoes at the door. This is non-negotiable
Did you know?
Finland has over 3 million saunas for a population of 5.5 million, that's roughly one sauna for every two people. Sauna isn't just a bath here, it's where Finns make business deals, settle arguments, and sometimes even give birth.
Kiitos
Thank you
Sisu
Grit & resilience
Mökki
Summer cabin
Revontulet
- Northern lights
Meet Our Scouts in Finland
Joonas R.
✓Helsinki/Lapland
Outdoor enthusiast, living between Helsinki and Finnish Lapland. Co-founder of scouted4you.
Roosa K.
✓Helsinki/Ylläs
Enjoying life between Lapland and Helsinki. Co-founder of scouted4you.
Top Picks from Finland
Guides, things to do, and hidden gems hand-picked by our scouts
Rovaniemi
Best Hotels in Rovaniemi (2026)
Rovaniemi's stays range from design forest suites to ice and central comfort: the Arctic TreeHouse Hotel for aurora-from-bed luxury, the Arctic SnowHotel for an ice-room night, Santa's Igloos by Santa Claus Village, and Sokos Vaakuna or riverside Pohjanhovi in the centre.
Rovaniemi
Best Restaurants in Rovaniemi (2026)
Rovaniemi's dining centres on Arctic ingredients, reindeer, game, fish and forest berries: Nili for traditional Lapland fine dining, Gustav for relaxed upscale sharing plates, Roka for wholesome local bistro fare, Monte Rosa for variety, and riverside Valdemari for Finnish classics.
Rovaniemi
Best Northern Lights Spots in Rovaniemi (2026)
Rovaniemi sits just below the Arctic Circle, so the aurora is a realistic catch on dark, clear nights from late August to early April. Ounasvaara hill is the easiest spot, while Arktikum park, Olkkajärvi and the Arctic Circle hiking area give darker skies.
Rovaniemi
Best Winter Activities in Rovaniemi (2026)
Rovaniemi is built for winter: race a husky team through snowy forest, glide on a reindeer sleigh with Sámi herders, open up the throttle on a snowmobile, sleep in an ice room at the snow hotel, or ski and sled on Ounasvaara.
Rovaniemi
Best Things to Do in Rovaniemi (2026)
Rovaniemi blends Arctic city and Santa magic: cross the Arctic Circle at Santa Claus Village, dive into the North at the Arktikum museum, climb Ounasvaara for the view, see Lapland art at Korundi, and learn the forest at Pilke.
Tampere
Best Hotels in Tampere (2026)
Tampere's hotels cluster centrally: Solo Sokos Hotel Torni is Finland's tallest with a rooftop sky bar, the Lapland Hotels Tampere and Arena bring a northern theme near the Nokia Arena, riverside Sokos Hotel Ilves is a city landmark, and Scandic Tampere City is a reliable central base.
Tampere
Best Cafes in Tampere (2026)
Tampere does cosy cafés well: Pyynikin Munkkikahvila bakes the country's most famous doughnuts at the observation tower, Vohvelikahvila specialises in sweet and savoury waffles, Bakery Café Puusti is known for buttery cinnamon rolls, and Café Europa is a grand old central favourite.
Tampere
Best Restaurants in Tampere (2026)
Tampere's food scene ranges from a revolving tower restaurant to a grand market hall: dine high above the lakes at Näsinneula, go fine dining at Periscope, eat French-bistro plates inside the historic Kauppahalli, and try the local black sausage, mustamakkara.
Free Guide
Northern Lights in Finland: When, Where and How to See the Aurora
A practical, local guide to seeing the aurora in Finland: the best months, where to go in Lapland, the Kp index explained, how to check forecasts, and the tips that actually improve your odds.
Free Guide
Planning a Trip to Finland: What to Sort Out Before You Go
Heading to Finland? Pick the right season, book the things that sell out, choose your bases, and get the practicalities (money, packing, sauna etiquette) sorted with this free planning guide.
Free Guide
First Timer's Guide to Finnish Sauna Culture
Everything you need to know before your first löyly. Etiquette, the hot-cold cycle, and where to try one in Helsinki.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Finland expensive to visit?
Finland is on the pricier side compared to Southern Europe, but it's not as expensive as Norway or Iceland. Budget around €80-120/day for mid-range travel. Eating out is the biggest cost, a restaurant meal runs €15-25. Pro tip: grocery stores like S-Market and K-Market have great ready-made meals for under €8.
When can you see the Northern Lights in Finland?
The aurora season runs from September to March, with the best chances in Lapland between October and February. You need dark skies and clear weather, head north of the Arctic Circle (Muonio, Inari, Saariselkä) for the best odds. Our local scouts can tell you the exact spots that aren't in any guidebook.
Do I need a car in Finland?
In Helsinki, absolutely not, public transport is excellent. For Lapland and the countryside, a car gives you way more freedom, especially in winter. Trains connect major cities well (Helsinki-Rovaniemi overnight train is a classic), and buses fill in the gaps. In Lapland, consider renting a car with winter tires, they're mandatory from November to March.
What should I pack for Finland in winter?
Layers are everything. Thermal base layer, wool mid-layer, and a windproof outer shell. Good winter boots (not fashion boots, real ones with grip), wool socks, a warm hat that covers your ears, and proper gloves. Temperatures in Lapland can drop to -30°C. The good news: most activity providers lend you thermal suits and boots if you don't have your own.
Is Finland safe for solo travellers?
Finland is one of the safest countries in the world. Violent crime is extremely rare, scams are almost non-existent, and you can walk alone at night without worry, even in Helsinki. Finns might seem reserved at first, but they're genuinely helpful if you need anything. Just don't try to make small talk in an elevator.
Ready to explore Finland?
Browse our local guides and destinations for insider tips.