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
Saariselkä
Best Hotels in Saariselkä (2026)
Saariselkä is the home of the glass igloo: Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort and Star Arctic for sky-watching from bed, the Northern Lights Village for aurora cabins, Holiday Club for a family spa hotel, and Fell Centre Kiilopää for a wilderness base.
Saariselkä
Best Restaurants in Saariselkä (2026)
Saariselkä punches above its size for food, with reindeer and Lapland flavours front and centre: Laanilan Kievari for fireside fine dining, Restaurant Petronella for a polished Arctic dinner, Kuukkeli for hearty all-day eating, and Teerenpesä for a relaxed pub meal.
Saariselkä
Best Northern Lights Spots in Saariselkä (2026)
Saariselkä sits under the auroral oval at 68°N, so the lights are a realistic catch on any dark, clear night from late August to early April. Kaunispää fell is the easy go-to, Kiilopää and Urho Kekkonen National Park give darker wilderness skies, and a glass igloo lets you watch from bed.
Saariselkä
Best Day Hikes in Saariselkä (2026)
Saariselkä has some of Finland's most accessible fell hiking: the Rumakuru gorge loop and the Kiirunapolku climb up Kiilopää are the classics, Kaunispää is the quick view-hit, and Tankavaara's Koppelolenkki is an easy ruska loop. Most start straight from a marked gate into Urho Kekkonen National Park.
Saariselkä
Best Things to Do in Saariselkä (2026)
Saariselkä is about the fells and the wilderness on its doorstep: ride or hike up Kaunispää for the view, walk into Urho Kekkonen National Park, pan for gold at Tankavaara, warm up in the Kiilopää smoke sauna, and head out on a husky or reindeer safari. Aurora hunting tops it all off in winter.
Loviisa
Best Shopping in Loviisa (2026)
Loviisa is a small but serious browsing town: the Mariankatu flea markets and vintage shops, including the well-known Suurkirppis, the Old Dairy's Krinti, antique and design finds, and the craft studios and galleries down at the Laivasilta warehouses.
Loviisa
Best Hotels in Loviisa (2026)
Loviisa's stays are small and characterful: the central Hotel Degerby and keyless Hotelli Uninen in the town centre, historic townhouse rooms in the Old Town, characterful lodging out at the Strömfors ironworks, and seaside cottages around the Loviisa archipelago.
Loviisa
Best Cafes in Loviisa (2026)
Loviisa does cosy cafes beautifully: Tuhannen Tuskan Kahvila in an 18th-century Old Town house, the glass-pavilion Loviisan Kappeli, tea and home baking at Favorit Cafe & Teashop, and the plant-based Helgas Vegan Café. Most are at their fullest in summer.
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.