Traveling to Finland, The Ultimate Nordic Adventure Brochure
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Finland attracts a large number of tourists with its unique natural beauty and rich culture. If you're planning a trip to Finland, it pays to know some affordable travel secrets and practical information. In this article, you'll find a practical guide to what to expect when traveling to Finland, recommended hotels and cuisine, travel weather, must-have items, and transportation options.
Travel Essentials
Before you leave, there are a few essential items to prepare:
1. eSIM network
When traveling in Finland, it's vital to stay connected. Use the eSIM package from PhoneSIMGo, which offers high-speed internet service exclusively for Finnish travelers, covering remote areas at an affordable price. Work with local operators (e.g. Lands Telekommunikation Ab, Elisa) to ensure you enjoy your trip to Finland with 7/24 hour live customer service.
2. Travel documents
Make sure you bring your passport, visa (if required) and travel insurance documents. Your passport is your proof of identity while you are abroad and your visa is necessary for you to enter the country legally. In addition, travel insurance can provide you with medical and accidental coverage to give you peace of mind during your trip.
3. Suitable clothing
Winter in Finland is cold, so it is advisable to pack heavy winter clothing, gloves, scarves and warm boots. Especially in December and January, when temperatures can drop as low as -15 degrees Celsius, the right warm gear will ensure your comfort and safety.
4. Personal care items
Bring essential personal care items such as sunscreen, moisturizer and medication. Sunscreen protects your skin from the sun's UV rays, which are still present even in the cold winter months. Meanwhile, moisturizers can prevent skin irritation caused by dry weather.
5. Camera and charger
Finland's beautiful scenery is worth documenting, so make sure you bring a camera and charger. Whether it's the spectacular Northern Lights or a tranquil lake, it's the perfect place to take photos. Bring a charger and make sure your device is always ready to capture the moment.
Cash and credit cards
Although credit cards are widely used in Finland, carry some cash just in case. In some small stores or markets, credit cards may not be accepted, so it's more convenient to have cash on hand.
7. Portable rechargeable batteries
Make sure to keep your cell phone charged at all times, especially when you are outdoors. A lightweight rechargeable battery will help you charge up your phone when you are out for long periods of time, so you don't miss out on important contacts or photo opportunities.
8. Foreign language translation apps
Download some translation apps to communicate with the locals. Although English is widely spoken in Finland, it may be used less frequently in smaller towns. Translation apps can help you overcome the language barrier.
9. Map apps
Install an offline mapping app to help you navigate without an internet connection. Finland's nature is spectacular and many places may not have an internet signal, so downloading maps in advance will make your trip much easier.
10. Travel guides
Prepare a travel guide about Finland and learn about the local culture and customs. A guidebook will help you plan your trip by introducing you to Finland's history, customs and sights worth visiting.
Recommended affordable hotels
In Finland you can find many options for affordable accommodation. Here are 10 hotels or hostels we recommend:
- Hotel Helka (Helsinki)
Modern and comfortable, close to the city center for budget travelers. Offering free breakfast and Wi-Fi, it's an ideal starting point for exploring the city.
- Hostel Dome (Helsinki)
Affordable hostel offering clean accommodation and a friendly social atmosphere, perfect for backpackers.
- Scandic Tampere City (Tampere)
Offers a great breakfast and is close to major attractions such as Tampere Cathedral and Salpa Beach.
- Hotel Arina (Oulu)
Well-equipped for families, offering children's activities and family rooms.
- Citykoti Apartments (Helsinki)
Offers self-catering apartments for longer stays with kitchens for self-catering.
- Hostel Koti (Helsinki)
Friendly atmosphere for backpackers, offering a shared kitchen and common lounge.
- Cumulus City Center (Lahti)
Great location, close to public transportation for business and leisure travel.
- Hotel Omena (Shimi)
Budget hotel offering basic facilities for short-term stays.
- Valo Hotel (Helsinki)
Contemporary design, offering workspace and fitness facilities, ideal for business travelers.
- Sokos Hotel (Turku)
Enjoys a good location near Turku Castle and Market Square, ideal for tourists and business travelers.
Local food recommendations
Finnish cuisine is known for its fresh ingredients and traditional dishes. Here are 10 local dishes we recommend:
- Kahvileipä (cinnamon rolls)
Dessert, often enjoyed with coffee. Finnish cinnamon rolls are sweet and savory, ideal for breakfast or afternoon tea.
- Savulohi (smoked salmon)
A classic Finnish dish, usually served with potatoes and sauce. The unique flavor of smoked salmon is unforgettable.
3.Perunarieska
Traditional Finnish bread with a unique flavor, often served as a side dish.
- Finnish ham (Joulukinkku)
A common Finnish holiday dish with a distinctive flavor, usually eaten during the Christmas season.
5.Juusto
A variety of local cheeses that make a delicious appetizer with jam.
Herring (Silli) Marinated herring, served with potatoes and onions, is a traditional Finnish dish.
Finnish pancake (Pannukakku) Sweet pancakes, often served with berries, with a fluffy texture.
Fruit Soup (Hedelmäsoppa) A refreshing fruit soup, perfect for summer and full of natural flavors.
Beef Stew (Karjalanpaisti) A classic Finnish stew, rich in nutrients and perfect for cold winter days.
10.Berry Pie (Marjapiirakka) A dessert made from fresh berries with a unique flavor, one of Finland's traditional dishes.
Travel Weather
Finland's winters (December and January) are cold, with temperatures usually ranging from -5°C to -15°C. Snow is common, making it ideal for traveling. Snowfall is common, making it suitable for skiing and other winter sports. Warm winter clothing, gloves and scarves are recommended for comfort and safety.
Transportation options
When traveling in Finland, you can choose from the following transportation options:
Public transportation Helsinki has a well-developed and convenient public transportation system that includes metro, buses and streetcars.
Trains Finland's extensive train network is suitable for long distance travel between cities, with spacious and comfortable carriages.
Taxi Cabs are convenient but relatively expensive, and are suitable for short trips.
Bicycles Bicycles are an environmentally friendly and convenient option in cities, and many cities have dedicated bicycle lanes.
Driving Self-driving is a flexible option if you plan to visit remote areas, but be aware of winter driving safety and make sure your vehicle is equipped with winter tires.
Personal safety precautions
Measures to ensure personal safety when traveling in Finland include:
Maintaining vigilance Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas, to avoid becoming a target for thieves.
Avoid going out alone at night Try to avoid going out alone at night, especially in isolated areas.
Keep your valuables safe Keep your passport and cash in a safe place, avoid showing them, and use the hotel's safe.
Avoid too much contact with strangers Keep a social distance, especially in unfamiliar places, to ensure your safety.
Understand local laws and regulations Obey local laws to avoid unnecessary trouble, especially when it comes to alcohol consumption and traffic regulations.
Download emergency contact information Save local emergency contact information in your cell phone to ensure that you can be contacted quickly in case of emergency.
Keep your cell phone charged Make sure your cell phone is always charged in case of an emergency and carry a rechargeable battery with you.
Use safe means of transportation Choose reputable transportation services and use official cabs or public transportation whenever possible.
Inform others of your itinerary Tell a friend or family member about your itinerary and stay in touch.
Watch the weather Keep an eye on the weather forecast for unexpected weather conditions, especially in winter.
Finnish culture
Finnish culture is unique, blending traditional and modern elements. The locals are known for their friendliness and politeness, and value nature and environmental protection. Famous for its design, music and literature, Finland is also known as the “Land of a Thousand Lakes”. Finland's sauna culture is also a unique experience and a great way to relax with friends and family.
Must-have apps
When traveling in Finland, it is recommended to install the following must-have apps:
Google Maps Navigation and location services to help you find your destination, especially in remote areas.
Public transportation app Check local public transportation schedules and routes for easy travel.
Translation app Help you communicate with locals and overcome language barriers.
Weather forecast app Understand local weather changes and adjust your travel plan in time.
Restaurant Review App Find nearby restaurants and food recommendations, and learn about the local dining culture.
Shopping app Learn about local stores and deals for easy shopping.
Event Calendar App Find information on local events and festivals to enrich your travel experience.
Emergency Contacts app Save local emergency contacts for safety.
Social Media App Share your travel experiences and stay connected with family and friends.
Banking app Conveniently manage your finances and check your account information at any time.
Small items to bring
When traveling abroad, here are 10 small items that can help you enhance your travel experience:
Portable rechargeable battery Ensure your cell phone is fully charged to avoid missing important contacts.
Travel organizer bag Helps to organize your luggage and save space.
Folding Shopping Bag Used when shopping, reducing plastic bags, environmentally friendly and practical.
Portable water bottle Hydrate at any time, keep your body healthy.
Small First Aid Kit Cope with minor injuries and illnesses to ensure safe traveling.
Earplugs and eye masks Improve the quality of rest, especially in noisy environments.
Multi-function knife Used while traveling, subject to airline regulations.
Travel Pillow Improves comfort and relieves fatigue on long trips.
Baggage tag Conveniently identify your luggage to avoid confusion.
Small Notebook Record travel points and tips, leaving good memories.
Low-cost attractions and activities
There are many low-cost attractions and activities in Finland, here are 10 recommended ones:
Helsinki city center Take a free stroll to admire the architecture and feel the atmosphere of the city.
National Museum of Finland (Helsinki) Free admission for part of the day, learn about Finnish history and culture.
Uspensky Cathedral (Helsinki) Free admission to enjoy the beautiful Orthodox architecture.
Suomenlinna (Helsinki) Ideal for walking tours, low cost boat tickets and a great daytime spot.
Tampere's lakes Free swimming and boating to enjoy the natural beauty of Finland.
Market square in Oulu Experience local culture and cuisine with a free tour.
Ski slopes in Lahti Winter skiing activities at relatively low cost for ski enthusiasts.
Ancient castle in Turku Good for photos and walks to learn about Finland's history.
Tampere's museums Free admission to some exhibitions to enrich your knowledge.
Helsinki's parks Ideal for picnics and relaxing, enjoying nature.
Emergency contacts in case of problems
If you encounter problems while traveling in Finland, you can call the following emergency contacts:
- Police number: 112 (police, fire, emergency) to ensure prompt help in an emergency.
- Local hospital: contact the front desk of your accommodation for information to ensure medical help.
- Consulate: Make sure you carry the contact information for your country's consulate, just in case.
- Tourist Information Centers: can be found in major cities and provide help and advice.
- Local police stations: deal with lost property and other issues to ensure the safety of your personal belongings.
Things to consider when traveling in Finland
Free travel
Free travel is flexible, you can make your itinerary as you like, but you need to plan ahead to make sure you don't miss any important sights.
Group tours
Group tours save time and energy and are suitable for first-time visitors, but the itinerary is quite fixed and you may not be able to fully experience the local culture.
Self-drive
Self-drive tours offer a lot of freedom and allow you to explore remote areas in depth, but you need to pay attention to winter driving safety and make sure you know the local traffic rules.
Backpacking
Backpacking is good for budget travelers. We recommend public transportation to keep costs down and to share experiences with other travelers.
Finland Travel FAQ
When preparing for your trip, you may encounter the following frequently asked questions:
- How do I apply for a visa?
Learn about Finland's visa requirements and application process depending on your nationality and purpose of travel.
- What is the currency in Finland?
Finland uses the Euro (EUR), make sure you have cash and credit cards ready.
- What clothing do I need to prepare for winter?
Warm winter clothes, gloves, scarves and non-slip boots.
- How do I use public transportation?
Learn about Helsinki's transportation system and download apps for schedules and routes.
- What are the recommended travel activities?
Skiing, Northern Lights observation, visiting museums, etc. Finland has a wide variety of winter activities.
- How do I handle emergencies?
Know local emergency contacts and keep travel insurance information.
- What are the local customs?
Respect the local culture and learn about the Finnish way of life and social etiquette.
- How do I choose suitable accommodation?
Choose a suitable hotel or hostel according to budget, location and facilities.
- Is travel insurance required?
Travel insurance is highly recommended for unexpected situations.
- How do I keep my cell phone network connected?
Use the eSIM service from PhoneSIMGo to ensure that your internet connection is unobstructed during your trip to Finland, so you can enjoy high-speed internet and say goodbye to roaming charges.
End
Finland is a fascinating destination and planning and preparation will make your trip go smoothly. Remember to use your eSIM service from PhoneSIMGo while you're on the road to make sure you stay connected to your family and friends in Finland. Secure, convenient and affordable, PhoneSIMGo is the ideal choice for your travels in Finland. We hope your trip to Finland is filled with wonderful memories!