Finland Travel Facts

The Basics

Country: Finland

Where is it: Finland is located in northern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, Gulf of Bothnia, and Gulf of Finland, between Sweden and Russia.

Why do people go here: During the early part of the year, skiing is a big draw in this Nordic country. Long summer days also allow for continued shopping, touring and revelry. The capital, Helsinki, is a stunningly modern city that is a fine complement to Finland’s natural beauty.

What are the main entry points: Travelers usually enter Finland through Helsinki, either via plane from Europe or one of the other Scandinavian countries. Backpackers or those with Eurail passes tend to take the ferry from Stokholm or Copenhaugen to Helisinki or Turku, another large southcoast town.

Currency used: Euro

Country Code for Phones: 358

Area codes for Major Cities: Helsinki 9

Religion: Evangelical Lutheran 89%, Russian Orthodox 1%, none 9%, other 1%

Population: 5.3 million

Ethnic Breakdown: Finn 93%, Swede 6%, Sami 0.11%, Roma 0.12%, Tatar 0.02%

Government: Semi-presidential Republic

Languages: Finnish 93.4% (official), Swedish 5.9% (official), small Sami- and Russian-speaking minorities<

Travel Information

Major Cities: Helsinki

Attractions: Olavinlinna Castle, Helsinki, Fjords

Accommodation: Finland Hostels, Finland Hostels

Tourism Office locations and links: Finnish Tourist Board Toolonkutu 11, P.O. Box 625 Helsinki, Finland +358-0-403011;; FAX +358-0-40301333;raija.seppala@mek.fi

Off-the-Beaten-Path: Church in Hollola, Naantali, Bothnia Bay, Lahti

Health Issues: No vaccines are required. Health care is on par with the rest of Europe and the U.S.

Tips for Visiting

When to go: Late winter and early spring are the best times to ski, while the long summer days are a fan with tourists who don’t want to hit the slopes.

Common Phrases: Yes = Kyllä, No = Ei , Please = Haluta, Thank you = Kiitos or Kiitti, Do you speak English? = Puhutteko Englantia?, Beer please = yksi olut.

Specific Events/Holidays: Independence Day, 6 December (1917)

Getting Around: All of the large cities are connected by train, however, smaller towns and those north of the Arctic Circle can only be reached by bus. Eurail is valid in Finland. There are more than 10,000 kilometers of cycling paths as well.

Good to know: Finland has a good standing in terms of heath care and manufacturing.

Cheapest airport to fly into: The cheapest airport to fly into Finland is the Helsinki-Vantaa Airport.

Need more information?: Check out the Finland travel guide for more on what to see, where to stay, and how to get there.