Travel Finland - The Broke Backpacker
backpacking finland in winter

Finland

Finland does things its own way. There are saunas everywhere, people actually embrace the cold, summer means endless daylight and apparently there's no such thing as too many lakes. Beyond the quirks, you'll find vast forests, snowy wilderness, brilliant hiking and some of the best chances of seeing the Northern Lights in Europe. Finland is peaceful, outdoorsy and a little bit weird, and that's exactly why we like it.

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Quick Facts

Capital Helsinki
Language Finnish & Swedish
Climate Cold winters, mild summers
Exchange Rate 1 USD = €0.90 EUR (Euro)
Time Zone UTC+2 to UTC+3
Plug Type
C
F
Good To Know Sauna Culture
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    Finland Travel FAQs

    What is Finnish sauna culture like?

    Sauna isn't just a tourist attraction in Finland, it's a genuine part of everyday life. You'll find public saunas, hotel saunas, lakeside saunas and even saunas in people's homes. Don't be surprised if a sauna session is followed by a very Finnish dip in a freezing lake.

    When is the best time to visit Finland?

    It depends what you're after. Summer brings long, bright days, hiking and lake life, while winter is the time to head north for snow, husky rides and the Northern Lights. Autumn is also beautiful, particularly in Lapland when the forests turn spectacular shades of red and gold.

    Can you see the Northern Lights in Finland?

    Yes. Finnish Lapland is one of Europe's most popular places to see them, generally between late August and early April. You'll have the best chance away from artificial light on clear, dark nights, but there's never a guarantee you'll catch them.

    What is Finland's 'Everyman's Right'?

    Finland gives people surprisingly generous rights to enjoy nature, including walking, hiking and camping temporarily in many areas, even on land you don't own. You still need to respect nature, avoid private areas and follow local restrictions, but it's one of the reasons Finland is such a brilliant destination for outdoor adventures.

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