Finland & Norway
Northen cities and Fjords in 11 days
- Helsinki
- Bergen
- Norwegian Fjords
- Oslo
- Accommodation
- All flights
- Some transfers
- Some meals
- Activities
The best time to travel to Finland is any time that avoids the harsh temperatures of winter, which happens to be the longest season. The north of the country is covered with snow for six months of the year, and the south for almost four. Temperatures vary from one region to another, but they are generally cool all year round.
Although it may seem easy, deciding when to travel to Finland in search of the best climate can be challenging. In this country, the highest recorded temperature reached 37ºC in July, while the lowest on record is -52ºC in January. However, in the southwest, the average annual temperatures range from 5ºC to 7ºC, which is the warmest part of the country.
Considering its long winters and extreme climate in the north, we could say that the best time to travel to Finland is between May and early September. July and August are undoubtedly the top months for visiting this icy European country. However, winter is still the most popular tourist season due to the influx of visitors to the north of the country to see the northern lights.
Below, we'll find out which is the best time to travel to Finland according to the region you choose for your trip.
LEARN MOREIn terms of celebrations, Finland shows great originality when it comes to it’s national events. The Finns have the ability to turn almost any event into a party. As a mainly Christian country, one of its greatest celebrations is Christmas, as Santa Claus himself (Joulupukki in Finnish) lives in Finnish Lapland. There you can visit his house and meet his reindeer, who, during the night of 24th, are responsible for bringing gifts to well-behaved children. They also attach great importance to Easter, whose pagan traditions have been maintained over the years.
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Its geographical location in Northern Europe and its cold climate have helped to create the stereotype that Finland has a simple cuisine. Nothing is further from reality, the cuisine of Finland has a long tradition in which the influence of their Russian and Swedish neighbours has shaped the wide variety of ingredients that can be found in Finnish kitchens.
LEARN MOREIf you are thinking about shopping in Finland you should know that the prices are similar to the rest of the Nordic countries; quite high. However, it is practically impossible to step come home empty-handed. In the capital, Helsinki, there are a variety of shopping centres where you can find some of the best-known and most prestigious brands in the country, such as Karhu, the signature shoe company; Nanso, one of the most recognized clothing brands; or Marimekko, who makes the most traditional Finnish fashion. Also to the north, in Lapland, there are decoration shops where the design articles show the good taste of the Finns. Rovaniemi, the largest city and place of residence of Santa Claus, is the perfect place to recreate Christmas and buy the best Christmas items.
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Finland holidays are to be transported to the winter since even in the warmer months of the summer you will need to take your coat and gloves with you, as when the afternoon comes you can feel the chill in the air. It is a friendly country where lovers of winter activities and sports will find a wide range of possibilities, especially the farther north you travel.
Located in northern Europe, and with coastlines on the Baltic Sea, the nation of Finland is the most sparsely populated country in the European Union and is known around the world for its unique natural phenomena, such as the Northern Lights and the midnight sun, and for being the home of Santa Claus, who lives in Rovaniemi, in the northernmost region of Finnish Lapland. Year-round, visitors flock to this region to meet the man himself, who is often accompanied by his famous reindeer.
A Nordic country sandwiched between Norway, Russia, and Sweden, a Finland vacation package is the perfect winter escape. The capital, Helsinki, located on the south coast, is bursting with cultural institutions, museums, churches, and home to the impressive Helsinki Cathedral, the symbol of the city.
Other large cities include Espoo and Tampere, although a lot of Finland tour packages tend to focus on its amazing countryside or the numerous ski resorts, of which there are at least 75, the largest of which are located in Lapland with unspoiled blankets of snow from December to April. Composed of 19 regions, each with their own regional councils, Finland stands out from other European countries for its unique culture and landscape.
Inhabited since approximately 9000 BC, around the end of the last Ice-Age, hunter-gatherer communities were the first settlers on the territory and ancient artifacts and stone tools show that these communities shared a lot in common with other Baltic and Russian civilizations at the time.
From the 8th century onwards, Finland was considered a trading power of the Baltics, exporting wares such as fur to the courts of Europe. In the 12th century, the influence of neighboring nations, particular Sweden, began to grow, as the Swedish colonized coastal Finland during the Northern Crusades, introducing Christianity and imparting elements of culture which are still seen today, for example in the prevalence of the Swedish language.
Visitors on a Finland holiday package will also notice the distinct Russian influence, evident in some of the architecture found in the capital, such as the imposing Senate Square and Orthodox churches like the Upenskin Cathedral. The main period of Russian influence in Finland began in 1809, when the country was incorporated into the Russian Empire, during the Golden Years of the Tsars. The country managed to shake off Russian control following the Russian Revolution in 1917, which sparked a period of intense civil war in Finland, although the Finnish Republic was declared at the end of 1918.
The Second World War also had repercussions for Finland as it was during this time that Russian forces again occupied a number of islands and regions under Finnish territory and later demanded war reparations. In order to afford the demands of the Russians, the country quickly industrialized, leading to prompt development and the adoption of a number of Nordic models to suit the revitalized economy, in particular, the Nordic welfare state model.
Nowadays, Finland is considered one of the world’s most prosperous countries, with a fantastic education system, a high equality ranking and a strong sense of stability. Like a number of Nordic countries, Finland is admired by much of the world for its way of life, and a trip to Finland is a perfect insight into its culture, history and the daily lives of its citizens.
As one of the world’s most northernmost countries, Finland boasts a rich array of diverse landscapes and brilliant natural attractions and National Parks. Magical seasonal changes are characteristic of Finland, with long summer days, the revival of nature in the spring, leafy autumn months and snowy winters.
A large amount of the country is barely developed, promising an abundance of wildlife and unimaginably beautiful countryside. A quarter of the country is located within the Arctic Circle, and in the northernmost regions, the Midnight Sun endures for around 70 consecutive days in the summer, with the sun remaining above the horizon for over two months.
To experience this natural phenomenon is an extremely attractive prospect for travelers on a Finland holiday package; there are very few places on earth where the sun shines eternally for such a long period of time. Another rare natural phenomenon is the iconic Northern Lights, most visible during autumn and spring in Lapland, where the dazzling, dancing colors of solar flares can be seen as frequently as every other night if the sky is clear. With around 60 native mammals, a trip to Finland is ideal for animal lovers who want to catch sight of some of the country’s most iconic wild animals such as the grey wolf, wolverines and the majestic brown bear, of which there are approximately 1,500.
A real icon of the country, brown bears can be found in the ‘Wild East’ where, during the summer, sightings are almost guaranteed. Finland’s national bird, the whooper swan is another wildlife highlight, whilst the country’s marine life is characterized by populations of whales, seals, and seabirds.
Known as the Land of a Thousand Lakes, although there are actually as many as 188,000 lakes, covering 10% of the country’s territory, Finn’s traditionally head to lakeside cottages in the summer to soak up the abundance of nature and swim in the glistening water. Two of the most prominent lakes in the country are Lake Inari and Lake Saimaa, the latter of which is home to the endangered Ringed Seal, and the only place in the world where these unique freshwater seals can be found.
Despite balmy summers, those preparing for a holiday to Finland during the winter must be prepared to face its frigid temperatures. Although the capital city and south of the country are no match for the weather experienced in the more northern regions, the mean daily temperature can still sit below zero for the entire winter period, whilst up in Lapland, home of Sami people, the harshest winter nights can see temperatures fall as low as minus 45 degrees Celsius! The great outdoors is truly respected and celebrated in Finland.
Finland is often heralded for its positive community spirit and open-minded culture, making it a pleasant country to holiday in and to a great place to get to know the locals. Not only was it the first European country to grant universal suffrage in 1906, allowing everyone to vote, it is also known for its progressive laws and policies and enshrines many unique freedoms for the benefit of its citizens.
One example of this is the Finnish concept of ‘Everyman’s Rights’ which ensures that everyone, including visitors, has the right to roam freely around the countryside and natural areas such as forests, lakes, and rivers without the permission of landowners, proof of the significance of the great outdoors to the Finnish. Even Finnish Design, world-renowned for its practicality and pleasing aesthetics, integrate natural shapes, materials, and designs in order to bring nature into everyday life.
The role of religion is also at the heart of Finnish culture; as much as 70% of the population are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, and the capital of Helsinki is home to a wonderful array of religious institutions, cathedrals, and churches, many of which are unmissable sightseeing destinations on a tour of Finland.
The sauna is perhaps the most iconic element of the country’s cultural landscape; there are so many saunas in Finland that the number equates to one per household and there is even a sauna inside the parliament buildings! With the purpose of relaxation and rejuvenation, a visit to a sauna is a must-do activity on a Finland holiday package, if only because it is the best way to interact with the locals.
Finally, it is true that the country is considered one of the safest in the world, the good nature of its people ensure that it might be one of the few places on earth where lost items such as wallets are almost always returned to their rightful owners!
The land of the midnight sun, Finland captivates visitors with its imaginative approach to nature. Despite the intense nature of its winters, the country embraces the snow, ice, frozen lakes and darkness to become one of Europe’s best-kept secrets. Experience the dazzle of the Northern Lights, go skiing under the midnight sun and refresh yourself in a glistening lake on a warm summers evening on a trip to Finland.
Entry requirements
Passport with a minimum of 6 months validity.
Visa
No visa is required to enter the country.
Time zone
UTC + 02:00.
Currency
Euro.
Language
Finnish and Swedish
Tourist Office website
Electricity
220 V. Adapter not required.
Other useful information
Finland is a country of interesting contrasts like the four seasons, the midnight sun and the winter darkness, the urban and the rural, the east and the west...
Health
There are no mandatory vaccinations for travellers from Canada.