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Finland Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 9, 2023

Due to its out-of-the-way location and the fact that Finland is expensive, many travelers skip visiting the country when they explore Europe .

But this is a mistake.

Finland has a lot to offer and there are plenty of ways to save money here. I think it’s one of the most underrated destinations in Europe — especially if you love the outdoors!

This travel guide to Finland can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your time in this amazing nation.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Finland

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in bath.

1. Explore the Salla Reindeer Park

This park in the Arctic Circle is where you can feed reindeer, pet huskies, take a canoe trip, do some hiking, or try snowshoeing and skiing. There are reindeer competitions (reindeer are an important part of the indigenous culture here), husky sleigh rides, and midnight canoe trips when the sun is out all night. In the winter months you can experience the northern lights as you hike through the forest at night using snowshoes. If hiking isn’t your thing, there are nighttime reindeer sleigh rides for those hoping to see the northern lights. You can try out dogsledding and steer your very own team of huskies too. Admission to the park is 10 EUR (tours have additional costs).

2. See the Northern Lights in Lapland

This is hands-down one of the best things to do in the country. In the northern part of Lapland, you can see the northern lights shining almost every night when the sky is clear, whereas in southern Finland they are only visible 10-20 nights each year. Lapland is within the Arctic Circle so there is essentially 24 hours of darkness each day from November until January. There are plenty of guided tours you can join, though you can also venture out on your own to save money too if you’re on a budget. A three-hour snowmobile tour to see the northern lights costs around 155 EUR per person. September-April is the best time to see them.

3. Visit Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi

This Christmas amusement park is great for anyone traveling with kids. You can meet “Santa,” do snow-shoeing safaris, feed reindeer, and learn about Finnish Christmas traditions through the ages. The adorable village includes Santa’s official office, his Christmas house, the main Santa Claus Post Office, and the house of Mrs. Claus and Santa’s reindeer. Adults can enjoy a variety of dining options ranging from upscale restaurants to fun bars. The Ice Bar is rebuilt each year and is full of snow and ice sculptures. Admission is free and the village is open all year.

4. Explore Helsinki

Historic, small, filled with green space, and set on the Baltic Sea, Helsinki is a scenic city that doesn’t get huge tourist crowds like other European capitals. Visit the six islands that make up Suomenlinna Sea Fortress (which dates to the late 1700s) or get your history fix at the National Museum of Finland. If you’re feeling the need for some relaxation, stop by one of Helsinki’s many saunas. And for a unique experience, book the sauna room on the Skywheel Helsinki Ferris wheel. The city is filled with world-class museums and restaurants and is perfect for a few days of exploring.

5. Stay in an ice hotel or glass igloo at the SnowHotel

Located in Lapland, everything in the SnowHotel is made of ice — including your bed (you get warm furs and sleeping bags, don’t worry)! The hotel is rebuilt each year from snow and ice, so the appearance is constantly changing. It sleeps up to 70 guests, and there are additional glass igloos that make for excellent star gazing. Enjoy sauna experiences, search for the northern lights, and plenty of ice art. There’s also an ice restaurant here too which serves local cuisine on frozen plates. The bar serves tasty craft cocktails in glasses made from ice too. A basic room with a double bed costs 200 EUR per night. You can also stay in smaller glass igloos as well.

Other Things to See and Do in Finland

1. go ice climbing.

Finland is known for its impressive ice formations, including frozen waterfalls and tall ice walls inside deep canyons or valleys. Companies like Bliss Adventure can outfit you with the right gear and introduce you to ice climbing in places like Tajukangas Falls and Korouoma Canyon (Korouoma is the most popular place to ice climb in the country). Prices vary but plan to spend around 100 EUR for a short tour. If you’re not afraid of heights and if you’re a bit of a thrill-seeker, try rappelling from the top of the Tajukangas Ice Falls (it’s about 30 meters high).

2. See Pakasaivo Lake

This lake in the north of Finland was once a place where indigenous Sámi worshipped. The 60-meter-deep lake is a meromictic lake, which means the water on the surface and at the bottom never mix (normal lakes mix at least once a year when the water at the surface cools off and becomes denser, causing it to sink). This creates an oxygen-free environment where the contents at the bottom are perfectly preserved. The area is known as the Hell of Lapland as people used to believe there was another realm under the lake. There is also a giant’s kettle here (a deep glacial pothole) that people believed tunneled all the way to hell.

3. Tour the King’s Road

This route is an old postal route running between Bergen, Norway to the former Finnish capital of Turku, and then across Finland to St. Petersburg, Russia. The 330-kilometer (205-mile) trail dates to the 15th century and it follows the southern coast of Finland. It’s accessible all year with well-paved roads and plenty of scenic stops along the way. You’ll take in manor houses, medieval churches, tiny villages, and endless scenic countryside. You can do the entire Finnish route in a day via car, though 2-3 days is better so you can make plenty of stops. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also cycle the route in around one week.

4. Visit the Lampivaara Amethyst Mine

Lampivaara Hill is known for its amethysts (a type of purple quartz). The amethysts in this region were created 6 million years ago and on a mine tour, you can learn more about this precious mineral and then get a chance to dig around and find your own to take home as a souvenir. The mine is part of Pyhä-Luosto National Park and is located in northern Finland 90 minutes north of Rovaniemi. Tour prices vary from 35-66 EUR per person and include transportation. If you have your own vehicle, you can visit and tour the mine for 19 EUR.

5. Explore Raanua Wildlife Park

This is the northernmost nature reserve in the world and a fun place to visit with kids. There are over 50 different animal species here, including the only polar bears in Finland as well as lynx, wolves, and brown bears. Because it’s a predominantly outdoor park, you’re able to see the animals in a much more natural habitat than most zoos. There is no artificial lighting or indoor enclosures so you need to bring your own flashlight if visiting later in the day during the winter (when the sun sets early). Admission is 23.50 EUR.

6. See the Old Church of Sodankylä

Located in Lapland, this church is Finland’s best-preserved wooden church. The steeple-less church was built from timber in 1689 and was commissioned by King Charles XI of Sweden, who paid for it. The exterior and interior are incredibly well-preserved, with a dark timber interior and exterior that resembles more of a log cabin than a traditional European church. In the summer, religious services and weddings are often held here. Admission is free but be sure to dress respectfully.

7. Learn Finnish cultural history

The ethnographic Museum of Local History in Kemijärvi showcases what life was like in rural Finland at the turn of the 20th century. The main building is home to a traditional farmhouse and living quarters, maid’s chamber, daughter-in-law’s chamber, and living room so show you exactly what life was like for the Finnish working class. In addition to the house, the grounds include a granary, a workshop, a smoke sauna, a barn, and a stable that you can wander and explore. Admission is 10 EUR.

8. Go hiking

There are almost 40 national parks in Finland, each with hiking trails and camping sites. In the winter, they make for great places to cross-country ski or go snowshoeing. Nuuksio National Park is only 45 minutes from Helsinki and is filled with calm lakes, green forests, and rocky trails. Archipelago National Park, in Southwestern Finland, has more islands than any archipelago in the world. With its calm islets and colorful villages, canoeing or kayaking this park is a must. If you want to get off the beaten path, be sure to visit Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park in the north, where you can hike and stay in traditional villages. Additionally, wild camping is free in all the national parks as Finland has ‘freedom to roam’ laws ( Jokamiehen Oikeudet ) that enable you to wild camp in national parks if you are quiet and respectful.

9. Explore the Harbor Islands

There are over 330 islands that make up the Helsinki city archipelago. Suomenlinna is the easiest to reach with regular municipal ferries (you can take a ferry directly from Market Square). Vallisaari and Kuninkaansaari are two other islands worth visiting, as they used to be military bases closed off to the public (during the Viking era, Vallisaari was used as an outpost that would light a fire whenever a Viking raid was coming so people could prepare). The islands have since been reclaimed by nature and turned into parks dotted with abandoned fortifications. You can explore on your own or take a guided tour; there are a ton to choose from, with most lasting 1-2 hours and costs around 25 EUR.

10. Compete in the Air Guitar World Championship

Held every year at the Oulu Music Video Festival, this competition started out as a joke in 1996 but has evolved into a major festival that attracts thousands. If you happen to be in Oulu in the month of August, be sure to check out this quirky competition. Anyone can enter with just a 35 EUR entry fee. Even if you don’t want to compete you should definitely attend if you can — it’s one of the most unique festivals in the world!

11. Wander the Seurasaari Open-Air Museum

Located north of Helsinki on Seurasaari Island, the Seurasaari Open-Air Museum allows you to get up close to numerous traditional Finnish buildings. They aren’t replicas either; the buildings were collected from all over the country and physically moved here. There are houses, cottages, outbuildings, a windmill, and more. Opened in 1909, guided tours are available daily during the summer. Admission is 10 EUR

12. Go skiing

Levi is Finland’s most beloved ski resort located in Lapland (it’s the location of the Alpine World Cup Race). There are 43 slopes here for all abilities and over 200 kilometers (124 miles) of trails for cross-country skiing. There’s even a dedicated area for snowboarders, plus dogsledding and a reindeer park. A one-day pass costs 49 EUR. Pyhä-Luosto National Park, Saariselkä, Kuusamo, and Jyväskylä are other excellent places to ski too.

13. See Turun Linna (Turku Castle)

Turun Linna (Turku Castle) is located in Turku on the Aura River. The castle dates back to the 1200s and is one of the oldest buildings in the country. It helped defend the region from Russia during the Middle Ages, though much of the castle was destroyed during World War II and later rebuilt. Inside are two large dungeons as well as ornate banquet halls that are often used for municipal events. Tours take place all summer (June to August) and admission is 12 EUR.

14. Learn about the Sámi

The Sámi are the only indigenous people in the EU. Their language and culture are endangered, and so they’re governed by an autonomous government in Inari (Finland’s largest municipality). They’re famously known for their reindeer herding, which is at the core of their culture. Visit communities in Inari, Enontekiö, and Utsjoki to see Sámi culture up close. In Inari, don’t miss the Siida indoor and outdoor museum where you’ll learn about culture, art, and nature through interactive exhibits. But if you want to really spend time with the Sámi, come in spring when most of the Sami markets, concerts, and dances take place all over Northern Lapland. VisitLapland.com has a comprehensive list of activities and tours for getting to know the Sami people, including a visit to a traditional reindeer farm.

Finland Travel Costs

Finland has “freedom to roam” laws that enable free wild camping all around the country for those with a tent. If you’d prefer to stay in a campground with amenities, expect to pay 14-18 EUR for a basic tent plot for two people without electricity.

Budget hotel prices – A budget hotel with a private bathroom starts at 80-120 EUR during the peak summer season. In the off-season, budget rooms start at 65 EUR.

On Airbnb, private rooms start at 40 EUR (though they average double that). If you’re looking for an entire home or apartment, expect to pay at least 75 EUR, though prices usually average over 100 EUR. Book early for the best deals.

Food – Finnish cuisine leans heavily on fish, meat (specifically pork), and hearty vegetables like potatoes. Reindeer is commonly eaten as well as wild game like deer and moose. Smoked salmon and smoked or pickled herring are also popular dishes. Like their Scandinavian neighbors, Finns also enjoy dark bread and cheeses, usually as part of an open-faced sandwich (these are the go-to breakfast choice).

Overall, food in Finland is expensive. Your average casual restaurant charges around 13 EUR for a meal while fast food (think McDonald’s) is 9 EUR. For a three-course meal with table service, expect to pay at least 40-80 EUR.

Pizza costs around 8-10 EUR for a large while Thai or Chinese food costs 10-15 EUR for a main dish. If you want to splash out while in Helsinki, I suggest Ravintola Aino for good Finnish food (try the reindeer). Dishes cost between 50-62 EUR but are incredibly tasty!

Beer costs 7 EUR while a latte/cappuccino is 4 EUR. Bottled water is 1.70 EUR.

If you plan on cooking your own food, groceries cost between 50-65 EUR per week for basic staples like vegetables, bread, pasta, and some fish or meat.

Backpacking Finland Suggested Budgets

On a backpacking budget of 70 EUR per day, you can stay in a hostel dorm, cook all your meals, limit your drinking, take public transportation to get around, and do free activities like visiting the free museums, hitting the beach, and relaxing in the parks. If you plan on drinking, add 10-15 EUR to your daily budget.

On a mid-range budget of 140 EUR, you can stay in a private hostel room or Airbnb, eat out for some meals, have a couple of drinks, take the occasional taxi, and do more paid activities like visiting museums, skiing, or taking a guided tour of Suomenlinna Fortress.

On a “luxury” budget of 290 EUR or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for all your meals, drink as much as you want, rent a car to explore, and do whatever activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in EUR.

Finland Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Finland isn’t cheap. Everything here is expensive due to high taxes and lots of imports. Fortunately, there are ways to save money if you know where to look. Here are my best money-saving tips for Finland:

• Drink the tap water – The tap water here is some of the cleanest in the world and will save you from buying new water bottles all the time (and it cuts down waste too)! LifeStraw makes a reusable bottle with a built-in filter so you can always ensure your water is clean and safe.
• Stay with a local for free – Couchsurfing connects you with a local who can host you for free. You may have to sleep on a couch, but you’ll get to make a new friend and get tons of insider information about the country.
• Grocery shop – Buy basic staples like bread, meat, and cheese for breakfast or for a quick lunch on the go. It’s not glamorous, but by cooking your own meals you’ll save a ton of money, enabling you to eventually splurge on some great dinners.
• Take a free tour – Green Cap Tours offer daily free walking tours around Helsinki. You get to see the main sights while interacting with an expert guide who can answer all your questions. Just be sure to tip at the end!
• Get a Helsinki Card – There’s a lot to see in the city and paying 10-15 EUR per attraction adds up. This tourism card grants you free admission to the main sights (as well as access to the hop-on/hop-off bus) for 50 EUR (for a 24-hour pass). You can also get a 48-hour pass for 63 EUR or a 72-hour pass for 74 EUR. It includes discounts on some restaurants as well. For an additional charge, you can add free public transit as well.
• Rideshare – If you want to save money on transportation around the country, there are numerous apps like Kyydit and Carpool World that can help. They’ll allow you to connect with drivers looking for extra passengers. While it isn’t free, it might be cheaper (and more convenient) than taking a bus or train.
• Hitchhike – Hitchhiking isn’t super common here, however, it’s definitely possible and quite safe. Just use common sense and check Hitchwiki for specific tips and advice.

Where to Stay in Finland

Hostels can be found in a few of the larger cities around the country. Here are my recommended places to stay throughout the country:

• Hostel Diana Park (Helsinki)
• Eurohostel Helsinki (Helsinki)
• Dream Hostel Tampere (Tampere)
• Wherever Boutique Hostel (Rovaniemi)
• Laivahostel S/S Bore (Turku)

How to Get Around Finland

Public transportation – Helsinki is the only city in Finland with a tram and metro system, though other cities and towns have public bus networks. They usually depart every 10-15 minutes with one-way tickets starting at 2.80 EUR.

Bus – Buses are the main form of intercity travel in Finland. A bus from Helsinki to Turku takes 2-2.5 hours and costs 10-15 EUR while the two-hour journey to Tampere is around 8 EUR. You can even take the bus from Helsinki to Rovaniemi (Lapland) for 54 EUR (it’s a 13-hour ride).

Matkahuolto is the main bus company. Use matkahuolto.fi/en to plan your journey. OnniBus is another intercity bus service. Prices are pretty consistent with Matkahuolto but fares can be up to 50% off if you book in advance rather than at the last minute.

Train – Trains are an excellent way to get around Finland and you rarely need to make a reservation ahead of time (you can book online at vr.fi). Trains are slightly more expensive than the bus but they are much more comfortable. Helsinki to Turku costs about 21 EUR for the two-hour trip, while Helsinki to Tampere starts from 20 EUR (and it’s also around two hours).

If you wait until the last minute, you can often find “saver deals” listed on the website (typically the night before). For example, at the time of writing this, last-minute fares for both the routes mentioned above are less than 9 EUR. So, generally, you can get them around 50% off the normal price if you’re flexible.

Bicycle – Finland is incredibly bike-friendly. All cities have bike lanes and there are endless paths with very few hills. There’s a bicycle rental service in almost every town, with prices starting from 15 EUR per day. You can often get discounts for multi-day or weekly rentals. For example, Bicyclean Helsinki has city bikes from 19 EUR per day while a week’s rental is 80 EUR.

Flying – Finnair is the main domestic airline in Finland, with fares between most destinations costing less than 100 EUR when booked in advance. Expect to pay double that for last-minute flights. You can pretty much fly anywhere in the country in around 90 minutes or less.

Flights from Helsinki to nearby Stockholm, Sweden or Oslo, Norway are also quite affordable, costing around 75 EUR (one way) when booked early.

Car rental – Cars can be rented for as little as 25 EUR per day for a multi-day rental. Drivers must be at least 20, have had their license for at least one year, and have an International Driving Permit (IDP). For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars .

When to Go to Finland

The best time to visit Finland is largely based on what you want to do. If you want to experience Lapland at its peak awesomeness, come in December or January. Lapland is a wintery dream world in December due to the holiday decorations, Christmas markets, and the northern lights. Keep in mind it gets extremely cold in Finland during this time, no matter where you are in the country. The average daily temperature in the winter is -8°C (17°F).

Spring and autumn are the shoulder seasons and temperatures are still low. The average daily high in April is 2°C (37°F), while in October it’s 5°C (41°F). Both seasons are beautiful, though. In spring, everything is in full bloom; in autumn, the fall colors come out.

Summer is full of activities all around Finland, especially in Helsinki. With longer days (in summer, the sun won’t set until after 10:30pm) and warmer temperatures, Finnish people love enjoying the change in season. Parks and beaches are full and there are festivals all the time. The country is very lively. The average high in the south of the country is 15°C (64-72°F), however, so you’ll still want to pack warm clothes if you plan to visit Lapland, as temps up there will be cooler.

How to Stay Safe in Finland

Finland is super safe and the risk of violent crime here is incredibly low. Pick-pocketing can occur in Helsinki on public transpiration and at busy bus and train stations but even that is rare. Simply leave your valuables at home and be mindful of your surroundings while you’re out and about. Do that and you should be perfectly fine.

Be careful when using ATMs as credit card skimming is on the rise when using outdoor ATMs.

Scams here are rare, but, if you’re worried about getting ripped off, you can read about common travel scams to avoid on this blog post .

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here. However, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). You can read specific tips on one of the many solo female travel blogs on the web.

If you rent a car, don’t leave any valuables in it at night. Break-ins are rare, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry!

Your biggest concern in most areas is actually moose. Be careful when driving!

If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Finland Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Finland Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Finland and continue planning your trip:

The 5 Best Hostels in Helsinki

The 21 Best Things to See and Do in Helsinki

How to Spend Three Days in Helsinki

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Home » Europe » Finland » Is Finland Expensive? (Tips for Visiting in 2024)

Is Finland Expensive? (Tips for Visiting in 2024)

Finland is a magical wonderland that is best known for its stunning natural landscapes, love for heavy metal, and being home to the happiest people on Earth (apparently). From the laid-back vibe of Helsinki to the lush wild forests to the elegant dance of the Northern Lights, there are plenty of reasons to visit Helsinki.

But Scandinavia, and Finland in particular, is not known to be a budget destination. If you ask any traveler “Is Finland Expensive?” they will likely tell you to start saving.

But while Finland is one of the more expensive places to visit, there are some ways you can travel more affordably. You might have to skimp on a few luxuries, but you don’t have to compromise on seeing the Northern Lights, staying in unique accommodations, or seeing the most stunning nature.

If you’ve got your eyes set on a Finnish gateway, then this guide contains all there is to know about just how much you will need to budget to travel to Finland.

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So, How Much Does a Trip to Finland Cost on Average?

Cost of flights to finland, price of accommodation in finland, cost of transport in finland, cost of food in finland, price of alcohol in finland, cost of attractions in finland, additional costs of travel in finland, some final tips for saving money in finland, so is finland expensive, in fact.

Working how much a trip to Finland costs is going to depend on a few different factors. The first thing you need to figure out it is how much to budget for the trip. You will need to factor in the costs of flights, food, accommodation, sightseeing, and transport on the ground. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. 

Travel costs listed in this guide are all estimates and are subject to change. Prices are listed in US Dollars.

Finland uses the Euro (EUR). As of August 2022, the exchange rate is 1 USD = 1 EUR.

2 Weeks in Finland Travel Costs

Here’s a handy table summarizing the costs of what you can expect to pay on a 2-week trip to Finland.

ESTIMATED EXPENSE : $55 – $1,503 USD for a roundtrip ticket.

When you first start to plan a trip, you might wonder “ Is Finland expensive for flights?” and then hit up the internet in a quick bid to answer your question. The thing is that the cost of flights will vary hugely depending on where in the world you’re flying from, and when you’re visiting. Those of you based in Europe will have very different fares compared to the US.

No matter where you’re flying from, there are ways to find cheaper flights to Finland. The best way to get a bargain is to be super flexible with the dates and times you’re traveling. Locking in just a couple of weeks in a year for your trip will leave you at the mercy of chance. 

The highest airfares are usually found in the summer months of June to August when much of Europe takes its summer break. Fares also peak over the Christmas period when travelers head to catch the Northern Lights. For the cheapest tickets, try the shoulder seasons such as travelling during November.

The busiest airport is Helsinki Airport (HEL). The busy international airport is located around 20 kilometers from the city center. Getting between the two is made fairly easy, however, thanks to regular trains that connect the airport to the city in about 30 minutes.

A cheaper alternative is the 40-minute ride on a public bus. Either way, the transport between the two is also something to factor into your Finland travel budget .

Here are the average costs of flights to Finland from several international air travel hubs:

• New York to Copenhagen Airport $361 – $614 USD
• London to Copenhagen Airport: £47 – £111 GBP
• Sydney to Copenhagen Airport: $1320 – $2,163 AUD
• Vancouver to Copenhagen Airport: $519 – $1,510 CAD

As you can see from the cost of flights to Helsinki Airport, being based in a European city will really save you some serious cash on airfares. London has the cheapest flights by a long way which makes a trip to Finland very affordable. Elsewhere, flights do cost a great deal more, but don’t be dismayed: you can save money, too. 

Take some time to check out the various options available to you. Connecting flights can really help to shave a few hundred dollars from the ticket price, or you could try multiple transfers. These may take time but can be a whole lot cheaper when compared to direct flights. 

A good place to start your search is by checking out a price comparison site such as Skycanner. Just input your dates, be flexible with when you travel and the site will bring up all of your options – saving your time, and hopefully, money, too. 

ESTIMATED EXPENSE: $20 – $170 per night

The price of accommodation in Finland is also going to be a big part of your trip budget. The type of accommodation you choose in Finland will depend on what kind of traveler you are and where in the country you want to visit. The price will vary depending on the location and the time of year and day of the week. 

Finland’s accommodation can be expensive at first but there’s a good choice of accommodation types out there to help balance out all of those chic hotels. From a long list of budget-friendly chain hotels to stylish hostels and some pretty cool airbnbs to choose from, too. 

So don’t get put off by the high prices at first glance. Accommodation in Finland can be affordable and there’s some great budget options out there. 

Let’s take a closer look at some of the accommodations in Finland to get you on the road to planning your vacation…

Hostels in Finland

Hostels are usually the first thing that comes to mind when travelers think about budget accommodation. Thankfully, Finland has some absolutely amazing hotels up its sleeve. You can opt to stay at friendly city-center hotels or stay in more remote locations close to lakes and national parks. 

The price for a night in a hostel in Finland is on average around $20 per night.

It doesn’t matter what hostel you end up booking in Finland, you will usually find yourself staying somewhere that is clean, comfortable and very welcoming. Some hostels even come with added extras like free bike rental, cafes, and even saunas for guests to use. And if you don’t want to stay in a dorm, there’s often private rooms too. 

Considering the possibility of spending a few nights in a hostel during your trip? Here’s some of the best the country has to offer for you to check out:

• Hostel Diana Park – The small and friendly hostel in Helsinki city center is great for exploring the city. Surrounded by shops, bars and eateries, the staff are on hand to make sure you enjoy your trip to the city. There’s only 15 beds, so it’s easy to mingle and meet other travelers. 
• Hostel Cafe Kofti – Located in central Rovaniemi, this Scandinavian-style hostel has a choice of dorms and private rooms. A buffet breakfast is available and there’s a well equipped kitchen and shared relaxing lounge relaxing area. Bonus points for the genuine Finnish sauna. 
• Tampere Dream Hostel – Located close to the city center, this stylish hostel is run by a friendly bunch of folks. The brand-new hostel offers up super clean dorms and shared spaces and a chilled-out atmosphere. Overall its excellent value-for-money. 

Airbnbs in Finland

When it comes to finding affordable accommodation in Finland one of the best places to search is on Airbnb. The site is really popular in Finland, which means there’s a long list of funky city apartments, remote cabin stays, and some really unique places to stay too. Yurts, anyone? 

With all that incredible choice comes the chance of finding some really affordable places to stay on the site. More often than not, you’ll be able to find somewhere that fits your travel budget and in a good location, too. 

The cheapest can be priced as low as $70-80.

Staying in an Airbnb in Finland will help to make traveling to more off-the-beaten-track locations in Finland so much easier. You can enjoy living like a local in a trendy city suburb or chill out in the wilderness among snow-coated mountains. The choice is almost endless. 

Another big plus point of staying in an Airbnb is the amenities that the prosperous offer up. Having your own kitchen means you can save a stack of cash on food. Instead of spending the big bucks eating out for every meal you can prepare some food for yourself every now and again.

If booking an Airbnb in Finland is something you might be interested in, here’s the details of a few top properties for you to take a look at.

• Minimalist Nordic Apartment – The stylish studio apartment is great for a couple of solo travelers. Located just a 15-minute walk from Helsinki’s Central railway station and city center, from here it’s easy to explore the city. 
• Cozy Lake-side cabin – Take time out during your trip and unwind amongst nature in this cool lake cabin. Located just a short walk away from Vaala town center, the cabin comes complete with everything you need for a comfortable stay. 
• Stylish Scandinavian Home – Set in Rovaniemi, this polished apartment is situated close to the city center close to restaurants and shops. The apartment has a beautiful design and has enough room to sleep 4 guests comfortably. 

Hotels in Finland

Hotels in Finland can really vary. In the capital of Helsinki and in other big cities you can expect to see a ton of expensive places to stay. These types of hotels will cost you around $200 a night, but you can expect fashionable design, in-house restaurants, and facilities like gyms and saunas to luxuriate in.

There’s also a good choice of budget-friendly hotels, which are a bit more simple but still modern and clean. These kinds of places are really great for those on a budget and can mostly be found in city centers, close to public transport, and city sights.

If you want to stay in a budget hotel in Finland, you can expect to pay around $70-$100 per night depending on the city.

Opting to book yourself into a hotel for your trip can come with some top perks. For one thing, hotels usually come with housekeeping so you don’t have to worry about making your bed or taking out the trash like at an Airbnb. Hotels might even come with amenities like bike rental and free breakfast, too. 

Even though Finland has some great budget hotels, they can get booked up in peak seasons. Make sure to plan as much in advance as possible and be flexible with your dates in order to secure the best deal for your room.

Here are some of the top budget-friendly hotels to get you started:

• Omena Hotel Helsinki – This super budget-friendly hotel in Helsinki city center is located close to public transport, eateries, and shops. Offering up clean and contemporary rooms, with private bathrooms and seating areas, guests check in this via a keyless entry system. 
• VALO Hotel & Work Helsinki – Situated in Helsinki, this modern hotel has been carefully designed with guests’ enjoyment and overall experience in mind. There’s a variety of different room types to choose from and some super cool shared spaces for relaxing. Amenities also include a restaurant, free bikes, a fitness center and bar in Helsinki.
• Hotelli Helmi – This affordable hotel is located in central Turku just a stone’s throw from the Concert House. Rooms are simple but bright and comfortable and come with private bathrooms. A buffet breakfast is served every morning.

Unique Accommodation in Finland

When it comes to unique accommodation, Finland really has it covered. There’s so much more to the nation than its cities and that’s because it’s got some incredible natural scenery. Those of you who want to take a trip out to explore the country’s wild landscape really have a treat in store for you in the form of igloos. 

Yes, you might think that spending the night in the igloo sounds pretty chilly, but think again. The igloos in Finland have been carefully crafted with the utmost comfort in mind. They are usually located as a part of a remote resort where Fins and overseas travelers come to see the Northern Lights – and sometimes even meet Santa Claus. 

These types of stays do not come cheaply, however. You can expect to pay at least $150 for a night in an igloo. But you will also have access to the restaurants, saunas, and activities at the resort. 

But there are some more down-to-earth choices out there. Some Fins have built their own igloos and regularly welcome guests to spend the night in real snow structures. Don’t worry: they still have real beds inside and are decked out with warming fairy lights.

If that sounds like the type of amazing experience that you would like to try during your trip, here are some of the best igloos to take a glance at:

• Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort – This amazing igloo is located in the Saariselkä Fell region of Finnish Lapland. You can spend the night in a glass igloo that features glass roofs and luxury beds. Some even come with a sauna. The resort includes two restaurants to enjoy.
• Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos – Located in the Arctic Circle, the glass igloos here boast heated floors and thermal-glass roofs so you can see the night sky. The hotel includes a selection of three restaurants and an ice bar to enjoy.
• Genuine Snow Igloo – This small, family-run business offers up the chance to spend the night in a real snow igloo. Located next to the lake Pyhäjärvi and Pyhä-Luosto National Park, the family make the igloos themselves each winter for guests to stay in.

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ESTIMATED EXPENSE : $0 – $70 per day

It may surprise you to learn that Finland is a pretty big country. With an area that covers 338,455 square kilometers (130,678 sq mi), it’s actually one of the biggest countries in Europe. It’s roughly about 88% larger than the state of California. That getting around the nation can seem a bit daunting. 

Thankfully Finland has a fantastic transport system that’s really well developed and the large-scale distances and landscapes in the country can be easily traversed. From modern trains equipped with fantastic amenities all the way to easy-to-use public buses, you shouldn’t have any trouble getting around. 

The nation also boasts a network of well-maintained highways that stretch between the sparsely populated towns and cities. In winter getting around by car can be much more troublesome, but in the summer months road trips are very rewarding for the more adventurous travelers; in fact, you can go for hours without seeing another tourist.

The only downside is that traveling around Finland on public transport can be expensive. There are some ways to bag yourself cheaper tickets and save some cash on the cost of long-distance travel. Here’s an up-close look at how much getting around by train, bus, and car in Finland is really going to cost.

Train Travel in Finland

The railway network in Finland is made up of a total of 5,919 kilometers (3,678 miles) of the track. Tens of millions of travelers regularly rely on Finnish trains to get around the nation. The train network is run by the Government-owned Finnish State Railways.

Train travel really is the best and most convenient way to travel around Finland. The far-reaching train network spreads out from the hub of Helsinki Central Station and connects to major cities, and coastal towns, in the south of the country. To the north, in the Finnish Lapland, trains are reliable but much more limited. 

Trains come in the form of the Comfortable Express, InterCity, and high-speed tilting Pendolino trains. A great option for budget travel is the country’s night train, where you can save on the cost of a hotel for the night and get to where you need to be. 

If you’re going to do a few journeys on a train in Finland, it’s a really good idea to purchase a rail pass. The cost of train tickets can be high and so a rail pass makes economic sense. The Interrail Finland Pass gives you unlimited travel on various routes in Finland. For those under 28, you can purchase the discounted Youth Pass.

These handy passes come in a range of different lengths and different regions so you can choose the one that best suits you. There’s even the option to combine the pass with a Europe-wide rail pass if you want to explore further afield.

Eurail Finland Pass

• 3 days within 1 month – $163
• 4 days within 1 month – $196
• 5 days within 1 month – $225
• 6 days within 1 month-  $253
• 8 days within 1 month – $305

The Interrail pass is only available for Europeans to buy. If you’re a non-European resident, the Eurail Pass is the best option for you.

The pass doesn’t cover everything though. For one thing, seat reservations are needed for most of the long-distance trains and express trains. Seat reservations usually cost between $5-$20, but you shouldn’t need to book them too far in advance. 

Another tip for budget train travel is to look out for deals on local and national railway websites and see if there are any seasonal discounts and offers. 

Bus Travel in Finland

Given the reliability of the rail network, bus travel in Finland is surprisingly important. This is the way a lot of locals and tourists choose to get between the big towns and cities. The bus network spreads out across all of Finland but is particularly useful up in the north of the nation where the train doesn’t reach as far. 

You can even catch a bus and cross over international borders to the neighboring nations of Russia, Norway, and Sweden. 

The intercity bus network is run by a range of different companies. Buses are usually comfortable but the journeys can be long because of distances and low speed limits. The cheapest fares are for the regular vakiovuoro buses which stop frequently; expect to pay more for the intercity pikavuoro express buses. 

You can buy a ticket at the main bus stations and one-way tickets can be picked up on board. Matkahuolto is the organization in charge of all of the tickets on the buses in Finland. Their website is easy to use and you can compare bus times and pieces. 

For the cheapest bus fares in Finland, try out Express Bus, you can find tickets for only a few dollars. Onnibus also has some low-cost fares. Make sure to book as far in advance as you can in order to secure the lowest priced fares. 

One option you may want to consider is the Matkahuolto bus pass which allows unlimited travel across the entire country; 7 days is $150, 14 days $250.

Ferry Travel in Finland

Finland has a whole lot of islands. More than 188,000 to be more specific. These destinations are either connected to the mainland by a series of bridges or ferries. There are a number of different sea routes which make travel between destinations such as Helsinki and Porvoo and Naantali to the Åland Archipelago a real adventure. 

There’s also international boats which connect Finland with nearby European countries including ferries that set sail between Sweden, Germany, Estonia, and Russia. For those of you who want to travel further afield, this could be a cheaper alternative to flying or taking the train. 

Although ferries used to be the backbone of travel in Finland, today they’re more of a fun experience. Having said that, they do make it easier to travel to the more far-flung destinations in Finland which can take a long time to reach by the road network. 

There are up to 399 weekly ferries that ply over 21 different routes in Finland. The 6 main operators have varying prices for tickets, but generally, they can start at around $14. 

Getting Around Cities in Finland

Getting around cities in Finland is never too complicated, but it does change depending on the season. The capital Helsinki is home to the country’s only metro – which also holds the claim of being the northernmost metro system in the world. 

The city is also where you’ll find the only tram network in the country, which is arguably the best way to travel around all the main sights in the downtown area.

The metro network isn’t very large (only 25 stations), but it’s modern and easy to use. The city bus covers areas where the metro and trams don’t. The inexpensive buses are a good way to get around when it’s cold outside, and will take you to all of the city’s sights and tourist hotspots. 

Buses are the main mode of public transport in other Finnish cities. They’re reliable and make it (usually) very cheap to get around.

If you’re in the capital for a couple of days, you might consider the Go Helsinki Card . This travel pass allows for unlimited travel across all of the city’s transport networks including the metro, buses, trams, local trains, and Suomenlinna Ferry.

Go Helsinki Card CITY gives unlimited travel within the zones AB for either 24, 48, or 72 hours. Prices start at $52. Cards can be picked up at the airport, online, and at various sellers throughout the city.

In the summer months, the most popular way to travel around Finnish cities is by bicycle. 

This is a nation of cyclists and you will be able to enjoy safe journeys on two wheels via a well-developed system of cycle paths. There are even some pretty amazing long-distance cycle routes to try out too. It’s useful to know that you can also take your bike on most trains and buses, sometimes for a fee of $10. 

In Helsinki, the City Bikes bike share scheme is easy to use. There is a $25 registration fee, bike hire is $10 per week, $5 per day. Bike rental from shops will cost around $15 per day, with a deposit of around $30.

Renting a Car in Finland

Sometimes you just want to travel at your own pace or want to explore regions of a country that are hard to reach by public transport. That’s when renting a car comes in. Hiring a vehicle to self-drive around Finland can be a great way to see more of what the country has to offer. 

Getting yourself a modern, reliable car is no hassle at all. Driving in Finland is pretty dreamy, too; the well-maintained highways are almost traffic-free, there are no tolls to fork out for and there’s some absolutely breathtaking scenery to soak up.

But is Finland expensive for car rental? Well, the truth is that it can be expensive. The cost of fuel is steep, there are some big surcharges if you want to drop off at a different location, and in peak season prices also rise. 

Finland is one of the best winter destinations in Europe because of the amazing skiing and winter activities, however driving conditions is one thing you need to take into consideration.

Hitting the highway in the winter comes with extra challenges. Slower speed limits will be in place and, from November to March, snow tires are required, which is an added expense.

If you are set on hiring a car in Finland, you should make sure to book as far in advance as possible in order to secure the best rate. You’ll be able to rent cars from all of the big international brands, as well as some smaller local companies. The average price for car hire is $61 a day. 

When you need to fill up, you’ll be paying $2.080 per liter (that’s $7.874 per gallon). Most petrol stations are unmanned; you can usually pay with cash or a card. 

Want to save some cash and explore Finland by rental car? Use rentalcar.com to find the best deal possible. There are some great prices on the site and they aren’t difficult to find.

ESTIMATED EXPENSE: $25 – $60 USD per day

Finnish food is a delicious combination of influences from the region. From Scandinavian to Russian tastes, you can expect a lot of fish and interesting local meats like elk and reindeer, too. Being a country with cold winters, dishes tend to be hearty and come in the form of rich casseroles, and potato-filled pies. 

Although you can get food from around the world in Finnish cities, you shouldn’t pass up the chance to try home-spun recipes made from local ingredients.  A good place to start is with a big Finnish breakfast, which is usually made up of smoked fish, cheese, and bread. 

Here are classic Finnish dishes you should seek out during your trip:

• Karjalanpiirakka (rice pies) – The delicious pastry hails from the region of Karelia and a particularly popular feat for breakfast or lunch. Made from a rye crust that is filled with rice pudding and then topped with buttery egg. Can cost as low as $6.
• Kalakukko (fish pie) – Hailing from the region of Savonie, the name of this dish translates to “fish cook”. Traditionally prepared with rye bread with fish baked inside, variations include pork and bacon. Juicy and filling. Try for around $6. 
• Lihapullat (Finnish meatballs) – You can’t come to Finland without trying the nation’s variation on meatballs. The Finnish version is lighter on the herbs, but uses curd cream for the sauce and is served up alongside mashed potatoes, gravy, pickles, and gravy, and lingonberries. Priced around $15. 

Finnish cuisine is very tasty, but it isn’t always cheap. Those on a budget may find it hard to find somewhere to try the local dishes, but here’s some pointers on how to eat on the cheap during your trip:

• Look for lounas deals – You will often see restaurants advertising lounas (lunch) deals for a really affordable price. Keep an eye out for adverts for lunch buffets or check local deal websites. A lot of the time the lunch buffet costs between $12 to $15. 
• Go to student areas – If in doubt go to where the students hang out. The neighborhoods around university campuses will have good food deals, but you could also head onto campus and eat lunch at the mensas (canteens) for around $5. 
• Enjoy Asian cuisine – When you’re looking for something to eat in the evening, a good idea is to opt for Asian food. In most big cities you will find Chinese or Thai restaurants that serve up fresh and affordable dinners for a lot cheaper than Finnish food. 

Where to Eat Cheaply in Finland

At first, it can seem like all of the restaurants in the county are totally out of your price range. But don’t worry: you can eat in Finland cheaply if you make sure to keep these pointers in mind:

• Dine at market halls (kauppahalli) – These indoor markets are local institutions that can be found in almost any town or city in Finland. Go here to find a great range of low-priced snacks and meals. There are usually a few cafes to eat at, too. You can often find them next to big train stations, so it’s a good place to pick up snacks for a long-distance journey. 
• Stand up at street grills ( grillis ) – These kinds of street strands are the place to go for a quick and cheap bite to eat; you can pick up a burger or a hot dog for a few euros and be filled up in no time. Elsewhere cafeterias in transport hubs are a good option for a quick and cheap meal.
• Soup stops – Found all over Helsinki, the soppakeittiö (soup kitchen) is a favorite of locals at lunchtime. Here you can enjoy classic Finnish soups, which make use of local fish as well as vegetarian options. Meals here cost around $10 and come with a hearty helping of delicious bread.

But, we all know that eating out all of the time is quickly going to eat a hole in your Finland travel budget. For when you aren’t out there living the high life in restaurants and cafes, there’s a selection of supermarkets. Here are a couple of the best budget supermarket chains to keep an eye out for…

• Lidl – The classic cheap European chain is well-known for having consistently low-priced goods. This is the cheapest supermarket in FInland and even though they don’t have branded goods, their food is reliable and tasty, too.
• Sale – Another low-priced option is Sale, similar to a chain called K-Mart but with prices that are a little lower. Though prices can vary, there are often sales and deals going on. The produce is fresh and there’s a good selection on offer.

ESTIMATED EXPENSE: $0 – $37 per day

Is alcohol expensive in Finland? Well, I’m afraid to say that, yes, it is. In fact, Finland is the most expensive country in the EU when it comes to the price of alcohol. That means that having a few drinks can really add up. For those of you who enjoy a tipple, knowing where to drink cheaply is really going to help you out. 

The first thing to know is that all alcohol above 5.5% ABV in Finland is sold by the government-run monopoly called Alko. Alcohol in general is pretty heavily taxed, to the point that it is 91% more expensive than the average EU price. 

A glass of beer costs upwards of $6 in a restaurant or bar. 

Alcohol can be picked up from the government-run Alko shops, which are only open during the week between 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. and on Saturday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. The price of a strong beer is usually around $1.30 per 300ml, local brands include Lapin Kulta and Koff. Imported beers are pieces around $3 a can. 

There are also strong local spirits like the Finlandia vodka, priced at $20 per 700ml bottle, or Koskenkorva, which is cheaper at around $15 per bottle. The price of wine varies, but you can buy a mid-range bottle for around $13. 

One thing to note about buying alcohol in Finland is that the age limit varies. To buy beer and wine you need to be 18, and 20 to buy spirits. Some bars and clubs even have an even higher age limit. 

If you fancy sampling some of the local liquor, these are some of the more popular Finnish drinks…

• Salmiakki Koskenkorva – This licorice black cocktail is a combination of vodka and salty licorice that became fashionable in the early ‘90s. This deliciously spiced drink is now the third-most sold liquor in Finland. It’s around $15 a bottle.
• Jaloviina – also known as Jallu, Jaloviina is an amber-colored variety of French brandy that is mixed with grain for a smoother flavor. Introduced to the nation in the 1930s, it’s drunk neat or on the rocks. A bottle costs $20.

If you’re staying in Helsinki, then make sure to head over to the alternative neighborhood of Kallio. This hipster hub has some of the cheapest bars in the city where you can drink for less than $10. 

ESTIMATED EXPENSE : $0 – $40 USD per day

When it comes to things to do, Finland has a whole lot going for it. No matter what time of year you take a trip, you will never be short of amazing activities. Thankfully, most of the time, you won’t need to spend a ton of cash doing activities in Finland. 

That’s because the country’s wild natural landscape is the perfect place to explore, and it won’t cost you a single penny. With the wilderness of Lapland, national parks, and forests, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to outside activities.

Summer months bring the midnight sun which means taking on the best hikes in Finland , wild camping, and cooling off with a dip in a river. Then when the winter months come around the region is turned into a glistening Arctic wonderland where you can see the northern lights completely free of charge. 

When exploring Finnish cities, you can spend your time strolling around charming streets, dropping into museums, and treating yourself to a sauna experience. Visitors to Helsinki can save money on the top places to visit in Helsinki by picking up passes like the Helsinki Card, which not only covers city transport but also entrance to sites. 

Here are a few great ways for you to save money on sightseeing and attractions during your Finland adventure:

• Go on a free guided walking tour – a walking tour is always a great way to get to grips with a new city. Thankfully Green Cap Tours runs free walking tours in multiple city locations around the country including Helsinki, Turku, and Levi.
• Look for free museum days – Before you schedule a trip to a museum or gallery, check out their website to find the free entrance days. These usually take place once a month, but you can also find reduced entry days or cheaper rates later on in the afternoon. 

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So by now we have gone through the cost of accommodation, worked out the price of flights, take a look at transport, and even factored in how much you’re going to need to spend on food. But there are a few other things you are going to want to add to your Finland trip budget. 

We all know that there is always something else that you will need to spend money on during your holiday. Be it the price of storing your luggage or the costs of a few afternoon coffees. And then there’s how much you’re going to spend shopping for a few souvenirs.

A good rule of thumb is to set aside 10% of your total budget for these little unforseen extra costs. 

Tipping in Finland

Overall, tipping in Finland is not expected at all. If you receive bad service or aren’t happy with a meal, then you do not need to leave a tip. The people who work in the service industry in Finland are paid a good living wage that does not rely on tips to bolster it. 

That being said, if you do want to leave a tip then by all means you can. People will definitely not object to being left tips and it’s a normal thing to do in restaurants, cafes, and hotels. 

You are not expected to give taxi drivers a tip, but the common thing to do is to simply round up the fare or offer for the driver to keep the change. Again, you don’t have to do this at all and it’s only if you want to say thank you for good service. 

Another situation you may come up against tipping is with tour guides. If you are joining a free walking tour, it’s always a nice show of thanks to give the guide a few euros at the end of the tour. For tours that you have paid for it’s up to you if you want to tip; if you do then 10% of the cost of the tour should suffice. 

Get Travel Insurance for Finland

Travel insurance is usually the part of planning a trip that is skimmed over. It’s not the most exciting thing to be spending your money on after all. But it might be a good idea to consider taking out travel insurance for your trip just in case. 

We all want to have the best vacation ever, but you can’t foresee something going wrong and that’s when insurance comes in. It will usually cover you for things like injury, hospital stays, delayed flights, and theft. Overall it’s pretty useful to have something worth taking some time to think about. 

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This epic guide is almost at its end. But now you probably have a good idea of how much it will cost for a trip to Finland. But here are some last nuggets of money-saving advice for you…

• Consider different arrival airports – If you’re mainly going to be exploring Lapland then taking a flight to Helsinki (way down south) might not be the best plan for your budget. Check out flights to other Finnish airports from your destination and see if you can save some cash and shave time off your journey, too. 
• Visit in off season – Finland is beautiful year round and if you travel in the months of November, January or March you can really take advantage of the lowest rates for flights and accommodation. You’ll still get to see plenty of snow and enjoy the magic of Lapland too. Autumn is also a really beautiful time of year in Finland with affordable rates. 
• Have a water bottle : Don’t waste money on plastic, bottled waters; carry your own and refill it in the fountains and the tap. If you’re worried about potable water, get a filtered bottle, like the GRAYL, which filters out 99% of viruses and bacteria.
• Pick up the Go Helsinki Card – For $44, the Helsinki Card gets you into top city attractions and 24 hours of unlimited journeys on the transport network. Not only that, but it also comes with a stack of restaurant discounts, too. Worth checking out for sure. 
• Earn money while you travel: Teaching English while traveling is a great way to make ends meet! If you find a sweet gig, you may even end up living in Finland.
• Self-cater – Making yourself meals is one surefire way to save money during a trip. You can still enjoy eating out now and again… and just think of all the fun things you can buy at a Finnish supermarket to eat for dinner. 
• Become a volunteer with Worldpackers : Give back to the local community and, in exchange, you’re room and board will often be covered. It’s not always free, but it’s still a cheap way to travel in Finland.
• Book a dorm – Solo travelers should totally consider spending time at hostels. Dorm beds offer the best overall value no matter what time of year you’re a traveler. Most dorms cost between $20-$40 and will come with facilities like shared kitchens and the chance to mingle with other like-minded travelers. 

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Ok, so here’s the deal. Finland can be expensive, there’s just no getting around it. Trains for one thing can really add up, accommodation can be expensive, and did you see the cost of grabbing a cheeky beer? 

But, with all that being said, a trip to this European nation really doesn’t have to cost you the price of a deposit on a small flat. 

There are ways you can keep your daily travel costs low and still make the most of what Finland has to offer. In fact, you could take a trip here on the cheap if you choose your accommodation wisely and are flexible with the time of year you travel. 

What we think the average daily budget for Finland should be:

Keep that budget in mind, enjoy a treat here and there and do a bit of forward planning, I think you could visit Finland for a daily budget of around $80.

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Christina Grayt

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Hi! Actually one can take a water bottle of one`s own. Nobody in Scandinavia, nor Finland either, buys water. We just pour water from tap and drink it. It is very safe. This was one thing, which I was very amazed by. I didn`t, at first, know that people have to buy there own drinking water. When one lives at the northern areas of Europe, you can just fill your bottle from rivers etc. They are clean and safe to drink-

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• Travel Planning Guide

How much does a trip to Finland Cost?

How much money should you budget for your trip to Finland?

• How much does a one-week trip to Finland cost?
• How much does a two-week trip to Finland cost?
• How much does a one-month trip to Finland cost?
• Hostel Prices
• Hotel Prices

The Cost of a Trip to Finland

A trip to Finland for one person usually costs between $71 and $379 per day and $142 to $759 for two people. This is a wide range of costs, and the daily average per person from our data is $171 (€157) per person. This average includes food, accommodation, sightseeing, and local transportation expenses contributed from other travelers. Prices can vary based on travel style and activities. While the overall price for a trip to Finland is dependent on your personal travel style and the specific places you visit, if you book standard accommodation and travel with an average level of convenience, then your budget should be somewhere within this range. Also, the prices for individual destinations such as Helsinki, Tampere, and Turku may vary, but generally fall somewhat close to this range. Below you can find a breakdown of travel expenses by category, plus a comparison of guided tour costs versus traveling independently.

For budget travelers in Finland, planning for around $71 (€65) per day should cover essentials such as accommodations in hostels and budget hotels, affordable meal options, local transportation, and engaging in various activities. If you're a mid-range traveler, setting aside around $171 (€157) per day would allow for more comfortable stays in typical hotels, dining at regular restaurants, and exploring a diverse range of popular attractions. Luxury travelers, on the other hand, should consider a daily budget of approximately $379 (€349) to accommodate higher-end hotel stays, dining at nicer restaurants, and indulging in more exclusive private tour options. It's important to note that these price ranges are derived from our extensive travel cost data for Finland, which is based on valuable insights from other travelers as well as hotel and tour data provided by travel companies. For a more detailed breakdown of travel costs, you can refer to our comprehensive travel cost data for Finland .

How much does a one week trip to Finland cost?

When planning a one-week trip to Finland, most visitors to Finland spend between $498 and $2,656 for their trip, with the average cost falling around $1,197. This estimate includes essential aspects such as sightseeing, local transportation, food, and accommodations. With a full week, you'll have sufficient time to explore one, two, or possibly three locations within Finland, depending on the amount of time you want to spend in each place. The most popular places worth considering are Helsinki , Tampere , and Turku . Keep in mind that these numbers are based on overall averages and may vary depending on your individual preferences.

How much does a two week trip to Finland cost?

With two weeks, you should budget between $997 and $5,311 for your trip to Finland. The average price for a two week trip is $2,394. Two weeks will allow you enough time to visit between three and five places. If you're on a budget, you might want to consider some of the more affordable places such as Savonlinna and Levi.

How much does a one month trip to Finland cost?

When embarking on a month-long trip to Finland, expenses can range from $2,136 to $11,381, with an average cost falling around $5,130. For those fortunate enough to have a full month, considering a vacation rental with a kitchen for at least a portion of your stay can help save money with meals. Backpackers often opt for hostels due to their affordability and the added benefit of a social vibe.

Hostel Prices in Finland

With more than 10 hostels in Finland, the average price is $29 per night for a dorm bed. Hostels are a terrific option for younger independent travelers looking to save money while staying social during their trip. With many types of hostels, it can be overwhelming to sort out the best places, though. Our analysis of the hostels in Finland not only found the average price, but also uncovered some surprises about the overall quality, amenities, and atmosphere of hostels in the region. You can see more details from our analysis about typical hostel prices in Finland here .

Here are a few sample prices from popular hostels in Finland.

• $35 for a dorm bed at Hostel Diana Park in Helsinki more details
• $30 for a dorm bed at Hostel Cafe Koti in Rovaniemi more details
• $25 for a dorm bed at Tampere Dream Hostel in Tampere more details

Hotel Prices in Finland

You'll find a wide range of hotel options across Finland. Below are prices for some of the destinations, and for more details see our analysis of hotel costs in Finland .

Arctic Light Hotel

Should you do an organized tour or travel independently in Finland?

When planning a trip to Finland, there are two primary options to choose from: organized tours and independent travel. Organized tours offer a convenient and hassle-free experience, as all the details of your trip are handled by travel experts. Additionally, you'll have the benefit of an expert guide who can provide valuable insights and knowledge during your journey. This option is often favored by travelers who appreciate the convenience and ease it offers, with many tours providing transportation and expert guides to enhance the overall experience.

On the other hand, independent travel provides a different set of advantages. It offers a higher level of freedom and flexibility, allowing you to customize your itinerary and explore at your own pace. This option appeals to travelers who value the ability to make spontaneous decisions and have more control over their travel plans. The independence of traveling on your own can provide a sense of adventure and the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture on a deeper level.

Ultimately, the choice between organized tours and independent travel depends on your personal preferences and travel style. Consider your desired level of convenience, the amount of guidance you prefer, and the level of flexibility you seek when making your decision. Both options have their own merits, and the decision should be based on what aligns best with your travel goals and preferences.

Comparing Trip Costs in Finland

When we compare the prices of organized tours to the average costs of independent travelers, we can see that sometimes the prices are fairly even.

Tours vs. independent Travel: Pros & Cons

Organized tours.

• An expert guide familiar with the culture
• Convenient transportation
• Fellow travelers to socialize with
• Well researched activities
• Efficient and thought out itinerary
• The security of have a trip leader if something goes wrong
• Limited options
• Usually not customizable
• The fast pace often means you can’t visit one place in depth
• Usually more expensive than independent travel
• There may be limited time to interact with the local culture and community

Independent Travel

• Completely customizable
• Opportunity to visit off-the-beaten-path destinations
• Can fully immerse yourself in the local culture
• Freedom to move at your own pace
• Flexibility to change your itinerary at any time
• More affordable
• Challenging to plan an efficient itinerary
• Transportation may be challenging or inefficient
• Booking and trip planning can be a hassle
• Popular sights may sell out well in advance
• If something goes wrong, you're on your own

Are organized tours more expensive than independent travel in Finland?

Organized tours typically average around $332 per day and provide the convenience of an all-inclusive package with one comprehensive payment. On the other hand, independent trips usually average around $171 (€157) per day and involve individual payments for accommodations, local transportation, meals, and sightseeing. Both organized tours and independent trips have their own unique challenges and benefits, so it's crucial to thoroughly understand the aspects of each to make a fair comparison. For a detailed analysis of tour prices in Finland, check out our comprehensive guide on tour prices in Finland here .

Here are a few sample tours in Finland:

• Self-guided Canoe Expedition in Lapland ($912) 6 days, 3 destinations more details
• Self Drive Family Summer Adventure ($2,740) 8 days, 8 destinations more details
• Skiing Expedition Hut to Hut in Pallas Ylläs National Park ($2,168) 6 days, 3 destinations more details
• Experience the Northern Lights ($7,985) 15 days, 11 destinations more details
• Northern Lights of Scandinavia (Small Groups, 10 Days) ($5,060) 10 days, 6 destinations more details

More for Finland

If you're planning a trip to Finland, check out these other informative travel guides.

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works .

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How Much Does Finland Travel Cost? Here Is A Breakdown

Some say that a holiday experience in Finland is priceless – there is nothing like watching the Northern Lights and hanging out with huskies and reindeers. No matter how much you budget for your Finland trip, you will not be disappointed by the beauty of being in the Finnish wilderness. Aside from flights, your Finland travel cost will depend on the type of activities and accommodation you like.

Although you can engage a tour company to arrange this once-in-a-lifetime trip, there are many perks of traveling to Finland without a tour. For example, you get to choose your own hotels and switch up the dining options. If you are trying to plan a DIY trip, this will give you an idea of travel cost in Finland and how much to prepare.

Finland Travel Cost Overview

So how much does Finland travel cost? The average travel expense can range anywhere from 3,500 € to 7,500 € , though it largely depends on your travel style.

This is what you might expect for a 1-week Lapland road trip and 3 days spent in Helsinki during winter. We estimated it based on a mix of hotel accommodations and popular activities including husky and reindeer safari.

Read on for a breakdown of the different aspects of Finland’s travel costs, along with some suggested things to do and places to go in Finland.

Flights to and within Finland

First things first, we need to fly to Finland. Finnair is the national carrier of Finland and they fly to most major cities. Here are the estimated flight costs for return economy flights between Helsinki and various cities.

• Singapore to Helsinki: 1,075 €
• Delhi to Helsinki: 800 €
• New York to Helsinki: 635 €
• London to Helsinki: 260 €

The easiest and quickest way is to get to Lapland is via a domestic flight from Helsinki to any of the airports further north. If you want to visit Santa Claus Village you should fly to Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland. To get to northern Lapland, you can fly to Ivalo or Kittila. These are the nearest airports for the popular ski resort towns of Saariselka and Levi.

Note that domestic flight schedules might change after the winter season is over, so do check them before confirming any plans. You can consider doing multi-city flights to cover more destinations. Check out some one-way domestic flight prices below.

• Helsinki to Rovaniemi: 85 €
• Helsinki to Ivalo: 80 €
• Helsinki to Kittila: 80 €

Let’s assume you’re flying from Singapore to Helsinki. After including a multi-city flight journey from Helsinki to Ivalo and then back to Helsinki from Rovaniemi, it will cost about 1,240 €.

You can easily rent a car in Finland from any of the airports. Simply search and book them online via a car rental site like RentalCars . On average, car rental in Finland will cost around 75 € to 90 € per day depending on the model. There are some additional costs to be mindful of as well:

• Rental insurance (15 € per day)
• Additional driver fee (9 € per day)
• Winter tyre fee (50 €)
• Cross-border fee (150 €)
• One-way charge (65 €)

It is a good idea to take pictures or videos of the car at the start and end of the rental. Do look out for any existing scratches, dents, or other damage, so that you can provide evidence when disputing a charge.

If your fuel policy is like-for-like, it means that you will need to return the car with the same amount of fuel. You can estimate your fuel usage cost based on the expected driving distance. For reference, we covered roughly 1,200 km with 62 litres of fuel. It cost 130 € in total with fuel prices at 2.1 € per litre.

For a 1-week road trip, you might pay around 730 €, including insurance and fuel.

Buses and Private Transfers in Lapland

If you are not planning to rent a car, you can opt for the scheduled buses that run between cities in Lapland. Although timetable and prices might change with the season, you can easily check them on Omnibus or Matkahuolto . Here are examples of some routes you can consider.

• Rovaniemi to Ivalo (4hr 40min): 45.90 €
• Rovaniemi to Levi (2hr 55min): 28.90 €
• Rovaniemi to Pyhatunturi (2hr): 33 €
• Rovaniemi to Kemi (1hr 30min): 5.90 €
• Helsinki to Rovaniemi (11hr 20min): 29.90 €

Many hotels and resorts also offer airport transfer services, with prices varying with the distance to the nearest airport. For example, it costs 18 € for a 15-minute transfer from Kittila Airport to Levi Inglut. You will need to inform them about your arrival in advance so that they have time to prepare. Sometimes, there are complimentary shuttle services between the accommodation and the airport so you can also look out for that.

Renting a car tends to make more sense if you want to have flexibility to travel at your own time and pace.

Public Transportation and Taxis in Helsinki

For city sight-seeing in Helsinki, you can get a Day Ticket that allows you to transfer between modes of public transport (trams, buses, etc.). This is valid within your selected travel zone for the purchased duration. On the other hand, a Single Ticket is usually more suitable for a one-way trip.

Travel zones A and B cover most of the attractions in Helsinki city center. If you want to include Helsinki Airport, you will need to buy a ticket that covers zone C as well. The easiest way to purchase these tickets is through the HSL app or at any R-Kioski convenience stores.

• Day Ticket AB (1/2/3 days): 8/12/16 €
• Day Ticket ABC (1/2/3 days): 11/16.50/22 €
• Single Ticket AB: 2.80 €
• Single Ticket ABC: 4.10 €

Although there is train service between the Airport to the city center, you might want to hop on a taxi for convenience which costs around 40 € to 50 €.

If you get the Day Ticket ABC for all 3 days, public transportation in Helsinki will cost around 22 €.

Hotel and Resort Accommodations

The price of hotels and resorts vary a lot based on the time of year. I have an article about the best glass igloos in Finland that also includes the expected prices for different seasons. We found that the cost of these glass igloos hotels is generally discounted by around 50% during the off-peak period in summer and autumn. If you are trying to save money, you can consider travelling during September to enjoy hiking and ruska (autumn foliage) instead.

There are many types of accommodations to choose from – cabins, hostels, resorts, glass igloos, snow hotels, and more. In winter, a typical hotel in Lapland costs 150 € per night, and something more popular like the Santa Claus Holiday Village costs 180 € per night. For an unforgettable experience, a stay in the best glass igloos cost 700 € per night. Something in a good location in Helsinki city center, like Scandic Grand Central Helsinki , goes for 170 € per night.

For a 10 day trip, if you splurge 2 out of 9 nights on a glass igloo stay, you will spend around 2,650 € on accommodations. That will be 1,325 € per person, assuming the room is shared.

Seasonal Activities

Summer and autumn are the seasons where there are many free activities – such as hiking and berry picking. You can also go on your own Northern Lights chasing adventure. The weather conditions are mild and very pleasant for enjoying the outdoors. You can check out this blog post for an autumn road trip itinerary .

Winter activities are the highlight of a Finland trip and you are encouraged to book your activities in advance as slots can run out. You can browse various combinations of activities through companies like Lapland Safaris and Husky & Co . Your resort can also help you with arranging a winter expedition and they usually have a brochure of activities on their website. You can also pick up equipment from any gear rental shops in the ski towns.

Here are some of the many winter activities in Finland with an approximated price per person (varies with region).

• Husky sled safari (185 € for 10km)
• Reindeer sleigh safari (150 € for 2 hours)
• Horseback rides (150 € for 2 hours)
• Snowmobile rides (150 € for 4 hours)
• Skiing, snowboarding (50 € for 1 day)
• Guided cross-country skiing and snowshoeing (75 € for 2 hours)
• Ice fishing via snowmobile (170 € for 4 hours)
• Kemi Icebreaker cruise (285 € for 3 hour including ice swimming)
• Northern Lights chasing tour (90 € for 3 hours)
• Tour to Snow Village where they have various ice sculptures and ice hotels (80 €)

I would say husky and reindeer safaris are a must, and it would be cool to explore the ice hotels in the Snow Village. Throw a couple of these activities together and it should add around 900 € to each person’s Finland travel cost.

Dining and Shopping

It’s not a surprise that dining in Finland can get expensive. In Lapland restaurants, you can get a set menu course at around 70 €, with the option to add on a wine tasting package. You should definitely try some reindeer meat or fresh trout during your trip. Besides that, the average meal costs anywhere from 15 € to 30 €.

Nili Restaurant or Gustavo are great choices for dinner when you are in Rovaniemi. In Helsinki, the Old Market Hall is known for tasty salmon soup and seafood sandwich, which you can try during lunch. After a week of Lappish cuisine, we turned to Hawaiian-Asian fusion dining at Restaurant HOKU after we came back to Helsinki. I also recommend trying the Cinnabon buns from Regatta cafe and hot chocolate from Fazer cafe .

If you want to shop for sports and outdoor equipment, you can check out CAMU and XXL Sports & Outdoor Kluuvi in Helsinki. You can also go to the Academic Bookstore to find this adorable book called Finnish Nightmares which describes Finnish culture in a comical way. If you want to buy luxury watches, you can drop by Lindroos , with outlets in both Helsinki city center and the airport. Don’t forget to get your Global Blue tax refund!

There are several unique things that characterise Finland, and you can bring these back home as souvenirs.

• Handcrafted wooden items like Kuksa, a handmade birch cup
• Finnish liquor
• Fazer chocolates

Shopping expenses are totally up to you, so I will just estimate the dining costs to be 80 € per day on average. For our example, 10 days would require a 800 € food budget.

Miscellaneous Expenses

Here are examples of other miscellaneous expenses to account for in your Finland travel cost.

• Private sauna or jacuzzi rental (for example, rental for both sauna and jacuzzi costs 99 € for 1.5 hours in Pyha Igloos )
• Museum tickets ( Culture Pass to the 3 main museums in Rovaniemi costs 20 €)
• Other attraction tickets (for example, Temppeliaukion Church entrance fee costs 5 €)
• SIM Card for mobile connectivity (14 days of unlimited 4G and calls costs 14.90 €, can be bought at any R-Kioski convenience store)

You will have to add around 100 € per person for miscellaneous expenses.

Travel Insurance

Remember to get adequate travel insurance as you head out into the Finnish wilderness. The outdoor activities come with risks, and you want to have peace of mind as you travel.

You can also consider a policy that reimburses you for trip cancellations or postponements, since many of the tour companies and hotels require you to make a deposit or upfront payment.

Lastly, as travel volume surges during the holidays and operations get messy in the airport, you will appreciate receiving at least some compensation for travel delays and baggage mishandling.

Depending on your requirements, it might cost around 100 € to cover 10 days of travel.

Putting it together, how much does Finland Travel Cost?

Let’s sum it up now that we have gone through the full breakdown of expenses. How much does it cost to travel to Finland?

• Flights: 1,240 €
• Transportation: 752 €
• Activities: 900 €
• Food: 800 €
• Accommodation: 1,325 €
• Miscellaneous: 100 €
• Insurance: 100 €

For this example of a 1 week road trip and 3 days in Helsinki (total of 10 days), it is estimated to cost 5,217 € in total per person.

I hope you found this informative and all the best with planning your Finland trip. It’s going to be a blast!

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Is Finland expensive to visit? Your perfect Finland travel cost guide

Finland is the land of lakes, forests, saunas and home to Santa Claus. A trip to Finland should revolve around these experiences for every traveller. It is a perfect travel destination in Europe if you are looking for a mix of city life as well as picturesque villages. Did you know that Finland was voted the world’s happiest country in the 2018 World Happiest Report and then again in 2019? Even after paying half of their salaries in taxes, people in Finland are happy. In order to truly experience the quality of life in Finland, you should visit this country. But is this visit going to cost you a bomb? Read to get answers for all your Finland travel cost queries!

Fort a detailed cost analysis for your Eastern Europe trip read our travel guide, Europe trip cost Calculator: How to travel to Europe for cheap with just 60 Euros per day

A Perfect 10 day Finland travel itinerary  

We visited Finland during summers for 10 days and can’t wait to visit it again during the winter months.   Here’s our Finland travel itinerary:  

• Helsinki 3 days
• Rovaniemi 3 days
• Tampere 2 days
• Turku 2 days

A detailed Finland travel cost guide  

Is Finland expensive to visit? With little planning and following some excellent budget travel tips for Finland, we managed to keep out Finland travel cost to 65 Euros per person per day. In Indian currency, it’s just INR 50000 per person. Just a reminder, we are neither backpackers or luxury travellers. We do seek comfort and local experiences when travelling while keeping a tight check on our overall travel costs.  

Suggested daily Finland travel cost is 65 – 70 Euros per person per day  

(Note: This Finland travel cost will suit you if you are a budget traveller who seeks little comfort during travel and wouldn’t prefer backpacking through hostels. It is not a budget for luxury travel.)

This suggested daily budget of 65 – 70 Euros a day for your Finland vacation includes:  

• accommodation at central locations in either AirBnB or private rooms in hostels or mid-range hotels
• sightseeing and tickets to attractions
• food (a mix of eating out and cooking a few meals)
• nightlife  
• all transport within Finland including the cost of travelling between different cities and daily local transport within the city

Read:  Things to do in Budapest in one day

Detailed Finland travel cost report

Here is our detailed Finland travel expense report for our 10 day travel itinerary. Our per-person Finland travel budget turned out to be only INR 5000 per person per day.  

How much does it cost to travel to Finland?  

Let’s go into the details of how expensive it can get to travel to Finland and average daily costs for a budget traveller. These costs should give you a reasonable idea about the costs of travelling to Finland and help you get an average estimate for your trip to Finland.

Detailed list of common expenses in Finland

Accommodation costs in Finland  

• Bed in a dormitory in Finland: 20-25 Euros per night  
• Private room in a hostel with shared toilets: 45-55 Euros per night  
• Room in a mid-range hotel: 80-100 Euros per night
• Private room with shared facilities in an AirBnB: 30-40 Euros per night  
• Studio apartment in Finland: 50-70 Euros per night

Lockers and other miscellaneous costs

• Public locker in Finland at bus/railway station: 2-4 Euros for 24 hours (it varies with the size of the locker)
• Bottled water: 2 Euros per bottle (P.S: Finland is proud of its tap water and it is known to be one of the world’s finest)
• Beer at a bar: 6-8 Euros  
• Cocktails at a bar: 10-15 Euros a drink  

Food cost in Finland

• Grocery store meal: 5-8 Euros  
• Basic meal at a cafe or lunch deals at restaurants: 10-12 Euros
• Average meal cost in Finland at a restaurant: Above 25 Euros

Transport cost in Finland

• Overnight train from Helsinki to Rovaniemi: 50 Euros per ticket (price increases closer to travel dates)
• Intercity bus transport (for short 2-4 hour distances): 4-10 Euros per person  

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Planning a Trip to Finland: Everything You Need to Know From Start to Finish

What do you imagine when you think of Finland? Is it the country’s adventurous spirit – dog-sledding, chasing the northern lights, and exploring pristine nature – or its cosmopolitan cities? Are you searching for a vacation destination that will help you get back to the most natural version of yourself, or do you want to reinvent yourself somewhere entirely new? 

Whatever you’re looking for, we bet you can find it in Finland. This off-the-beaten-track destination is only growing in popularity now that people are discovering just how beautiful the scenery is and how friendly and welcoming the locals are, so what are you waiting for?

Finland’s magic won’t be kept under wraps for much longer, so if you’re thinking of visiting, the time is now. No matter where you are in your planning, our complete guide to planning a trip to Finland has you covered from start to finish!

Travel to: Finland

The best time to visit Finland

Finland is a country of contrasts: a trip to this country in the winter will look very different to one taken in the summer! While there isn’t one best time to visit FInland, travellers should consider what they’d like to do before setting off. How would you most like to experience Finland?

• Ice and snow: Winter is possibly Finland’s most iconic season. When most people picture a trip to this country, they’re likely picturing the winter months! Winter in Finland generally lasts from December until April, but the months of February and March are the best times to visit if you’re looking for more daylight. 
• In bloom: The springtime is a beautiful time to visit Finland. The sun returns from the darkness of winter, and the wide green landscapes across the country begin to reappear. 
• Summer sun: Travellers don’t often think of FInland as a warm-weather destination, but the summer is a beautiful time to visit! Travellers who like relaxing by expansive lakes, hiking through untouched forests, and enjoying bright and sunny weather should consider a trip to Finland in the summer.

Budgeting for a trip to Finland

Finland is accessible to travellers with all budgets – travelling Finland is possible for about 51 euros ($56 USD) per day. Of course, that doesn’t mean you won’t be able to find luxury experiences in Finland, if you’re so inclined! “Luxury” in Finland doesn’t mean the traditional grand penthouse suites and rich food – here, luxury means carving out a place for yourself to relax, get back to nature, and breathe.

While travelling around Finland, consider taking the train. Not only is this the more environmentally-conscious option (and with a country this beautiful, don’t you want to do everything you can to preserve it?), you’ll also save a lot of money in transportation costs, and get to enjoy some seriously incredible views along the way to boot!

See Also: Your Perfect Scandinavia Itinerary (1 week, 2 weeks, or 3 weeks)

What to pack for a trip to Finland

Packing for your trip to Finland will vary greatly depending on what time of year you’re visiting! While Finland fully enjoys all four seasons, we’ll break down the essentials for summer and winter here.

Finland packing list for summer

• Waterproof jacket
• A bathing suit for those long days by the lake!

Finland packing list for winter

• Your warmest coat
• Warm layers (long-sleeved shirts, fleece sweaters, etc.)
• Waterproof gloves/mittens
• Warm, waterproof boots

See Also: What to Know Before Your Husky Safari in Finland

Where to go in Finland

The most popular destination in Finland, Helsinki more than deserves its reputation as a vibrant, quirky city ripe for exploration. Here, you’ll find towering architecture in amongst the glittering bays of the Baltic Sea – you’ll never lack for incredible views in Finland, and Helsinki is certainly no exception! 

Helsinki’s food scene is a major draw for many travellers. In addition to the plentiful fresh seafood such as Baltic herring, Helsinki has in recent years become home to chefs from all over the world keen to share their international fare with the Finnish people – and lucky travellers, of course! 

See Also: The Best Things to do in Finland in the Summer

For travellers who crave a healthy dose of culture with their travels, Tampere is a dream destination. Home to a philharmonic orchestra, annual jazz, tango, and floral festivals, and a long and proud history of theatre productions, you’ll find something for everyone in this city in southern Finland. 

Sitting between two lakes, Tampere is sometimes affectionately referred to as “the Manchester of Finland” (Fins even occasionally refer to it as “Manse”). Much like its British cousin, Tampere was once the centre of industry in Finland, and has since developed into a rich and diverse city in its own right. 

If you’re planning on heading to Turku on your travels, make sure not to mention it to anyone from Tampere! The two cities share a friendly rivalry – it’s not uncommon to hear locals poking fun at each others’ regional dialects, local architecture, and other idiosyncrasies. 

Turku itself is the oldest town in the country of Finland, making it a perfect destination for history buffs – Turku actually used to be the capital of Finland before it was moved to Helsinki in 1812. 

Travellers looking for a relaxed vibe with plenty of gorgeous nature should look no further than Turku – the city sits at the mouth of the Aura River and travellers can travel back and forth across it on the Föri, a free ferry.

Visiting Finland means waking up in the morning with countless options for spending your day – whether you’re the type of traveller who prefers to plan everything months in advance, down to the minute, or you just can’t wait to get out there and see where the adventure takes you, planning a trip anywhere can be stressful. With some easy research, though, your trip to Finland is sure to go off without a hitch!

Where would you most like to visit in Finland?

Maggie Soares

Maggie is a life-long traveller with a special affinity for the United Kingdom. When she's not reading, writing, or dreaming about her next trip, you can find her talking at length about her dog to anyone who'll listen.

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Travel to Finland

Planning a trip to Finland? From hotel prices to local foods to try, here’s everything you need to know before visiting Finland

Cost of Living

Moving to Finland? Our ultimate Cost of Living guide help you figure out how much money you need to move and live in Finland

The most complete Finland prices database

FinlandPrices.com is an independent website that provides in-depth information on current prices and cost of living in Finland. Here you can get detailed and accurate info on a wide range of subjects such as accommodation, food, transportation, things to do, healthcare, and education in Finland. The database is constantly updated by our staff members using multiple sources including official statistics and market research. Prices are listed in euro and US dollars.

Everything you ever wanted to know about Finland - and more

Are you planning a trip to Finland? It is always a good idea to visit the happiest country in the world!

Can I drink tap water in Helsinki? When to go to Lapland for cheaper hotel rates? How much is the ticket to the Rock Church? What is mämmi? Where to see the Northern Lights? We are here to answer your travel questions.

Find out the best time to visit Finland with our travel guide and estimate your expenses with a Travel Cost Calculator .

Things to Do

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We provide the most extensive and up-to-date data ever available on the cost of living in Finland. Our free Cost of Living Calculator helps you figure out how much it would cost you to move to Finland alone or with your family.

Finnish-ing touches: all you need to know before your trip to Finland

Apr 24, 2022 • 9 min read

In Finland, the sauna is a way of life – and an essential experience for any visitor © Jonathan Stokes / Lonely Planet

Finland is the kind of place a child with a particularly vivid imagination might dream up, complete with flying reindeer, the real Santa and so much snow.

It’s a place of extremes – of darkness and light, of bitter cold and unfathomable wilderness. And it’s bound to be right up there with your Nordic dream destinations, whether you’ve come to dash through frozen forests by husky-drawn sleigh as the Northern Lights flash overhead in Lapland, or hunker down in a back-of-beyond summer cottage on the shores of a placid lake in the undying light of summer.

If you love saunas, silence and nature, you’ll fit right in. Here are the things to know to help you plan and prepare your trip and stay safe and healthy in Finland. 

Planning your trip to Finland

Consider arriving outside of helsinki.

Helsinki is the country’s principal gateway, though if you’re coming to Finalnd for a non-urban adventure you might consider flying into a regional airport like Rovaniemi (gateway to Lapland and Santa HQ) or Tampere (gateway to the lakes) instead. Once you’re in Finland, public transport is pretty good and efficient, with trains and buses joining the dots between major cities and towns. But if you’re heading into the wilds, you should count on renting a car, as distances are vast. Pack drinks and snacks for the journey as there’s little in the way of services between hubs.

The roads that sweep north to Lapland are often empty, but you’ll need to watch out for reindeer (the Porokello app warns of high-risk reindeer-crash areas) and ice in winter. 

Summers are for primeval pleasures; winters are for festive magic 

Finland is too big for just one bite, so plan carefully and resist the temptation to cram everything into one trip. 

Summer, you say? The Finns would agree: after long, dark, snowbound winters, they embrace the lighter days of summer with a truly biological urgency. June to August is a brilliant period for hiking and camping in wilderness areas like the reindeer-bobbled fells of Urho Kekkonen National Park in Northern Lapland , above the Arctic Circle. It’s also a great time to jump into a kayak to paddle the Lakeland (there are 188,000), waving to seals as you drift from one gorgeous little speck of an island to the next in Åland on the Baltic. 

Summer is when Finns tiptoe away from the world and back to nature in middle-of-nowhere cottages, some of which are totally off the grid. Days are spent in gleefully primeval ways: foraging for berries, swimming in ice-cold lakes, relaxing in saunas and spending nights under a canopy of stars. The climax is Juhannus , or midsummer, in late June, when families come together for picnics and dancing around bonfires. 

September is quiet and glorious in Lapland, with forests turning gold and crimson and reindeer beginning to rut. As snow arrives in October, a hush falls over the land and many sights and hotels close. But winter brings festive sparkle and visits to Santa in the Arctic north. As the days get shorter, you’ll enjoy the full-on Narnia effect, with dogsledding, snowmobiling, skiing and overnight stays in ice hotels . Get lucky in Lapland and you’ll see the Northern Lights come out to play (statistically October, November and March are best).

Keep costs down by eating at markets and camping

Finland isn’t cheap, but there are ways to cut costs and save a few euros. Make lunch your main meal of the day, as many restaurants and cafes serve a good-value all-you-can-eat lunch buffet that includes soups, salads and day specials. Most big towns also have a ​​ kauppahalli (covered market hall), where you can grab picnic fixings (breads, cheeses, deli produce, smoked fish) and graze at one of the stalls or cafes selling snacks.

Camping is an inexpensive way to travel around. Most campsites are excellent, with cabins to rent as well as plenty of space to pitch a tent – but they tend to only open from June to August. If you’re willing to forego the warm shower, you can wild-camp thanks to jokamiehenoikeus (everyman’s right) – a great (if adventurous) option in a country with 41 national parks and almost endless expanses of nature. 

Etiquette in Finland: how to fit in with the locals

Keep things casual .

Even in the heart of Helsinki, you can just tell that the Finns are craving the space and solace of the great outdoors, counting down the minutes and hours until they can give civilization the slip and escape to their mökki (summer cottage). The way they dress reflects their nature-loving spirit: casual, practical, sustainable and well suited to the extremes of the seasons. There’s no need to pack lots of fancy clothes, especially if you’re heading beyond the city (as you most likely are). Pack loose layers, thermals and sturdy walking shoes instead. 

Say hello, Finnish style

Kissing on the cheek? No. As a nation that prizes extreme apartness, Finns are a touch more reserved when it comes to greetings. Making eye contact and shaking hands is pretty standard; friends and family tend to hug. “ Hei ” and “ moi ” are two ways to say “hello.” Repeat the latter twice (“ moi moi ”) and it doubles as goodbye. Oh, and remember to be punctual – the Finns always are.

Remember that silence is golden

The old “silence is golden” proverb never rings truer than in Finland. Deep and introspective, the Finns aren’t fans of idle chitchat. Silence here is rarely seen as awkward; if there’s nothing pertinent to say, that’s just fine. You’ll often see friends together in the sauna, silent, perfectly happy in each other’s quiet company. So if a conversation comes to a natural halt, don’t feel as though you have to fill in the gaps with small talk.

And if you’re planning on having a lively chat with your mates in the sauna, think again. In Finland, the sauna demands deep respect – legend even has it that if you behave immodestly, you’ll have to face the fury of the saunatonttu , or sauna elf, who might burn it down in fury.

Give the sauna a whirl – and take it seriously

Stripping naked, roasting in a sauna heated to 175°F (80°C), beating yourself with a circulation-boosting birch whisk (a vasta or vihta ), then diving into an avanto (ice hole): this is a Finn’s idea of fun. Sounds masochistic? This country has 1001 ways to toughen you up and the ritual of the sauna (pronounced “sah-OO-nah” rather than “SAW-nuh”) is just one of them. 

The sauna isn’t a luxury in Finland: it’s a way of life. Marriage, divorce, birth, death, new job: you name the life event and you can bet a sauna is involved. There are around three million saunas in Finland, in a country with a population of just 5.5 million. This is where the Finns socialize, do business, put the world to rights, rest, meditate and cleanse. Learning the art of sauna-going is offers a window into the country’s soul. 

Public saunas are nearly always separated by gender. To sauna like a Finn, shower first, get naked, keep quiet, take a towel to sit on and ladle water onto the stove to produce fragrant löyly (steam), taking care not to splash too freely. You should work up a sweat in around 15 minutes – but remember, it’s not a competition. Take frequent breaks and drink water to rehydrate.

Embrace the outlandish 

This isolated land of extremes has bred a nation of fiercely independent and idiosyncratic people. Squeaky cheese ( leipäjuusto ) you dunk in coffee, salty licorice ( salmiakki ), ice swimming, flying reindeer, Moomins: Finns love things that the rest of the world consider...odd. If you single out any of these quirky institutions for praise, you just might make friends for life here. This passion for the weird and wonderful extends to a crazy line-up of events, with world championships for everything from wife-carrying to air-guitar playing and swamp soccer.

Health and safety in Finland 

Green, clean and conscientious, Finland is incredibly safe. Still, it’s worth bearing a few things in mind to make sure you stay healthy and happy.

Bring the bug spray

Though not exactly a health risk, the swarms of blood-thirsty insects that descend on the country’s north in summer can be a real bugbear. The mosquitoes, sandflies, midges and horse flies are at their most ferocious in July, but all summer long you’ll need to go armed with strong repellent, especially around lakes and in swampy, densely forested areas. In the wilderness, there are plenty of remote huts where you can crash with a mat and sleeping bag, but bringing along your own tent generally offers more protection from the mosquito storms.

Besides repellent, you might want to bring along a mosquito cap or hat and a travel net to cover your bed or your tent flap to keep the pesky biters at bay.

If you encounter any health issues, you’ll be in good hands

Perhaps it’s the air, the crystal-clear water at the turn of a tap, the vast open spaces, the long forest hikes, or the immune system-boosting saunas and ice swims: Finland radiates good health like few other places on earth. And the country has some of the best health care in the world – so if you do get sick you’ll be in the very best hands. As with all the Nordic countries, the level of care is extraordinarily high and doctors and medical staff generally speak excellent English. 

There are specific travel vaccinations to worry about, though you’ll want to make sure you have decent travel insurance all the same, especially if you’re planning on a winter-sports extravaganza in Lapland or straying from the well-trodden-path in the wilds of a national park. 

If you’re a citizen of the EU, European Economic Area (EEA) or UK, you’re entitled to emergency medical treatment with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), though you will still have to pay a daily or per-appointment fee as a Finn would. Otherwise, look into whether your country has a reciprocal arrangement for free medical care in Finland. 

Keep an eye out in the wild

Beyond the cities, Finland is a wild, wild place. As with all extreme climates, there are the obvious risks of exposure, hypothermia and frostbite in the Arctic north, and rivers can be prone to flooding when the snow melts. It goes without saying that you should venture out well prepared with the right thermal gear if you are visiting Lapland in winter, when temperatures can plummet to a bitterly cold -22°F (-30°C). Always take a good map and compass, and inform someone of your whereabouts if you’re heading out into one of the vast national parks in the north. 

Predators like brown bears and wolves roam the forested wilds on the Russian border in the country’s east, though they generally mind their own business and pose no real threat.

You might also like: Capital gains: Helsinki on a budget Autumn in Finland: an alternative fall foliage tour Reindeer, bears and elusive seals: Finland’s finest wildlife experiences

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The Perfect 5 to 7 Days in Finland Itinerary (Winter or Summer)

Last Updated on January 31, 2024

by Olivia Ellis

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Planning a perfect 5 to 7 days in Finland itinerary is a great experience if you’re searching for a European destination off the beaten path from traditional tourist-heavy routes. In unique proximity to Scandinavia, Russia, and the Baltics, Finland is saturated with rich history and culture and “the happiest people” in the world.

From cosmopolitan and sustainable Helsinki to the country’s oldest city, Turku, Finland is a country waiting to be explored with open arms. This itinerary will help you plan an ideal trip to Finland, exploring both cities and nature while discovering unique corners in between.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Finland?

Many potential visitors wonder how many days to spend in Finland in order to do this beautiful Nordic nation justice.

Finland is one of the largest countries in Europe, and with that being considered, there’s a great amount to visit. With that being said, I recommend a minimum of 5 days in Finland; this way you can visit and wander around Helsinki, but also manage to get to another city/town or two. 

On top of that, I believe that the ideal length of time to spend in Finland is around 1 week. With 7 full days in Finland, you’ll experience all that you can in 5 days, but also be able to go beyond.

You’ll truly be able to do the country justice, explore a few different regions of the country and go beyond major cities to further off regions, such as Finnish Lapland to perhaps visit a reindeer farm, go dog sledding or see the Northern Lights.

Getting To & Around Finland 

Getting to finland.

Regarding this particular itinerary, the best and most convenient option will be to first fly into the capital city of Helsinki.

Helsinki Vantaa Airport is the fourth largest Nordic airport by passenger numbers and has frequent routes year-round connecting Finland mainly to Europe but also intercontinental.

Due to the large airport and frequent flights, the Finnish capital is also typically a fairly affordable destination to fly into. You can get from the Helsinki airport to the city center by bus, train or private transfer.

Another unique option for those visiting Finland from neighboring Tallinn, Estonia or Stockholm, Sweden , is to reach Finland by ferry.

There are frequent ferry routes to/from each city and depending on your chosen journey, they can also be more affordable than flight transportation. You can browse ferry schedules here.

Getting Around Finland

When organising your transportation plans for getting around Finland, it’s important to keep in mind the time of year. This itinerary is best suited for the winter months, so unless you’re someone with at least some experience driving in wintery/snowy conditions, I’d recommend against driving.

For those that will be driving, the country is well-prepared for winter weather with cars equipped with the right winter tires so you don’t need to worry about anything out of the ordinary.

If you decide to opt-in to rent a car, I’d suggest only renting it for the time in Rovaniemi. Like most European and Nordic cities in particular, you’ll have an excellent public transportation system at hand to get around with and no necessity to rent a car whilst in the capital city. You can browse Rentalcars.com to compare prices on car hire.

Helsinki is also an incredibly walkable city, with most sights and points of interest in close distance, you’ll find it a joy to walk around the pleasant capital Finnish city. 

Furthermore, the other destinations outside of Rovaniemi are easily accessible to Helsinki by bus and train. The last two days of the itinerary are in Finnish Lapland and with such a long drive from southern/central Finland (~10 hours), it would take a day out of your trip to drive.

Rovaniemi is the most “wild” part of the itinerary and having a car would be an advantage (especially if you’re determined to spot the Northern Lights), but it isn’t completely necessary. There are several car rental companies in Rovaniemi, both in the city and at the airport if you’re keen to drive during your time in Lapland. 

5 to 7-Day Finland Itinerary

Regardless of how long you have, you’ll find spending time in Finland to be a Nordic treasure. If you have 5 days, you’ll get to know Finland through its capital city, Helsinki, along with other authentic towns and major cities.

For those continuing onwards to a 7-day itinerary, you’ll make your way north to the wild Arctic Lapland region and its capital city of Rovaniemi where you can enjoy either incredible winter activities or, in the summer months, basque in the midnight sun. 

Day 1 – Arrive in Helsinki

The first 3 nights of this itinerary are spent in the capital city of Helsinki. Once arriving, you’ll likely first notice the beautiful and diverse architecture and styles painting the capital city.

The city is a unique blend of Finnish, Swedish, and Russian architecture – reflecting the deep history and heritage not just of Helsinki but also of Finland itself. 

Helsinki is a fairly small and compact city, which makes it convenient to see most of the main sights during day 1 of your time in Finland. Begin at the Senate Square in the center of the city (Kruununhaka neighborhood) to marvel at the stunning white Helsinki Cathedral along with the National Library of Finland. 

A short walk brings you to one of the most unique churches you’ll probably ever visit, the Temppeliaukio Church. Built within a solid rock, the church is a must-visit in Helsinki and for that reason, it’s one of the most popular attractions in Helsinki. 

For a taste of some of the best Finnish cuisine in the city along with affordable options, make sure to visit Helsinki Market Square & Old Market Hall. The market square is particularly special if you’re visiting Helsinki during the winter , where you’ll find a joyful Christmas market full of independent stands and vendors.

The Old Market Hall is the oldest market in Finland as well as the perfect spot to enjoy a traditional meal.

Where to Stay in Helsinki

Bob W Kluuvi – This hotel is perfect for mid-range visitors. They have a great, central location for exploring the city along with plenty of great rooms to choose from and breakfast available in the mornings.

Hotel Mestari – This luxury hotel is perfect for those looking for a plush stay in the Finnish capital. They have a number of wonderful rooms to choose from, great amenities for guests to enjoy and a fantastic location for seeing all Helsinki has to offer.

The Yard Hostel – Those visiting Finland on a budget will love this cool hostel in the center of Helsinki. They have both private rooms and dorms to choose from along with good self-catering facilities and common areas.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Helsinki hotels!

Day 2 –  Helsinki

After a wonderful first day exploring Helsinki and getting acquainted with Finland, a great way to continue your trip is by making a day trip to the Suomenlinna Fortress. This sea fortress also happens to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Suomenlinna Fortress is situated on a group of 8 islands off of Helsinki and demonstrates key elements of Finnish history and independence from both Sweden and Russia. 

Suomenlinna is easily reached by a short 15-minute ferry ride (tickets are included within the Helsinki transport system) from Helsinki Market Square. 

Finland has a wonderful fashion scene, with both local and high-street shops with a big influence on sustainability. Pohjoisesplanadi, the main shopping street in the heart of Helsinki is about a kilometer long and is the perfect place to take a look at Finnish trends and maybe find a souvenir to bring home. 

Day 3 – Porvoo

On day 3, I suggested making a day trip to the nearby middle-aged town of Porvoo . Porvoo is best reached from Helsinki by bus, with just around an hour’s journey. I recommend booking with Omnibus, as buses are frequent (around every 10 minutes) and the system is reliable. Schedules can be found here. You can also book a guided tour .

Porvoo is a lovely little town giving a completely different feel to Finland than big-city Helsinki. The town is the second oldest in Finland and wandering through the old streets can’t be any more idyllic; especially in the snow during a Finland winter itinerary.

I recommend warming up with a hot chocolate at Petris Chocolate in the town center before heading back to Helsinki.

Day 4 – Turku

After spending 3 nights in Helsinki, make your way to the charming Finnish archipelago city of Turku. Turku is easily reached by train from Helsinki in just under 2 hours and train schedules and booking can be found here . 

The city of Turku was founded almost 800 years ago and is a unique must-visit on any visit to Finland. With the Aura River meeting the archipelago as the centerpiece for Turku, you’ll find the city to be an exciting destination full of soul and history as it was once Finland’s capital city before Helsinki. 

Stop by the 13th-century Turku Castle to get a better insight into Finnish Heritage in its oldest town as well as the Turku Cathedral, which also happens to be the seat of the Archbishop of Finland. 

If you’re visiting in the summer, a great way to enjoy Finland’s bountiful nature is to take a ferry to the Turku Archipelago. Spending the day in the long daylight is best spent wandering the trails, taking a dip in the water, and discovering the archipelago’s 40,000 tiny islands by bicycle. 

For a meal with a nice ambiance, the riverside area has wonderful restaurants with gorgeous views no matter the time of the year that you visit.

Where to Stay in Turku

Centro Hotel Turku – This hotel in central Turku is an excellent choice for those after a mid-range option in this Finnish city. They have myriad great rooms to choose from and a lovely breakfast available in the mornings.

Solo Sokos Hotel Turun Seurahuone – Located in the center of Turku, this hotel is a great choice for those who want something a bit more high-end while visiting Finland. They have a range of rooms to choose from, fantastic amenities and an on-site restaurant/bar.

Forenom Aparthotel Turku – This aparthotel is great for those who want their own flat but don’t want to sacrifice the convenience of a traditional hotel. There are a range of apartments on offer and they also have a great, central location.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Turku hotels!

Day 5 – Tampere

On your 5th day in Finland, a quick hour-and-a-half train from Turku will bring you on a day trip to the quirky city of Tampere. Tampere is the second biggest city in Finland with a lot to offer but is regularly missed by tourists, making it a great destination for any trip to Finland off the beaten path.

Tampere is the sauna capital of Finland, with over 50 public Finnish saunas waiting for you to relax and rejuvenate in the Finnish style. If you’re looking to tick visiting Finland’s oldest sauna off of your travel list, head to Rajaportti Sauna to experience a sauna heated by wood in the most traditional method.

The city is full of unique and exciting museums such as the Moomin Museum, the quintessential destination for any lover of the Moomin cartoon world. Another great museum option in Tampere for a particular perspective on Finnish culture and social history is Werstas – The Finnish Labour Museum

During your time in Tampere, make sure not to miss the largest Market Hall in all of the Nordics , Tampere Market Hall. This is the perfect destination to sample quintessential Finnish delicacies in a pleasant spot with friendly locals and authentic Finnish food.

If you’re spending just 5 days on you trip, this is the last day of your Finland trip. There is an airport in Tampere with a handful of European connections, making it a convenient ending if you can leave from Tampere. Otherwise, take the train back to Helsinki to continue onward.

For those continuing onward to the city of Rovaniemi in Lapland, the best transportation options from Tampere are to either return to Helsinki to fly to Rovaniemi or take an overnight train/bus from Tampere. 

Day 6 – Rovaniemi, Lapland

The last two days of your Finland travel itinerary will be spent in Finland’s largest region, enchanting and magical Lapland.

While also an ideal destination for the summer months because of the incredible nature and lush boreal forests of the northern Finnish region, it’s hard to find any travel destination more perfect in winter than Lapland. 

When planning accommodation, the costs of Lapland nature-surrounded hotels are much higher than in the center of Rovaniemi, it enhances the fairytale Lapland experience if you can afford the cost. 

The city of Rovaniemi is quite small in comparison to most other Nordic and Finnish cities, but it feels like an entirely different world in itself. To learn more about Arctic and Lappish culture, science, and history, head to the Arktikum Museum for a perfect taster to educate you for the rest of your time in Lapland. 

Rovaniemi is the main hub for most activities in the area and they’re plentiful. Whether you’re interested in taking a cosy reindeer sleigh ride in the Arctic forest or an Aurora Borealis expedition with a cup of hot chocolate, there’s something for everyone.

The majority of tour and activity groups leave from Rovaniemi with pick-up from surrounding hotels, making it an effortless trip if you decide not to rent a car to explore Rovaniemi, Lapland. 

If you’re visiting Lapland and following this itinerary in the summertime, it’s a completely different atmosphere but still incredibly special in its own right. From long days spent exploring Lapland’s wildly deep nature and forests to midnight-sun bonfire nights, summer in Lapland is truly special as well.

Where to Stay in Rovaniemi

Arctic Light Hotel – This modern hotel in Rovaniemi, this is a great base for exploring Lapland. There are several chic rooms to choose from, an airport shuttle, free parking and a superb breakfast.

Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle – The perfect arctic escape, the glass igloos located outside of Rovaniemi are excellent for a unique visit. They have several different pods on offer, a great restaurant, room service and other amenities.

Hostel Cafe Koti – A good budget option in Rovaniemi, this hip hostel has both dorms and private rooms, a bar and cafe on site, a sauna and good self-catering facilities.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Rovaniemi hotels!

Day 7 – Santa Claus Village

One of the most popular attractions when visiting Rovaniemi, Lapland is the magnificent world of Santa Claus Village.

Santa Claus Village is just about a 10-minute drive (or 20-minute bus ride) outside of Rovaniemi city center and is a must-visit magical stop while in Rovaniemi, for both adults and children. You can also take a guided tour  from Rovaniemi.

The village is a large wonderland, full of activities from ice skating and sledding to visits at the husky park and postcards and a meeting with Santa at Santa’s workshop. You’ll find conveniently placed fire pits throughout the village and the village’s forest area to warm up if you decide to walk among the snow-dressed Arctic trees.

The official boundaries of the Arctic Circle run through Santa’s Village and even though it’s just a line, it’s truly thrilling to pass back and forth through the Arctic Circle! 

Food options are plentiful in the village no matter your budget or preferences; from cafeteria-style food to classic Lappish food (I recommend the open-fire cooked salmon!) in a traditional hut. 

With so much joy and winter wonderland from just around every corner, it’s easy to spend a long day at Santa’s Village. It’s also safe to say that there’s no better send-off from a trip to Finland than heading to the snowy paradise of your childhood dreams. 

If you’re visiting in the winter, you may be able to find a return flight from Rovaniemi depending on the city, but otherwise, return to Helsinki to wrap up a marvelous week in Finland.

Have More Time?

In the case that you are drawn to the Lapland region and would like to explore further, I highly suggest heading further north to experience the region on a deeper level in the resort town of Levi.

In Levi, you can hit the slopes and ski on Finland’s biggest ski slopes, search further for the Northern Lights with a higher chance of seeing them, and find yourself in further bewilderment by Finland’s stunning natural beauty. 

On top of that, if you want to continue your trip and are looking to go beyond Finland, Swedish Lapland is just over the border with more outdoor adventures waiting for you.

Finnish Lapland is a lot more “developed” and touristy in comparison with Swedish Lapland, so if you’re interested in experiencing more of a local experience in Lapland, Swedish Lapland is a great way to continue your trip. 

A Finland trip undoubtedly has something for all kinds of travelers, whether you’re a city-seeker or someone happiest among nature. With this Finland itinerary, you’ll see all aspects of Finland, giving the perfect representation of this dynamically beautiful, and kind country. 

Are you planning a trip to Finland? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

Is Finland Expensive? A Finland Trip Cost Guide

Helsinki vs Stockholm: Which Nordic Capital to Visit?

A Guide to Visiting Finnish Lapland in Winter

About Olivia Ellis

Olivia is a writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from Michigan, USA, she is currently living in Athens, Greece exploring Europe and filmmaking. When she’s not travelling or writing, Olivia can be found cooking delicious new recipes from around the world, reading, and spending time outdoors.

Hi, Olivia: Thank you so much for sharing! It does make my coming Finland travel plan clearly. I am wondering how about Levi in Summer, and do you have any suggestions about summer in Rovaniemi?

With many thanks Sherry

Love the very informative initinery. Will certainly follow it. Planning to go in November 2023. Bravo!

Very very informative, thanks Olivia

Very very helpful review. We hope to have a family trip to Finland and these suggestions were terrific.

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Finland Travel Cost Calculator – How much does it cost to vacation in Finland?

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Finland in an expensive country. If you want to do and see all, it won’t be cheap, but you can also plan your trip on a budget and still participate in awesome activities. Check your estimated travel costs below! Accommodation, food and transportation costs included in the budget.

Finland Travel Cost Calculator

Tips for activities and must-sees in finland.

• Best hotels in Rovaniemi
• Rovaniemi in winter
• Rovaniemi in summer
• Lapland in summer
• Lapland winter road trip
• Finland Road Trip Guide 
• 10 Best cities in Finland
• Finnish souvenirs
• How to sauna like a Finn

National Parks and Nature Trails

• Frozen waterfalls
• Koli National Park
• Pyhä-Luosto National Park
• Oulanka National Park
• Pallas-Yllätunturi National Park

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I want to know Finland Visa. I’m from Nigeria My name is Joshua and how much does it cost.

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Ultimate 1 week finland itinerary.

So you’re looking to travel to Finland, but don’t know where in the country to spend your time?

Well you’ve come to the right place!

Following my fabulous trip to this country, I’m now bringing you my ultimate Finland itinerary with all the info you need to have an amazing week in this country.

From where to go, what to see and do while you’re there, through to how to travel between destinations and where to stay, this is the full lowdown on the ideal 1 week Finland itinerary…

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Intro to this Finland Itinerary

Needless to say, you could easily spend a lot longer in Finland than a week and, with so much to see in this country, there’s no question you’d have a wonderful time doing just that.

However given the price of travelling in Finland, which it must be said is not unsubstantial! – you can learn more in this post I wrote about the costs of a week-long trip here – there’s not many travellers that tend to spend much longer in this country… even if they’d like to.

For a week really is a great time to get a wonderful flavour for Finland and to balance this against the costs of travelling here.

A week is also enough if visiting Finland as part of a longer Scandinavian trip – because there’s so much to see in this gorgeous region of Europe, that spending longer in one part will deny you the chance to see other amazing areas.

And so, once again it’s a question of balance.

With all this in mind, I thought a 1 week itinerary would be the best timeframe for a destination guide to this amazing country, although I have made suggestions for if you have longer too.

And on that note, here’s the ultimate 1 week Finland itinerary…

It’s arrival day, the day when you fly into Helsinki, so depending what time you get there will depend how much of the city you can see on day 1.

When it comes to arriving into Helsinki you’re probably going to get there by flying – arriving into the international airport (IATA code: HEL), which is a short distance from the capital’s centre.

Both Finnair, British Airways and a host of other airlines arrive into HEL and you can get the best prices by checking Skyscanner .

Once you arrive into Helsinki airport, it’s easy to catch public transport into the city centre and your accommodation.

Check out my list of the top 10 Helsinki Airbnbs if you want some self-catering accommodation, otherwise Hotel F6 , Hotel Helka or Scandic Helsinki Hub are great choices in this city.

Once again, depending what time you arrive, it might be nice to stroll around the area near your accommodation, before cracking on with a full day of sightseeing the next day.

Otherwise, with a longer amount of your time up your sleeve, you can begin ticking some of the top Helsinki attractions off your list – head to my day 2 tips to see what these are…

This is the day to tick some major sightseeing in Finland’s capital, Helsinki, off your list.

Thankfully, Helsinki has a very small city centre (home to just over half a million people) and is easy to navigate and enjoy on foot as part of a long jampacked day.

When it comes to museums, the top ones to see in this city are the National Museum, the Design Museum, the HAM Art Museum and the Amos Rex.

Following this, you should certainly head to see some of Helsinki’s iconic buildings including the Finlandia Hall, the National Theatre, the Central Library, the Government building and the Senate Square.

Many of these you can enter and explore, or else you can carry on to explore some of the city’s religious buildings including the Rock Church, the Chapel of Silence, the Helsinki Cathedral, the impressive St John’s and the Russian-influenced Uspenski Cathedral.

Don’t miss the statues of Havis Amanda and Marshal Mannerheim too while you’re at it!

For a refresher and some different after all the sightseeing, why not head to one of Helsinki’s main shopping streets, including Aleksanterinkatu, where you can visit the classic Finnish café, Fazer, and enjoy an elegant coffee and lots of chocolate!

Or, if you want something more substantial, then the Green Hippo group of cafes are a great veggie / vegan friendly option in Helsinki, as well as Fafa’s – something of a Finnish healthy-eating institution.

In the afternoon, it’s then all about heading out on a ferry into the bay of Helsinki to explore the UNESCO-listed fortress on the island of Suomenlinna .

On your way to the ferry (you can buy tickets there or use your public transport card), wander through the lovely Market Square and marvel at the bathers dipping in the ice-cold water (during winter at least) at Allas Sea Pool.

Then spend the rest of the day exploring the island of Suomenlinna, including the 2km walking trail around the island, which gives some stunning coastal views.

Head back to Helsinki and the trendy district of Punavuori for a casual dinner at local favourite Skiffer , followed by some drinks.

On day 3 of your Finland itinerary, it’s time to take a day trip out of the capital to see some of the beautiful areas around Helsinki.

And top of this day trip list is to Porvoo.

Thought to be the oldest town in Finland, dating back to the Medieval times, it’s the painted traditional buildings which are most famous here.

A fairytale spot, with old houses, cobbled streets, a historic cathedral and some charming small museums, taking a walking tour is a great way to explore this quintessential destination.

Otherwise, Porvoo offers some adventures in the natural world too.

With forests, rivers, parks, the sea and a number of islands all easily accessible from Porvoo, there’s loads of nature trails, not to mention kayaking opps, cycling possibilities and river cruises to enjoy in and around the town too.

From Helsinki, it takes around an hour to get to Porvoo either via the bus or by driving.

Alternatively, you can also take a guided tour here, which is probably the easiest and least stress-free option. Check out this half-day activity , which includes a full tour of the Old Town there.

More Time for Helsinki?

Why not extend this Finland itinerary by exploring more parts of the capital, including the local districts of Kallio and Vallila (home to some gorgeous and historic painted wooden houses), which both lie just outside the centre of the city.

Presuming you do only have a week in Finland and need to motor on, it’s time to head to your next destination on day 4 of your Finland itinerary.

A destination which is in the iconic north of the country… it is, of course, the fabled spot of Lapland!

Situated pretty far away, I’ve written a full post about how to travel from Helsinki to Lapland here , which I recommend you check out for the full lowdown.

After reading that post, you’ll also have decide where exactly in Lapland you want to head, as this region is huge and pretty spread out.

With a number of different resorts and towns to choose from, my top picks based on attractions and accessibility are Rovaniemi, Inari, Ivalo, Levi and Kemi

Check out these top-rated accommodation options in Rovaniemi if you want to stay near the official Santa Claus Village, otherwise if you need any more help deciding, check out this post I wrote about how to holiday in Lapland for less , or consider out my fav spot of Ranua.

Off the beaten track, Ranua is a great spot to get away from the tourist crowds and really will allow you to experience a truly authentic Finnish town, whilst still enjoying all the wonderful activities Lapland has to offer.

Accommodation-wise there, check out either Arctic Guesthouse & Igloos or Ranua Resort Holiday Villas for your stay here.

Anyway, once you do decide which part of Lapland you’re heading for, you can either take a long train journey (either during the day or overnight) to get there, or hop on a domestic flight up there.

Even the domestic flights, which are operated by Finnair, take an hour, so once you add in the check-in time, travel time to the airport and luggage collection, this is still a fairly sizeable travel day.

What this means is that even if you leave Helsinki in the morning, you’re not likely to arrive into Lapland until the afternoon, when you then have to settle into your new accommodation and this very different part of Finland.

If you’re travelling during winter and hiring snow gear in Lapland, then you’ll likely want to get this sorted following your arrival too.

And, if you still have some time left in the day, and the forecast is looking favourable, you may want to undertake a Northern Lights tour during your first evening in Lapland too!

Only possible during the winter months, just make sure you check the local Aurora app first – many parts of Lapland have their own free apps and this is a great way to ensure you undertake (and pay for) a Northern Lights tour, when you actually have the best chance of seeing them!

Day 5 & 6:

You now have 2 full days in Lapland stretching ahead of you and it pays to know that the time of year you’re visiting will hugely influence what sort of activities you get to enjoy.

For more details, check out my list of the top 10 things to do in Lapland , which details all my fav ones plus some of the iconic others, that take place during the winter months, which is when most people travel to Finland.

If you’re tight on a budget, then keeping your activities to a minimum is a great way to avoid costs spiralling out of control, so it really does pay to do your research and make your selections ahead of time.

As a base, 2-3 activities a day is plenty, as don’t forget enjoying a sauna, rolling in the snow or generally taking in the beauty of the landscape is delightful in and of itself.

Although that said, husky sledding or snowmobiling is hard to top!

Check out these top picks for more ideas…

• Ranua Wildlife Park Guided Tour
• Apukka Husky Adventure from Rovaniemi
• Northern Lights Wilderness Tour with Camera

Thankfully, seeing Santa can be done at his official home in Rovaniemi for free.

Otherwise, if you undertake this Finland itinerary during the summer months, there’s lots of great hiking, lake swimming, boating and cycling to enjoy in the never-ending daylight you get this far north during May through July.

And finally, on your last day in Finland, it’s time to wrap up your Lapland activities and sadly head home.

If you’ve booked return flights, then you can head back to Helsinki and continue your adventures from there.

Otherwise, there are some international flights straight out of Lapland to some major European destinations, including London, which means if you’re heading home from Lapland and ending your Finland itinerary, this might be a better option for you.

More Time for Finland?

You can either explore more of Lapland, including the ski resorts further north or return to Helsinki and head out of the city to explore the middle lake regions of Finland, which have some stunning scenery and delightful walking opps.

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Mini Travel Guide to Finland

When to Visit Finland?

In my opinion, the best time to enjoy your Finland Itinerary is definitely during the winter months between December and February, this is when you’ll see the most beautiful snow coverage and get this winter wonderland at its most scenic.

Visit Finland during December for the full festive experience, or consider January or February for cheaper winter rates, albeit with lower temperatures.

How to Travel to Finland?

Direct flights with Finnair from Helsinki arrive at all the Lapland airports – yes there’s more than one. Learn more in this article I wrote.

Otherwise, you can also fly direct to Lapland’s main airport from London and a few other major European cities.

From the best deals on all flights, I highly suggest checking out Skyscanner .

5 Essential Packing Items for a Finland Winter Trip

• Good Camera
• Thermal Socks
• Hand & Feet Warmers

Learn more in this article I wrote all about what to pack for a winter trip to Finland .

Travel Insurance for Finland

Alternatively, if you’re a long-term traveller, digital nomad or frequent remote worker seeking travel health cover, check out Safetywing’s Nomad Insurance policies.

PIN IT TO PINTEREST!

So there it is, my ultimate Finland itinerary for 1 week travelling in this country.

Hopefully, it will help you enjoy an amazing trip to this country like I did.

Have you got any suggestions to add to the itinerary?

Don’t hesitate to drop them into the comments below… I’d love to hear them!

This page contains affiliate links meaning Big World Small Pockets may receive a small commission on any purchases at no extra cost to you.

Creator of Big World Small Pockets, Stephanie Parker is a travel addict! Originally from Jersey in the Channel Islands, Stephanie adventures the world collecting tips, advice and stories, to share with a smile

4 thoughts on “ Ultimate 1 Week Finland Itinerary ”

I loved your article on 1 week itinerary to see highlights of Finland . Thanks.

Great to hear Vilas! Many thanks for your comments, best wishes Steph 🙂

I loved reading your Finland itinerary! It’s given me so many ideas for things to do when I visit Finland next winter. I’m especially interested in visiting Helsinki Cathedral, taking a sauna, going on a dog sledding tour, and seeing the Northern Lights. Thanks for sharing your tips and recommendations!

So great to hear this Ferida… enjoy! Steph 🙂

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Top luxury hotels in Finland

Nova Skyland Hotel

Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort - Igloos and Chalets

Solo Sokos Hotel Torni Helsinki

Arctic TreeHouse Hotel

Hilton Helsinki Strand

Santa's Igloos Arctic Circle

Hotel Lilla Roberts

Design Hotel Levi

Hotel Niittyranta

Naantali Spa Hotel

Finland prices guide. how much does a trip to finland cost the estimated travel expenses for food, public transport, attractions entrance and accommodation..

Currency in Finland is Euro

If you are travelling alone to finland, depending on your expectations, you will pay for an overnight stay from 102 usd (94 eur) for a hostel to 286 usd (264 eur) for a luxury hotel., the other daily costs you have to pay when travelling to finland are:.

• Food 9.80 USD (9.00 EUR)
• Meals in restaurants 21 USD (19 EUR)
• Bottled water 1.70 USD (1.50 EUR)
• Local transportation 13 USD (12 EUR)
• Entrance tickets 49 USD (45 EUR)
• Alcoholic beverages 7.30 USD (6.70 EUR)

As you can see - a stay for a few days in Finland can cost 517 USD (477 EUR) or 1,700 USD (1,500 EUR) , depending on whether you are a frugal tourist or you are planning to spend a luxurious holiday in Finland.

How much Euro should I have for one week in Finland?

If you want to spend a week in Finland the cost of your stay will be:

• 1,200 USD (1,100 EUR) - a cheap stay for 7 days in Finland
• 1,200 USD (1,100 EUR) - a budget travel for 7 days in Finland
• 1,700 USD (1,600 EUR) for a one week of comfortable stay in Finland
• 3,900 USD (3,600 EUR) for a week of luxury holidays in Finland

How much money do I need per day to stay in Finland?

If you are travelling alone to Finland, 170 USD a day should be enough. If you choose a hotel for your stay in Finland, the price will rise to 170 USD. A couple will have to pay around 310 USD for one day in Finland. A family with two children should have 530 USD for one day stay in Finland.

How to visit Finland on a low budget? How to travel Finland cheaply? How to save money while travelling in Finland?

In order not to exceed reasonable expenses during a trip to Finland, which we estimate at 174 USD (160 EUR) for a one day, you must comply with the following rules:

• Choose to stay in a hostel (102 USD (94 EUR) ) or in a cheap hotel (79 USD (73 EUR) ).
• Use public transport. The price for a one-way ticket is 3.30 USD (3.00 EUR) and for a monthly pass 65 USD (60 EUR) .
• Make your own breakfast and own dinner. Daily shopping cost in the shop is around 9.80 USD (9.00 EUR) in Finland.
• Choose restaurants outside the city centre and close to tourist attractions. Meal in a cheap restaurant cost around 13 USD (12 EUR) in Finland. McMeal at McDonalds (or equivalent meal in other fastfood restaurant) costs approximately 9.80 USD (9.00 EUR) .

Car-related costs are mainly fuel, road tolls and parking fees. Of course, the price depends on the purpose of the journey and energy efficiency of a vehicle.

In Finland, you will pay for the fuel accordingly:

• Petrol price in Finland is around: 2.30 USD (2.20 EUR)
• Diesel fuel price in Finland is around: 2.20 USD (2.10 EUR)
• 1kg sausage: 16 USD (14 EUR)
• 0,5 kg bread: 2.40 USD (2.20 EUR)
• 10 eggs: 2.80 USD (2.60 EUR)
• 1kg cheese: 7.80 USD (7.20 EUR)
• 1 liter milk: 1.10 USD (0.99 EUR)
• 1 kg apples: 2.50 USD (2.30 EUR)
• Bottle of local beer (0,5 liter): 7.60 USD (7.00 EUR)

Car rental prices in Finland

• What is the average price for a car rental in Finland?
• How much does it typically cost to rent a car in Finland?
• Is it cheaper to rent a car for a week in Finland?

What is most famous in Finland? How much does an average entrance to travel attractions in Finland cost?

The most important tourist attractions in finland that we recommend:, the museums worth a visit in finland:, are there any free attractions in finland what can you do for free in finland, on warmer days, we recommend walking in parks in finland. below is a list of the largest and most interesting parks in finland. parks in finland:, alcohol prices in finland, finland - whisky prices comparison, finland - rum prices comparison, finland - vodka prices comparison, finland - gin prices comparison, book the best hotels in finland - in partnership with booking.com, compare hotel rates in finland and save up to 80%.

Hotel Seurahuone

Lapland Hotels Sirkantähti

Finlandia Park Hotel Helsinki

Scandic Park Helsinki

Original Sokos Hotel Albert

Compare travel cost and expenses in specific cities in finland 2024.

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The Best Time to Visit Finland

By Condé Nast Traveller

The best time to visit Finland can vary because every season in the Nordic country brings a different kind of charm. If you're seeking sunlight, the sun barely sets in the summers, whereas winters are your best bet at catching a glimpse of the northern lights dancing in the skies. In autumn, Finland is bathed in shades of crimson and gold, and the springtime is temperate and green. The best time to visit Finland depends on what lighting excites you the most: 24/7 daylight , or the neon green aurora borealis against the night skies? Here’s a quick guide to the best time to visit Finland.

• What is the best time to visit Finland? • What is the best time to visit Finland for the northern lights? • What is the best time to visit Finland for snow? • Temperature in Finland throughout the year • Plan your trip

What is the best time to visit Finland?

The best time to visit Finland is in the summer, between June to August , when the temperature ranges between 53°F and 73°C. The days are unusually long in the summer, with 20 to 22 hours of sunlight a day. Museums, castles , and other tourist attractions are open for longer during this time of the year, allowing you to explore long after the usual opening hours. Since winters last for nearly seven months in Finland, summer is also the best time to explore Finland’s 40 national parks and many nature hikes. This is also the season for festivals in Finland; for example. the 10-day Naantali Music Festival , which features classical music artists from around the world, takes place in June.

Shoulder season in Finland spans from April to May, which is to say: springtime. The temperatures usually hover between 32°F and 50°F. There are fewer crowds and nightly rates at hotels take a dip. Speaking of shoulder season, visit Finland in autumn, between September to November, when the temperature fluctuates between 41°F and 59°F, and the country's trees are plentiful shades of yellow and crimson. As it goes with shoulder season, hotels and airfare tend to be cheaper, and there are fewer tourists.

Winter in Finland, which is from December to March, is not for the faint of heart, with temperatures ranging between 14°F and 41°F and sunlight present only three to four hours a day. But this might also the most rewarding time to visit Finland because winter is northern lights season.

What is the best time to visit Finland for the northern lights?

Finland is one of the best countries in Europe where you can chase the northern lights. The northern lights are visible all year round, but they are seen only once the sun sets. Since there's minimal nighttime during the summer in Finland, the best time to spot the aurora borealis is during the winter season, from December to March, when days are actually just nights.

The northern lights are easiest to spot when you’re away from the cities. The secret recipe for a great sighting is clear skies, low light pollution, and long winter nights. If you’re lucky, you may spot the aurora in Helsinki itself, but your best bet is to head north to Lapland, Kemi, Rovaniemi, Muonio, Ivalo, Kakslauttanen, Levi, or Saariselkä.

What is the best time to visit Finland for snow?

Even if you don’t get lucky with the northern lights, the good thing about visiting from December to March is that there are plenty of winter activities to do while you're in Finland. November marks the beginning of the snow season in Finland. Stay in an ice igloo; go skiing or dog sledging; race rally cars through the Arctic; and visit Santa Claus’ home in Rovaniemi.

How many days do I need for a trip to Finland?

The number of days totally depends on your itinerary. If you wish to just explore the capital of Helsinki and places close by, a four- or five-day trip is sufficient. However, if you wish to see Lapland and more, plan a 10-day trip.

A version of this article originally appeared in Condé Nast Traveller India .

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Travel guides recap - finland | how much would it cost to travel finland like a travel guide.

Welcome to the happiest place on Earth…Finland! AKA the home of Christmas. Aussies hardly visit this winter wonderland. Is it because it’s too far and far too cold? Let’s find out!

Sixth stop? Finland!

In this episode, the Travel Guides experience the wonder and enchantment of what is considered one of the happiest places on Earth…Finland.

In case you missed it, Travel Money Oz Currency Pass is the official currency card of this Logie Award-winning show, so we’ve been following the Travel Guides on their worldwide tour to give you the complete itinerary, exclusive clips, and tips on everything travel and money along the way!

Missed an episode?

Read our previous episode recaps.

Hold the edge of your seat as the Fren Family (Mark, Cathy, Jono and Victoria), the Boys (Kev, Dorian and Teng), the Snobs (Kevin and Janetta), the Husbands (Matt and Brett), and the Outback Siblings (Stack and Josh), take you on a tour of the best places to visit in Finland.

Exclusive Behind-The-Scenes

Because Travel Money Oz is an official sponsors of Channel Nine’s Logie-award winning Travel Guides TV series, we get some exclusive behind the scenes content!

Watch as the Frens family explore the wonder of Santa’s workshop, and meet the big guy in red himself.

FINLAND TRAVEL ITINERARY

Best things to do in finland.

Welcome to the latest episode of Travel Guides, where we take you on an exhilarating journey through Finland. Join us as we recap the adventures of our intrepid travellers, who explored the contrasting delights of Helsinki, the vibrant capital city, and the enchanting winter wonderland of Lapland. From hobby horse tours to dog sledding and meeting Santa Claus himself, let's dive into the captivating experiences of each day.

Read on for everything the Travel Guides did in Finland, and how much it cost...

Northern Lights Finland

Day 1 | Helsinki- Happiness with a Hobby Horse Tour

Our Travel Guides team embarked on a unique and whimsical hobby horse tour. Riding their trusty hobby horses, they playfully explored the city's landmarks and hidden gems, embracing the joy of childhood in a city bustling with modernity.

COST: The Hobby Horse Tour cost €65 per person (about $105 AUD).

DAY 1 | Helsinki - Ice Hockey

As the sun set, they immersed themselves in the excitement of Finnish ice hockey. Attending a thrilling match, they joined the passionate crowd and witnessed firsthand the adrenaline that surround this beloved national sport. The electrifying atmosphere of the arena left them in awe of Finland's sporting culture.

COST: The Ice Hockey game cost €29 per person (about $46.70 AUD).

Ice Hockey Finland

Day 2 | Helsinki - Vanha Kauppahalli

On the second day, our adventurers ventured into Helsinki's vibrant food market, ready to indulge their senses in a culinary feast. From aromatic spices to fresh local produce, the market offered a tantalizing array of flavours and delicacies.

They delighted in a gastronomic adventure, sampling traditional Finnish dishes and experiencing the fusion of international cuisines. From savory salmon dishes to mouthwatering reindeer, their taste buds were treated to a symphony of flavours that showcased the rich culinary heritage of Finland.

Find out more here: Vanha Kauppahalli Food Market

Vanha Kauppahalli (Old Food Market)

Day 3 | Lapland - Apukka Resort

Leaving the urban charm of Helsinki behind, our Travel Guides team bid farewell to the city and embarked on a journey to the winter wonderland of Lapland. Upon arrival, they checked into the picturesque Apukka Resort, which would be their cozy haven during their Lapland adventures.

The pricing of rooms at the Apukka Resort in Lapland can vary based on factors such as the type of room, the season, and any promotional offers or packages available. It is recommended to visit the official website of the Apukka Resort or contact them directly for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information for each room.

Find out more here: The Apukka Resort

DAY 3 | Lapland - Dog Sledding

The highlight of the day was a thrilling dog sledding adventure. Guided by a team of energetic huskies, they glided through the snow-covered forests, marvelling at the serene beauty of Lapland's landscapes. The crisp air, the sound of paws against the snow, and the breathtaking scenery created an unforgettable experience that embraced the true spirit of Arctic exploration.

COST: The Apukka Husky Adventure cost €159 per person (about $255.90 AUD).

Apukka Husky Adventure

DAY 4 | Lapland - Kota Restaurant

Day four brought our adventurers closer to Lapland's culture and cuisine. They dined at the renowned Kota Restaurant, nestled in the heart of Lapland's wilderness. Here, they indulged in a three-course meal of authentic Lappish cuisine, savouring the flavours of reindeer meat, Arctic char, and wild berries, all expertly prepared to celebrate the region's culinary heritage.

Find out more here: Kota Restaurant

DAY 4 | Lapland - Snowman Ice Bar

After their delectable feast, they stepped into the enchanting Snowman Ice Bar, a true testament to Lapland's icy wonders. Adorned with intricate ice sculptures, the bar provided a captivating backdrop as they enjoyed a refreshing drink served in an ice glass. The shimmering ambiance and the artistic mastery of ice sculpting left them in awe of the creativity and craftsmanship.

Find out more here: Snowman Ice Bar

DAY 5 | Lapland - Santa Claus Village

Day five was filled with enchantment and hands-on experiences. Our Travel Guides team embarked on a journey to the legendary Santa Claus Village, where the magic of Christmas fills the air year-round. They met Santa Claus himself, explored charming shops brimming with festive delights, and sent postcards from the Santa Claus Post Office, immersing themselves in the whimsical atmosphere.

COST: Santa Claus Village €5 per person (about $8 AUD)

DAY 5 | Lapland - Ice Fishing

Continuing their Lapland adventure, they tried their hand at ice fishing on the frozen lakes. Equipped with fishing gear, they patiently waited for a nibble, embracing the tranquil surroundings, and relishing the sense of serenity that ice fishing provides.

COST: The Ice Fishing Experience cost €89 per person (about $143.25 AUD).

DAY 5 | Lapland - Jewellery Craftsmanship (Hornwork)

To add a touch of creativity, they participated in a jewellery-making workshop. Inspired by Lapland’s natural beauty, they crafted unique pieces using local materials and traditional techniques. From delicate earrings to intricate pendants, each creation became a personal keepsake, forever reminding them of their Lapland journey.

Find out more here: Hornwork

Santa Claus Village

DAY 6 |  Lapland – Floating Sauna & Arctic Swimming

On the penultimate day of their Lapland adventure, our Travel Guides team embraced the invigorating Finnish tradition of sauna. They indulged in a soothing sauna session, allowing the warmth to permeate their bodies, relax their muscles, and cleanse their spirits. It was a moment of rejuvenation and tranquillity amidst the frozen landscapes of Lapland.

And to truly embrace the Finnish sauna experience, they bravely took an icy plunge into a frozen lake. The shock of the cold water, followed by the invigorating rush, left them feeling refreshed, alive, and connected to the natural elements that define this northern wonderland.

COST: Floating Sauna & Arctic Swimming  group of 2x €179 (about $179 AUD)

Finnish Sauna & Arctic Plunge

DAY 7 |  Lapland - Departure

On the final day, our Travel Guides team bid farewell to Lapland, carrying cherished memories of their Arctic adventures. As they departed from the magical winter wonderland, their hearts filled with gratitude for the extraordinary experiences and the warmth of the Finnish people.

The episode of Travel Guides exploring Helsinki and Lapland in Finland was a captivating adventure, weaving together modern cityscapes and Arctic wilderness. From playful hobby horse tours to exhilarating dog sledding, festive encounters with Santa Claus, and tranquil moments in saunas and icy lakes, this journey was a testament to Finland's unique culture and natural beauty. Plan your own Finnish adventure and experience the wonders of this Nordic gem firsthand.

FINLAND TRAVEL COSTS How much to budget for a Finland holiday?

The basics – what currency do i need to travel finland.

The official currency in Finland is Euros (EUR).

FINLAND TRAVEL TIPS CARDS, TIPPING, AND ATM ACCESS

CASH OR CARD IN FINLAND?

You’ll want to take a blend of cash and card in Euro (EUR) .

You’ll want to take cash with you, especially if travelling to rural areas where the wifi might be spotty. Cash is accepted pretty much everywhere and is good to have on hand just-in-case.

Finland is a card-friendly country. You’ll find it easy travelling with a prepaid travel card (like our Travel Money Oz Currency Pass )!

TIPPING IN FINLAND

Not the norm, but not against the rules!

ATM ACCESS IN FINLAND Unlike Australia, Finnish banks don’t have their own ATMs. OTTO is the country’s interbank network. You can select English options on these ATMs but the overall user experience is very different to our ones here.

TRAVEL MONEY OZ CURRENCY PASS - as featured on the Travel Guides!

Of course, you can’t travel Finland like a Travel Guide without using our Currency Pass – the official currency card used by the Travel Guides!

There’s a reason this card is trusted by the Travel Guides – it makes managing foreign easy.

FINLAND TRAVEL MONEY TIPS – How To Get The Right Currency at the Best Rates

Make sure to keep an eye out on currency exchange rates for Finland and come and see us before you go!

We have zero fees and zero commission – because we’re travellers too and wouldn’t want that either.

Don’t forget to take advantage of our Best Price Guarantee* , Rate Move Guarantee* , and Cash Commitment* so you leave with the most money in your pocket.

SO…HOW MUCH WOULD IT COST TO TRAVEL FINLAND LIKE A TRAVEL GUIDE?

If you were to do all the activities, we saw the Travel Guides do on their week-long holiday in New Zealand, it’d look a little something like this…

The Hobby Horse Tour: €65 per person The Ice Hockey game: €29 per person Apukka Resort: Seasonal prices The Apukka Husky Adventure: €159 per person Santa Claus Village: €5 per person The Ice Fishing Experience: €89 per person Floating Sauna & Arctic Swimming:  €179 for a group of 2

*All other activities/flights/accommodation are subject to price changes and may depend on personal budgets.

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Guide on How to Travel from Helsinki to Lapland

A re you heading to Finland and wondering what the best way to travel from Helsinki to Lapland? Did you know that for most visitors to Finland, these are the two most visited areas? It makes sense as most visitors fly into Helsinki, spend a day or two and then head off into the vast wilderness of Finnish Lapland.

In this guide I will help you in your travel research by providing up to date information on how to travel to/from these regions of Finland, whether its by plane, train or even car. 

One of the biggest factors in your decision about how to get from Helsinki to Lapland will be the amount of time you have and your budget. Below I go through the practical details on the three main transport options, providing the positives and negatives for each so you can make the most informed decision. Let get into it!

What are the airports in Lapland?

As I mentioned there are currently 5 airports in Lapland. Below are the airports with the main locations serviced from them.

Rovaniemi Airport (RVN)

Rovaniemi is the third busiest airport in Finland and is the most popular of the ones in Lapland. Located in the south of Lapland, just near the Arctic Circle, this airport is seen as the gateway to Santa Claus Village. Given the towns popularity, there are several flights a day between Helsinki and Rovaniemi. This is one of the few that also is international airport accepting flights from several major European cities. 

In general, Rovaniemi can feel a quite commercial and crowded, especially during the peak winter season. This airport also serves as the hub for Pyhä  and  Salla which are popular for their natural beauty and skiing, both downhill and cross country. 

Ivalo Airport (IVL)

Two popular destinations with skiers and snowboarders include Inari and Saariselka , which are both serviced by the Ivalo airport. The airport is within 30 minutes of both destinations and is the northernmost airport in Finland.

Kittilä Airport (KTT)

Kittila is one of the main airports in the northernmost region of Finland, and the only other accepting international flights. This airport services the popular ski area of Levi. Levi is a popular spot for families during the festive season, but is smaller and quieter than Rovaniemi. Additionally, the popular Snow Village can be found here.

Our favorite destination serviced by this airport is Muonio which is a laid back destination offering all the popular touristy activities found in Rovaniemi but without the crowds and is excellent for spotting the Northern Lights. 

Kemi Airport (KEM)

Kemi-Tornio Airport is located on the coast of the Bay of Bothnia, serving travelers heading to Southern Lapland. Kemi has slowly become more popular in the tourist circuits for their magnificent Snow Castle that is built there every winter and for the famous Sampo icebreaker cruise. 

Kuusamo Airport (KAO)

Lastly, the Kuusamo Airport serves one of Finland’s major holiday destinations Kuusamo, attracting almost a million tourists annually. Many of these arrive for skiing at nearby ski resorts, especially Ruka Ski Resort , one of the largest in Finland.

RELATED READING

Top Things to Do in Lapland Finland

A Finnish Lapland Winter Escape

Flying from Helsinki to Lapland

Domestic flights from the capital Helsinki to Lapland airports are operated by Finnair. While the flights can be reasonably priced if booked well in advance, domestic flights on Finnair do impose an extra fee for checked luggage. Additionally, the new Finnair carry on limits are quite strict with a maximum of 8 kg for all carry on items combined. This means, that for most travelers,  it makes most sense to upgrade to the main fare price which includes both carry on and checked baggage. Once you upgrade your flight, a round-trip flight will cost a minimum of €200.  Note, if you are looking for cheap flights, sign up for Finnair’s email blast and keep an eye out for flash sales.

That said, this is still the quickest way to travel between Helsinki and Lapland. It can be cost effective if you are a solo traveler and/or traveling with extremely light luggage. However, it can be get expensive if you need to check a bag or are traveling in high season with several people

Traveling by Train from Helsinki to Lapland

Next we will move on to traveling by train from Helsinki to Lapland , which is the second most popular option.

I personally find travelling by train in Finland to be a wonderful experience and the most convenient way to get around the country. The trains are clean and reasonably reliable depending on weather conditions of course. Additionally, it is better for the environment and saves you money on accommodation if you can take an overnight train to travel while you sleep. All long-distance trains in Finland are operated by VR Train. 

Day vs. Night Trains

The most popular train that visitors take to Lapland from Helsinki is the Santa Claus Express train which ends in Rovaniemi. It leaves close to midnight and arrives around 11 a.m. the next morning. If you are traveling with children, this train is great as the sleeper cabins are essentially sold as a two person cabin. Prices for an upstairs private compartment sleeper cabin which includes a private toilet run around 300 Euro one way. The train also has a restaurant car for snacks and meals while on the train. Note, Rovaniemi train tickets for the sleeper cars can sell out quickly, so book well in advance to ensure you have a cabin.

Another popular route is to Kolari, which is the northernmost railway station in Finland. Travel here from Helsinki takes approximately 14 hours. Boarding is around 7:45 p.m. in Helsinki with a 10 a.m. arrival.  Even though it sounds like a long trip, it goes by quite quickly once you get settled in your sleeper cabin, grab some food from the restaurant car and then hit the sack. 

If you are unable to secure a sleeper cabin, you can consider a day train. With free Wifi, power sockets and the ability to walk around, an 8 hour train would actually go quite quickly if you can keep yourself occupied! These tickets run around €75 per ticket during high season. 

Take Your Car on the Train

For readers who live in Europe or have a rental car already booked, they can consider putting the vehicle on the train as well! These trains depart from Pasila Station and can be extremely handy if you have brought your car over from mainland Europe, but don’t want to drive all the way to Lapland. This is not cheap, but is a dobale option to ensure you have more access to explore around Lapland.

Train Stations in Lapland

There are many train stations in Lapland that I can’t list them all, but the main ending/starting point for the major lines include Kolari as the furthest north, Rovaniemi and Kemijarvi in the east. 

Kolari is in the far north of Finland, northeast of Rovaniemi, and very close to the Swedish border. This station is perfect for those traveling to Levi or Muonio. You can reserve a shared taxi or bus from the station to both locations. 

Kemijärvi is located east of Rovaniemi and from here you can easily access Salla and Pyhä.

Overall, I personally feel that if you are traveling with others or even on your own that taking an overnight train to or from Lapland is a great option. Train travel is scenic, cost effective if you have a family or a lot of luggage and you also have the option of taking a vehicle. The negatives are that it does take a long time and there are times that the trains leave late at night making it awkward for families with smaller children. 

Driving from Helsinki to Lapland by Car

For many travelers further afield, this would mean renting a car and needing to return it either in Lapland or back to Helsinki which can be quite an expense.

I am not sure I would recommend this option for many, but if you have your car and you are confident on driving on the right hand side of the road, in snow or inclimate weather, you will most likely be fine.

But you must be aware that this journey is at least 800 kilometers and can take around 10 hours. That said, the journey up to Rovaniemi is along one main road and the views will be stunning for much of the way.

In general, I’d only advise driving to Lapland from Helsinki if you’re touring elsewhere in Finland, have your own vehicle and have at least a couple of weeks here to make it worthwhile and cost-effective.

Important Information for Your Finland Trip

When is the best time to visit finland.

In reality, you can visit Finland at any time of the year as there are a multitude of activities to suit any weather condition. That said, in my opinion, the best time to visit Finland is definitely during the winter months between December and February. This is when you will see the most beautiful winter wonderland landscapes and you have a great chance to see the aurora borealis. Note, it is also the coldest time of the year, so you will need to prepare for that!

What is the best way to get to Finland?

Finnair offers direct flights to Helsinki Airport from all over the world, including from here in Los Angeles. The international flights are on newer Airbus A350 planes which have ample legroom, flight cameras and more. Subscribe to their newsletter for deals and special offers if this is a trip you are looking to plan far in advance. 

If you are in mainland Europe, you can also make your way overland to Tallinn and take the Viking Express over to Helsinki for a very affordable rate. Note, this is also a great day trip idea from Helsinki.

Where do you recommend to stay in Helsinki?

There are so many amazing options to stay in Helsinki. I think where you stay is dependent on what you want out of your visit. During my stay in the city I was leaving on an early morning ferry and arriving late at night from the airport so I chose the Noli Studio Apartments which were cheap, clean and convenient to everywhere I wanted to go. There are several of them located throughout the city, so pay attention to the neighborhood that you wish to be in! 

If you want a little more luxury and don’t mind being a little further out, consider the Clarion Hotel which is a favorite for repeat visitors to the city. 

What are the best things to do in Finland?

There are so many amazing things to do in Finland that I can’t list them all here. But a start would be to check out our top experiences in Lapland that you can find all over the region. Winter activities are some of the best on offer here in Finland.

What do I need to pack for Finland?

Layers is the short answer. The longer answer will depend on what time of year you are visiting. Assuming you visit during the high season of winter, you will need to pack a lot of warm breathable layers such as merino wool . Overall, I would say to focus on layers, good boots that have room for several pairs of socks, good gloves or mittens and a warm hat.

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Finland Is Expanding Its Luxury Appeal

Five-star hotels in Helsinki and Champagne excursions in Lapland are just some of the indications that the country’s approach to tourism is changing.

By Penelope Colston

Reporting from Helsinki, Finland

When construction at the Hotel Maria is completed in June, 159 chandeliers will hang from the ceilings of its 79 rooms, 38 suites and public areas. Its bar will serve 31 types of Champagne. And the renovations on its four buildings — two of which opened in December — will have included the restoration of 42 kilometers (26 miles) of original moldings.

Those are just some of the things that will distinguish the Maria as a “true five-star city hotel,” according to Heli Mende, its commercial director.

The Finnish capital is no stranger to luxury. It already has several high-end hotels, including Hotel Kamp and the St. George. There are upscale boutiques and department stores; the Palace restaurant, which has two Michelin stars; and a handful of other single-star spots. (In May, the city is scheduled to host the 2024 Michelin Guide ceremony for the Nordic region.)

And to the north, in Lapland, the country has a robust tourism operation that includes luxury services and accommodations such as clear glass igloos to shelter guests as they sip Champagne and gaze at the night sky, waiting for a glimpse of the Northern Lights.

But this country of about five and a half million, which is between Sweden to the west and Russia to the east, has historically lacked the sort of elaborate luxury infrastructure found in other European cities or global hubs such as Singapore; Dubai, the United Arab Emirates; and New York City.

“Partly this is due to the fact that Finland is not very hierarchical as a culture and, for example, income differences have traditionally been small,” said Juri Maki, the chief executive of the Helsinki research firm Red Note, which in 2018 did an extensive study on the travel industry’s perceptions of Finland and its luxury offerings. “Because of this, this style of culture is not very characteristic of Finland.”

Among international travelers, he said, Finland’s greatest strength “is certainly not in outwardly visible, classic luxury,” but rather in the unusual experiences available in its pristine outdoors — like evenings in the glass igloos.

Finns themselves cherish solitude and are famous for avoiding small talk with strangers. “The ultimate compliment is to offer luxury and to leave people alone to enjoy it,” wrote Stephen Lee, an American who has lived in the country for 24 years and worked with luxury brands in communications and marketing. “Where Americans expect high amounts of service, chatting and even humor, Finns find this to be intrusive.”

And they do not reward what others might call routine attentiveness — in restaurants, for example — because tipping is virtually nonexistent in a country where luxury sector jobs have historically paid a livable wage.

Samppa Lajunen, a Finnish athlete turned real estate investor, understood the different perspectives, but research by Samla Capital Oy, the real estate investment firm that he founded, showed Helsinki lacked hotels for tourists seeking “international-level luxury,” he wrote in an email.

“Finland and Helsinki are interesting travel destinations,” said Mr. Lajunen, a three-time Olympic gold medalist in the Nordic combined, an event that includes cross-country skiing and ski jumping. “So I didn’t see the real reason for that.”

To create the hotel, Mr. Lajunen assembled a team of designers and hospitality experts and added his own expertise as an athlete who has stayed in luxury hotels around the world. He also did some of what he called “mystery shopping” at Paris and London hotels. “We benchmarked brands like Ritz, Peninsula, Four Seasons and La Reserve for inspiration.”

Renovations, which began in 2020, united three 19th-century buildings and one constructed in 1930, structures that previously had been used as barracks for high-ranking military and, for a time, part of the agricultural ministry. The guest rooms have ceilings as high as four meters; some have king-size beds with thick mattress pads and box springs (Finns tend to sleep on thin mattresses). And many of the suite bathrooms include lounge chairs, saunas and steam rooms. (Rooms start at 25 square meters and 402 euros, or $435, a night; top-tier suites can be as much as €6,004 a night.)

And the hotel was named for Empress Maria Feodorovna of Russia, who was born Princess Dagmar of Denmark in 1847. As the young, stylish consort of Alexander III, she often visited the Finnish capital to escape life in the Russian court and was beloved by its people.

The décor features neutral hues and white marble, accented by modern lighting; Finnish art, including work by the visual artist Pia Feinik; and indoor greenery. There are two restaurants — Lilja, which the hotel website describes as inspired by French cuisine but Finnish at heart, and the Garden Terrace, a brasserie-style offering — as well as a spa where guests can explore treatment options with a wellness concierge.

Ms. Mende, the commercial director, said the hotel’s initial guests included some wedding parties and neighbors from the surrounding Kruununhaka neighborhood, the city’s oldest residential district. “They have been watching the construction for so many years,” she said. “I think they were all curious to come and see.”

She said the first trickle of international tourists, mostly from elsewhere in Europe and the United States, had begun arriving in February, when the city was still blanketed in snow and ice.

Soon the Hotel Maria will not be the only new luxury offering in the city. About a kilometer away, Hotel Kamp, long considered Helsinki’s finest hotel, is undergoing a €100 million refurbishment that is expected to be complete in 2026. The work, which is being done while the hotel continues to receive guests, includes upgrading its technological infrastructure and redesigning its 179 rooms.

And an hour’s drive to the north, Villa Stenberg, a converted lakeside farmhouse, recently beat out a château near Cannes, France, and a villa nestled in an olive grove in Bari, Italy, to be called Europe’s top Airbnb wedding venue .

Could Finland become a destination for international luxury seekers?

That would be unlikely, said Mr. Maki, the researcher, but the country is experiencing a lot of growth in its network of luxury providers, stretching from the capital to Lapland. “This network is really important, in that we are able to maintain a level of luxury throughout the country.”

Since he moved to Finland from Uganda in 2003, the furniture and home goods designer Lincoln Kayiwa said he had seen luxury offerings in Helsinki evolve to include tasting menus, celebrity chefs and international cuisine.

“Finns are not obnoxious when it comes to wealth,” he said. “But having, for example, gold leaf on your ice cream is something that is no longer out of reach or considered over-the-top here.”

Eager to get a peek at Hotel Maria’s extensive collection of chandeliers by the British designer Timothy Oulton, Mr. Kayiwa readily met friends for drinks when the hotel first opened in December.

“It was somewhere you could lose yourself,” he said. “It definitely felt like you were somewhere else — maybe in a large city like Hong Kong, but not Helsinki.”

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