Finland Travel Guide
Tourist season
Are December and January good months to visit Finland?
December
Off
season
January
Off
season
Did you know?
The surface area of Finland is 130.7 thous. mi², which puts the country in position number 66 in terms of the area in the world.
How far is it?
1. The site uses the Great Circle method of calculating distances between two points on the Earth
2. To change the cities for comparison, change Your Country in settings
The distance between Helsinki (FI) and Washington D.C. (US) is 4306 miles
To calculate distance between your location and Helsinki click here
Country Comparison
Compare Finland to any country in the world and see key differences between them side-by-side.
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Cities and Top Tourist Attractions
From historical cities to picturesque landmarks and fascinating places - don't miss out on these attractions when planning a visit to Finland
| Miles | Helsinki | Turku | Tampere | Espoo | Oulu | Lahti | Jyväskylä | Vantaa |
| Helsinki | - | 94 | 100 | 6 | 335 | 61 | 146 | 9 |
| Turku | 94 | - | 88 | 88 | 331 | 120 | 169 | 95 |
| Tampere | 100 | 88 | - | 97 | 249 | 72 | 83 | 94 |
| Espoo | 6 | 88 | 97 | - | 334 | 62 | 145 | 11 |
| Oulu | 335 | 331 | 249 | 334 | - | 279 | 192 | 326 |
| Lahti | 61 | 120 | 72 | 62 | 279 | - | 87 | 52 |
| Jyväskylä | 146 | 169 | 83 | 145 | 192 | 87 | - | 137 |
| Vantaa | 9 | 95 | 94 | 11 | 326 | 52 | 137 | - |
A Brief History of Finland
Important historical events that significantly shaped the nation's trajectory throughout the centuries
About 5,000 B.C.
Finnish settlersSeal-hunting is a main source of livelihood for Finnish settlers.
12th century
ChristianityWhat will later become Finland is part of Sweden. Sweden's King Erik introduces Christianity to the Finns.
1809
Russia conquers FinlandUnder Czar Alexander I, Russia conquers Finland. The country becomes a self-governing part of the Russian Empire. Finland is allowed to keep its legal and religious traditions from the era of Swedish rule.
1812
New capitalHelsinki becomes capital of Finland.
1835
The KalevalaFinland's national epic, the Kalevala, is published, stirring Finnish national pride. Compiled by folklorist Elias Lonnrot, it is a collection of ancient sung poetry.
1917
Independence from RussiaFinland declares independence from Russia on December 6.
1919
President Kaarlo StahlbergKaarlo Stahlberg becomes the first President of the Republic of Finland.
1939 - 1944
World War IIDuring World War II, the Soviet Union invades Finland, igniting two wars: the Winter War of 1939–1940 and the Continuation War of 1941–1944. Finland cedes land to the Soviet Union.
1947
Peace treatyFinland signs a peace treaty with the Soviet Union.
1955
Member of the UNFinland joins the United Nations and Nordic Council.
1995
Member of the EUFinland becomes a full member of the European Union.
2000
First female PresidentTarja Halonen is elected Finland's first female President.
2002
New currencyFinland adopts the euro, replacing its former currency, the Finnish mark.
2008
Nobel Peace Prize for Martti AhtisaariFormer Finnish President Martti Ahtisaari receives the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to resolve international conflicts.
2010
Technical progressFinland is the first country in the world to make fast Internet access a legal right for its citizens.
Best Ways to Experience Finland
- Cuisine
- Art
- Animals
Practical Information for Travelers
- Budget
- Currency
- Vaccinations
- Visa
- Electricity
Determine the expenses for your travel or vacation budget, as well as the expenditures associated with residing in another country
MoreBackpacker's budget
Daily budget for one person, assuming that two people travel in a standard close to 1 star (hostels, public transport). When traveling alone, the cost may be slightly higher (hotel room) or the same (dormitory accommodation).from
Tourist's budget
Daily budget for one person, assuming that two people travel (they share the cost of a hotel room, taxis, etc.) to a standard close to 3 stars. Costs for a solo traveler will be higher.from
Currency
MoreEuro (EUR)
- EUR
- GBP
- USD
- EUR
- GBP
- USD
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Vaccinations
MoreAll travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccinations may also be required in Finland.
Some travelers
Vaccinations and medications that may be recommended under certain conditions, depending on where you will be, the length of your stay and the nature of your stay.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a digestive disease caused by the hepatitis A virus and is closely related to a lack of good hygiene.It can be asymptomatic, moderate, or very severe.Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Eat and drink safely
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a disease caused by the hepatitis B virus.Infection occurs through contact of injured skin or mucous membranes with virus-infected blood or other secretions (e.g. during sexual contact, through contaminated needles or as a result of medical procedures).Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Avoid sharing body fluids
- Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment
With or without a visa?
Visa requirements for citizens of
- United States
visiting 
Finland for tourism
A visa is not required.
- Allowed stay: 90 days
- 90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen Area
Electricity
230V (50 Hz)
In Finland the standard voltage is 230V and the frequency is 50 Hz. Type C, F sockets are used.
Click on the socket icon to see more information
Type C
Type FFacts and Figures
Fundamental socio-economic statistical data pertaining to the country
Population | 115 / 231 Ranking | 5 540 720 Finn 93.4%, Swede 5.6%, Russian 0.5%, Estonian 0.3%, Roma (Gypsy) 0.1%, Sami 0.1% |
Area | 66 / 230 Ranking | 130.7 thous. mi² It is approximately 4% of the territory of United States. |
Life expectancy | 24 / 196 Ranking | 81.6 Life expectancy expressed in years.men 78.6women 84.6 |
Median age | 139 / 157 Ranking | 42.8 Average age of population expressed in years.men 41.3women 44.4 |
Population growth | 131 / 172 Ranking | 0.26% The difference between live births and deaths. A negative value means natural loss. |
Literacy | 1 / 131 Ranking | 100% Ability to read, write and count.men 100%women 100% |
GDP | 22 / 194 Ranking | 50 811 INT$ GDP per capita is gross domestic product converted to international dollars (Int$) using purchasing power parity rates and divided by total population. |
Sweden