What is the best time to visit Finland?

The best time to visit Finland depends on your priorities. Many travellers visit year-round, though spring and autumn typically offer pleasant weather and smaller crowds at popular attractions like Suomenlinna. Check weather patterns for Europe before booking.

What currency does Finland use?

Finland uses the euro (€). Exchange at banks or airports, and withdraw from ATMs with your debit card. Credit cards are accepted in most tourist areas.

What food should I try in Finland?

Lohikeitto is one of Finland's most iconic dishes. Other must-try foods include Poronkäristys (Reindeer Stew) and Karjalanpiirakka. Eat where locals eat for the best experience.

How many countries can visit Finland visa-free?

93 countries can enter Finland without a visa, typically for up to 90 days. Check the full list and your specific requirements above.

Is Finland safe for tourists?

Finland is generally safe for tourists with normal precautions. As in any country, stay aware of your surroundings, avoid displaying expensive items, and use registered transport. Check current government travel advisories before your trip.

Finland

Finland, or the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country in Northern Europe.

Capital

Helsinki

Language

Finnish, Swedish

Currency

euro (€)

Population

5.7M

Timezone

UTC+02:00

Visa-free access

93 countries

Travelling to Finland

Finland, or the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country in Northern Europe. It borders Sweden to the northwest, Norway to the north, and Russia to the east.

Finland is located in Northern Europe, Europe. The capital is Helsinki, and the official languages are Finnish and Swedish. The local currency is the euro (€). With a population of 5.7M, Finland is a smaller country in Europe.

Finland offers visa-free entry to 93 countries, with most stays allowed for up to 90 days. The remaining 105 passport holders need to apply at an embassy.

Top places to visit in Finland

Suomenlinna

An 18th-century maritime fortress sprawling across six interconnected islands; the 'Gibraltar of the North' features star-shaped earthworks and bastions built of raw granite; walk the King’s Gate at dusk; the salt spray of the Baltic hits the sun-bleached stone while the low-frequency hum of a passing ferry vibrates through the massive tunnels; the air smells of old gunpowder and sea kelp.

Temppeliaukio Church

A 1969 architectural masterpiece excavated directly into a solid granite outcrop; topped by a massive 24-metre copper dome and circular skylights; the interior walls are unhewn rock faces that provide world-class acoustics; visit at 11 am; the sunlight streams through the skylights; illuminating the pink-hued granite and the hand-hammered copper coils while a lone pianist rehearses in the cavernous silence.

Santa Claus Village

The definitive Arctic threshold where the Arctic Circle (66°33′45.9″N) is physically marked across the ground; the village serves as the global center for Christmas myth and Lapland logistics; cross the line at midnight during the winter solstice; the snow crunches with a distinct crystalline snap while the forest of frosted pines turns blue under the aurora; the air is bone-chillingly dry.

Sámi Museum Siida

A high-latitude museum and nature center dedicated to the indigenous Sámi people of the European Arctic; the outdoor gallery features historic turf huts and timber trap-sites relocated from across Lapland; explore the open-air section in September; the tundra foliage turns a deep rust-red—the 'ruska'—while the smell of reindeer hide and woodsmoke from the traditional koti hearth lingers in the thin air.

Olavinlinna Castle

A 15th-century three-towered stone fortress built on a rocky islet in the heart of Lake Saimaa; originally constructed to guard the Swedish-Russian border; it now hosts a world-famous opera festival; stand on the drawbridge at 10 am; the black glacial water flows rapidly beneath while the medieval grey schist walls echo with the percussive sound of modern footsteps on iron grates.

Old Rauma

A 15th-century Nordic trade center and the largest unified wooden town in Scandinavia; comprising 600 pastel-coloured timber houses with intricate decorative carvings; walk the narrow streets at sunrise; the pre-industrial quiet is profound; the scent of hand-pressed linseed oil and wet pine defines the atmosphere while the early light catches the hand-blown glass in the shop windows.

See all 20 places in Finland →

What to eat in Finland

Lohikeitto

traditional

Poronkäristys (Reindeer Stew)

Explore all Finland dishes →

Finland visa requirements

Visa-free

105

Visa required

Countries that can visit Finland visa-free

93 countries can enter without a visa, usually for up to 90 days.

Europe

Asia

United Arab Emirates90d

Americas

Oceania

Before you go to Finland

🛂

Passport validity

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay. Finland immigration may refuse entry otherwise.

✈️

Proof of onward travel

Carry a return or onward flight ticket. Airlines and border officers may ask to see it before allowing you to board or enter.

💱

Currency: euro

The local currency is €. Exchange major currencies at the airport or city banks. ATMs are widely available in urban areas.

🗣️

Language: Finnish

Finnish is the primary language. English is spoken in tourist areas and major cities.

🔌

Power & connectivity

Check Finland's plug type and voltage before packing. Buy a local SIM card at the airport for affordable data.

Power plug guide →SIM card guide →

🛂

Check your visa for Finland

Select your passport for an instant result.

🗺️

Finland 7-day itinerary

AI-generated day-by-day travel plan.

📍

Explore Finland

20 places, 5 dishes, and more.

More Europe travel guides

Popular destinations

FAQ · Finland

Finland — your questions

It depends on your passport. 93 countries can enter Finland visa-free. Everyone else needs an embassy visa. Use the WorldCurio visa checker for your specific passport.