Fuerte Bootcamp by Augustin Kivunghe - "Heat of the Ice" in Magical Finnish Lapland 2023

Any Finnish travel experience will be largely determined by the seasons which, in Finland, are literally as different as night and day. Winter is a time of perpetual darkness, magnificent frozen lakes and the glorious Northern Lights blazing across the endlessly dark night sky. In summer the snow melts to reveal vast green natural landscapes bathed in the light of the remarkable midnight sun. Mile upon mile of virtually untouched natural wilderness provides a playground for trekkers, mountain-bikers, skiers and fishermen. It is a place where reindeer roam free when they aren’t pulling sleds or being served up on the dinner table! This natural wonderland exists on the doorstep of phenomenally innovative modern cities offering their fill of cosmopolitan living while the surrounding smaller towns are home to quaint wooden churches, historical castles and quirky museums brimming with fascinating cultural artifacts. With all of this and more on offer, a trip to enigmatic Finland makes for sometimes fascinating, often bewildering, but always invigorating travel.

Currency 

Local currency: Euro 
Symbol: € 
ISO code: EUR 
Subunit: Cent 
Banknotes: €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, €500 
Coins: 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, €1, €2 

Banking 

Card Transactions: Yes 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Yes 
Diner’s club: Yes 

Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM 
Weekends: Closed 
Public Holidays: Yes (limited hours) 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Air: 

Main airlines: Finnair 
International Airports: Helsinki-Vantaa Airport 
Domestic Airports: Turku Airport, Tampere-Pirkkala Airport, Oulu Airport 

Road: 

Driving on the: Right 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: Yes 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: Yes 

Bus: 

Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 

Railway system: Yes 
Subway System: No 

Water: 

Ferries: Yes 
Water taxis: Yes 
Leisure cruises: Yes 

Food and water safety: 

Can you drink the tap water: Yes 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: Yes 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes 

Local cuisine: 

Finnish cuisine is known for its simplicity, freshness, and focus on natural flavors. Traditional dishes include salmon, herring, potatoes, and rye bread. Finnish cuisine often incorporates berries, mushrooms, and dairy products. Notable local drinks include Finnish vodka (such as Koskenkorva and Finlandia) and Finnish craft beers. 
Tipping: 0-10% 

Annual rainfall: Varies by region 
Average temperature: 0°C 

Summer: 

Average highs: 20°C 
Average lows: 10°C 

Winter: 

Average highs: -5°C 
Average lows: -15°C 

Best time to visit: 

The best time to visit Finland is from June to August, during the summer months when the weather is mild and the days are long. Winter is also popular for activities like skiing and seeing the Northern Lights. 

 Summer and Spring

Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 

Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: Yes 

General 

Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

Plug Type: Type C, Type F 
Voltage (V): 230V 
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50Hz 

*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.