Norway, Denmark, Sweden & Finland: Unforgettable Scandinavia

Denmark forms the bridge between Germany and Sweden in Europe, dividing the North and Baltic Seas, and is famous for its happiness: it can be found in the top five of just about every international quality-of-life index. Along with this, the country is synonymous with some of the world’s most progressive ideas regarding politics, sustainability, and egalitarianism. And yet, the Danes have managed to retain a sense of their old-world charm: wonderfully preserved old town centres remain strewn with half-timbered houses and medieval castles, side by side with some of the world’s most forward-thinking design. Even Copenhagen, the country’s ‘ubercool’ cosmopolitan capital, fosters the kind of friendly know-your-neighbour atmosphere one would typically associate with a small village rather than a metropolis. The surrounds are equally charming, with gorgeous rolling hills scattered with traditional farmhouses and churches.

Currency

Danish Krone (DKK; symbol kr) = 100 øre. Notes are in denominations of kr1,000, 500, 200, 100 and 50. Coins are in denominations of kr20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 and 50 øre.

The 25 øre coin was removed from circulation in October 2008 but will be accepted by banks until 1 October 2011.

There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency. However, amounts exceeding €10,000 or equivalent must be declared if travelling from or to a country outside the European Union.

Some banks may refuse to exchange large foreign bank notes.

Banking

Banking hours: Mon to Wed and Fri 0930-1700, Thurs 0930-1800. Some banks in Copenhagen are open Mon-Fri 0930-1700. Some bureaux de change are open until 2400.

American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa credit cards are widely accepted. There are plenty of ATMs across Denmark, especially in the major towns and cities.

Travellers cheques can be cashed by banks and hotels, and can be used at most restaurants and shops. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in Euros, Pounds Sterling or US Dollars.

Internal flights in Denmark are served by a network of scheduled services from Copenhagen (Kastrup). Other airports well-served by domestic airlines include Ålborg, Århus, Billund, Bornholm, Karup and Sønderborg. Domestic airports are generally situated between two or more cities that are within easy reach of each other. Internal flights are usually of no more than 30 minutes' duration. Domestic airlines include SAS (SK) (www.flysas.com) and Sterling Airlines (SA) (www.sterlingticket.com). Discounts are available on certain tickets bought inside Denmark. Family, children and young-person's discounts are also available.

Car hire facilities are available to drivers over the age of 20, and can be reserved through travel agents or airlines. However, many firms will only hire vehicles out to drivers over 25 years of age. A national driving licence is acceptable. EU nationals taking their own cars to Denmark are strongly advised to obtain a Green Card. Without it, insurance cover is limited to the minimum legal cover in Denmark; the Green Card tops this up to the level of cover provided by the car owner's domestic policy.Most major international firms are represented. Speed limits are 110kph (68mph) on motorways, 80kph (50mph) on other roads and 50kph (31mph) in built-up areas (signified by white plates with town silhouettes). Speed laws are strictly enforced, and heavy fines are levied on the spot; the car is impounded if payment is not made. The wearing of seatbelts is compulsory. Motorcyclists must wear helmets and drive with dipped headlights at all times. Children under 12 years old need to travel in the rear of the car. Vehicles are driven on the right side of the road.

The road system in the Danish archipelago makes frequent use of ferries.

There are cycle lanes along many roads and, in the countryside, many miles of scenic cycle track. Bikes can easily be taken on ferries, trains, buses and domestic air services.

Copenhagen has an integrated bus and urban train network, known as S-tog (www.dsb.dk/s-tog), as well as a metro (www.m.dk). Taxi fares include a tip.

The main cities on all islands are connected to the rail network: Ålborg, Copenhagen, Esbjerg, Herning, Horsens, Odense and Randers. Danish State Railways (DSB) (tel: 7013 1418; www.dsb.dk) operates a number of express trains called Lyntogs which provide long-distance, non-stop travel. Intercity IC3 trains are faster and more direct. Seat reservations are compulsory. Children under 10 years old travel free. There are also price reductions for passengers over 65 and groups of eight people or more.

The Englænderen boat-train runs between Esbjerg and Copenhagen and connects with ferries from the UK. DSB passenger fares are based on a zonal system. The cost depends on the distance travelled; the cost per kilometre is reduced the longer the journey.

There are frequent ferry sailings from Kalundborg to Århus, Ebeltoft to Sjællands Odde and Rønne to Copenhagen. The larger ferries usually have restaurants or cafés and may have TV, video and cinema lounges, shops, play areas for children and sleeping rooms. Local car ferries link most islands to the road network. The principal domestic ferry operator is Scandlines (tel: 3315 1515; www.scandlines.dk). Ferries to Bornholm island are operated by Bornholmstrafikken (tel: 5695 1866;www.bornholmstrafikken.dk).

There’s nothing to mark out Danish food as particularly risky to general health, in fact food hygiene standards are very high across the country. The tap water is also safe to drink. However, resist the temptation to drink from streams or lakes, no matter how clean they look, as they may contain pollutants.

Given its geographical position, it is not surprising that fish forms an important part of Danish cuisine. Around a dozen restaurants in Denmark, the majority in the capital, boast Michelin star or 'rising star' status. Most towns have fast food outlets, and sausage (pølser) stalls also offering soft drinks and beer. There are no licensing hours.

Hotels and restaurants quote fully inclusive prices and tipping is not necessary.

Summer extends from June to August, which are also the best months to visit. Winter is from December to March, and tends to be wet with long periods of frost and dark days. Spring and autumn are generally mild.

The Faroe Islands are under the influence of the warm current of the Gulf Stream, and they enjoy a very mild climate for the latitude. Winters are warm, but the islands are cloudy, windy and wet throughout the year. Summers are cool, but with little sunshine.

For the most part, electrical sockets (outlets) in Denmark  are their own standard, the "Type K" Danish SRAF 1962/DB. Also reported to be in use is the "Type C" European CEE 7/16 Europlug. If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in. Travel plug adapters simply change the shape of your appliance's plug to match whatever type of socket you need to plug into. If it's crucial to be able to be able to plug in no matter what, bring an adapter for all three types.

Electrical sockets (outlets) in Denmark usually supply electricity at between 220 and 240 volts AC. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 220-240 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need.

But travel plug adapters do not change the voltage, so the electricity coming through the adapter will still be the same 220-240 volts the socket is supplying. If your appliances are not compatible with 220-240 volt electrical output, a voltage converter will be necessary.

Comprising of the western and northernmost part of the Scandinavian Peninsula, the Svalbard archipelago and the isolated island of Jan Mayen, Norway is a collection of majestic fjords, marauding Vikings, the icy landscape of the Arctic Circle and rich mystical folklore. The country's snowy winter months offer visitors in the north the opportunity to traverse vast expanses of tundra by dogsled or catch a glimpse of the incredible aurora borealis blazing across the night sky. Summer brings with it the astonishing spectacle of the midnight sun and the chance to enjoy many outdoor adventures. Year-round visitors can enjoy boat cruises to the Svalbard Archipelago to visit seabird colonies or meander among the towering cliffs of the turquoise fjords. With a bit of luck, you may even spot a polar bear. In contrast to its picturesque natural landscapes, this fascinating country is home to a slew of appealing, cosmopolitan metropolises offering every first-world city delight.

Currency

The Norwegian currency is the krone (plural: kroner), abbreveiated to NOK. There are 100 øre in 1 krone. Bank notes are issued in denominations of 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1,000 kroner. Coins are issued in denominations of 50 øre, 1 krone, and 5, 10, and 20 kroner.

Banks offer the best rates for performing currency exchanges. Most hotels will exchange money but usually at an unfavorable rate.

Banking

Banking Hours: Monday - Wednesday and Friday 08h00 - 15h30 (15h00 in summer) and Thursday 08h15 - 17h00 

Banking hour may vary. 

PLUS, Cirrus, and other networks connecting automated teller machines (ATMs) operate throughout Norway. Look at the back of your bank card to see which network you're on, and then call or check online for ATM locations at your destination. Make sure that the PINs on your bank cards and credit cards will work in Norway. You'll need a four-digit code (six digits won't work).

Credit cards are a safe way to carry money. They also provide a convenient record of all your expenses, and they generally offer relatively good exchange rates. You can also withdraw cash advances from your credit cards at banks or ATMs.

Because of Norway's immense natural beauty, public transportation isn't merely a way to get from Point A to Point B. It also serves as an exceptional way to experience the country, perhaps more so than other places you might travel.

It's quite efficient and reliable, and various forms of public transport often work in tandem to provide seamless connections. For example, a popular unescorted tour called Norway in a Nutshell offers an independent itinerary that takes you to the fjords in one day by combining the country's best train, ferry and bus rides.

However, like just about everything in Norway, getting around isn't cheap, so it pays to plan in advance and search out deals and discounts.

Standards of hygiene, in relation to food health and safety in Norway,are generally high in hotels, restaurants, pubs and nightspots. Restaurants are subject to food safety control legislation, which is implemented by local government.  Regulations include certification and regular inspections by health inspectors to ensure hygienic standards are maintained.

It is safe to eat fresh fruit, vegetables and salads, and put ice in your drinks. Norway's fish, meat and chicken are of excellent quality, so there is no need to limit yourself when enjoying the local cuisine.

Today, Norwegians use plenty of sliced bread for almost any meal except dinner, whereas recipes for hot meals will be taken from almost anywhere in the world.

For a cheap, quick, Norwegian-style snack, look no further than the nearest grill or convenience store, which will dish up a polse sausage or kjempegrill hot dog in either a hot dog bun (brod) or wrapped in a flat potato bread (lompe). In addition to ketchup and mustard, optional toppings include pickled cucumber.

Tap water throughout Norway is safe to drink and to cook with when taken from taps in urban areas. Not all tap water in rural areas is safe for consumption, so take precautions if necessary.

Snow covers the ground at least three months a year. During the summer months the west winds cool the coast more than the inland so the warmest summers are in the inland valleys of the southeast. Average temperatures vary between -10°C in January in Spitzbergen and +16°C in July in Oslo.

Northern Norway lies in the Land of the Midnight Sun and knows continuous daylight during part of the summer. The number of days of continuous daylight increases as one goes farther north. In northernmost Norway, the sun stays above the horizon for about 2,5 months. Southern Norway never has continuous daylight, though it averages 19 hours of daylight a day in midsummer. In winter, Norway has similar periods of continuous darkness. In the northernmost areas of the country the sun never rises above the horizon for about 2 months. Southern Norway has some daylight each day, though it receives only about 6 hours of daylight a day in midwinter. The winter night sky often becomes enriched with brilliant displays of aurora borealis or northern lights.

There are three different climate zones in Norway; The southern parts have a Cfb Climate, a warm temperate humid climate with the warmest month lower than 22°C over average and four or more months above 10°C over average. The mid and northern regions have a Dfc Climate, a humid snow climate with less than four months above 10°C over average. The climate of the northern coastal areas and the mountainous regions can be classified as E Climate; an Ice climate with the warmest month under 10°C.

Whatever the season, the Norwegian weather is liable to change from day to day. So it is a good idea to bring a selection of items.

Your luggage should include some light clothes, items you can layer (that way you can add or remove layers depending on temperature), at least one warm sweater, waterproof coat and/or umbrella and comfortable walking shoes/boots/trainers.

If you go during the winter, you will need an overcoat, scarf, gloves and warm shoes/boots. In autumn and spring, you may want to bring waterproof trousers and boots. For the summer, lighten up, but remember that even summer evenings and nights can be chilly, particularly in the mountains.

Norway is well covered with mobile connectivity, but you may have trouble in certain locations in the mountains and off the coast. In general, the more sparsely populated the area is, the higher the chance of no available connection will be. Also, connections will be faster closer to the major population centres, where 4G-networks are well established. You should also expect to lose connectivity in some tunnels, both for roads and trains.

Many trains, buses, boats and airplanes have free wifi on board, but these are often of limited capacity and may require registration before use. Many hotels and eateries or coffee-shops may also offer free broadband which may relieve your communication budget somewhat.

Electrical sockets in Norway are one of two electrical socket types: Type C (CEE 7/16 Europlug) and Type F (CEE 7/4 Schuko). If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in. Travel plug adapters simply change the shape of your appliance's plug to match whatever type of socket you need to plug into. If it's crucial to be able to plug in no matter what, bring an adapter for all types.

Electrical sockets in Norway usually supply electricity at 220 volts AC. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 220 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need. If your appliance isn’t compatible with 220 volts, a voltage converter will be necessary.

Wedged between Norway and the Baltic Sea, Sweden is known for its friendly locals, its excellent public transport, and a world of attractions. Its rich history has created walled medieval cities, seaside fortresses, Viking ruins and huge stone-ship settings just waiting to be discovered. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the gentle charm of the countryside with its abundance of towering snow-capped peaks, majestic lakes and vast unspoiled forests. Experience the dynamic spirit and sophisticated beauty of Stockholm and its amazing archipelago, meet the aboriginal Sami people in the north, or experience the magnificent midnight sun and Northern Lights. Throw in a varied and distinctive culinary scene complete with exotic local dishes (try the reindeer meat and dry-cured salmon) and one thing is certain, you'll never be bored in this remarkably innovative and fascinating Nordic country.

Currency 

The currency of Sweden is the Swedish Krona (SEK; symbol kr) = 100 öre. Notes are in denominations of kr1,000, 500, 200, 100, 50 and 20. Coins are in denominations of kr10, 5, 2 and 1.

Banking

Banking hours: Monday--Wednesday and Friday 08900-15h00 and Thursday 09h00-18h00.

American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are all widely accepted, although it should be noted that most shops and restaurants require ID when paying with a credit card. ATMs are widely available and can be used with most international bank cards, although it’s worth bearing in mind that you may incur a small charge. Personal cheques are no longer used, while traveller's cheques can be cashed at most banks.

Traveller’s cheques are accepted at some banks. To avoid unfavourable exchange rate charges, visitors are advised to rely on credit or debit cards instead.

Sweden’s vast size means that air is an easy and convenient option when travelling long distances, and the country’s 40-plus airports give you plenty of choices. Airlines running domestic flights include SAS, BRA and Norwegian.

Sweden has an extensive road network, with over 210,000km (130,000 miles) available for public use. In very rural areas, getting around by car is often the only option available, while in cities, intense rush hour traffic means that cars are usually better avoided. Apart from the Öresund and Svinesund bridges and the bridges across Sundsvallsfjärden and Motalaviken, Swedish roads are toll-free. Congestion taxes are due in Stockholm and in Gothenburg. 

Road signs usually follow European standards. It's worth watching out for elk, reindeer or deer signs in the country – these mean that a lot of the animals are around and that a collision is possible. The risk is particularly high early in the morning and at night, when visibility is poor.

Public transport is efficient, comprehensive and well-integrated. Stockholm has bus, trams, metro (T-banan) and local rail services. Most tickets are loaded on the SL Access smart card, which can also be used on small ferries around the Stockholm islands. Västtrafik runs Gothenburg's buses and trams. Taxis are widely available; large taxi companies are cheaper than independents. Several of the main cities, particularly Stockholm, have boat excursions and services.

While Swedish food isn’t known for its sophistication, it does have a simple, wholesome charm all of its own. Locally produced and organic ingredients take pride of place in the kitchen and wild food such as mushrooms, blueberries and cloudberries crop up seasonally. A long coastline and numerous freshwater lakes mean fish is a staple part of the diet along with meat and root vegetables.

Rest assured, travellers will find the meatballs so beloved of the ubiquitous flat pack homewares brand are considerably better in Sweden than in the store canteen. From every day Swedish cuisine or husmanskost, ärtsoppape (pea soup) is a staple and a heart-warming choice on cold winter days, particularly when followed by pancakes doused in Swedish punch – a very sweet (and very strong) local liqueur.

Service in restaurants is not generally included in the bill; around 10% is usually expected.

In central and southern Sweden the winters are short and quite cold, and summer temperatures are similar to those in southern England, but with a lot more hours of sunshine and daylight.

In the northeast meanwhile the winters are severe, the more so as you travel further north, while the summers can be surprisingly warm.

In the far north the winters are also severe, with snow lying the year-round on elevated areas, and the summers are short and changeable. And because Sweden lies at a high latitude much of the country has very long hours of daylight in summer and very long nights in winter.

During the winter, thick layers are needed, with wind chill proving particularly problematic. Far north, stick to woollen layers closest to your skin, and avoid cotton socks. Sturdy footwear, scarves, hats and gloves will be required regardless of where you are.

During the summer, lighter clothing is all you need. Shorts or jeans and a t-shirt is standard attire, with a light jacket or sweater for the evenings. Cobblestones in the city, and unpaved roads in the countryside, means flat shoes or sandals are best for getting around. 

Waterproof clothing is recommended year-round.

Sweden is one of the world's most net-savvy countries, with a very high proportion of the population online. Wi-Fi is widespread in most towns and cities, with many restaurants, hotels and public spaces offering access. Internet cafes can be found in most major urban areas.

Electrical sockets in the Kingdom of Sweden are Type C (CEE 7/16 Europlug) and Type F (CEE 7/4 Schuko). If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plugin. Travel plug adapters simply change the shape of your appliance's plug to match whatever type of socket you need to plug into. If it's crucial to be able to plug in no matter what, bring an adapter for all types.

Electrical sockets  230 volts AC / 50 Hz frequency. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for that volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need. If your appliance isn’t compatible with 220-240 volts, a voltage converter will be necessary. 

Finland is a fascinating and beautiful European country bordered by Sweden, Norway and Russia. Any Finnish travel experience will be largely determined by the seasons. Winter is a time of perpetual darkness, magnificent frozen lakes and the glorious Northern Lights. In summer vast green natural landscapes are bathed in the light of the midnight sun. Enormous spreads of virtually untouched natural wilderness provide a playground for trekkers, mountain-bikers, skiers and fishermen. Reindeer roam free when they aren’t pulling sledges or being served up on the dinner table. This natural wonderland lies on the doorstep of phenomenally innovative modern cities offering cosmopolitan living, while the surrounding smaller towns are home to quaint wooden churches, historic castles and quirky museums brimming with cultural artefacts.

Currency

Euro (EUR; symbol €) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of €500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of €2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10 and 5 cents. Note that 1 and 2 cent coins, while valid in other eurozone countries, are not used in Finland.

There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency. However, amounts exceeding €10,000 or equivalent must be declared if travelling from or to a country outside the European Union.

Foreign currency and traveller's cheques can be exchanged in banks, post offices and at bureaux de change in major cities, ports and airports. Banks tend to charge higher commissions. As there are direct train and bus links from Helsinki to St Petersburg in Russia, it is easy to exchange Euros for Russian Roubles.

Banking

Banking hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1630 (regional variations may occur).

All major international credit and debit cards are widely accepted, and ATMs are found in every town and even in small villages.

Traveller's cheques can be exchanged at banks or exchange offices (at a lower commission), and can be used to pay for goods in some tourist-oriented shops. Travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in Euros, Pounds Sterling or US Dollars.

Finnair (AY) (www.finnair.com) and its subsidiaries run an excellent network of domestic services. Look out for discounted äkkilähdot (getaway) fares. Budget domestic flights are operated by Blue 1 (KF) (www.blue1.com). Children under 12 and seniors get a 70% discount and young people aged 17 to 24 get a 50% discount. Even cheaper youth standby fares are also available.

Car hire is available in larger towns and cities from a variety of local and international firms. The minimum age varies from 20 to 25 years depending on the company, but all firms require a minimum of one year's driving experience. Vehicles are driven on the right side of the road. A national driving licence or International Driving Permit and insurance is required. In forested areas, heed the signs warning of elk and reindeer crossing the carriageway - many drivers are injured in collisions with deer every year. Petrol stations are often unmanned but petrol pumps can be operated using banknotes and credit cards. Seat belts must be worn by all passengers and headlights must be kept on at alltimes. Traffic entering from the right has right of way, even when joining a major road from a minor road. From 1 December until 31 March, snow tyres are a legal requirement; they can be hired from rental firms. Further information can be obtained from Autoliitto (Automobile and Touring Club of Finland) (tel: (9) 7258 4400; www.autoliitto.fi).

Bicycles can be hired in most towns from tourists offices or camping grounds.

Larger towns have efficient and integrated bus services, and Helsinki also has a metro and tram service, suburban rail lines and ferry services to the Suomenlinna Islands. Local transport in Helsinki (including the ferries) is covered by a single ticket system with a zonal flat fare and free transfers between services. Multi-trip tickets are sold in advance, as are various passes. Tickets can be purchased from the driver, ticket machine or via mobile phone text message (Finnish service providers only). Tramline 3T runs past most of the main tourist attractions - a free brochure in English is available covering the stops along the route.

Helsinki Card: This handy discount card (www.helsinkicard.fi) is available for one, two or three days. Once purchased, it allows unlimited free travel on public transport (including the Suomenlinna ferry) and free entry to about 50 museums and other sights in the city. Visit the website or contact the Finnish Tourist Board for prices and further details. Several other large cities offer similar transport cards.

Taxis are available in every city and from airports and major hotels. Taxis have a yellow taksi sign that is lit when the taxi is vacant. They can be booked at taxi ranks or signalled from the street. In Helsinki, you can call 0100 0700. Fares are more expensive at night and at weekends; tipping is not customary. Shared taxis run by Yellow Taxis (tel: 0600 555 555) operate to and from Helsinki airport.

Finnish trains are spacious, comfortable, clean and quiet, thanks to special booths where people can make mobile phone calls. VR (tel: 0600 41902, within Finland only, or (9) 2319 2902; www.vr.fi) operates an extensive rail service around Finland. The main lines are Helsinki-Turku, Helsinki-Tampere-Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä-Kuopio and Helsinki-Seinäjoki-Oulu-Rovaniemi. Prices vary according to the standard of the train; regional trains are cheapest and fast Pendolino trains are the most expensive. Sleeping berths are available on night trains and seat reservations are compulsory on IC and Pendolino services. Children under six years of age travel free, children aged six to 16 pay half price, and special discounts are available for groups. To search for rail services in Finland, visit Destia Traffic (www.matka.fi).

Many of Finland's inland waterways are serviced by waterbuses and ferries. Popular routes include theSilver Line (www.hopealinja.fi), which operates between Hämeenlinna and Tampere and Tampere and Viikinsaari island, and the Poet's Way (www.runoilijantie.fi), which runs between Tampere and Virrat.Lake Päijänne Cruises (www.paijanne-risteilythilden.fi) runs services on the Päijänne Waterway, between Jyväskylä and Heinola, Lahti and Suolahti. Roll Cruises (www.roll.fi) offers cruises around Kuopio. There are also regular car ferry services around the Lake Pielinen area. All ferries have restaurants or canteens and accommodation on overnight trips is provided in small private cabins. For more detailed information on schedules and routes, contact the Finnish Tourist Board (see Contact Addresses).

Food in Finland is safe to eat and usually prepared in accordance with hygiene guidelines, although care should be taken when purchasing food from unlicensed stalls. Tap water is also safe, although drinking from streams, lakes and rivers – however clean they look – isn’t recommended as even the most inviting-looking water can harbour parasites.

As you might suspect for a nation dominated by water, fish plays an essential role in Finnish cuisine. Salmon, herring and other fish are cooked fresh or served smoked and pickled in cold courses. Meat comes in various forms, including the ubiquitous meatballs and HK Sininen Lenkki sausage. Reindeer, elk and bear meat are served as delicacies. Lunch is the main meal of the day - dinner is often a cold meal served with pickles and dark rye bread.

In summer and autumn, look out for tender new potatoes, rutabaga, fresh peas, dozens of varieties of wild mushrooms and a fabulous assortment of wild berries, including blueberries, cloudberries (like yellow raspberries), crowberries and red lingonberries, which are often used in jellies and preserves.

Finns drink more coffee than anyone else in the world and kahvilat (cafes, singular kahvila) are found in every village and town square. More substantial meals are served at ravintolat (restaurants) - home-style Finnish cooking predominates, but you'll also restaurants serving French, Italian and other international cuisines.

A service charge of approximately 15% is added to bills in most hotels and restaurants

Finland has a reputation as a land of ice and snow, but summers are warm and sunny, with daytime temperatures reaching 25-30ºC (77-86ºF), and even spring and autumn can be surprisingly mild. The sun never truly sets in midsummer and locals take full advantage of the midnight sun for late-night sports, barbecues and parties.

Finland only really deserves its frosty reputation in winter, from November to mid March, when temperatures plummet to -20ºC/-4ºF or lower. Winter days are short and in Lapland, the sun may not clear the horizon at all. In the far north, the snow cover can last from as early as October till as late as May.

Rainfall is distributed fairly evenly throughout the rest of the year. During June and July, forested areas are plagued by gnats and mosquitoes, particularly in the north of the country. Bring plenty of insect repellent.

In summer, travellers can get away with lightweight clothing in the daytime, but long sleeves and long trousers or skirts are useful for the evenings. Waterproof clothes are useful throughout the year. A netting veil is useful when trekking in the mosquito season. In winter, bring appropriate clothing for snowy conditions. In the Arctic North, you may need expedition-quality winter clothing.

Electrical sockets (outlets) in Finland are one of the two European standard electrical socket types: The "Type C" Europlug and the "Type E" and "Type F" Schuko. If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in. Travel plug adapters simply change the shape of your appliance's plug to match whatever type of socket you need to plug into. If it's crucial to be able to plug in no matter what, bring an adapter for all three types.

Electrical sockets (outlets) in Finland usually supply electricity at between 220 and 240 volts AC. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 220-240 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need. If your appliance is compatible with 220-240 volt electrical output, a voltage converter will be necessary.