The best place to see the Northern Lights in Finland is in the northern Lapland Region, which is almost entirely located within the realm of the Arctic Circle. During the dark winter months here, when the sun rarely peaks its head over the horizon, you can expect to see the Finland Northern Lights with regularity, and other peak seasons include February through March and September through October.
When is the best time to visit?
Depends on what you would like to experience while in Finland. For plenty of pure white snow, visit between December and March. For long summer days visit between June- August.
What currency does Finland have?
Finland joined EURO (€) in 2001.
How cold does it get in the Winter?
During the winter months, temperatures can drop as low as -35-40c This is not the norm however and more common winter temperatures range from 0 to minus 25 depending on the region and time of year.
I don’t speak any Finnish, will I manage?
Most Finns speak excellent English and even in more remote areas you are likely to find a person able to help you in English. You should not have any difficulties when it comes to language.
What documents do I need to enter Finland?
You need a valid national passport or other equivalent official document that satisfactorily establishes your identity and nationality. If you aren’t a citizen of Finland or a European Economic Area (EEA) country, you may also need a visa. Please check with your local Finnish Embassy.
What to do in case of an emergency?
To contact the emergency services in any EU country from any phone, fixed or mobile, dial 112, free of charge.
What to wear in cold weather?
Dressing in layers: underwear, midlayer, and outerwear.
Underwear which is in closest contact with skin can be a long sleeve shirt and long trousers. They should be made of technical material, synthetic fibers such as thermal underwear that passes moisture from the skin to the next layer.
The middle layer is good to be made of moisture-absorbing material, such as wool or fleece, and the intermediate layers should be dressed as many as needed. Layering is the most effective, as the air warms between clothes.
Outerwear should be tightly woven, for example quilted jacket. The function of outerwear is to protect against external moisture and wind.
If You move outside, dress up as much on that at first feels cool. Sweating is “a poison” in cold weather.
Mittens are better than gloves, thus the fingers heats to each other and heat evaporating surface area decreases.
The head must be kept warm, as through the head dissipates a lot more heat compared to other parts of the body. In very cold temperatures genuine fur hat, under cap or ski mask protects well. A proper scarf protects neck.
To protect neck is good to have a decent scarf. The long scarf has the advantage that it can be regulated according the temperature. Coldness in the neck area can easily cause neck pain and headache. Also the ears should be protected, proper stocking cap and additionally a cowl on windy days.
In footwear must be room for foot to move, as the movement of toes increases blood circulation. The best solution is a loose-fitting winter boot and a synthetic moisture-wicking sock, and on top a thin or thick wool sock according the weather.
If the cold begins to creep into the bones, move! Move the facial muscles, fingers and toes, so blood circulates better. Often with cold especially in children, cheeks, chin and tip of the nose will begin to turn red and be the first to display signs of frostbite. A good first aid for this is to heat the items for example with warm hand.
Lotion
Avoid protective creams and lotions, because they do not help prevent frostbite. On the contrary, they give a false sense of security. Lubricated skin will feel warmer than it really is, which is why other protection is forgotten. Because of lotions or creams the skin does not sting or sore, and the affected area will not be noticed. According to researches made by Armed Forces protective creams and lotions will increase risk of frostbite on your cheekbones to two-fold, three-fold on nose and on ears even up to sixfold.
Skin’s own fat and pile layer offers the best protection. So, do not wash nor cream your face before going to zero degrees. Also avoid aftershave lotion and perfume use on your face before outdoor activities. Frosty air dries out the skin, so the skin moisture should be care about, moisture your skin the night before, or well in advance before going out.
Timetables
Banks and post offices:
Banks are open from Mondays to Fridays 10:00 – 13:00 or 10:00 – 16:30, depending of the office. Closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
Central Post Offices are open from Monday to Friday 09:00 – 18:00. Closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
Many supermarkets also serves as a post office, which always serves during the supermarkets opening hours, normally during the week at 09:00 – 21.00 and on Saturdays at 09:00 – 18:00. Some of them serve also on Sundays.
Shops
Large supermarkets serve on weekdays 09:00-21:00, Saturdays 09:00-18:00, and on Sundays they are closed.
Small specialized shops serves from Monday to Friday at 10:00-17:00/18:00, and on Saturdays 10:00 – 14:00/15:00. Closed on Sundays.
Finnish National Holidays
1st of January – New Year’s Day.
6th of January – Epiphany.
Changeable, Friday – Good Friday.
Changeable, Sunday – Easter Day.
Changeable, Monday – Easter Monday.
1st of May – “Vappu”, May Day.
Changeable, Thursday – Ascension Day (40th Day after Easter).
Changeable, Sunday – Whit Sunday (50th Day after Easter).
Saturday between 20th and 26th of June – Midsummer Day.
Saturday between 31st of October and 6th of November – All Saints’ Day.
6th of December – Independence Day.
25th of December – Christmas Day.
26th of December – Boxing Day or 2nd Christmas Day.
In Finland the celebration has traditionally already begun on the eve of the feast. New Year’s Eve, May Day Eve, Midsummer Eve and Christmas Eve are the actual celebration days, followed holidays are more like days of rest.