Finland offers a diverse range of stunning sceneries to explore. The country is known for its pristine nature and vast wilderness, making it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. One of the best sceneries to explore in Finland is the Finnish Lakeland, …
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Backpacking Finland in 2025
A complete guide for backpacking in Finland with best places to go, best time to visit, what to bring and safety advice.
Visit Finland
Welcome to Finland, a backpacker's haven where pristine nature, vibrant cities, and unique cultural experiences await. Pros? Immerse yourself in stunning landscapes, from the Northern Lights to thousands of lakes, and enjoy efficient public transportation. Finland's safety, cleanliness, and high-quality services make it an ideal destination. However, costs can be higher compared to some backpacker hotspots. For those seeking a harmonious blend of nature and modernity, Finland stands out, offering a distinct Northern European charm and an abundance of outdoor adventures, making it an ideal destination for backpackers seeking tranquility and unique experiences.
Why to go?Why backpacking in Finland
Scenery
Wildlife
Finland is great for seeing wildlife because of its vast and diverse natural landscapes. From the dense forests of the north to the archipelagos of the south, Finland offers a wide range of habitats for various species. The country is home to iconic …
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💡 HighlightsTop-5 things to do in Finland
- Visit Helsinki: Finland’s vibrant capital city offers a mix of modern and historical attractions. Explore its beautiful architecture, visit the iconic Senate Square, and enjoy the bustling market square.
- Experience the Northern Lights: Head to Lapland, Finland’s northernmost region, for a chance to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights. This natural phenomenon is a must-see and a truly unforgettable experience.
- Explore Finnish Lakeland: With over 180,000 lakes, Finnish Lakeland is a paradise for nature lovers. Enjoy boating, fishing, and hiking in the stunning lake district, surrounded by picturesque forests and charming villages.
- Discover Santa Claus Village: Located in Rovaniemi, Santa Claus Village is a magical place to visit, especially for families. Meet Santa Claus, cross the Arctic Circle, and experience the enchantment of Christmas all year round.
- Relax in a Finnish Sauna: Sauna is an integral part of Finnish culture, and experiencing a traditional Finnish sauna is a must. Enjoy the relaxation and health benefits of a sauna, followed by a refreshing dip in a lake or rolling in the snow.
But Finland offers more...
🌤️ When to go?Best time to go backpacking Finland
The best time to visit Finland for backpacking would be during the summer months, from June to August. During this time, the weather is generally mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). The long daylight hours also provide ample time for outdoor activities and exploring the beautiful Finnish landscapes.
Additionally, summer is the ideal time to experience the famous midnight sun phenomenon, where the sun remains visible for almost 24 hours in the northern parts of the country. This provides a unique and magical experience for backpackers.
It's worth noting that Finland is known for its vast forests, lakes, and national parks, which offer excellent opportunities for hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities. The summer season allows for easier access to these areas, as the snow has melted and the trails are more accessible.
Additionally, summer is the ideal time to experience the famous midnight sun phenomenon, where the sun remains visible for almost 24 hours in the northern parts of the country. This provides a unique and magical experience for backpackers.
It's worth noting that Finland is known for its vast forests, lakes, and national parks, which offer excellent opportunities for hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities. The summer season allows for easier access to these areas, as the snow has melted and the trails are more accessible.
Risk level: low (0%)Safety advice for Finland
- Finland's terrorism threat level is 'elevated' (level 2 of 4). Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places.
- Protests or demonstrations could take place. They can turn violent. Monitor the media and avoid affected areas.
- Pickpocketing and purse snatching is common. Credit card theft and skimming also occurs. Check for card-skimming devices before using ATMs. Monitor the media for news on crime.
- Winters are extremely cold. There's heavy snowfall, including in metropolitan areas. Finland also experiences severe storms, rockslides, floods and strong winds. Monitor the media and follow the advice of local authorities.
source: smartraveller.gov.au
FinlandMy tips to get you on the way!Does Finland sound like your next backpacking destination? Use these steps to get you on the way.
Get inspiration 📚
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
Prepare your trip ✅
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Finland. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Finland may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Finland. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Finland may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Book your flight ✈️
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Finland, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Finland, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
Book your first night(s) 🛌
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
My personal packing list 🎒
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Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Moneybelt
[Amazon]
“Best way to carry your important documents”
Quick dry pant
[Amazon]
“Nothing beats these quick dry and light pants when traveling”
Light rain jacket
[Amazon]
“Hiking in rainy season? These keep you dry”
Thermo underwear
[Amazon]
“Less weight and volume than bulky sweaters or jackets”
Quick dry towel
[Amazon]
“Normal towels get smelly and heavy when traveling”
Power bank
[Amazon]
“Pick a small and light one, with 10.000mAh or more”
Travel adapter
[Amazon]
“Needed as each country has its own electricity plugs”
Number lock
[Amazon]
“No chance of losing your key; handy for lockers in dormitories”
Packing cubes
[Amazon]
“Keep your wet or dirty clothes separate from the rest”
Travel pillow
[Amazon]
“Light and great for flights and long bus journeys”
last page update: 28 September 2024