Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
Routine vaccinations are usually enough for Finland, like measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella (chickenpox), and the annual flu shot. Hepatitis A is sometimes recommended, especially if you plan to eat a lot of street food or stay in rural areas. For specific advice, always check with a healthcare provider.
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Finland, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for FinlandCulture & Customs
Respect personal space; Finns value it. Keep a good arm’s length in conversation. Silence is normal, not awkward. Punctuality is important; late arrivals are frowned upon. Always remove shoes when entering homes. In saunas, nudity is common but not obligatory, so follow the host’s lead.
For LGBTQ+ travelers, Finland is very accepting, but public displays of affection might draw attention in smaller towns. Women generally don’t face specific safety concerns, but staying cautious and aware is always wise.
Avoid discussing Finnish politics unless you’re well-informed. When offered coffee, it’s polite to accept; Finns love their coffee breaks.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Finland.
- Karjalanpiirakka: These are traditional Karelian pasties, typically filled with rice porridge and wrapped in rye crust. Often topped with egg butter, they’re a staple at Finnish gatherings and a must-try for a taste of Finnish comfort food.
- Ruisleipä: This dense rye bread is a Finnish staple, often served with butter or cheese. It’s part of daily life and is deeply rooted in Finnish culture, giving you a slice of authentic Finnish living.
- Poronkäristys: A classic dish made with sautéed reindeer meat, usually served with mashed potatoes and lingonberry sauce. It’s popular in Lapland and gives you a taste of Finland’s Arctic flavors.
- Lohikeitto: This creamy salmon soup is made with fresh salmon, potatoes, and leeks, often flavored with dill. It’s a cozy, hearty dish that showcases Finland’s love of fish and simple, clean flavors.
- Korvapuusti: These cinnamon buns are a beloved Finnish pastry, akin to a hug in food form. They’re often enjoyed with coffee and are a big part of the Finnish coffee culture.
Yes, the tap water in Finland is safe to drink, and locals drink it regularly. Tourists can confidently drink it as well, no need for bottled or filtered water. It’s some of the cleanest you’ll find, so fill up your bottle and save some cash.
The main language in Finland is
Finnish. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Finnish skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for Finland includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
Get your local basic phrases 👉
Get the Travel Guide - is widely spoken in Finland, making it a traveler-friendly destination. Approximately 70% of Finns speak English, particularly in urban areas and among younger generations. In cities like Helsinki, Tampere, and Turku, you’ll find that most people in the service industry—hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions—are fluent in English.
In rural areas, while English proficiency may decrease, many Finns still possess a basic understanding of the language. Finnish education places a strong emphasis on learning English, often starting in primary school, which contributes to the high level of proficiency.
Signs, menus, and information brochures are frequently available in English, enhancing accessibility for tourists. However, it’s always appreciated when visitors make an effort to learn a few basic Finnish phrases. Overall, travelers can navigate Finland comfortably with English, enjoying its rich culture and stunning landscapes without significant language barriers.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Finland is EUR (€).
In Finland, cards are king. Almost everywhere takes them, from big cities to tiny villages. Still, it’s smart to carry a bit of cash for those rare spots that don’t. Euros are the way to go; you won’t need dollars here. ATMs are widespread and known as ’Otto’ or ’Nosto’ machines. They’re reliable and usually have English options. Heads up: some small kiosks or market stalls might be cash-only, so having €20-50 in your pocket isn’t a bad idea.
If you do need to exchange money, avoid airport kiosks unless you like terrible rates. Banks can help, but their hours are a bit old-school. Another option is currency exchange offices in cities, which offer decent rates and longer hours. Always check the fees before you swap, though.
Tipping in Finland is not customary, as service charges are usually included in the bill, but rounding up the total in taxis or restaurants is appreciated if the service was exceptional. For example, if your bill is €18.50, you might round it up to €20. Remember, tipping is entirely optional and not expected.
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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.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.