- Winter is for Lapland: snow, huskies, Santa and a good chance of the northern lights
- Summer brings near-endless daylight, lakeside cabins and the best weather in Helsinki
- Flights take about 3h from London to Helsinki, with seasonal direct flights to Lapland
- Finland is expensive, so a package often works out better value for Lapland
- Airports
- Helsinki (HEL), Rovaniemi (RVN), Kittilä (KTT), Ivalo (IVL)
- Flight time
- about 3h from London to Helsinki
- Best time to go
- December-March for Lapland snow and northern lights; June-August for Helsinki, the lakes and the midnight sun
- Currency
- Euro (€)
Finland is two very different holidays. In winter, Lapland becomes a snowbound wilderness of frozen forests, husky trails and glass-roofed cabins, with a good chance of seeing the northern lights. In summer the whole country comes alive with long, light evenings, lake swimming and sauna culture, while Helsinki shows off its design shops, harbour islands and food markets.
This Europe guide explains where to go, when, how to get there from the UK and how to keep costs under control in one of the pricier corners of the continent.
Where to go in Finland
Helsinki
The capital is compact and easy to explore on foot or by tram. Highlights include the white Helsinki Cathedral above Senate Square, the Temppeliaukio rock church, the Design District and the Oodi central library. Take the public ferry to Suomenlinna, an 18th-century sea fortress spread over several islands, and try a public sauna such as Löyly or Allas Sea Pool on the waterfront.
Lapland
Lapland is Finland's far north, above or around the Arctic Circle. Rovaniemi is home to Santa Claus Village and the best-known Christmas trips; Levi, Ylläs and Saariselkä are ski resorts with husky and snowmobile safaris; and Inari is the centre of Sámi culture. Between late August and early April, clear dark nights can bring the aurora.
The Lakeland
South-east Finland is a maze of forests and lakes. Savonlinna has the medieval Olavinlinna castle and a summer opera festival, and lakeside cabins with their own sauna are a classic Finnish summer holiday. Lake steamers and canoe routes make it easy to get out on the water.
Turku and the archipelago
Turku, the former capital, has a medieval castle and cathedral. From here, the Archipelago Trail links thousands of islands by bridges and small ferries, ideal for a summer cycling or driving trip.
Best time to visit Finland
| Season | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Winter (December-March) | Snow and cold in Lapland (often -10 to -25 °C); northern lights, huskies and Christmas trips |
| Spring (April-May) | Long, bright days and late snow in the north; thaw and slush in the south |
| Summer (June-August) | Mild to warm (often 20 °C+ in the south), midnight sun in Lapland, mosquitoes in the north |
| Autumn (September-October) | Ruska autumn colours in Lapland, first northern lights, quieter and cheaper |
For a reliable snowy Christmas, Lapland in December is classic but most expensive; January to March brings deeper snow, longer days and lower prices.
Getting to Finland from the UK
Finnair and British Airways fly direct from London Heathrow to Helsinki in about three hours, and Finnair also flies from Manchester and Edinburgh. Norwegian and other low-cost carriers sometimes run routes from Gatwick. For Lapland, easyJet and others have operated seasonal winter flights from the UK to Rovaniemi or Kittilä, and many tour operators run winter charter flights from regional airports. Otherwise, connect in Helsinki for a flight of about 1h20 to Rovaniemi.
Entry requirements
Finland is in the Schengen area. British passport holders can usually visit visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Your passport should have been issued within the last 10 years and be valid for at least three months after you leave. The EU's Entry/Exit System records fingerprints and a photo on arrival. Rules change, so check GOV.UK foreign travel advice before booking.
Getting around
VR trains are comfortable and punctual. The overnight sleeper from Helsinki to Rovaniemi, the Santa Claus Express, is a memorable way north, and fast daytime trains link Helsinki with Turku and Tampere in under two hours. Domestic flights save time to Lapland. In winter, Lapland resorts are well served by airport transfers and tour operators; drive yourself only if you are confident on snow and ice, although hire cars come with winter tyres.
Money and costs
Finland uses the euro and is one of the more expensive countries in Europe. Expect around €130-200 per person per day in Helsinki for a mid-range trip including accommodation, and more in Lapland once activities are added: husky, reindeer and snowmobile safaris often cost €100-250 each. Cards and contactless payments are accepted almost everywhere, even for tiny amounts. Tipping isn't expected; service is included, though rounding up is appreciated.
Finland on the map
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to see the northern lights in Finland?
From late August to early April, when the nights are dark. December to March is most popular, but September and March often bring clearer skies and milder temperatures. You need clear, dark skies away from town lights.
How cold is Lapland in winter?
Daytime temperatures are typically between -10 °C and -25 °C, and can drop below -30 °C. Tour operators usually lend thermal suits, boots and gloves for outdoor activities.
Is a Lapland package worth it?
For a short winter trip, often yes. Packages bundle charter flights, transfers, cold-weather clothing and activities that would cost a lot more booked separately, especially around Christmas.
Is Finland expensive?
Yes, roughly on a par with London for eating out and higher for alcohol. Save money with lunch buffets, supermarkets and free public saunas or swimming spots in summer.
Written by
Emma City breaks & deals editor
Emma plans city breaks the way other people plan the weekly shop: on a budget, with a spreadsheet and a backup plan. She covers city guides and deal-hunting.
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