Join us for this video on a trip through Finland.
Travel tips and local information provided.
Helsinki, the capital of Finland, is known for its modern architecture, beautiful coastal islands, and vibrant cultural scene.
Finland has a population of approximately 5.5 million people.
The official languages are Finnish and Swedish, however English is widely spoken, especially in urban areas and tourist destinations.
The national currency is the Euro (€).
Finland covers an area of around 338,000 square kilometers, making it the eighth-largest country in Europe.
The roads in Finland are much wider than in Norway making travelling longer distances much easier.
Finland does not cater well for travellers with over 90% of roadside parking areas not having WC’s.
You need to be creative in filling up your water tanks and we found marinas, cemeteries and churches the best locations.
Every time the speed limit dropped back to 80K there was a speed camera to catch out the unwary driver.
There is dedicated motorhome parking right on the harbour at the rear of the Helsinki Zoo - full during the day but empties out around 5PM.
The No 16 bus stop is right at the entrance to the Zoo car park and runs every 20 minutes to the centre of Helsinki.
A ferry runs from the Zoo to Helsinki Market Square.
The Helsinki Tourist Office has books of discount vouchers offering both free and discounted entrance fees.
The countryside is marshy and muddy and in July there are hordes of mosquitos and marsh flies.
The Lappland area has only a small part of the population so traffic is light with very few motorhomes, however there were few places to camp along the way.
Finland is comprised of over 70% forest and has over 1000 lakes so the countryside does not change much.
Best Towns to Visit
• Turku: Known for its medieval castle and rich history as the former capital of Finland.
• Tampere: Famous for its industrial heritage and beautiful lakes.
• Rovaniemi: Located in the Arctic Circle, it is known as the official hometown of Santa Claus and a gateway to exploring Lapland.
Finland is a member of the European Union and the Schengen Zone, allowing for passport-free travel between member countries.
Citizens of EU countries, the USA, Canada, Australia, and many others do not need a visa for short stays up to 90 days. Visitors from other countries should check specific requirements.
Finland does not require a vignette for driving on its roads, and there are no road tolls for private cars.
Road Speed Limits
• Highways: 120 km/h during summer, 100 km/h during winter.
• Urban Areas: 50 km/h.
• Rural Roads: 80-100 km/h.
Most shops are open Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 9 PM, and on Saturdays from 9 AM to 6 PM. Larger stores and shopping centres may be open on Sundays.
Wild camping, known as "Everyman's Right," is allowed in Finland. This means you can camp almost anywhere in nature as long as you respect the environment and private property.
Best Tourist Attractions
• Suomenlinna: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this sea fortress near Helsinki offers a glimpse into Finland’s military history.
• Santa Claus Village: Located in Rovaniemi, it is a magical destination for families.
• Helsinki Cathedral: An iconic symbol of the city, known for its stunning neoclassical architecture.
• Koli National Park: Famous for its breathtaking landscapes and hiking trails.
• Arktikum Science Museum: Located in Rovaniemi, it provides insights into Arctic research and culture.
Price of a Litre of Beer and Wine
• Beer: Around €3 to €5 per litre in a supermarket, and more in bars and restaurants.
• Wine: Typically €8 to €15 per litre, depending on the quality and region.
Rob and Krys Henshaw, an Australian couple, created Aussie European Tour, a UA-cam Video channel and website (www.aussieeuropeantour.com) to record the various tours and holidays they have enjoyed over the years.
As well as documenting the travels for their own benefit they hope they can pass some tips and advice to other travellers.
Some of the videos may include tips on the following:
Visas and passports
Currencies
Credit cards and other types of cards
Languages
Mobile phones and SIM cards
Hiring or renting vehicles
Purchasing motorhomes
Road rules and parking rules for drivers
Vignettes
Driving safely in certain countries
Walking safely in busy tourist areas
Shopping days and hours
Tours include the following:-
Europe
Austria Belgium Bulgaria Croatia
Czech Republic Denmark England Estonia
Finland France Germany Gibraltar
Greece Holland Hungary Italy
Latvia Lithuania Luxembourg Norway
Poland Portugal Romania Slovakia
Slovenia Spain Sweden Wales