2025 Finland Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in June)

#auroralight 3 Reasons Why Finland Should Be on Your Radar for the Aurora 1. Unmatched Accessibility to the Arctic Finland offers some of the easiest ways to see the northern lights without sacrificing comfort. From Rovaniemi’s glass igloos to cozy wilderness cabins in Saariselkä, you can marvel at the aurora from your bed or head out on a guided snowmobile or reindeer safari. Finland combines Arctic adventure with modern amenities, making it accessible for all. 2. Prime Aurora Viewing Conditions With vast, unspoiled wilderness and minimal light pollution, Finland is one of the best places to catch the northern lights. Spots like Kilpisjärvi and Luosto boast clear, dark skies with high aurora activity during the season (September–March). Plus, many towns have aurora alert systems, so you won’t miss the show. 3. Unique Experiences Under the Northern Lights Finland doesn’t just let you watch the aurora—it makes it unforgettable. Imagine soaking in an outdoor Arctic sauna with the lights swirling overhead, sleeping in a heated glass igloo, or taking a husky sled ride under the glowing sky. Finland’s combination of natural beauty and unique experiences ensures your aurora chase is as magical as the lights themselves. If the northern lights are calling, Finland is your perfect destination this season.

#cityscape The Winter Wonderland in Finland is a dreamlike escape into a pristine Arctic paradise. Blanketed in snow, the landscape offers breathtaking views of frosted forests and frozen lakes under the magical glow of the Northern Lights. Activities like husky sledding, snowmobiling, and reindeer safaris create thrilling memories, while cozy glass igloos and log cabins provide a warm retreat. The region’s unique charm is enriched by visits to Santa Claus Village and authentic Finnish saunas. With its serene beauty and enchanting experiences, Finland’s Winter Wonderland is an idyllic destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those chasing the magic of winter.

Snowy ❄️ world, romantic and healing blue 🔵 moment, gorgeous aurora 🌌, this winter, you must go to Tromsø, Norway~ During this 5-day, 4-night Nordic trip, we will visit Santa Claus Village "Rovaniemi" in the fairy tale world Swedish Aurora City "Kiruna" The world's northernmost ice-free port "Narvik" Norwegian miniature "Senja" Gateway to the Arctic "Tromsø" The pace is slow, but it is enough to heal and warm 🌟 . ✨ "Experience the vitality of life together" 🎅 Take a photo with Santa Claus 📸 in Santa Claus Village 🦌 Take a reindeer sleigh ride through the village 📑 Send a festive card at Santa Claus Post Office 🏩 Visit the magnificent and magical Kiruna Ice Hotel 🎿 Ski freely under the gorgeous pink light and shadow 🌅 Enjoy the sunset and sea view at Devil's Teeth 🌄 View the Oxen Mountains at the fjord lookout 🚟 Take a cable car in Tromsø to overlook the city 🎢 Enjoy the blue 🔵 moment on Tromsø Bridge 🐳 Look for whales in Tromsø Fjord

The long-awaited Northern Lights trip to Finland is finally here! 🔔Just received first-hand information that the Finnish glass houses, especially the more well-known ones, have already started taking reservations. - ✅【99.99% chance to see the aurora】 One third of Finland lies within the Arctic Circle! In other words, Finland is the best place to see the Northern Lights! Especially in Lapland, the Northern Lights can be seen about 200 days a year. You don't need to be particularly lucky to enjoy the spectacle of twinkling stars and dancing auroras. - ✅【Strong Christmas atmosphere】 The Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, Finland is the only officially certified Santa Claus Village in the world. Letters sent to Santa Claus by children from all over the world are delivered here. Here you can not only take photos with Santa Claus, but also send unique postcards to yourself or your friends and family at the Santa Claus Post Office, check in at the Arctic Circle landmark and the "northernmost McDonald's", and ride a reindeer-pulled sleigh through the village forest... - ✅【Aurora Glass House】 Just imagining watching the Northern Lights while lying in bed is exciting. In this regard, Finland's internet-famous glass house is the most representative. In the snowy primeval forest, the lovely and romantic glass houses instantly turned this light-chasing journey into a fairytale journey... - ✅【No threshold for Finland Aurora Tour】 Many people think that traveling to chase the aurora is like hiking, which requires certain travel experience and physical strength! In fact, the Aurora tour in Finland is not difficult and there is no threshold! Whether it is parent-child travel, honeymoon, vacation, or outing for the elders, you can easily experience it. - ✅【Itinerary Summary】 We will mainly go to Lapland, Greater Syd, Rovaniemi, Saariselka, and Helsinki! In addition to chasing the Northern Lights and skiing, we will also visit Santa Claus Village, dig for amethysts, watch Arctic animals, catch king crabs, ride the polar night train, and take an icebreaker to visit the ice and snow world...🧳During the entire 10-day trip, everyone can have fun, even if you are traveling with children or the elderly.

"The snow-covered forests and tranquil lakes are intertwined, like a paradise on earth." This is how National Geographic described the winter in Finland. So what should you pay attention to when visiting Finland in winter? 1️⃣Finland is a Schengen country, remember to apply for a Schengen visa 3-6 months in advance 2️⃣ Most hotels in Finland do not provide disposable toiletries, so remember to bring your own 3️⃣ When shooting the aurora with your phone, select night mode. The exposure process takes about 30 seconds. Don’t move after pressing it. Of course, if you have a camera, you should bring it with you. 4️⃣Finland time is 6 hours behind Beijing time, remember to adjust the time difference, the daytime is only 5 hours, remember to plan your itinerary in advance 5️⃣ The best time to see the aurora in Finland is from October to April of the following year. Try to avoid December. 6️⃣ In Finland, you can go to the Aurora Glass House, explore Santa Claus Village, catch king crabs, go to the reindeer farm, experience the Kemi icebreaker, and experience the Finnish sauna. 7️⃣ Finns value personal privacy. They like to keep a certain distance, especially from strangers they meet for the first time. 8️⃣ When walking on the sidewalk in Finland, you need to press the button on the pillar next to you, and the red light will turn green faster. 9️⃣The power sockets in Finland are cylindrical with two legs, so remember to bring a power converter 🔟Finnish people attach great importance to environmental protection, strictly classify garbage, and throw away garbage according to the garbage can signs ✅Itinerary arrangements D1: Rovaniemi, the hometown of Santa Claus D2: Saariselka, experience snow cross-country D3: Kirkenes, mysterious Arctic Ocean + king crab fishing D4: Saariselka, explore Sami culture D5: Saariselka - Rovaniemi

So, when is the best time to travel to Finland? It actually depends on what kind of experience you are looking for. If you are obsessed with snow and love various winter activities, then the period from December to March is an excellent choice. If you are fond of the warm sun of spring and the nature just waking up from winter slumber, April to May would be the ideal time. If you want to experience long and warm summer days and participate in a variety of activities, you should head to Finland in June, July, or August. And if you want to enjoy the colorful and splendid autumn leaves, September to October is undoubtedly the best time. The Lapland region, located at the northernmost tip of Finland, boasts mesmerizing year-round light phenomena and magnificent Arctic natural ecology. It is the home of the indigenous Sami people, as well as Santa Claus and his reindeer. Helsinki region, this is a harbor city with vast water areas—Helsinki is one of the must-visit cities for tourists traveling in Finland. Here you will find natural trails, bustling city life, local delicacies, excellent design, interesting museums, and unique architecture everywhere. Rovaniemi Santa Claus Village, this is the hometown of Santa Claus, located right on the Arctic Circle. Rovaniemi Reindeer Farm, visit the local reindeer farms in the outskirts of Rovaniemi to gain an in-depth understanding of Lapland culture and its wildlife. Ride a sleigh pulled by these native creatures along forest trails and enjoy the snowy scenery. Saariselkä: Located in northern Finland, 500 kilometers deep into the Arctic Circle, it is the northernmost tourist destination on Earth. In winter, it is a skiing paradise, attracting many tourists who come to enjoy skiing. Due to its extreme northern location, it is the best place to watch the Northern Lights. Inari: Inari is a town in Finland, located on the shores of Lake Inari in the northern part of the country. It is backed by the picturesque Lake Inari and has a Lapland cultural museum, with indoor and outdoor exhibits perfectly presenting the history, culture, lifestyle, and current situation of the Lapland people.

❄️How to play in Northern Europe in winter is the best? 💥Finland + Norway + Sweden, play three countries at once Brilliantly beautiful lucky ✨Aurora Pure white snow and ice in addition to the aurora, there are too many fun things here✔️ ❤️Romantic Santa Claus Village, rich snow activities Satisfy people's imagination of winter - 🔥Must-visit destinations in the three Nordic countries 🇫🇮【Finland】 ✅Santa Claus Village You can visit 🎅Santa Claus, and you can cross the 66 degrees 33 minutes north latitude line, get the Arctic Circle certificate, and the Christmas cards sent from the Santa Claus Village post office are the fairy tale gifts that everyone dreams of🖼️ ✅Amethyst Mountain Take a special snowmobile up the mountain and dig out your own lucky amethyst💎 ✅Inari Lake Inari is a place like a mirror of the sky, and Inari is also the best place to see the aurora💖 . 🇳🇴【Norway】 ✅Kirkenes When traveling to Norway in winter, you must go to this quiet snow🏘️ town in the north, how can you not catch a king crab🦀 yourself at the end of the world . 🇸🇪【Sweden】 ✅Icebreaker Swimming in the ice sea, wearing a dry floating life jacket to experience the fun of floating, walking on the ice, walking safely on the sea ice, with the 🛥️ship on the sea as the background, take unforgettable photos for yourself📸 - 💠Nordic special experience 🔸Hunting for the Northern Lights 🔸Digging for lucky amethyst 🔸Norwegian king crab fishing 🔸Husky sledding + reindeer sledding 🔸Polar Explorer icebreaker 🔸Finnish Arctic Circle VR Polar Train 🔸Visit the Gold Digger Museum 🔸Bonfire picnic + ice fishing - 🚗Nordic 3 countries｜Finland + Sweden + Norway 6-day Aurora route D1: Helsinki (free travel) — Nordic Polar Train to Kemi . D2: Kemi (Polar Icebreaker Experience or Free Activities) . D3: Rovaniemi (Santa Claus Village) — Lost Crystal Mountain (Digging Amethyst) . D4: Kirkenes (King Crab Fishing + King Crab Feast) . D5: Inari (Sami Museum—Lake Inari) — Sami Mountain Top Viewing Platform—Gold Digger Museum—Return to Rovaniemi . D6: Rovaniemi Free Travel (Optional Dog Sled/Reindeer Sled/Snowmobile/Ice Hook/Sled Hunting Northern Lights + Bonfire Picnic)

Sävrasari Island is located in Helsinki, Finland. We can travel to this island by footbridge to the island. This place is currently a public park of Finland where people here use it for walking, enjoying nature and exercising. - The island has cafes, restaurants, museums, outdoor exhibitions, sunbathing and fishing spots. The museum on the island is open during certain times of the year, from May to September, Monday - Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Saturday - Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The entrance fee for adults is 10 euros. Children are free. #vlogtravel #traveleurope

Chico's is located at Vantaanportinkatu 3,01510 Vantaa Finland - Located in Shopping Center Jumbo, the shop opens from 10:30-21:00. - The shop sells both sweet and savory dishes. The recommended menu is grilled pork leg with apple sauce, it's very delicious. And grilled chicken and baked potatoes are also delicious. There are also various types of hamburgers and french fries. For dessert, I recommend chocolate fondant. - If you come to Finland and are looking for a place to eat, I recommend this shop. The shop is not far from Vantaa Airport. #TravelAbroad #vlogTravel

Welcome too Finland. Were too much Beauty are surrounded for Real. Take the time too be mesmerized by the countries work of art, life style, buildings, food and peoples. 💕 A life must aspire too step their foot in here. Go to Finland, Were there is a true change of puzzled life 🧩🤗 #Finland #New&OldWorld

Original Sokos Hotel Tripla is located in the heart of Capital city of Finland; Helenski, Pasila . It’s environment consists of urban and tourist type community that they can offer to visitors wish to visit. The Hotel is easily and comfortably to reach since the place located near the main train station of the country so wherever you come from you can easily find it. And as tourist in the country is you chose to stay there and you want to go anywhere by means of commuting via train it is no problem at all since it is at the back of the establishment the main station. The country started to create the new urban Centre and it is located in the location of the hotel where the current under construction that includes shopping malls, restaurant, offices, entertainments and apartments and among other things as well. The current most visited venues in Finland are a walking distant away: the establishment (hotel) is close to centre Messukeskus, amusement park Linnanmaki. And if you like nature experience for exercising and breathing good air you can easily find the way to diverse pedestrian routes in Keskuspuisto Park. The hotel does not offer very good services and international standard facilities but also the important quite moments and leisure as well where you can have focus completely on relaxation and give yourself a time.

There is an icy country in Northern Europe, which attracts people from different places to visit every Christmas 🎄. I don't need to give you a hint, I believe everyone has already guessed that this country is Finland🇫🇮. In the white fairy tale world, there are Santa Claus 🎅, reindeer 🦌, and the northern lights. I believe this scene is all exciting. The popularity of Santa Claus Village has never diminished. As long as there is innocence, adults or children will love this place. It is extremely romantic to take a deer cart ride around Santa Claus Village with your loved one in the snowy ❄️ weather. If you're lucky that day, you won't have to wait long to see the wonderful Northern Lights. No matter how cold the weather is, accompanied by love, I immediately feel warm in my heart. ❤️💕 #northernlihgts #santaclaus #romantic #finland

Finland, as the home of Santa Claus, is full of Christmas atmosphere all year round 🤣 And Finland's Helsinki airport has a large Christmas cabin, the cabin itself is a traditional residence in Finland, walk in can learn about the traditional Finnish warm and simple family Life😊 Different illustrations are hung on the walls, introducing different Christmas characters, such as Christmas elves, Santa Claus information📖 The windows are also placed with candles, which is also very Scandinavian!🕯️ This Christmas cabin also hangs an advantage calendar, each grid has an object representing Finland 😍 And the most representative of Finland, of course, is not missing every household must have a sauna! There is also a sauna room inside this cabin, you can take pictures in your clothes 🤣🤣🤣 #2023 Travel Wishes Hokkaido

vanhankaupunkiginkoski is a park with a waterfall in the old town of Koski and a dam. It was built in 1876 in Helsinki, Finland. - vanhankaupunkiginkoski is a very beautiful park. People here like to come here to walk and exercise. There is also a fishing spot in the park. There is a beautiful coffee shop near the waterfall. You can sit and sip coffee while enjoying the view of the waterfall. It's so chill. #EuropeTour

[#Send Christmas cards to Santa] [#It's Christmas and it's Christmas] 🎅 Christmas 🎄 is just over 1 month away ~ Another favorite holiday for adults and children. Are you planning to write a Christmas card 💌 for "Santa Claus 🎅" all over the world 🌏? This year I made 2 different Christmas cards with Rain Piggy💌 planning to send to Santa Claus in Finland and Hong Kong🎅, although they may not reply, but it is a good experience. The content is to help the mother to write, but can let the rain pig himself write his own name and draw the pattern he wants to draw for Santa Claus🎅, I hope Santa Claus will feel his sincerity after receiving it, do you want to learn the rain pig to send Christmas cards to Santa Claus? Rain Pig Mom has helped you organize Santa Claus 🎅 addresses 📬 and mail cut-off times 📆 from all over the world Hong Kong🇭🇰 📮Address: Hong Kong Post Headquarters, 2 Happy Valley Plaza, Central, Hong Kong Finland 🇫🇮📆Closing date: November 29th 📮Address: Santa Claus, Santa Claus’ Main Post Office, Tähtikuja 1, 96930 Arctic Circle, Finland USA 🇺🇸 (must include return envelope with address and name) 📆Closing date: November 18th 📮Address: SANTA CLAUS, 123 ELF ROAD, NORTH POLE, 88888, USA Canada 🇨🇦📆Closing date: November 17th 📮Address: Santa Claus, North Pole, H0H 0H0, Canada UK 🇬🇧 (must include return envelope with address and name) 📆Closing date: December 2nd 📮Address: Santa/Father Christmas, Santa’s Grotto, Reindeerland, XM4 5HQ, United Kingdom Germany 🇩🇪📆Closing date: December 6th 📮Address: An den Weihnachtsmann, Weihnachtspostfiliale, 16798, Himmelpfort, Germany Australia 🦘📆Closing date: November 25th 📮Address: Santa, North Pole, 9999, Australia New Zealand 🦘📆 Deadline: November 25th 📮Address: Santa Claus, c/- Santa’s Workshop, North Pole 0001, New Zealand Finally, Rain Pig Mom reminds you to stick enough stamps on the envelope, write the return address on the back of the envelope 📩 (or prepare the return envelope with address) when sending Christmas cards, and send the letter before the deadline 📆! Christmas cards 💌 can be downloaded at CANON CREATIVE PARK⬇️ #hannahrain piggy world #rainpiggy world #babyhannahlala #hannahlala #babyhannah #handwritten Christmas card #gift to Santa #finland #hongkongsanta #hongkong #santa everywhere #christmas #santaclaus #merrychristmas #2021 #happymommyanddmas #cutoffcard

Suomenlinna (Finnish; until 1918 Viapori), or Sveaborg (Swedish), is an inhabited sea fortress built on eight islands about 4 km southeast of the city center of Helsinki, the capital of Finland. Suomenlinna is popular with tourists and locals who enjoy it as a picturesque picnic site. Originally named Sveaborg (Castle of the Swedes), or Viapori as referred to by Finnish-speaking Finns, it was renamed in Finnish to Suomenlinna (Castle of Finland) in 1918 for patriotic and nationalistic reasons, though it is still known by its original name in Sweden and by Swedish-speaking Finns. The Swedish crown commenced the construction of the fortress in 1748 as protection against Russian expansionism. #naturalwonders

The place where the red houses are lined up like this! This is Porvoo 😍 It's a city I fell in love with when I went to Finland! I recommend everyone to visit when the Corona situation is over💕 #SummerCapture #SunshineRestaurant

A common sight in Finland... 😍 One of the reasons I love Finland! If you go on a sunny day like this, you can really enjoy the leisurely scenery💙 This is my favorite travel destination! #Summer #SunshineRestaurant

Finland. The Christmas House is located in the main building of the Santa Claus Holiday Village. It has Christmas-themed exhibitions and provides services for taking photos with Santa Claus. The exhibition has two main areas: Traditional Finnish Christmas and customs and Christmas customs recognised around the world. Free entry to Santa Claus Resort #goout

#tripaway#finland #awesomepic #unforgettableexperiences #tripaway

Have you ever dreamed about sleeping under the Northern Lights? It happens almost nightly here in Finland at the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort. Every guest gets to sleep in glass igloos and all rooms are equipped with "Aurora Alarms" so that you never miss a show. Travel tip: Visit in the Winter (October - February) for better chances at seeing the lights, otherwise the days are too long and there's not enough night!

The importance of the red dress with the glass house in Santa Claus Village, Finland: First of all, Rovaniemi is really cold, this is useless. Less than 20 degrees below zero, so the first thing to shoot this film is to be gentle and not temperature. Preparation: 1, find a good angle in advance, design the action. Because it's cold, don't think about it outside. 2, select the shooting route in advance, because the glass house is a snowy world, but where to take it, it is important to keep the body temperature 3, shoes: must put a waterproof shoes on the outside of the shoes Set, otherwise it will be all wet in a while. 4, prepare a tripod, select the parameters, and the shutter release starts shooting. Of course, if there is a special person to shoot, naturally it is the best. 5, how to wear it if you don't need it. ps: The camera action, since it is the backless, so the design movements are more open-back, the skirt is a moment that needs to be picked up, you got it?

♟️ Helsinki 📍 Moomin Shop (Kamppi) 🚂 Night Train (VR Matkalla) ♟️ Rovaniemi 🛏️ Tammela Apartments 📍 Ranua Zoo 🐻❄️ 📍 Husky Safari 🐕🛷 📍 Arktikum Museum 📍 Angry Birds Playground 🛝 📍 Northern Lights Tour 🔥🌌 📍 Santa Claus Village 🎅 🚂 Night Train ♟️ Helsinki 🛏️ Omena Hotel ⛴️ Suomenlinna Ferry 📍 Suomenlinna Fortress 🏰 📍 Uspenski Cathedral ⛪️ 📍 Old Market Hall 🫕 📍 Helsinki Cathedral 🕌 📍 Moomin Shop (Kluuvi & T2)

When people think of Finland, they often picture cozy log cabins, the magical Northern Lights, reindeer sleigh rides, or visits to Santa Claus Village. But nestled in the icy waters of the Gulf of Bothnia lies a truly epic adventure that deserves a spot on every traveler’s Arctic bucket list — the Icebreaker Cruise. Once the engines roar to life, the ship begins its journey into the frozen sea. There’s aabeauty in the landscape, which is endless white stretching to the horizon. Standing on deck during this moment is something you’ll never forget. You feel the cold wind on your face, the vibrations under your feet, and the thunderous cracking of ancient sea ice breaking apart below. It’s raw. It’s primal. It’s powerful. 👨✈️The Captain’s Bridge & Engine Room Tour🙋🏻♂️ Midway through the cruise, you’ll get some time to see the ship’s inner workings. You’ll climb up to the captain’s bridge, where you can observe the control systems and meet the captain navigating this beast through the frozen landscape.👨✈️Then it’s down into the engine room, where the true muscle of the ship resides. Giant turbines, complex gear systems, and layers of industrial engineering hum with life. ❤️Walk on the Frozen Sea🥶 Here’s where the experience goes from amazing to surreal. After clearing a path, the ship comes to a stop, and you’re invited to walk directly out onto the frozen sea. There’s something deeply humbling about stepping off a ship and finding yourself standing on a vast, icy plain — technically, you’re in the middle of the ocean, but everything is frozen solid. ✨The Iconic Ice Floating✨ And now, for the experience that makes everyone nervous… and excited: floating in the Arctic sea. Back onboard, you’ll be guided into a dressing area where trained staff help you slip into a full-body, thermal survival suit. These suits are bright orange, waterproof, and designed to insulate you even in freezing water. Once you’re fully suited up, you head back out. Staff will guide you safely down a ladder, and the moment your body hits the water……you’re floating. It’s a bizarre, peaceful, almost meditative moment. You’d think it would be terrifying, but it’s actually one of the most relaxing things I’ve ever done — and once you’re out, you’ll feel invincible. Photographer helped us to take many photos during our ice floating. ✅The Icebreaker Cruise isn’t just a “cool thing to do in Finland” — it’s a core memory. It’s one of those rare travel moments that leaves a mark, long after you’ve thawed out and flown home. You’ll talk about it for years. Show the photos to everyone. Say things like, “That’s me floating in the Arctic Ocean.” #Icefloating #travel #finland

Finland, a country in Northern Europe🇫🇮, is known for its sophisticated and stylish apparel. This time, I would like to introduce 4 recommended apparel shops in Helsinki☝🏻⭐️ _____________________________________________ ①BEAMHILL 📍Location: Yliopistonkatu 5, 00100 Helsinki 🕰️Business hours: 11:00-18:00 This is a Finnish select shop. They have a wide selection of brands, from Nordic brands such as Agnes Studios and Our Legacy to Carhartt☝🏻 ②Makia 📍Location: Mannerheimintie 22, 00100 Helsinki 🕰️Business hours: 10:00-18:00 This is a brand from Finland. They offer simple and stylish products. There are many items that can be worn by both men and women☝🏻 ③Marimekko Headquarters 📍Location: Puusepänkatu 4, 00880 Helsinki 🕰️Business hours: 10:30-14:00 This is Marimekko's headquarters, which is a little far from Helsinki. There is also an outlet here, so you can purchase products at a low price⭐️ ④ARKET 📍Location: Aleksanterinkatu 44, 00100 Helsinki 🕰️Business hours: 11:00-18:00 This is a Scandinavian fast fashion store. You can purchase simple, sophisticated, and stylish products at reasonable prices☝🏻 _____________________________________________ Helsinki is a city where shopping is fun. Please visit the stores and do lots of shopping! If you buy a lot, don't forget to get tax-free☝🏻 #AbsolutelyFreeTrip #EuropeTrip #Helsinki #FinlandTrip

A self-drive tour to Finland and Norway to see the aurora, feed reindeer, and travel through fairytale snow forests is a dream journey in many people’s minds. But you have thought that driving in Northern Europe in winter is not as difficult as you might think. Although challenging, acceptable 🚗 extreme cold temperatures, icy roads, and remote sections are risks that winter self-driving travelers cannot ignore. Make the following four preparations before you leave, so you can have fun and be safe: 1. Do your homework, familiarize yourself with the rules + assess the road conditions Pre-trip data collection is not just as simple as a list of photo spots or restaurants. If you plan to drive your own car, it is even more important to understand the local driving culture and actual situation. ✅ Left-hand drive (as opposed to Hong Kong), traffic rules are clear and strict, violations will be heavy penalties. ✅ Winter daylight is extremely short, in December some areas have been dark at two or three in the afternoon, or even all day without sunshine ✅ Many sections of the road have icing, especially in the Lapland area (Lapland) heavy snow frequently. ✅ First confirm the daily route distance and travel time, do not be too greedy to arrange too many trips. ✅ Be sure to add enough oil and prepare enough clothes. 📌 Using Google Maps is actually enough to find the way, but it is best for the co-driver to turn on the GPS, avoid yourself without signal. 2. Choose the right vehicle: electric car or oil car? Under the environmental wave, many people are considering renting an electric car to travel around the Nordics, and it may be cheaper, but in extreme cold climates, traditional tankers are actually more reliable. 🔋 Electric vehicles battery life is greatly reduced at low temperatures, long charging time, fast power consumption, may not be suitable for long distance or deep mountain snow trips. ⛽ Oil trucks (petrol or diesel) are still more stable in minus 20 to 30 degrees environment, not easy to "cut off power", do not have to worry about the problem of insufficient charging facilities along the way. ✅ Practical advice: If you choose to drive short distances in the city or have charging facilities at accommodation along the way, trams can also be considered. However, if safety and battery life are the primary considerations, tankers are more suitable for long-distance travel in winter. 3. Use winter-specific snow tires (select studs if necessary) In the Nordic winter self-driving, snow tires are not an option, but standard. From about November to March of the following year, some Nordic countries have legally mandated the use of winter tires for all vehicles, and in some areas studded tires. 🛞 Deep snow tire tread, can effectively drain snow, maintain grip, improve stability and braking force on ice and snow wet and slippery roads 📌 Recommendation: Be sure to confirm with the company before renting whether the installation of compliant snow tires is included. 4. Purchase the right travel and car insurance to protect no worries✨ Self-driving tours are most afraid of emergencies, such as slipping off the road, hitting a snowdrift, being hit by a reindeer, etc. These situations are not uncommon in ice and snow environments. Therefore, purchasing the right insurance is absolutely essential. 🛡 Insurance options should include: Collision Damage Waiver, Third Party Liability, Roadside Assistance, and Excess Waiver. We tried to encounter black ice in Finland and slipped to a snowdrift. Luckily the locals saw us slipping into the snowdrift and promptly called a tow truck for us, and the tow truck arrived in 45 minutes to pull our car back out. Even more fortunate is the people are fine, the car is fine, and the wallet is fine. Because we buy enough insurance for the old car, we don’t need to pay extra for the towing fee. The rental company will pay us back after the car is returned. So buying full insurance for Nordic self-driving tours is a must. ✅ Summary: A Nordic winter self-drive trip is worth taking seriously! Nordic winter self-driving is indeed a rare once-in-a-lifetime experience, where you can slowly chase the light, freely arrange your route, and stop at any time to take beautiful photos. The seemingly romantic Nordic self-driving is actually a comprehensive test of the driver’s judgment, composure and preparedness. More need you to prepare in advance, do not leave the journey to luck. As long as you do your homework and buy enough insurance before you leave, you can enjoy this beautiful winter fairytale journey with confidence. #travel #finland #tromso #drive

McDonald's is a very famous chain. 🍔 It is said that there are more than 40,000 stores around the world, but there is only one McDonald's that is officially recognized by Santa Claus. That is the McDonald's in Rovaniemi, Finland. It used to be the northernmost McDonald's in the world, but that position was taken by Norway... but since it is officially recognized by Santa Claus, I went there🎅🏼 ____________________________________________ 📍Location: Vierustie 1, 96320 Rovaniemi, Finland 🕰️Opening hours: Open 24 hours The inside of the store is the same as other Finnish🇫🇮 stores, but you can get postcards next to the cash register. Everyone who purchases a product can take one home◎ If you go to Rovaniemi, be sure to stop by the Santa Claus-certified McDonald's🍔🍔 #AbsolutelyFreeTrip #EuropeTrip #FinlandTrip #Finland

This time, I will introduce "Helsinki Central Library Oodi", which has been selected as the best library in the world. ____________________________________________ 📚 What is Oodi? Opened in 2018, "Oodi" is a public library in Helsinki, the capital of Finland. However, it is not just a library. As a "living room for citizens"**, it is a multifunctional space for reading, learning, creating, and interacting. 🏛 Distinctive design The building has a modern and open design typical of Scandinavia. It uses a lot of wood and glass, and has plenty of natural light. It was designed by "ALA Architects". 🔧 Multipurpose space is attractive! •Not only can you read and borrow books, •"Maker space" where you can use 3D printers and sewing machines •Also equipped with a movie theater, meeting room, and game room •There is also a cafe and a play area for children, so it can be used by people of all ages and genders. 🌍 Citizen-participation library Oodi was designed with the input of users in mind, and is said to be a "symbol of democracy." Another big point is that it is free to use. 💡 Summary Oodi represents a new form of library that has evolved from a "place to read books" to a "place where people can connect and create." It is truly a public space of the future! ____________________________________________ It's also a great library to drop by as a tourist. I also recommend buying a tote bag as a souvenir on your way home 😌☝🏻 #absolutelyfreetrip #Europetrip #Finlandtrip #Finland