Your Finland holiday starts here – insider tips, smart savings, and must-pack advice.

A trip to Finland is so much more than just a tick off your bucket list. Whether you're dreaming of snowy forests, the glow of the northern lights, or stepping into the real-life home of Santa Claus himself, Finland delivers experiences you won’t get anywhere else. But before you zip up your parka and head north, there are a few things you’ll want to know. 

Let’s get into the real tips, unexpected finds, and insider advice to make your Finland holiday smooth, exciting, and packed with value. 

Key Takeouts: 

• Finland is very tourist-friendly, with widespread English spoken and excellent public transport. 
• For the best chance to see the northern lights, plan a stay in Lapland and consider experiences like snowmobile safaris or glass igloos. 
• Our Finland holiday packages often include breakfast and dinner, with accommodation options tailored to suit all budgets and travel styles. 
• The Santa Claus Holiday Village offers unique festive activities, making it a must-visit for families and holidaymakers. 

First things first: Is Finland tourist-friendly? 

Absolutely. Finland is one of the easiest destinations to navigate as a tourist. It's safe, clean, and extremely well-organised. You won’t feel lost, even if you’re stepping out of your comfort zone into the snow-laden wilderness of Lapland. 

And yes – English is widely spoken. Nearly all Finns speak excellent English, especially in cities, airports, restaurants, and hotels. So even if your Finnish vocabulary starts and ends with “kiitos” (thank you), you’ll be just fine. 

What to Know (and Pack) Before You Go 

Beyond your passport, flights, and winter layers, here are a few essentials for your Finland holiday: 

• Travel adapter: Finland uses the Europlug (type C and F). 
• Insulated, waterproof boots: A must for snowy adventures and Santa Claus Village strolls. 
• Northern lights gear: Bring proper winter clothing, a camera with night mode, and snow goggles if you're sledding or snowmobiling. 
• Public transport: Reliable and affordable – download the HSL app in Helsinki. Taxis are pricey. 
• Private saunas: Common in hotels. Locals go nude, but no pressure! 
• WiFi: Widely available, even in Lapland. 
• Local food: Try reindeer (really), salmon soup, and cinnamon buns – they’re part of the experience. 

Pack smart, stay warm, and enjoy the quirks – Finland has plenty! 

Is Finland expensive to visit? 

Finland isn’t the cheapest destination, but smart planning goes a long way. Local cafés offer great value, and public transport is affordable and efficient. At Thompsons, our Finland holiday packages often include breakfast and dinner, helping you save on daily costs. Plus, we’ve personally tested our accommodation options to suit a range of budgets and travel styles. With our expertise, we’ll make sure your trip is tailored to your needs and your budget. 

Lapland: Where the magic happens 

Lapland package holidays are where Finland really shines. This is the country’s northernmost region, known for its Arctic landscapes, snowy forests, and of course, the one and only Santa Claus. 

A stay at the Santa Claus Holiday Village in Rovaniemi is the dream for families and festive fans. Yes, it’s touristy, but also surprisingly authentic. Think cosy cabins, snow-covered paths, and the joy of meeting Santa in his home office. Whether you're 6 or 60, it's a core memory in the making. 

Want to go beyond just meeting Santa? There’s a full list of Santa Claus Village activities to choose from. You can hop on a husky sled, feed reindeer, try snowshoeing, and even cross into the Arctic Circle. And don’t miss the chance to send a postcard from Santa’s official post office – it comes with a unique Arctic Circle stamp. 

The best way to see the north? Think experience, not just location. 

It’s not just about where you are – it’s about how you experience it. While Helsinki is great for a short city break, the real magic of Finland happens up north. If you're after a trip to see the northern lights, you'll want to head above the Arctic Circle for the best chance. Places like Levi, Saariselkä, and Rovaniemi are fantastic bases. 

The best way to see the north depends on what you want. Want to keep it active? Go for a snowmobile safari at night to catch the aurora overhead. Prefer the slow route? Snuggle up in a heated glass igloo with a sky view from bed. Either way, your best bet is to stay for at least three nights in Lapland to increase your chances of a northern lights sighting. 

And while the aurora might not be guaranteed, but when it does appear? Absolute magic. 

Other cool places to visit in Finland 

Besides the festive fun and aurora-chasing, there are other places to visit in Finland that are worth adding to your itinerary: 

• Helsinki: A clean, easy-going city with quirky architecture, strong coffee culture, and good public transport. 
• Porvoo: One of the oldest towns in Finland with colourful wooden houses and cobbled streets. 
• Turku: The old capital of Finland with a buzzing student population and riverside restaurants. 
• The Lakeland region: Perfect in summer for those who love water activities and nature. 

If you’re visiting in the warmer months, Finland completely transforms. Midnight sun, quiet forest cabins, and relaxed lakeside living take centre stage. 

Ready to plan your Finland holiday? 

Whether you're dreaming of snowy safaris in Lapland, a romantic aurora escape, or festive fun at Santa Claus Village, Thompsons has you covered. We've handpicked hotels, cabins, and experiences to suit every style – tried, tested, and trusted by our team. 

Book your trip with us and get expert advice on the best time to go, what to pack, and which package fits your budget. 

Let’s make your Finnish adventure happen.