Practical information
By air
Transfers to and from the airport are included in most packages. The main meeting point is Kuusamo airport, and in some cases Oulu airport. Both Kuusamo and Oulu are served from Helsinki by Finnair. Please check with us for the joining point of your trip and the transfer schedule.
By train & bus
If the joining point for your tour is Kuusamo, take a train from Helsinki to Oulu and continue by bus to Kuusamo.
Train schedules: www.vr.fi
Bus schedules: www.matkahuolto.fi
Finland is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+2).
The electric current in Finland is 220 V (230 V), 50 Hz. A two-pin plug system, familiar throughout Europe, is used. Adapters are available at airport shops.
Finland’s currency is the euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted everywhere.
Our tours typically include full board. If you have allergies or dietary preferences such as vegetarian, pescatarian, or vegan, please inform us at the time of booking. Please note that we cannot accommodate personal likes and dislikes regarding meals.
Tap water in Finland is safe to drink. Please bring your own refillable water bottle or thermos.
Finland is one of Europe’s safest countries in terms of health and hygiene. No vaccinations are required before arrival. Pharmacies are well stocked with basic medicines, but note that some products available in supermarkets in other countries (such as Aspirin and various ointments) are only sold in pharmacies in Finland. During tours there is generally no access to a pharmacy, except in emergencies.
We strongly recommend adequate travel insurance to cover cancellations and additional costs in case of illness or injury before or during the tour.
EU/EEA and Swiss citizens are also advised to obtain a free European Health Insurance Card. Holders are entitled to medical care while temporarily staying in another EU/EEA country or Switzerland under the same conditions as residents. More information here.
Tourists from most countries do not require a visa to enter Finland. The website of the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs provides up-to-date information on travel documents by country, please see here.
Nationals who do require a visa must apply at the Finnish diplomatic mission in their home country.
We have four distinctly different seasons that transform the white winter wonderland to a green summer in just a few months. Temperatures can vary from +30oC to -30oC and day light hours have just as great variations!
- Spring Mid-April to May – brown bears wake up, rapid turn towards summer
- Summer June to August – Midnight Sun in June
- Autumn September to October – bright colours of the nature in September (ruska)
- Winter November to Mid-April – Season for winter tours mid Dec – early April
Winter months
Typical daytime temperatures from mid-December to March range between -5 and -20oC. However, temperatures can occasionally rise until some plus degrees or drop below -30oC. In March, daytime temperatures rise usually quickly after cold nights.
Early winter is dark, with short days and minimal sunshine. At the end of December there are about 6,5 hours of daylight (9 am–3.30 pm) increasing to about 9 hours by early February (8 am–5 pm). By early March there are about 12 hours of daylight (6.30 am–6.30 pm).
From late February onwards, sunny days become more frequent.
Snow depth is usually 30–50 cm in December and 60–100 cm in February/March.
Summer months
Average daytime temperatures in summer (June–August) are around +20oC ranging between +10°C to +30°C. Nights and rainy days can be below +10oC.
Summer days are long – in June there is about 20–21 hours of daylight and in August about 17–18 hours.
Mosquitoes are common in summer, especially in the countryside and northern Finland. The peak season is usually late June to the end of July, though it varies. On our hiking tours we are often in dry pine forests where mosquitoes are less of a problem. Protect yourself with repellent and wear long sleeves, trousers, and a hat or scarf – these protect against both mosquitoes and the sun.
Winter
If you are planning a winter visit, be prepared for low temperatures! The lower the temperature is, the more carefully you must dress up for outdoor activities. Special attention must be paid to the face, fingers and feet that are extra vulnerable.
It is recommended to dress in layers, with wool or technical clothing as the inner garment. The outer garment should be windproof. Our recommendations:.
Our recommendations
- Base layer: Recommended wool or technical material which removes moisture from the skin. Cotton not recommended as inner garment!
- Mid-layer: Eg. fleece or woollen garments. Mid-layer clothing makes it possible to adjust thermal insulation according to the weather and rate of physical activity.
- Outer garment: Choose windproof clothing according to the planned activity.
Summer
Weather can vary, so be prepared for cool days and rain. Good boots are essential for walking tours. We recommend hiking boots but trainers (for trail running or similar) may suffice in dry conditions.
A detailed gear list for each tour is available in tour information document that can be requested from us.
Sauna is an essential part of the Finnish experience, seen as a place to cleanse both body and mind. Traditionally, men and women go separately. For example, women may go first for about an hour, followed by men. In Finland, people usually bathe naked with others of the same gender, but wearing a swimsuit is also acceptable.
Modern saunas have separate bathrooms with showers. In wilderness cabins, you wash yourself inside the sauna using hot water, buckets, and scoops.
Wi-Fi is available in most accommodation places but not in wilderness cabins.
Tipping is not compulsory in Finland. However, if you feel your guide has done an excellent job, you are welcome to show your appreciation with a tip.
See also Frequently asked questions and answers.