finland travel books

How to Pick the Best Finland Guide Book (TOP 5 by a Finn)

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When it comes to finding a Finland guide book, there are surprisingly many options even though Finland isn’t the most popular travel destination.

Travel planning and learning about a new country should be fun. With great resources, it’s a joy. But what isn’t a rush of exhilaration is the research you need to do to find those right resources.

As my mission is to help you with all things Finnish, I have done the hard work for you. I have spent the last couple of weeks researching the most popular Finland guide books on the market.

Before making this post, I considered 12 different Finland travel guides overall and read over 50 user reviews on the internet. From a local’s perspective, it was great fun testing these books to see how well they knew their stuff.

I narrowed it down to the five best Finland guide books. I will tell you the exact reasons why I recommend these books. I don’t want you to waste your time nor money on a travel guide that doesn’t fit your needs. I want you to get the best Finland guide book for you!

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Here’s what this post includes. You can click the section you want to jump into.

Table of Contents

The 5 Benefits of Having a Finland Guide Book

The best free finland primer, how to choose the best finland guide book, top 5 finland guide books by a local, the second best finland travel guide book for travel planning, an additional travel planning tip for a finland visitor, the best finland guide book for the armchair traveler, additional tips for a helsinki visitor, the best finland guide book for the curious, the best finland guide book about sisu, finland guide books as gifts, my best finland guide books review video, why do you need a finland guide book.

If you are wondering why you should invest in a guide book in general, take it from me who just read a massive pile of Finland guide books.

An excellent guide book will inspire, educate and entertain you. If you are planning a Finland trip, a guide book will help you immensely and save you a lot of time because you have all the details already researched.

Overall, Finland guides are well-written and offer a good “big picture” view to Finland. The most significant differences between books occur when it comes to practical travel planning.

• Gives you new ideas
• Get researched advice and travel tips
• Saves you a lot of time if you are travel planning
• Always works – even in the Finnish winter and without batteries
• Something concrete which brings back good memories

Download here my 14-page Finland Starter Kit packed full of tips about Finland and Finnish culture!

You’ll get immediate access to the kit by signing up for my helpful emails which help you get to know Finland wherever you are. I never spam and you can unsubscribe anytime.

Here are the questions that you should be asking to find the best Finland guide book for you.

#1 What type of information are you looking for? Guide books have different target audiences.

Some are broad offering travel inspiration while other books include detailed planning help. Some books have long descriptive chapters about Finnish history, film, and music while others use their pages for destination overviews.

#2 What’s the publication date? Information dates quickly, so always check the publication date.

Especially the food scene and logistics evolve fast. You want the newest info if you are travel planning. Even if you aren’t planning for a trip, old photos and yellow pages are not going to tickle your wanderlust. My advice: always get the newest edition if you can!

#3 What kind of user you are? Hard copy never fails unless you forget it somewhere. A guide book is a great place to store all your Finland notes. I love a real book.

On the hand, E-format is excellent on the road, doesn’t add luggage and never has a too tiny font to see. However, you can have some IT problems.

#4 What kind of Finland trip will you have? If you are visiting relatives who want to show you places, you might not need to do heavy travel planning. In this case, a guide with more culture travel approach might suit your needs better.

#5 Can you travel at home? Sure! Armchair traveling is the best. You only need your imagination. Do you know the following famous quote?

“I’m in love with cities I’ve never been to and people I’ve never met.”

I bet she just read a fantastic guide book. Guide books aren’t only for travel planning; they are food for our imagination and make lovely gifts!

Here are my local’s picks for the best Finland guide books. These books cater to different audiences and interest levels, are well-written, fun and full of tips related to their topic.

The Best Finland Guide Book for Travel Planning

Lonely Planet Finland is an incredible book.

Let’s first talk content. When you are travel planning, the guide needs to go into the details. This book gives you actionable ideas on what to do and all the tools to create your own trip.

The recommendations are written in a way that tells me that the authors have tested the things themselves and are not relying on the information provided by Finland regional tourism boards.

The sentences are easy to read and inspiring. The print is small but the columns are narrow, and the font choice is excellent. I eagerly gobbled up the book.

I love the structure of Lonely Planet Finland . First the highlights and itinerary ideas, then the details of every destination.

Lastly, the book dives into the historical and cultural chapters which are just the right size. The well-organized layout makes a reader’s life effortless.

Compared to other Finland travel books, Lonely Planet Finland is surprisingly light due to the smart paper quality. It doesn’t come with a lot of pictures, but I didn’t miss them at all.

So yes, the editorial team of Lonely Planet Finland has done a marvelous job. I warmly recommend this book to any traveler planning a trip to Finland! This guide is also available as an e-edition .

I have to say that this is a double win for Lonely Planet.

The earlier 2015 edition of Lonely Planet Finland is my second favorite pick for a travel planner. That is if you cannot get the newest edition, I mean.

The editorial team is different, but also in this book, you can feel the author’s (Andy Symington) love for Finland.

The newer edition has more to it with the pull-out map, improved “Travel with Kids”-section and updated detailed recommendations which are great. That being said, the 2015 edition still wins the other books by a fair share.

The Lakeland area is huge in Finland. If the Lake Saimaa area is a bit too far away for your trip, you can also consider the lake Päijänne area, which is considerably closer to Helsinki.

Insight Guides Finland is a fantastic book for an armchair traveler.

It has beautiful (and accurate!) pictures showcasing different Finnish regions, Finnish lifestyle, and Finland in all seasons. The book made me feel right at home.

Insight Guides Finland comes with a lot of cultural and historical information. It’s not an old book as it’s a 2017 edition. The book has all the places I would recommend too.

But, this guide is not that detailed as Lonely Planet Finland. That’s why I wouldn’t use this book for travel planning.

Insight Guides Finland is a beautiful travel inspiration and big picture travel planning book. This would be my pick to buy for someone who hasn’t been to Finland and is wondering what’s it like.

The Best Finland Guide Book for the Busy Helsinki Visitor

What is tiny and packed full of useful information about Helsinki? It’s Lonely Planet Pocket Helsinki. This travel guide has everything needed for a great Helsinki visit.

Pocket Helsinki is easy to use and read. I love the practicality – the pull-out map and the two self-guided walk suggestions are fantastic. The latest edition is from 2018 which makes it accurate when considering the restaurant recommendations.

The information is identical to the Helsinki section in Lonely Planet Finland. So, if you need a tiny guide, are going to have a short Helsinki visit and don’t have time to read much, Pocket Helsinki is perfect for you.

On the other hand, if you are visiting Helsinki but would love to read more about Finland and all things Finnish, I recommend buying Lonely Planet Finland.

• Visit the new library / super building Oodi in the city center. You can find more about Oodi on this post of mine.
• For me, the new Amos Andersson Museum wins the first prize of Contemporary museums of Helsinki. If I were short on time, I’d buy the ticket to enjoy Amos exhibitions and check Kiasma architecture by walking the free ground floor.
• You can find 15+ adorable coffee spots around Helsinki on this post.

“A Finn can get extremely angry or ecstatically happy without the use of any facial expressions or change in tone of voice. He will only wave his hands when drowning.”

Xenophobe’s guide to the Finns has me hooked on page one. When I was reading this book, I burst out laughing so many times that I stopped counting. This book is hilarious, extremely well-written and very authentic.

The book tells about the little hidden cultural things so well that I start feeling… Yup! A witty fellow Finn, Tarja, wrote it. She pins down Finnish stereotypes exceptionally well and, what I love the most, with Finnish humor.

This book is fast to read, and the topics flow seemingly together. I always admire when an author can do that. Xenophobe’s guide is a must if you want to understand how Finnish society and minds work!

The Sisu Book by Joanna Nylund is a marvelous and thorough deep dive into the Sisu power word.

This book covers an astonishing amount of Finnishness from letting our babies nap outside in their prams in freezing temperatures to deep discussions like do you need to think positively in order to be able to tap into sisu .

This book is a gem, and I recommend it to anyone who’s interested in deeply understanding Finnish culture!

Here are my book bundle recommendations!

The perfect combo for a cultural travel planner:

• Lonely Planet Finland 
• Xenophobe’s Guide to the Finns
• Sisu – The Finnish Art of Courage

The perfect combo for a cultural armchair traveler:

• Insight Guides Finland

The perfect combo for a busy and curious Helsinki visitor:

• Lonely Planet Pocket Helsinki

These Marimekko items make your gift complete. Colorful Finnish design notebooks and pencils maximize the cheerful determination you need both in traveling and everyday life.

The Marimekko Notebook Collection  includes three notebooks covered with different iconic colorful prints. Each notebook is super light and perfect to carry in a bag so that those unexpected brilliant ideas are captured immediately.

The Marimekko Pencil Package has ten poppy-printed pencils, two of each color: green, blue, red, yellow and black. These joyful pencils instantly spark creativity and are a practical yet lovely way to incorporate a piece of Finland into everyday life.

What else would you like to know about Finland travel books? Let me know in the comments!

Looking for more information about Finnish culture? Check out some of my other posts:

• 30 Cultural Facts on Finland that Help You Understand Finns
• Finland With Kids: 33 Things to Help You Plan Your Family Trip!
• Quick Guide to Finnish Language Basics
• Helsinki Off the Beaten Path
• Best Thing to Do in Lappeenranta (Whether or Not You’re a Bordertown Fan)

Warm wishes from Finland,  Varpu

Hello there!

I’m Varpu. One blonde, travel-loving, Finnish engineer driving this site.

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About Varpu I’m the founder of Her Finland. I love cultural tidbits, aha moments, Finnish folklore, and cinnamon buns. My newest interest is learning bird songs. Read more about me..

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Risha Walker

Thursday 23rd of April 2020

I love the city of Helsinki, this is an amazing place to visit. Thanks for your beautiful travel guide. I want to come back here again and again.

Varpu Pöyry

Tuesday 28th of April 2020

Hei Risha! Thank you so much for commenting and letting me know, kiitos!

Monday 28th of October 2019

I am very surprised to know things about Finland. Thanks for sharing this valuable book.

Monday 4th of November 2019

Thank you so much, I'm glad to hear that!

Tad Marshall

Sunday 4th of August 2019

Thank you for assembling this information and for giving us your insider’s insights into what is good and why! I bought everything you suggested except the (redundant) Helsinki guide (included in the Lonely Planet Finland book). I tried to use your links to buy them, but I bought Kindle versions. My luggage is too heavy already.

You might want to correct one error ... where you wrote “My advice: always get the newest addition if you can!” you meant to use the word “edition”, not “addition”.

I’m starting in Helsinki in late August 2019 and I want to see what I can beyond that city, so your guidance is very helpful!

Hei Tad! I'm so glad you found this post helpful. These guides are excellent! Thank you so much for letting me know about the Kindle links and about that typo. :D As English is my second language (I started learning when I was 10), I really appreciate the help. <3 I'm so excited to hear that you will soon be in Helsinki!

Cheapessays

Friday 10th of May 2019

Thanks so much for the post.Really thank you! Great.

Glad to help! It's great you guys liked it!

Rich Mattson

Thursday 9th of May 2019

Thanks so much for doing the "leg work" to sift through all the various choices that would confirm a visitor planning a trip to Finland, plus compiling your own very helpful "Finland Planner Kit". I'll certainly be passing on your material to other family members as we plan for a family reunion next year in Finland. Kiitos for a job well done!

Kiitos Rich! It was my pleasure! I was really impressed by these books and it was so much fun doing the research from a local perspective!

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Lonely Planet's Finland is our most comprehensive guide that extensively covers all the country has to offer, with recommendations for both popular and lesser-known experiences. Relax in a traditional Finnish sauna, meet reindeers in Lapland and admire creative design in Helsinki; all with your trusted travel companion.

Inside Lonely Planet's Finland Travel Guide: 

Lonely Planet's Top Picks - a visually inspiring collection of the destination's best experiences and where to have them

Itineraries help you build the ultimate trip based on your personal needs and interests

Local insights give you a richer, more rewarding travel experience - whether it's history, people, music, landscapes, wildlife, politics

Eating and drinking - get the most out of your gastronomic experience as we reveal the regional dishes and drinks you have to try

Toolkit - all of the planning tools for solo travellers, LGBTQIA+ travellers, family travellers and accessible travel

Colour maps and images throughout

Language - essential phrases and language tips

Insider tips to save time and money and get around like a local, avoiding crowds and trouble spots

Helsinki, Turku and the South Coast, &Aring;land Archipelago, Tampere, Pirkanmaa and H&auml;me, the Lakeland, Karelia, West Coast, Oulu, Kainuu and Koillismaa, Lapland, and more

ISBN: 9781787015661

Edition: 10th

Publication Date: July 2023

Woolsey, Barbara

Hotti, Paula Noble, John

256 pages, 52 maps | Dimensions: 128mm width × 197mm height

Next edition due: June 2025  

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

Finland Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 9, 2023

Due to its out-of-the-way location and the fact that Finland is expensive, many travelers skip visiting the country when they explore Europe .

But this is a mistake.

Finland has a lot to offer and there are plenty of ways to save money here. I think it’s one of the most underrated destinations in Europe — especially if you love the outdoors!

This travel guide to Finland can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your time in this amazing nation.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Finland

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in bath.

1. Explore the Salla Reindeer Park

This park in the Arctic Circle is where you can feed reindeer, pet huskies, take a canoe trip, do some hiking, or try snowshoeing and skiing. There are reindeer competitions (reindeer are an important part of the indigenous culture here), husky sleigh rides, and midnight canoe trips when the sun is out all night. In the winter months you can experience the northern lights as you hike through the forest at night using snowshoes. If hiking isn’t your thing, there are nighttime reindeer sleigh rides for those hoping to see the northern lights. You can try out dogsledding and steer your very own team of huskies too. Admission to the park is 10 EUR (tours have additional costs).

2. See the Northern Lights in Lapland

This is hands-down one of the best things to do in the country. In the northern part of Lapland, you can see the northern lights shining almost every night when the sky is clear, whereas in southern Finland they are only visible 10-20 nights each year. Lapland is within the Arctic Circle so there is essentially 24 hours of darkness each day from November until January. There are plenty of guided tours you can join, though you can also venture out on your own to save money too if you’re on a budget. A three-hour snowmobile tour to see the northern lights costs around 155 EUR per person. September-April is the best time to see them.

3. Visit Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi

This Christmas amusement park is great for anyone traveling with kids. You can meet “Santa,” do snow-shoeing safaris, feed reindeer, and learn about Finnish Christmas traditions through the ages. The adorable village includes Santa’s official office, his Christmas house, the main Santa Claus Post Office, and the house of Mrs. Claus and Santa’s reindeer. Adults can enjoy a variety of dining options ranging from upscale restaurants to fun bars. The Ice Bar is rebuilt each year and is full of snow and ice sculptures. Admission is free and the village is open all year.

4. Explore Helsinki

Historic, small, filled with green space, and set on the Baltic Sea, Helsinki is a scenic city that doesn’t get huge tourist crowds like other European capitals. Visit the six islands that make up Suomenlinna Sea Fortress (which dates to the late 1700s) or get your history fix at the National Museum of Finland. If you’re feeling the need for some relaxation, stop by one of Helsinki’s many saunas. And for a unique experience, book the sauna room on the Skywheel Helsinki Ferris wheel. The city is filled with world-class museums and restaurants and is perfect for a few days of exploring.

5. Stay in an ice hotel or glass igloo at the SnowHotel

Located in Lapland, everything in the SnowHotel is made of ice — including your bed (you get warm furs and sleeping bags, don’t worry)! The hotel is rebuilt each year from snow and ice, so the appearance is constantly changing. It sleeps up to 70 guests, and there are additional glass igloos that make for excellent star gazing. Enjoy sauna experiences, search for the northern lights, and plenty of ice art. There’s also an ice restaurant here too which serves local cuisine on frozen plates. The bar serves tasty craft cocktails in glasses made from ice too. A basic room with a double bed costs 200 EUR per night. You can also stay in smaller glass igloos as well.

Other Things to See and Do in Finland

1. go ice climbing.

Finland is known for its impressive ice formations, including frozen waterfalls and tall ice walls inside deep canyons or valleys. Companies like Bliss Adventure can outfit you with the right gear and introduce you to ice climbing in places like Tajukangas Falls and Korouoma Canyon (Korouoma is the most popular place to ice climb in the country). Prices vary but plan to spend around 100 EUR for a short tour. If you’re not afraid of heights and if you’re a bit of a thrill-seeker, try rappelling from the top of the Tajukangas Ice Falls (it’s about 30 meters high).

2. See Pakasaivo Lake

This lake in the north of Finland was once a place where indigenous Sámi worshipped. The 60-meter-deep lake is a meromictic lake, which means the water on the surface and at the bottom never mix (normal lakes mix at least once a year when the water at the surface cools off and becomes denser, causing it to sink). This creates an oxygen-free environment where the contents at the bottom are perfectly preserved. The area is known as the Hell of Lapland as people used to believe there was another realm under the lake. There is also a giant’s kettle here (a deep glacial pothole) that people believed tunneled all the way to hell.

3. Tour the King’s Road

This route is an old postal route running between Bergen, Norway to the former Finnish capital of Turku, and then across Finland to St. Petersburg, Russia. The 330-kilometer (205-mile) trail dates to the 15th century and it follows the southern coast of Finland. It’s accessible all year with well-paved roads and plenty of scenic stops along the way. You’ll take in manor houses, medieval churches, tiny villages, and endless scenic countryside. You can do the entire Finnish route in a day via car, though 2-3 days is better so you can make plenty of stops. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also cycle the route in around one week.

4. Visit the Lampivaara Amethyst Mine

Lampivaara Hill is known for its amethysts (a type of purple quartz). The amethysts in this region were created 6 million years ago and on a mine tour, you can learn more about this precious mineral and then get a chance to dig around and find your own to take home as a souvenir. The mine is part of Pyhä-Luosto National Park and is located in northern Finland 90 minutes north of Rovaniemi. Tour prices vary from 35-66 EUR per person and include transportation. If you have your own vehicle, you can visit and tour the mine for 19 EUR.

5. Explore Raanua Wildlife Park

This is the northernmost nature reserve in the world and a fun place to visit with kids. There are over 50 different animal species here, including the only polar bears in Finland as well as lynx, wolves, and brown bears. Because it’s a predominantly outdoor park, you’re able to see the animals in a much more natural habitat than most zoos. There is no artificial lighting or indoor enclosures so you need to bring your own flashlight if visiting later in the day during the winter (when the sun sets early). Admission is 23.50 EUR.

6. See the Old Church of Sodankylä

Located in Lapland, this church is Finland’s best-preserved wooden church. The steeple-less church was built from timber in 1689 and was commissioned by King Charles XI of Sweden, who paid for it. The exterior and interior are incredibly well-preserved, with a dark timber interior and exterior that resembles more of a log cabin than a traditional European church. In the summer, religious services and weddings are often held here. Admission is free but be sure to dress respectfully.

7. Learn Finnish cultural history

The ethnographic Museum of Local History in Kemijärvi showcases what life was like in rural Finland at the turn of the 20th century. The main building is home to a traditional farmhouse and living quarters, maid’s chamber, daughter-in-law’s chamber, and living room so show you exactly what life was like for the Finnish working class. In addition to the house, the grounds include a granary, a workshop, a smoke sauna, a barn, and a stable that you can wander and explore. Admission is 10 EUR.

8. Go hiking

There are almost 40 national parks in Finland, each with hiking trails and camping sites. In the winter, they make for great places to cross-country ski or go snowshoeing. Nuuksio National Park is only 45 minutes from Helsinki and is filled with calm lakes, green forests, and rocky trails. Archipelago National Park, in Southwestern Finland, has more islands than any archipelago in the world. With its calm islets and colorful villages, canoeing or kayaking this park is a must. If you want to get off the beaten path, be sure to visit Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park in the north, where you can hike and stay in traditional villages. Additionally, wild camping is free in all the national parks as Finland has ‘freedom to roam’ laws ( Jokamiehen Oikeudet ) that enable you to wild camp in national parks if you are quiet and respectful.

9. Explore the Harbor Islands

There are over 330 islands that make up the Helsinki city archipelago. Suomenlinna is the easiest to reach with regular municipal ferries (you can take a ferry directly from Market Square). Vallisaari and Kuninkaansaari are two other islands worth visiting, as they used to be military bases closed off to the public (during the Viking era, Vallisaari was used as an outpost that would light a fire whenever a Viking raid was coming so people could prepare). The islands have since been reclaimed by nature and turned into parks dotted with abandoned fortifications. You can explore on your own or take a guided tour; there are a ton to choose from, with most lasting 1-2 hours and costs around 25 EUR.

10. Compete in the Air Guitar World Championship

Held every year at the Oulu Music Video Festival, this competition started out as a joke in 1996 but has evolved into a major festival that attracts thousands. If you happen to be in Oulu in the month of August, be sure to check out this quirky competition. Anyone can enter with just a 35 EUR entry fee. Even if you don’t want to compete you should definitely attend if you can — it’s one of the most unique festivals in the world!

11. Wander the Seurasaari Open-Air Museum

Located north of Helsinki on Seurasaari Island, the Seurasaari Open-Air Museum allows you to get up close to numerous traditional Finnish buildings. They aren’t replicas either; the buildings were collected from all over the country and physically moved here. There are houses, cottages, outbuildings, a windmill, and more. Opened in 1909, guided tours are available daily during the summer. Admission is 10 EUR

12. Go skiing

Levi is Finland’s most beloved ski resort located in Lapland (it’s the location of the Alpine World Cup Race). There are 43 slopes here for all abilities and over 200 kilometers (124 miles) of trails for cross-country skiing. There’s even a dedicated area for snowboarders, plus dogsledding and a reindeer park. A one-day pass costs 49 EUR. Pyhä-Luosto National Park, Saariselkä, Kuusamo, and Jyväskylä are other excellent places to ski too.

13. See Turun Linna (Turku Castle)

Turun Linna (Turku Castle) is located in Turku on the Aura River. The castle dates back to the 1200s and is one of the oldest buildings in the country. It helped defend the region from Russia during the Middle Ages, though much of the castle was destroyed during World War II and later rebuilt. Inside are two large dungeons as well as ornate banquet halls that are often used for municipal events. Tours take place all summer (June to August) and admission is 12 EUR.

14. Learn about the Sámi

The Sámi are the only indigenous people in the EU. Their language and culture are endangered, and so they’re governed by an autonomous government in Inari (Finland’s largest municipality). They’re famously known for their reindeer herding, which is at the core of their culture. Visit communities in Inari, Enontekiö, and Utsjoki to see Sámi culture up close. In Inari, don’t miss the Siida indoor and outdoor museum where you’ll learn about culture, art, and nature through interactive exhibits. But if you want to really spend time with the Sámi, come in spring when most of the Sami markets, concerts, and dances take place all over Northern Lapland. VisitLapland.com has a comprehensive list of activities and tours for getting to know the Sami people, including a visit to a traditional reindeer farm.

Finland Travel Costs

Finland has “freedom to roam” laws that enable free wild camping all around the country for those with a tent. If you’d prefer to stay in a campground with amenities, expect to pay 14-18 EUR for a basic tent plot for two people without electricity.

Budget hotel prices – A budget hotel with a private bathroom starts at 80-120 EUR during the peak summer season. In the off-season, budget rooms start at 65 EUR.

On Airbnb, private rooms start at 40 EUR (though they average double that). If you’re looking for an entire home or apartment, expect to pay at least 75 EUR, though prices usually average over 100 EUR. Book early for the best deals.

Food – Finnish cuisine leans heavily on fish, meat (specifically pork), and hearty vegetables like potatoes. Reindeer is commonly eaten as well as wild game like deer and moose. Smoked salmon and smoked or pickled herring are also popular dishes. Like their Scandinavian neighbors, Finns also enjoy dark bread and cheeses, usually as part of an open-faced sandwich (these are the go-to breakfast choice).

Overall, food in Finland is expensive. Your average casual restaurant charges around 13 EUR for a meal while fast food (think McDonald’s) is 9 EUR. For a three-course meal with table service, expect to pay at least 40-80 EUR.

Pizza costs around 8-10 EUR for a large while Thai or Chinese food costs 10-15 EUR for a main dish. If you want to splash out while in Helsinki, I suggest Ravintola Aino for good Finnish food (try the reindeer). Dishes cost between 50-62 EUR but are incredibly tasty!

Beer costs 7 EUR while a latte/cappuccino is 4 EUR. Bottled water is 1.70 EUR.

If you plan on cooking your own food, groceries cost between 50-65 EUR per week for basic staples like vegetables, bread, pasta, and some fish or meat.

Backpacking Finland Suggested Budgets

On a backpacking budget of 70 EUR per day, you can stay in a hostel dorm, cook all your meals, limit your drinking, take public transportation to get around, and do free activities like visiting the free museums, hitting the beach, and relaxing in the parks. If you plan on drinking, add 10-15 EUR to your daily budget.

On a mid-range budget of 140 EUR, you can stay in a private hostel room or Airbnb, eat out for some meals, have a couple of drinks, take the occasional taxi, and do more paid activities like visiting museums, skiing, or taking a guided tour of Suomenlinna Fortress.

On a “luxury” budget of 290 EUR or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for all your meals, drink as much as you want, rent a car to explore, and do whatever activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in EUR.

Finland Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Finland isn’t cheap. Everything here is expensive due to high taxes and lots of imports. Fortunately, there are ways to save money if you know where to look. Here are my best money-saving tips for Finland:

• Drink the tap water – The tap water here is some of the cleanest in the world and will save you from buying new water bottles all the time (and it cuts down waste too)! LifeStraw makes a reusable bottle with a built-in filter so you can always ensure your water is clean and safe.
• Stay with a local for free – Couchsurfing connects you with a local who can host you for free. You may have to sleep on a couch, but you’ll get to make a new friend and get tons of insider information about the country.
• Grocery shop – Buy basic staples like bread, meat, and cheese for breakfast or for a quick lunch on the go. It’s not glamorous, but by cooking your own meals you’ll save a ton of money, enabling you to eventually splurge on some great dinners.
• Take a free tour – Green Cap Tours offer daily free walking tours around Helsinki. You get to see the main sights while interacting with an expert guide who can answer all your questions. Just be sure to tip at the end!
• Get a Helsinki Card – There’s a lot to see in the city and paying 10-15 EUR per attraction adds up. This tourism card grants you free admission to the main sights (as well as access to the hop-on/hop-off bus) for 50 EUR (for a 24-hour pass). You can also get a 48-hour pass for 63 EUR or a 72-hour pass for 74 EUR. It includes discounts on some restaurants as well. For an additional charge, you can add free public transit as well.
• Rideshare – If you want to save money on transportation around the country, there are numerous apps like Kyydit and Carpool World that can help. They’ll allow you to connect with drivers looking for extra passengers. While it isn’t free, it might be cheaper (and more convenient) than taking a bus or train.
• Hitchhike – Hitchhiking isn’t super common here, however, it’s definitely possible and quite safe. Just use common sense and check Hitchwiki for specific tips and advice.

Where to Stay in Finland

Hostels can be found in a few of the larger cities around the country. Here are my recommended places to stay throughout the country:

• Hostel Diana Park (Helsinki)
• Eurohostel Helsinki (Helsinki)
• Dream Hostel Tampere (Tampere)
• Wherever Boutique Hostel (Rovaniemi)
• Laivahostel S/S Bore (Turku)

How to Get Around Finland

Public transportation – Helsinki is the only city in Finland with a tram and metro system, though other cities and towns have public bus networks. They usually depart every 10-15 minutes with one-way tickets starting at 2.80 EUR.

Bus – Buses are the main form of intercity travel in Finland. A bus from Helsinki to Turku takes 2-2.5 hours and costs 10-15 EUR while the two-hour journey to Tampere is around 8 EUR. You can even take the bus from Helsinki to Rovaniemi (Lapland) for 54 EUR (it’s a 13-hour ride).

Matkahuolto is the main bus company. Use matkahuolto.fi/en to plan your journey. OnniBus is another intercity bus service. Prices are pretty consistent with Matkahuolto but fares can be up to 50% off if you book in advance rather than at the last minute.

Train – Trains are an excellent way to get around Finland and you rarely need to make a reservation ahead of time (you can book online at vr.fi). Trains are slightly more expensive than the bus but they are much more comfortable. Helsinki to Turku costs about 21 EUR for the two-hour trip, while Helsinki to Tampere starts from 20 EUR (and it’s also around two hours).

If you wait until the last minute, you can often find “saver deals” listed on the website (typically the night before). For example, at the time of writing this, last-minute fares for both the routes mentioned above are less than 9 EUR. So, generally, you can get them around 50% off the normal price if you’re flexible.

Bicycle – Finland is incredibly bike-friendly. All cities have bike lanes and there are endless paths with very few hills. There’s a bicycle rental service in almost every town, with prices starting from 15 EUR per day. You can often get discounts for multi-day or weekly rentals. For example, Bicyclean Helsinki has city bikes from 19 EUR per day while a week’s rental is 80 EUR.

Flying – Finnair is the main domestic airline in Finland, with fares between most destinations costing less than 100 EUR when booked in advance. Expect to pay double that for last-minute flights. You can pretty much fly anywhere in the country in around 90 minutes or less.

Flights from Helsinki to nearby Stockholm, Sweden or Oslo, Norway are also quite affordable, costing around 75 EUR (one way) when booked early.

Car rental – Cars can be rented for as little as 25 EUR per day for a multi-day rental. Drivers must be at least 20, have had their license for at least one year, and have an International Driving Permit (IDP). For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars .

When to Go to Finland

The best time to visit Finland is largely based on what you want to do. If you want to experience Lapland at its peak awesomeness, come in December or January. Lapland is a wintery dream world in December due to the holiday decorations, Christmas markets, and the northern lights. Keep in mind it gets extremely cold in Finland during this time, no matter where you are in the country. The average daily temperature in the winter is -8°C (17°F).

Spring and autumn are the shoulder seasons and temperatures are still low. The average daily high in April is 2°C (37°F), while in October it’s 5°C (41°F). Both seasons are beautiful, though. In spring, everything is in full bloom; in autumn, the fall colors come out.

Summer is full of activities all around Finland, especially in Helsinki. With longer days (in summer, the sun won’t set until after 10:30pm) and warmer temperatures, Finnish people love enjoying the change in season. Parks and beaches are full and there are festivals all the time. The country is very lively. The average high in the south of the country is 15°C (64-72°F), however, so you’ll still want to pack warm clothes if you plan to visit Lapland, as temps up there will be cooler.

How to Stay Safe in Finland

Finland is super safe and the risk of violent crime here is incredibly low. Pick-pocketing can occur in Helsinki on public transpiration and at busy bus and train stations but even that is rare. Simply leave your valuables at home and be mindful of your surroundings while you’re out and about. Do that and you should be perfectly fine.

Be careful when using ATMs as credit card skimming is on the rise when using outdoor ATMs.

Scams here are rare, but, if you’re worried about getting ripped off, you can read about common travel scams to avoid on this blog post .

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here. However, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). You can read specific tips on one of the many solo female travel blogs on the web.

If you rent a car, don’t leave any valuables in it at night. Break-ins are rare, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry!

Your biggest concern in most areas is actually moose. Be careful when driving!

If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Finland Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Finland Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Finland and continue planning your trip:

The 5 Best Hostels in Helsinki

The 21 Best Things to See and Do in Helsinki

How to Spend Three Days in Helsinki

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Finland's fusion of wild beauty, contemporary design and culinary excellence is a beguiling mix. Throw in winter magic and irresistible summers, and you've one cool country.

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Occupying a palatial 1887 neo-Renaissance building, Finland’s premier art gallery offers a crash course in the nation’s art. It houses Finnish paintings…

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Hotelli Vanha Rauma

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Kauppahalli

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Finland's famous glass manufacturer – established in 1881 in the southern Finnish town of the same name and later shaped by Alvar Aalto – has a central…

Rauma Museum

Rauma Museum encompasses four sites, the most interesting of which is Marela, the period-furnished home of a wealthy 19th-century merchant family. The…

Originally founded by architects and designers Alvar Aalto and his wife Aino Aalto in 1935, this iconic Finnish company maintains the simple design…

Santa's Grotto

Santa sees visitors year-round in this impressive grotto, with a huge clock mechanism (it slows the earth’s rotation so that Santa can visit the whole…

One of Finland's most absorbing museums, state-of-the-art Siida offers a comprehensive overview of the Sámi and their environment. The main exhibition…

Design Museum

Punavuori & Ullanlinna

An unmissable stop for Finnish design aficionados, Helsinki's Design Museum has a permanent collection that looks at the roots of Finnish design in the…

Built inside a cavern in the mountain, this Christmas-themed amusement park features an army of elves baking gingerbread, a magic sleigh ride, a carousel,…

Vanha Kauppahalli

Alongside the harbour, this is Helsinki's iconic market hall. Built in 1888, it’s still a traditional Finnish market, with wooden stalls selling local…

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Lumihotelli

The snow hotel's interior temperature is -5°C (23°F) – somewhat temperate when the outside temperate is closer to -30°C (-22°F) – but a woolly sheepskin…

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Muumimaailma

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Santa Claus Village

The ‘official’ Santa Claus Village is built atop the Arctic Circle marker, denoted by a line painted on the pavement (Arctic Circle certificates cost €4…

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Drawing strong influences both from its easterly neighbour, Russia, and from its western one, Sweden, Finland remains one of Europe’s most enigmatic countries. It’s a land best known for its laconic, pithy people with a penchant for kicking back in a sauna au naturel, for its bizarre annual festivals and for creating those quirky, hippo-like fairytale characters, the Moomins - its strangeness is a good part of the country's charm. And while it’s far from a budgeteer’s paradise, there are definitely ways to save – especially if you know where to drink.

Where to go in Finland

Tailor-made travel itineraries for finland, created by local experts.

5 days  / from 1390 USD

City hopping in Finland and Estonia

Helsinki enchants with its blend of modernity and nature, entertainment and tranquility accessible everywhere and all the time. Turku, in turn, was the first capital of Finland, and has a lot to teach about the Finnish History. Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, is not behind in terms of heritage.

7 days  / from 5990 USD

Aurora Feast in Finland, Norway and Sweden

This tour is perfect for people who want to explore the Arctic. Begin your journey from the southern part of Finland via Sweden up to the northern part of Norway. Most importantly, you will be hunting for the Northern Lights in the best locations! From Nov to March.

5 days  / from 1604 USD

Wild Lapland Experience

Explore the surroundings of the Arctic Circle, visit a magical place - Santa Claus Village - try the traditional Lappish food, snow-shoeing, and much more. You will be located in Pello, close to the famous Eeron Polku trail. From Nov to April.

The Finnish landscape is flat and punctuated by huge forests and lakes, with the drama heightening as you head north. The south is still peppered with stunning bodies of water, however. The capital, Helsinki , straddles several islands, brightened by brilliant fin-de-siècle architecture and superb collections of late modern and contemporary artworks. Former capital Turku is a cultural beacon too. Stretching from the thrumming industrial city of Tampere to the Russian border in the east, the vast waters of the Lake Region provide a natural means of transport for the timber industry – indeed, water here is a more common sight than land, with many towns lying on narrow ridges between lakes. North of here, the gradually rising fells and forests of Lapland are Finland’s most alluring terrain and are home to the Sámi, semi-nomadic reindeer herders. For a few months on either side of midsummer, the midnight sun is visible from much of the region; in the dead of winter the north of the country is shrouded in polar darkness.

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Discover more places in Finland

Population 5.4 million

Area 338,145 sq km

Language Finnish and Swedish

Currency Euro (€)

Capital Helsinki

International phone code 358

Time zone GMT + 2hr

Travel advice for Finland

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Finland

• Culture and Etiquette in Finland
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updated 26.04.2021

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Hey, I'm Reading

Your friendly site for all fun things books, 17 books set in finland that will have you packing your parka and booking a flight.

• by Megan Johnson
• Posted on September 8, 2020 August 16, 2023

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Looking for the best books set in Finland?

I’m so excited to finally start my travel book posts on here! We’re kicking things off with books set in Finland. You’ll find a mix of books about Sisu, Nordic Noir set in Finland, and, well, mostly Nordic Noir set in Finland.

I’ve wanted to read more Nordic Noir (and by more I mean any) because I read a few books set in Sweden a few years ago and loved them. I’ll definitely update this as I read anything.

Don’t want Nordic Noir? No worries! I’ve included some other selections in other genres, too. Although Nordic Noir does dominate the list.

• If you want to listen to some of these, consider  trying Audible ! You can get your first month free (one free book) plus tons of others they have for free.  Get that Audible deal here.
• If you’re on more of a budget, try Everand (formerly Scribd)! You can get 60 days free there with my link! You can read books and listen to audiobooks. It is unlimited (especially the reading) but if you listen to tons of new audiobooks you may be restricted after a few. I haven’t encountered this yet, but I do use Everand myself and like it a lot. Get 60 days free here!
• Shop my collection of bookish goodies on Etsy ! These aren’t my shop items, but other shops I’ve curated into a book-themed collection. Shop my Etsy bookish goodies here!
• If you want to read more on your Kindle but don’t want to buy books, Kindle Unlimited is a good option. If you read a lot and like to read more than just new releases (especially romance), it could be worth it. Get Kindle Unlimited here !
• Get $5 off of $25 from BookOutlet! This is a great place to find new books for pretty cheap. They also have sales quite a bit, so keep an eye out for those. I tend to check here for books I want if they’re more expensive other places. They don’t have everything but they do have a lot. Shop BookOutlet here!
• Thrift Books has become my go-to when I’m looking for a book and want it cheap. It’s great if you like buying used books. With this you can get a free book after spending $30!
• Shop my book lists here! You can find every book list I have on Bookshop.org (except my monthly round-ups) and I add everything I can but they occasionally won’t have some. I do occasionally add extras though. If any lists are empty, they’ll be filled in shortly! Shop my bookshop.org book lists here .

Finland books short list

Don’t have time to read the whole list or just want to know my top picks? Look no further! This is my short list for books set in Finland.

The Witch Hunter

The palace of the snow queen, nights of awe, books set in finland.

Now that you have the Finland books short list, here is the full list of books that will transport you to this icy European destination. Whether you’re currently traveling to Finland or just want to feel like you’re there, these books are perfect.

The Finnish Way: Finding Courage, Wellness, and Happiness Through the Power of Sisu 

You’ve probably heard of Hygge already, but this is all about “keeping it simple and sensible.” Katja Pantzar, a journalist, moved to Finland and her life was changed. These simple practices show how the Finnish people have remained the happiest people in the world year after year. This is the Finnish way to find happiness and good health. This is more of a fun guide than a casual read, but still sounds like something I might pick up.

Sisu: The Finnish Art of Courage

Similar to the above, this will help you master Sisu and Finnish happiness. Sisu doesn’t really have an English translation but it encompasses courage, resilience, grit, tenacity, and perseverance and this book will help you achieve these things in your life, too. While these first two aren’t actually books set in Finland, they are two books about Finland that might make you wish you were there.

You better buckle up if you want to read this book set in Finland, because hooo boy, it is long. 971 pages long. Ilmari, Marri, and Aino were born into a farm family in the late 19th century in Finland and are forced to keep up the image of Sisu in the face of increasing hardship, even after their father is arrested by imperial Russian authorities and never seen again.

They are intrigued with the Homestead Act and find themselves making thee move to America. Soon they are established in a logging community near the Columbia River in Southern Washington. And this is where each sibling comes into their own.

Palm Beach, Finland

Jan Nyman is an ace detective for the National Central Police and is sent to investigate a death in a sleepy vacation town which happens to be “the hottest beach in Finland.” It’s Nyman’s job to find out what happened by any means necessary.

This is a comedy but also a dark thriller about money, dreams, and turning points in lives. If you want something a little different from your book set in Finland, this is a good choice.

Ariel Kafka is a middle-aged bachelor detective living in Helsinki. He is the only Jew on the police force and picked to lead an investigation of a series of murders that started with two Arabic-looking men that may have been shouting Jewish obscenities as they died.

Set in the days leading up to Yom Kippur, it’s up to Ari to get to the bottom of everything, but can he do it before the Holiest day on the Jewish calendar?

The Man Who Died

Jaakko Kaunismaa is a successful mushroom entrepreneur who is shocked to learn that at just 37-years old, he is dying. He is even more shocked to learn that it is from extended exposure to toxins and is set on finding out who has been poisoning him.

The Defenceless

An old man is found dead on the road and he is thought to have been run over by a Hungarian Au Pair. Anna Fekete, the investigator on the case, is sure there is more to the case than meets the eye. It’s a complex case involving immigration, drugs, and murder that threatens her beliefs and life.

Her partner is involved in a similar case with deportation and raids causing tension among an immigrant gang, resulting in desperate measures taken by gang members. The two cases come together in unexpected ways thanks to a bloody knife found in the snow.

Evil Things

The first ever female Inspector in the Helsinki Homicide Unit, Hella Mauzer, was deemed “too emotional” for the job and was reassigned. Two years later she is working in Lapland under Chief Inspector Jarvi for the Ivalo police. They receive a tip from a priests wife in a village on the soviet border about a local man, Erno Jokinen, that’s disappeared.

Hella jumps at the chance to investigate but Jarvi doesn’t think this is any crime since people disappear in the Finnish snow all the time. She stays in the town with the priest and his wife who have also taken in Erno’s grandson who won’t tell his grandfathers secret.

Soon a body is found and Hella is right, there has been a crime committed, but what she doesn’t realize is the town is hiding another secret, a crime that is much worse than this murder.

Janne Vuori is an investigative reporter on a mission to uncover the illegal activities of a mining company spewing toxic secrets threatening to poison them all. Their illegal activities have unleashed an environmental disaster in a town in Northern Finland. Soon, the company’s executives start to die in a string of mysterious accidents while Janne’s personal life is unraveling.

The Winter of the Lions

Kimmo Joentaa’s Christmas Eve tradition of a glass of milk and a bottle of vodka to keep the isolation of a harsh winter’s night away after his wife’s death is interrupted by the murder of two men, one who is on the police force with him, and the arrival of a damaged young woman.

The Red King of Helsinki: Lies, Spies, and Gymnastics

In the height of the Cold War, Finland was the playground of the Russian KGB. Iain is a former Royal Navy Officer tasked to work undercover and investigate Vladislav Kovtun, a violent KGB spy nicknamed The Red King of Helsinki by the Finnish Secret Service. He quickly becomes embroiled in danger when he discovers a trail of bodies left in Kovtun’s wake.

All Pia wants is to become a professional gymnast and for Heikki, a dreamy boy in her class, to notice her. Instead, she starts investigating her best friends, who happens to be the daughter of a diplomat, disappearance. Unbeknownst to her, The Red King of Helsinki is watching every move she makes. Will Iain be able to save her before it’s too late?

Snow Angels

Just before Christmas, Finnish Lapland is plunged into two weeks of darkness called Kaamos. Some get through it with the help of cheap Russian liquor and others sink into a depression. This time though, it may have driven someone mad enough to commit murder.

Inspector Kari Vaara has to find the killer of the beautiful Somali woman who was found in the snow before it’s too late. This is perfect if you’re looking for a book set in Finland that’s more along the lines of a thriller.

Helsinki Noir

This is a collection of short stories set in Finland, an anthology of noir stories, actually. This collection focuses on stories set in Helsinki, the capital. This is a creepy collection that just might have you leaving the lights on tonight written by 14 Finnish authors.

This book is set in Finland along with a few other Nordic countries as Barbara Sjoholm travels her way around the region.

First, she travels to Sweden where she meets the artists building the ice hotel. As she travels to the North Cape she encounters increasing cold and darkness as she dog sleds across the Finnmark Plateau then attends a Sami film festival with an ice screen and even Santa’s post office in Finland.

She uncovers the region’s history over three winters of traveling through it. She not only covers tourism and history but how they weigh on the people of the area and all of the changes occurring in Northern Scandinavia.

From Finland With Love

Alina Escala’s Finnish cousin and his hot friend show up in her quiet Silicon Valley life bringing sex, sauna, and sisu with them. On her quest for love, she puts up with her cousin and his hot friend while fighting repressed grief, mind-boggling headaches, and wacky dates.

As Alina’s crowd mixes with her blunt Finnish cousin’s culture, it ends up a summer of peaking passion and surprising romantic entanglements. While this isn’t actually set in Finland, I still say it counts.

Janne Vuori sets out to uncover the truth about a mining company in the dead of winter. Their illegal activities have caused an environmental disaster in a town in Northern Finland.

The company’s executives start to die in a string of mysterious accidents and Janne’s life starts to unravel at the same time while the past meets present in a way that could cost his life.

A bestselling author’s wife has been found dead with her face frozen in a ghastly smile, sitting at the head of an empty dining table.

At first, it looks like someone reenacting the murders from her husband’s book series but before long, Investigator Jessica Niemi realizes she’s not just looking for one killer, but dozens from a group believing in sinister witchcraft and are always one step ahead.

Bodies are piling up and she knows they won’t stop until they get what they want. Along the way, her own dark past comes up and she has to fight those in addition to the coven of killers.

I hope these books about Finland have either gotten you interested in visiting or have gotten you excited about an upcoming trip. Some of these books seemed a little odd to me, but I just might still give them a try!

Have you read any of these books set in Finland? Which ones? Are there any other Finland books I should check out?

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Author: Megan Johnson

I'm Megan, a cheesehead at heart currently residing in the Sunshine State. You can probably find me reading, watching Forensic Files, or both. View all posts by Megan Johnson

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Showing all 6 results

Marco Polo Finland

£ 6.99

Lonely Planet Finland

Lonely Planet

£ 15.99

Finland Insight Guide

Insight Guides

£ 16.99

Helsinki Monocle Travel Guide

£ 15.00

Lonely Planet Pocket Helsinki

£ 7.99

Pocket Helsinki Insight Guide

Recommended Non-Fiction reading for Finland

A History of Finland

Henrik Meinander

The Ticket Collector From Belarus: An Extraordinary True Story of Britain’s Only War Crimes Trial

Mike Anderson and Neil Hanson

Leadership: Lessons From A Life In Diplomacy

Simon McDonald

Notes From An Island

Tove Jansson

Letters From Tove

Recommended Fiction reading for Finland

The Howling Miller

Arto Paasilinna

When I Forgot

Elina Hirvonen

Summer Fishing In Lapland

Juhani Karila

The True Deceiver

Art In Nature

Matias Faldbakken

The Summer Book

The Winter Book

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Travel Finland Books

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Finland Travel

Greater Than a Tourist - Southern Finland: 50 Travel Tips from a Local

• Greater Than a Tourist Europe, Book 18
• By: Mika Langel
• Narrated by: Sangita Chauhan
• Length: 1 hr and 10 mins
• Overall 5 out of 5 stars 1
• Performance 5 out of 5 stars 1
• Story 5 out of 5 stars 1

With travel tips and culture in our guidebooks written by a local, it is never too late to visit Southern Finland. Greater Than a Tourist - Southern Finland by Author Mika Langel offers the inside scoop on top cities to see in Southern Finland. Most travel books tell you how to travel like a tourist. Although there is nothing wrong with that, as part of the Greater Than a Tourist series, this audiobook will give you candid travel tips from someone who has lived at your next travel destination.

• Series: Greater Than a Tourist Europe
• Release date: 02-11-22
• Language: English
• 5 out of 5 stars 1 rating

With travel tips and culture in our guidebooks written by a local, it is never too late to visit Southern Finland. Greater Than a Tourist - Southern Finland by Author Mika Langel offers the inside scoop on top cities to see in Southern Finland....

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Regular price: $6.95 or 1 credit

Sale price: $6.95 or 1 credit

Finland - A fascinating Journey

• On week in Finland - Audiotraveller
• By: Global Television, Arcadia Home Entertainment
• Narrated by: James T. Brown
• Length: 51 mins
• Overall 0 out of 5 stars 0
• Performance 0 out of 5 stars 0
• Story 0 out of 5 stars 0

A multi-faceted audio journey across the land of 1000 lakes, endless forests and historical places. A midsummer night's dream in the very north of Europe. Helsinki, Turku, Uusikaupunki, Rauma, Yyteri, Vanha Vaasa, Kokkola, Oulu, Pallas-Ounastunturi, Lemmenjoki, Siida, Inari Lake, Napapiiri, Rovaniemi, Nurmes, Olavinlinna, Saimaa Lake, Porvoo.

• By: Global Television , Arcadia Home Entertainment
• Release date: 07-25-22
• Not rated yet

A multi-faceted audio journey across the land of 1000 lakes, endless forests and historical places. A midsummer night's dream in the very north...

Regular price: $6.86 or 1 credit

Sale price: $6.86 or 1 credit

Finland True Crime

• True Crime International English 6
• By: Adrian Langenscheid, Lisa Bielec, Fabian Maysenhölder, and others
• Narrated by: Tom Chandler
• Length: 6 hrs and 40 mins

FINLAND TRUE CRIME - TRUE CRIMES - REAL CRIME CASES. n this sixth volume of his True Crime series, Germany's bestselling True Crime author Adrian Langenscheid once again unleashes heart-pounding, addictive reading. This breathtaking and deeply harrowing portrait of the human abyss arouses powerful emotions due to its cool, factually neutral descriptions. Free of any sensationalism, sixteen True Crime short stories retell some of the most spectacular Finnish criminal cases in recent decades.

• By: Adrian Langenscheid , Lisa Bielec , Fabian Maysenhölder , Heike Schlosser
• Series: True Crime International English , Book 6
• Release date: 07-09-23

FINLAND TRUE CRIME - TRUE CRIMES - REAL CRIME CASES. n this sixth volume of his True Crime series, Germany's bestselling True Crime author Adrian...

Regular price: $9.82 or 1 credit

Sale price: $9.82 or 1 credit

Greater than a Tourist: Helsinki Finland

• Anita Murdoch (Greater than a Tourist Europe)
• By: Anita Murdoch, Greater than a Tourist
• Narrated by: Warren du Plooy
• Length: 1 hr and 13 mins

In this audio, you'll discover local advice that will help you throughout your trip. Travel like a local. Slow down and get to know the people and the culture of a place. By the time you finish this book, you will be eager and prepared to travel to your next destination.

• By: Anita Murdoch , Greater than a Tourist
• Release date: 01-05-24

In this audio, you'll discover local advice that will help you throughout your trip. Travel like a local. Slow down and get to know the people and the culture of a place. By the time you finish this book, you will be eager and prepared to travel to your next destination....

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Top 10: Your favourite Finnish books

Finnish literature translated around the world: Here are ten of your favourite Finnish books, as selected by thisisFINLAND readers.

A postage stamp that references the Aleksis Kivi classic "Seven brothers."

We asked fans to vote for their favourite Finnish book. Here are the rankings.

The Finns’ active cultural life is especially evidenced by their literary vitality. Many Finnish literary works are translated into multiple languages for global audiences, and the reputation of Finnish writers is expanding worldwide.

1. Tove Jansson: Tales from Moominvalley

Photo: C.G.Hagström/Lehtikuva

A Swedish-speaking Finn, Tove Jansson (1914–2001) is primarily known as the creator of the imaginary Moomin characters, which she wrote about and illustrated in novels and comic strips. Books such as Tales from Moominvalley and  Comet in Moominland  continue to enjoy worldwide success among audiences of all ages. She also wrote novels and short stories for grown-up readers; many of these works have recently been re-released in English.

2. Elias Lönnrot: Kalevala

Photo:Flickr.com, 50 Watts, CC BY 2.0

Originally a rural physician, Elias Lönnrot (1802–1884) took advantage of time spent in Kainuu, northeastern Finland, by collecting Finnish poems sung in popular oral tradition. Impassioned by his discovery, he published the fruits of his labour under the title Kalevala.  The vast mythological epic helped awaken and cement the Finnish national consciousness of the 19th century. The Kalevala themes, complemented by trips to Karelia, have influenced many Finnish artists, including the composer Jean Sibelius.

3. Mika Waltari: The Egyptian

Photo: Courtesy of WSOY

One of Finland’s most renowned writers, Mika Waltari (1908–1979) created novels, poems, plays and screenplays. After the publication of his first novel, and inspired by a visit to Paris in the late 1920s, he published many thrillers. In the wake of the Second World War he produced what many consider his best work, a historical novel called The Egyptian , noted for its faithful reconstruction of the lives of the Egyptian pharoahs.

4. Sofi Oksanen: Purge

Photo: Toni Härkönen

Born in 1977, Sofi Oksanen became known in 2003 for the novel Stalin’s Cows . In 2008 came Purge , which follows two different generations of women in Estonia during and after the Soviet occupation. The novel earned Oksanen international recognition, including the European Book Prize and the Prix Femina Étranger. Known for her feminist sensibilities, Oksanen regularly comments on social issues in the Finnish press. She is also a playwright.

5. Arto Paasilinna: The Year of the Hare

Photo:Pia Grochowski

Arto Paasilinna (1942–2018) was born in Lapland. He found his place in literature after practising various trades. Author of numerous novels, he gained international praise for The Year of the Hare , a story of pastoral tribulations by a narrator who befriends a hare. Translated into over 20 languages, this novel became the first in a long series of literary successes, particularly in France. Critics praised him for his use of sarcasm combined with an extraordinary sense of narration and farce, qualities that give his stories an unmistakable tone.

6. Väinö Linna: Under the North Star

Photo: Pia Grochowski

Väinö Linna (1920–1992) forms one of the most influential Finnish writers of the post-war era. Originally a worker from a simple background, he took part in the Fenno-Soviet wars of 1939–1944. This experience led him to write a realistic novel, The Unknown Soldier , that earned him great success. In another book, Under the North Star , he painted a historical portrait of a Finnish family across many generations attempting to describe the social reality in familiar settings. Many of Linna’s novels have been adapted into films.

7. Riikka Pulkkinen: True

Photo:Jouni Harala/Otava

Born in 1980, Riika Pulkkinen caused a sensation with the 2006 release of her first novel, The Border , in which she featured characters struggling with violent internal conflict. The book also covered topics such as Alzheimer’s disease and euthanasia. She later confirmed her literary talent with two more novels, including True , in which she continued to explore struggles of the human soul. Highly regarded as a novelist, she also regularly writes columns in the Finnish media.

8. Aleksis Kivi: The Seven Brothers

Photo: Posts and Telecommunications of Finland Archives

Aleksis Kivi (1834–1872) began as a playwright. Of all his plays, Heath Cobblers continues to be the most popular. He spent ten years writing The Seven Brothers , which was published in 1870 to mixed reviews. It forms a scathing, yet truthful depiction of Finnish rural life. Exhausted by work and illness, Kivi passed away as a destitute man at the age of 38. Today he has been promoted to the rank of national writer, for he is reputed to have paved the way for Finnish-language literature (before him, the bulk of Finnish literature was written in Swedish). He also left behind many poems, some of which have been turned into songs.

9. Hannu Mäkelä:   Mr Boo

Photo: Courtesy of Tammi

Born in 1943, poet and novelist Hannu Mäkelä has had a particularly productive career. His works for children, based on the imaginary Mr Boo, a farcical character who appears to children at night, earned him much success and international recognition. Since 1973 Mäkelä has published a series of stories based on this popular character. Mr. Boo’s popularity has been amplified in the music of M.A. Numminen, a singer of unbridled imagination, who transcribed the adventures of this imaginary character into music, to the delight of young Finns.

10. Leena Lehtolainen: My First Murder

Photo: Tomas Whitehouse

Since her first novel was published at the age of 12, Leena Lehtolainen (born in 1964) has become known for her thrillers, such as My first Murder , Her enemy and Copper Heart , which feature police inspector Maria Kallio. Acclaimed for their well-crafted intrigue and captivating atmosphere, Lehtolainen’s books have been translated into over 20 languages; some have been adapted for television and theatre.

By René-Philippe Thomas, October 2013

See also on thisisFINLAND

Finland’s Tove Jansson and the Moomin story

Which is about the adventures of writer and artist Tove Jansson’s career, including the creation of the world-renowned Moomin characters.

Finnish blood runs in Nordic crime novels

Brutal murders aren’t what Finland is famous for, except in crime novels. The Finns’ contribution to the genre is unique.

Alternative Kalevala in the making

The Finnish national epic Kalevala leans on Christianity – how about another Kalevala based on bear cults and shamanism?

What Westerners weren’t supposed to see

Finnish Estonian author Sofi Oksanen causes a stir with the subject matter and success of her novel “Purge,” which has won just about every prize it possibly can.

Finnish contemporary literature: A wealth of voices

Finnish literature is going further than ever. Join our tour of prose, poetry and publishing (and Finland-Swedish books).

Finland’s other epic: The Kanteletar

The Kanteletar’s ancient ballads form a companion work to the Kalevala, Finland’s national epic.

• thisisFINLAND on Facebook
• Sofi Oksanen
• Leena Lehtolainen
• Finnish Literature Society's Kalevala pages
• Information on The Kalevala and Karelian Culture
• Hannu Mäkelä
• Moomin Characters
• The Moominvalley Museum, Tampere
• Riikka Pulkkinen
• Aleksis Kivi, National author
• Väinö Linna tour map in Tampere (in Finnish)
• The works of Arto Paasilinna (in Finnish)
• Mika Waltari Society

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