Finland: What to know before you visit for the first time

1. Everyone is super polite

I've been to my fair share of European countries and to be honest it's always been hit or miss when it comes to peoples attitudes towards the typical tourist. That is totally not the case here, from the minute we stepped off the plane everyone was super super nice, even the car rental employees which lets face it most people normally struggle with went over and beyond to be helpful. So make sure you treat them as they treat you and everywhere you go you will smile.

Let's Hike

2. Thermals, thermals, thermals

You might see some gorgeously sunny pictures like below and think nah, thermals are for wimps. But even with sunny sky’s the base temperature was -12 with wind chills brining it down to -20! It was so cold that on a full battery my go pro died after 20 mins due to the cold. Once I’d warmt it up again it was fine but gives you an indication of just how cold this place is. Thermals are a must for if you are venturing outside, especially for around your neck and tummy.

Helsinki Central

3. Don't be afraid to drive in the snow

As snow is so common in Finland they are Super prepared on the roads. Don’t get me wrong I felt nervous to start with but make sure you hire a big 4x4 and you’ll see there is nothing to worry about. One of the best things to do in a foreign country is to explore, and if you can do that with a vehicle you can cover more space and stop whenever and wherever you like. We spotted one of the best sunsets whilst off the beaten track so don’t let the snow put you off.

Let's Drive

4. They've got it right when it comes to recycling

Keep all of your cans and bottles, plastic and glass ones and take them to a supermarket. You deposit them in a machine and you actually get money back for them. Some as much as 2 euros per wine bottle! The amount of people that have embraced this is impressive and something I think all countries should adopt. It's no coincidence that the streets are crisp clean due to this incentive.

Look Up

5. Eating out is expensive, but you get what you pay for

Expect to spend around the 50 euro mark per couple for a main meal, which compared to some countries is incredibly expensive, more if you include alcohol to the tab, which you totally should as the craft beers and wines are delicious. Its expensive because its fresh. The restaurants are clean, pretty, friendly and somewhere you want to be heading out for food. My advice would be to self cater for the majority of the time you are out here and indulge a couple of times and head on out. And if you are near Helsinki, I highly recommend the Fat Lizard, perfect for meat eaters and vegetarians.

Winter Lodge at Sunset