Packing list for Finland, travel insurance for Finland and taking your belongings

What to take to Finland: brief

To pack and check:

• Documents and money: a valid identity card or passport is sufficient for travelers from the EU. For travelers from outside the EU a visa might be necessary. Finland uses the euro. You can use your debit card and contactless payment almost everywhere; you don't really need cash.
• Clothing: dress mainly according to the season. In summer, the days can be warm, but the evenings often remain cool. In winter, a good winter coat, thermal clothing, a hat, gloves, and waterproof clothing are important. If you are going to Lapland, temperatures of -30°C or lower can occur.
• Shoes: waterproof hiking boots are useful for national parks such as Nuuksio, Oulanka, or Urho Kekkonen. In winter, warm shoes with good grip are indispensable. Flip-flops are handy for the sauna.
• Personal care and hygiene: sunscreen is important all year round. In summer, the days are long, and in winter, UV radiation reflects off snow. Lip balm and a good hand cream are pleasant during cold, dry winters.
• Packing and protection: a waterproof backpack cover and dry bags for electronics for hiking and canoeing trips. Insects and animals: mosquito repellent is pleasant in southern Finland, and almost indispensable in Lapland and other northern regions during the summer. Consider bringing a tick remover if you do a lot of hiking in forests or along the coast.
• Medicines and travel first-aid kit: a first-aid kit with blister plasters, painkillers, ORS, and personal medication. A more comprehensive kit is nice for multi-day hikes.
• Outdoors and handy items: a reusable water bottle, sunglasses, cap/hat, and daypack.
• Technology and equipment: a travel adapter for type C and F sockets. A power bank for the winter, as batteries drain faster in extreme cold weather.

To consider:

• A mosquito net if you are going to Lapland in June or July. Binoculars for reindeer, elk, and birds.
• Thermistor for hikes or Northern Lights excursions.
• A small towel for sauna visits. In Finland, public saunas are often strictly segregated by gender, and you enter completely naked. Swimwear is often even prohibited.
• Walking sticks for national parks.
• A sleep mask in the summer or, conversely, a flashlight during the dark winter months.

Are there mosquitoes in Finland?

• In the summer, mosquitoes can occur in large numbers, especially in wooded areas, around lakes, swamps, and in Lapland, with peaks during the late evening. On a windless evening, it is even worse.
• This is also known as the Räkkä season – the period when most flying insects occur in Lapland. This period varies from year to year but usually begins around midsummer and ends around early August. During this period, it is advisable to wear a head net, insect repellent, and protective clothing. They are mostly just annoying and, fortunately, generally do not pose a health problem.
• More about protection against mosquitoes and insects.

Are there sandflies in Finland?

• Sandflies do not pose a problem for travelers in Finland. Midges, however, can. These are tiny black flying creatures that know very well how to bite ankles and other body parts. They are most abundant during August and September, and in damp, foresty or river areas outside of cities.
• You can protect yourself against midges with bugspray and long clothing.
• More about sandflies and sand fleas.

Can you buy DEET, or other mosquito repellents, in Finland?

• Absolutely! Mosquito repellents such as DEET, picaridine, and eco-friendly alternatives can be found at various pharmacies (Apteekki), supermarkets (S-Market, K-Citymarket), and outdoor stores.
• Read more about DEET and other mosquito repellents.

Can you buy a joint or weed in Finland, or bring it to Finland?

• Cannabis is illegal in Finland. Possessing, using, growing, and importing cannabis (plants) can lead to fines or even criminal prosecution.
• Medical cannabis is permitted, but only under strict conditions.