Finland is an exceptionally safe country for travelers, but as with any destination, it’s a good idea to know the basics of health and safety. Whether you’re exploring Helsinki or trekking in the wilderness, you want to make sure you’re prepared. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about staying safe and healthy during your trip to Finland.
Health Tips for Travelers
Stay Hydrated and Eat Well
Finland has an excellent tap water system. The water is clean, drinkable, and free in most restaurants. You’ll save money and avoid dehydration by carrying a reusable water bottle. If you’re hiking in remote areas, bring enough fresh water as natural sources, although clean, can carry bacteria.
Food in Finland is generally very healthy. Local produce and fish are widely available, and traditional Finnish food lacks heavy spices that could upset sensitive stomachs. However, food is expensive, so consider cooking your own meals if you’re on a budget.
Vaccinations
There are no special vaccinations required for Finland. However, it’s always good to be up-to-date on general vaccines like hepatitis A, hepatitis B, tetanus, and diphtheria. If you’re planning on outdoor activities like hiking or camping during the summer months, getting vaccinated for tick-borne encephalitis is recommended.
Common Health Issues
In summer, Finland’s northern regions, especially Lapland, are known for their mosquitoes. These bugs won’t carry diseases, but their bites can be annoying. Bring insect repellent to keep the pests at bay.
Winter in Finland can be very cold, especially the further north you go. Dress in layers with thermal clothing and don’t forget gloves, scarves, and hats to prevent cold-related illnesses like frostbite.
Emergency Contacts in Finland
General Emergency Number
The emergency number in Finland is 112. This number covers police, fire services, and medical emergencies. It’s free to call and works anywhere in the country.
Hospitals and Health Care
Finland has one of the best healthcare systems in the world. If you need medical assistance, rest assured that you will be well taken care of. In bigger cities, many doctors speak English. In smaller towns, this may not always be the case, so it’s a good idea to learn a few basic Finnish phrases or use a translation app.
For non-urgent medical issues, visit a “terveyskeskus” (health center) or make use of private healthcare if you have travel insurance that covers it. Pharmacies in Finland are called “apteekki” and offer most over-the-counter remedies you may need.
Staying Safe in Urban Areas
Pickpocketing
Finland is very safe when compared to other countries, but theft can occur in busy tourist areas. Pickpocketing exists, particularly in crowded locations like Helsinki’s city center, train stations, and markets. Keep your valuables in a secure place, like a money belt, and always be aware of your surroundings.
Public Transport Safety
Public transport in Finland, including buses, trams, and trains, is reliable and safe to use. Just make sure you keep an eye on your luggage, especially in busy stations. It’s quite normal for Finns to be quiet during public commuting, so try to respect their personal space.
Night Safety
Finland is safe to walk around at night, even in bigger cities like Helsinki, Tampere, and Turku. However, as with any city, avoid dimly lit or secluded areas, and stick to well-traveled and illuminated streets. Late-night crime is rare, but staying aware of your surroundings is always good practice.
Safety in Rural Areas
Hiking and Trekking
Finland’s wilderness is vast and stunning, with forests and lakes covering much of the country. If you’re hiking or trekking, always inform someone about your plans and expected route, especially if you’re going into the backcountry. It’s smart to carry a map and compass (and know how to use them), just in case you lose connection to your GPS device.
Make sure your phone is fully charged before setting out. Many trails have good mobile service, but remote areas may not, so it’s good to have backup power like a portable battery in case of emergencies.
Wild Animals
Finland’s forests are home to some large animals like bears and wolves, though encounters with them are very rare. To avoid attracting wildlife, securely store food away from your sleeping area if you’re camping.
If you see a bear, make yourself appear bigger and slowly back away without turning your back on it. Don’t panic or run as this may trigger a chase response. Generally, these animals avoid human contact.
Ticks and Lyme Disease
Ticks are common in grassy and forested areas from spring through fall. Aside from vaccination, you can reduce your risk of tick bites by wearing long pants, tucking in your shirt, and using insect repellent. After a day spent outdoors, always check your body for ticks, especially your hairline and behind your ears.
Winter Travel Safety
Driving in Winter
If you’re driving in Finland during winter, be prepared for icy roads and low visibility. Learn how to drive in snowy conditions and make sure your rental car is equipped with winter tires. Finland requires winter tires between November and March, and these will help you keep control of your vehicle on slippery roads.
It’s a good practice to check the weather forecast often. In severe snowstorms, roads can become impassable. When driving, keep extra blankets, water, and a fully charged phone in case you need to pull over or get stuck.
Falling and Slipping
Winter in Finland can be harsh, with sidewalks and roads becoming icy. Invest in shoes with proper traction or boot spikes to avoid slipping. Public buildings and homes will have a space to remove your shoes when entering, reducing the chances of slipping indoors as well.
Sauna Safety
Saunas are a big part of Finnish life, and you’ll probably use one at some point during your trip. When using a sauna, make sure you stay hydrated by drinking water before and after. If you feel dizzy or unwell, leave the sauna and cool down gradually.
The combination of saunas and alcohol is common but can be dangerous. Avoid excessive drinking while using the sauna, as this may lead to dehydration, overheating, or even fainting.
Additional Tips for a Safe Trip
Travel Insurance
It’s always smart to have travel insurance. Even though Finland has excellent healthcare, any accidents or injuries that might require emergency care can be costly without insurance. Ensure your insurance covers outdoor activities like hiking, snow sports, or other winter-specific adventures.
Drinking Regulations
Alcohol is expensive in Finland and highly regulated. You can only buy stronger drinks from state-owned “Alko” stores. The legal drinking age is 18 for purchasing wine and beer but 20 for stronger alcohol at Alko. Drunk driving laws are strictly enforced, so avoid driving if you’ve had even a small amount of alcohol.
Respect Local Customs
Finns are known for being quiet and reserved. Personal space is highly valued, and people tend to wait patiently in lines without much speaking. It’s polite to return this behavior by not invading others’ space or engaging in unnecessary loud conversations.
While not a safety issue, be mindful that Finland charges for plastic bags. Carry a reusable bag with you when shopping and respect the environmental consciousness of the locals.
Conclusion
Finland is an easy country to navigate in terms of health and safety. As long as you prepare properly with the right clothing and take basic safety precautions, you’ll have no trouble. Whether you’re exploring urban Helsinki or hiking through Finnish Lapland, you’ll find that Finland is a peaceful and enjoyable destination to visit.
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