Finland's Natural Landscapes
For an initial overview of this magnificent country, Finland can be divided into four main natural areas:
- the coastal plain in the west and south
- the lake district in the centre
- the hill country in the east and
- the uplands or fell region in the north.
The coastal plain is flat and consists of fertile soils that are well suited to agriculture. It is therefore more densely populated. The coastal plain is accompanied by many small islands, especially in the Archipelago Sea with over 50,000 islets. The Finnish Lakeland, the largest lake district in Europe, characterises central Finland with thousands of lakes, moraine hills and dense forests. The hilly region in the east, known as Karelia, is characterised by forested ridges and deep valleys. To the north lies Lapland, the fell region, with vast moors, barren mountain ranges and a subarctic climate. This region is sparsely populated and characterised by tundra vegetation. Overall, Finland is heavily forested - around 75 % of the country is covered by forest.
Finnish Culture
Even though Finland is very sparsely populated, you can get to know ‘real Finns’ and their culture on your trip. Finns are often labelled as taciturn, but they are always warm and open. In addition to Finnish, Swedish and Sami are also spoken in some regions. Depending on the local proportion of the population, these languages are official second languages in some regions. The Sami live in the north of Finland, Norway, Sweden and the Kola Peninsula. Europe's only indigenous population has preserved its own language and culture for centuries. They are particularly known for their reindeer herding and closeness to nature.
You can also experience a world-famous speciality of Finnish culture when camping in Finland, as many campsites also have a sauna as standard. There is nothing more Finnish than a visit to the sauna. It's hard to understand Finland and its culture without one. There are over 3 million saunas in Finland and most of them are used daily for socialising and sweating. The ‘Löyly’ infusion ritual, which is always performed with reverence, is particularly important. The subsequent gentle whipping with fresh birch branches (‘Vasta’ or ‘Vihta’) is also part of the ritual and is amazingly relaxing.
When you think of Finland, you automatically think of - that's right - tango! Since the dance came to Finland in 1913, it has taken the Finnish soul by storm. The Seinäjoki Tango Festival takes place every year in July, attracting more than 100,000 spectators.
How do I get to Finland by motorhome?
Once you are on the Continent, you could basically travel overland to Finland (e.g. Great Belt Bridge and Öresund Bridge via Denmark and Sweden), but you have to drive round the Gulf of Bothnia. If you don't have that much time or your are not planning a Grand Tour of Scandinavia, you're more likely to hire a motorhome locally or take the ferry with your own motorhome.
Unfortunately, there is no longer a direct ferry crossing between the UK and Norway, and the route between the Netherlands and Norway has also been discontinued. But there are a few other options to avoid having to drive the whole way (as of 2025):
1. direct ferry connections from Germany to Finland
- Travemünde - Helsinki - (Finnlines)
This is the most convenient and most expensive option and takes approx. 30 hours.
2. direct ferry connections from Estonia to Finland
- Tallinn - Helsinki (Tallink-Silja Line, Viking Line, Eckerö Line)
This is the shortest ferry route and takes approx. 2.5 hours.
3. indirect ferry connections from Germany via Sweden
- Travemünde - Malmö (SE) (Viking Line)
- Travemünde - Malmö (SE) (Finnlines)
- Rostock - Trelleborg (SE) (Stenaline and TT-Line)
and then to Finland
- Stockholm (SE) - Turku (Viking Line)
- Stockholm (SE) - Helsinki (Viking Line)
- Kapellskär (SE) - Naantali (Finnlines)
When is the best time to travel to Finland by motorhome?
The best time to go camping in Finland depends primarily on the activities you prefer and whether your motorhome or campervan is suitable for winter camping. In summer it can be up to 30 degrees in the south and west. Swimming in the sea or a lake is then perfectly possible. North of the Arctic Circle, you can enjoy the midnight sun in midsummer. If, on the other hand, you want to see the Northern Lights, then the darker season is recommended, as it never gets completely dark in the far north in summer and the Northern Lights are therefore not visible. However, winters in Finland are cold and long, especially in the north. In the south, winter lasts around 3 to 4 months, while in the north, i.e. in Lapland, it can last from October to April. Temperatures often fall below freezing in winter, and in the north they can reach -40 °C in extreme cases.
Hiking
Finland is a true hiker's paradise. There are 41 national parks and many signposted hiking trails, from day trips to multi-day hikes. Many of these hiking trails or parts of them can be discovered while camping in Finland. The most famous hiking trail is the ‘Bears Trail’ (Karhunkierros in Finnish). The 70 or 82 kilometre hiking route is located in the north of Finland. Most of it runs through the Oulanka National Park. The most famous sights of the national park are also located along the Bears Trail. These include Ristikallio, the Oulankajoki gorge and the Kiutaköngäs waterfalls.
The Bears Trail can be walked all year round. In summer, it takes four to six days to complete the entire circuit. In winter, depending on snow conditions, you may need to allow considerably more time. There is a campsite near the visitor centre.
Water Sports and Fishing
With its countless lakes and over 1,100 kilometres of coastline (excluding islands), water is omnipresent in Finland. Accordingly, there are many opportunities to enjoy it when camping in Finland. Swimming and fishing are not only possible in summer, but ice fishing and ice bathing (after the sauna) are also very popular in winter. Surfing and sailing, canoeing, rafting and ice skating - almost anything is possible on and in Finnish waters.
Animal-watching
With a bit of luck, you can see a whole range of wild animals while camping in Finland that you rarely or never see in other parts of Europe, including moose, bears, wolves, reindeer and the wolverine, which is more nocturnal. These animals are shy. Nevertheless, you should be careful and avoid leaving food or leftovers lying around that could attract these animals.
Aurora Borealis Viewing
The Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis are a winter or autumn highlight for many campers in Finland. During a sunspot maximum such as 2024/2025, the chances of seeing this natural spectacle in the Arctic Circle or a little further south with your own eyes are pretty good. Good preparation and equipment are very important, as it can get cold and you don't want to go when it's at its most beautiful. There are a whole range of apps for aurora forecasts and live status at a location, including ‘Hello Aurora’, ‘SpaceWeather Live’ and ‘Aurora Forecast’.
Cities in Finland
An absolute must on a trip to Finland is of course the capital Helsinki, the cultural and economic centre of Finland. It is known for its modern architecture, the design district and the many green spaces. One of Finland's most famous sights is the cathedral on Senate Square. The Uspenski Cathedral with its red-brown towers and the Temppelkaukio rock church are also well worth a visit. The Suomenlinna sea fortress, one of the most visited sights in Finland and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located on some of the islands off the coast of the city.
Turku, the oldest city in Finland, was once the capital and has one of the northernmost medieval castles in the world. The cathedral and the Aurajokis River also characterise the cityscape. Concerts, dance and theatre events take place regularly in the summer. There are numerous renowned galleries and the popular market hall.
Naantali near Turku is also one of the oldest cities in Finland and is located directly on the archipelago coast with a picturesque old town centre consisting of many historic wooden buildings. A little further north is Rauma, whose entire town centre with its wooden houses is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Tampere is the number one holiday destination for Finns in their home country. The former industrial city lies between two lakes and has now developed into a cultural metropolis. The old red-brick industrial buildings are now restaurants, cafés and shops. The compact centre invites you to take a stroll and conveys a small-town atmosphere.
Oulu combines technology with nature. As a centre for IT and research, it attracts young talent. At the same time, the city offers access to the Baltic Sea, numerous parks and a rich cultural programme.
Rovaniemi is the gateway to the Arctic and the official home of Father Christmas. The city is located right on the Arctic Circle and is a popular destination for aurora tourism, snow safaris and Arctic adventures.
The Best Museums in Finland
Finland offers an impressive museum landscape that combines history, art and culture in a unique way. Here is a selection of the most interesting museums:
The Ateneum (Helsinki) is Finland's best-known art museum and part of the Finnish National Gallery. It exhibits works by Finnish masters such as Akseli Gallen-Kallela as well as international classics.
Kiasma (Helsinki) is the leading museum of contemporary art in Finland. It impresses with its modern architecture and innovative exhibitions that address social issues.
The Turku Castle Museum (Turun linna) in the medieval Turku Castle documents the history of Finland from the Middle Ages to modern times. It is one of the most important historical museums in the country.
The Moomin Museum (Tampere) is the only museum in the world dedicated entirely to Tove Jansson's popular Moomin figures. It displays original illustrations, models and the creative world of the Moomins (Moominis) for children and adults.
The Arktikum (Rovaniemi) offers deep insights into life north of the Arctic Circle. It combines a science centre with a museum about Sámi culture and everyday life in the Arctic.
The Siida Sami Museum and Nature Centre (Inari) is dedicated to the history, culture and nature of northern Finnish Lapland.
The Most Beautiful National Parks in Finland
With over 40 national parks to choose from, it's hard to decide which ones to visit when camping in Finland. Here is a small selection of six of the most beautiful national parks:
Would you like to enjoy nature again after your visit to Helsinki? Then Nuuksio National Park is only about 35 km from the city centre. Numerous hiking trails lead through the dense forests, past clear lakes and fascinating rock formations. You can enjoy peace and relaxation at Lake Siikajörvi.
The best way to discover Kolovesi National Park is from the water. The island labyrinth is a paradise for paddlers and canoeists. Motorised boats are not allowed here, so you can take in the scenery at your leisure and perhaps spot an extremely rare and endangered seal species - the Saimaa ringed seal. On a steep rock face of the Ukinvori mountain you can discover rock paintings dating back around 5000 years.
Repovesi National Park in south-east Finland is known for its dramatic rock formations, lakes and suspension bridges. It offers varied hiking routes and is a hotspot for climbers and canoeists.
Koli National Park in North Karelia offers some of Finland's most famous views. The forested hills overlooking Lake Pielinen have inspired many Finnish artists. Although Koli is only 347 metres high, it stands out clearly from its surroundings. The park is popular all year round - for hiking in summer and cross-country skiing in winter.
The Oulanka National Park in north-east Finland is characterised by dramatic gorges, suspension bridges, rapids and waterfalls. The most famous are the Kiutaköngäs rapids on the Oulankajoki River and the Myllykoski and Jyrävä waterfalls on the Kitkajoki River. The famous Bear Trail (Karhunkierros) leads hikers through impressive landscapes with waterfalls and pine forests.
The Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park in Lapland is the most visited national park in Finland and one of the largest. Here you can go hiking, mountaineering, mountain biking or canoeing. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the full range of activities while relaxing in the beautiful natural surroundings.
The 10 most beautiful beaches in Finland
Finnish Food Specialties
Karelian pirogue is a speciality of Finnish cuisine that can be found on practically every corner. It is a stuffed dumpling with a filling typical of the region. This can be either rice pudding or pearl barley, potatoes or buckwheat. They are often spread with egg butter and topped like bread.
Finnish cuisine combines traditional and modern elements. On your trip, try ‘kalakukko’, a kind of fish pie baked in rye bread. This speciality from eastern Finland is perfect for a cosy campfire meal.
When camping in Finland, you can also enjoy the local reindeer sausage, a highlight of Sami cuisine, which is seasoned with wild herbs and brings a unique Nordic flavour.
Finnish lakes are rich in fish such as perch, zander and trout. Fishing equipment is therefore recommended when camping in Finland. Flavoured with fresh herbs and grilled on site, freshly caught fish is a treat not to be missed.
Finland is also known for its berries. From July to September, you can pick plenty of edible wild berries such as lingonberries, blueberries, bilberries and the exotic cloudberries. You can use these berries for a typical Finnish dessert, e.g. kissel, or as an accompaniment to meat dishes. In autumn, there is an incredible amount of mushrooms in the forests, which make the hearts of mushroom connoisseurs beat faster.
Did you know that the Finns are world champions when it comes to drinking coffee? Each Finn consumes around 12 kg of coffee per person per year. In Italy, by comparison, the figure is 4.7 kg. That's why coffee is an essential part of camping in Finland.
Selected Campsites in Finland
Tips for camping in Finland with a motorhome or campervan
Speed limits for motorhomes
The speed limits are generally 50 km/h in urban areas and 80 km/h out of town. On well-maintained country roads, the limit is 100 km/h in summer and 80 km/h in winter. On motorways, the speed limit for motorhomes is 100 km/h in summer and 80 km/h in winter, see also the article Speed limits in Europe.
Compulsory lights for motorists
In Finland, drivers must drive with their lights on at all times of the day and night, regardless of the season and weather conditions. If you fail to switch on your dipped headlights, you will be fined, as this is considered a traffic offence.
Income-related penalties for traffic offenders:
Fair and unfair at the same time: drivers in Finland are penalised differently for non-compliance with traffic regulations. The fines are based on the income of the offender and can therefore vary greatly for the same offence.
Petrol stations:
Most petrol stations are open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and there are petrol pumps in many places. However, especially in the north of Finland, it is better not to exhaust the reserve: the distances between petrol stations can be greater here.
Mosquitoes:
Due to the many bodies of water and the climate, there are unfortunately many mosquitoes in Finland. The mosquito season usually starts in late spring and can last until late summer, with the months of June and July being the peak of the mosquito season. Long, light-coloured clothing is recommended as protection, possibly a hat with a face net. Well-known mosquito repellents that can be sprayed on clothing or skin can help to a certain extent. Otherwise, autumn or winter is recommended for a mosquito-free holiday in Finland.
