Travelling and Living in Finland

As locals of Finland, we're passionate about sharing the beauty and unique aspects of our home. We showcase destinations and share what makes Finnish culture special, to help immigrants and visitors understand Finland better.

Our articles encompass immigration guides and personal experiences of living in Finland. From everyday experiences to tips like Finnish sauna etiquette, we combine practical advice with vivid photography to bring Finnish life closer to you and inspire your journey.

VR's Ekstra Class - Value for Money?

Updated 01/10/25

VR’s Ekstra Class on InterCity and Pendolino trains offers a quieter, more comfortable travel experience with stylish interiors, wider seats, extra legroom, and a 2+1 layout for added personal space. Amenities include faster dedicated Wi-Fi, complimentary coffee, tea, and water, power outlets at every seat, a quiet phone booth, and an onboard restroom. Ideal for travellers seeking peace for work or relaxation, Ekstra Class is available at a reasonable surcharge. Overall, it offers a modest yet worthwhile upgrade, focusing on calmness, comfort, and convenience.

Tags: VR, train, review

Our Visit to Tuuri Deparment Store in Alavus

Published 27/09/25

We had long been planning a visit to Tuuri Department Store (Tuurin kyläkauppa). On a sunny November day, we finally made it happen and drove nearly four hours from Helsinki. Read our article to discover how we experienced Finland’s largest department store.

Tags: shopping, Tuuri, department store

Top 9 Things To See in Vantaa

Updated 01/02/25

Vantaa is a city in Southern Finland. It is the home of the leading and biggest airport in Finland. Vantaa is a friendly town among foreign nationals, whereas one in every 10 is an immigrant. Please read our article about things to do and see in this beautiful city.

Tags: Vantaa, Finland, travel guide

Porvoo Christmas 2024 - Worth the Visit?

Updated 24/10/24

Last year, we visited the Porvoo Christmas Market in early December. As we expected, the market was small. However, despite the frost, we were surprised by the variety of services and the warm atmosphere. 2024 Christmas in Porvoo will be a little different but share the same characteristics. Please read about last year's experiences to learn what will be different in 2024.

Tags: Porvoo, joulumarkkinat, lähimatkailu

Finnish Sauna Etiquette in a Nutshell

Updated 24/08/24

Are you taking a Finnish sauna for the first time and unsure about sauna etiquette? Relax and take a deep breath; fortunately, you must follow only a few rules. Read the article to learn how to behave in a Finnish sauna.

Tags: sauna, Finland, etiquette

Suspension bridge in Repovesi National Park

Repovesi - Amazing National Park in Finland

Published 28/07/23

As the summer was ending, we decided to visit Repovesi National Park. The park's location was convenient, and the weather forecast looked good. In this article, we'll give you some basic information about Repovesi National Park and share our experiences. Repovesi gave us a fresh nature experience. Read more from the article.

Tags: Repovesi, national park, travel guide

How to Immigrate to Finland?

Published 27/07/23

Are you curious about moving to and working in Finland, the world's happiest country? We have collected essential information about immigration to Finland. Read the article to understand the basics of the Finnish immigration system.

Tags: Finland, immigration, resdency permit

Travelling by Train in Finland

Published 19/07/23

Finland has a well-working railway system. VR is a state-owned company that operates Finland's passenger rail traffic. Our article shares what you need to know before boarding a train in Finland. Read the article and understand what Finnish trains are like.

Tags: Finland, public transport, train

Migrating to Finland as a Nurse - What to Expect?

Published 26/01/23

Thousands of nurses are needed in Finland to address the severe shortage in the nursing labour force, and the issue is only escalating. Nurses from overseas require approval from the Finnish healthcare authority, Valvira, to work as registered or practical nurses. Please read the article and learn from my first-hand experiences of what it is like to be a nurse in Finland.

Tags: Finland, immigration, nurse

Public Transport in Finland

Published 16/01/23

As an adventurous traveller in Finland, you want to see many places. Finland is a big country compared to its population, so changing locations takes time and costs money. We will give you tips on travelling to Finland by bus, boat, train, or aeroplane. By booking tickets wisely, you will save on your budget.

Tags: public transport, Finland, travel guide

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External Articles

Explore also the newest articles on our partner site Guide to Helsinki.

www.guidetohelsinki.com

Fast Food in Helsinki – Dining for Less

Published 20/09/25

Fast food in Helsinki offers a mix of local favourites and global chains, from juicy burgers and kebabs to pizza, wraps, and late-night grill snacks. Discover affordable and tasty options.

www.guidetohelsinki.com

Visiting Nuuksio National Park from Helsinki

Published 22/08/25

Nuuksio National Park is under an hour from Helsinki. Discover our tips for things to do and how to get there. Know how to enjoy Nuuksio!

www.guidetohelsinki.com

Shopping in Helsinki – Top Spots for Great Finds

Published 19/07/25

Shopping in Helsinki is easy. Visit boutiques, department stores, or one of the many malls around the city. Check out our Helsinki shopping guide for more details.

www.guidetohelsinki.com

Arctic Open 2025 – World-Class Badminton in Vantaa

Published 04/07/25

Arctic Open 2025 is a world-class badminton event in the Helsinki area. Attending the event is simple and budget-friendly.

www.guidetohelsinki.com

Restaurants in Helsinki You Should Visit

Published 21/05/25

There are hundreds of great restaurants in Helsinki. We listed a few of them we’ve personally tried. Read on to learn more.

www.guidetohelsinki.com

Helsinki Airport – The Most Important Things to Know

Published 14/05/25

We highlighted the most important things you need to know about Helsinki Airport. Our advice: arrive early to enjoy services. Read more for details.

www.guidetohelsinki.com

Ports in Helsinki – Guide for Cruise Visitors

Published 22/04/25

We’ve compiled useful information about ports in Helsinki for cruise visitors, with a focus on getting to the city centre. Check out the information package.