Travelling in Finland

Finland is the happiest country in the world. In addition, it’s also the safest one to travel in. On this page, we have gathered practical information for tourists traveling in our magnificent and enchanting country.

Common Safety

Finland is generally safe to travel to, and crime rates are comparatively low. You will probably get your lost wallet back, and Finns are always happy to help foreigners.

Even though we are surrounded by stunning nature, you will not find yourself in the middle of an earthquake, typhoon, or tornado. Still, be careful when in nature and read these tips.

In case of emergency

The emergency number in Finland is 112. Calling is completely free of charge and does not require an active mobile subscription or area code.

Call the emergency number if you encounter a situation where you need urgent assistance from authorities or if you suspect that someone’s life, health, property, or the environment is in immediate danger. The emergency number also provides service in English.

112 Suomi application

112 Suomi app is the official application of the Finnish Emergency Response Centre Agency. We highly recommend installing the app for tourists as well. You can download it from your phone’s app store.

When you call the emergency number using the app, the emergency dispatcher automatically receives your location information, so you don’t need to know your exact location. Additionally, the app provides a wealth of information for various situations.

The app is available in English. You can read more about the app from here.

Driving a car

If you have a rental car or your own car, drive carefully and always be aware of your surroundings. Our traffic rules are well-known and do not differ significantly from European standards.

Be extra careful when driving in winter or in the dark. Although in winter you must use special winter tires, the roads may still be slippery and dangerous. There may also be animals, such as moose, on the road.

It is illegal to drink and drive. The blood-alcohol limit here is 0.05%.

Need more information about arriving, transportation and driving in Mäntyharju? – check this out.

Water

Tap water is safe to drink in Finland, and it is much cleaner than bottled water. In Mäntyharju, the water is usually clean and good-tasting. If you plan to go to Repovesi National Park, for example, the wells have clean drinking water.

Swimming and bathing in the lakes is also allowed and safe, but we kindly ask you not to let any washing products enter the natural environment.

Small Talk and Language Barrier

Finns don’t usually engage in small talk, and foreigners may find this a little awkward. However, when you ask something, we are happy to help.

Many of us speak English very well, and most services are available in English too. It is common for older people not to be as proficient in English, but it is always worth trying.

Finns are problem solvers, and the language barrier is not usually an issue. We usually find a way to help, even when we don’t share a common language.

More information

Want to learn more? Check out the official Visit Finland website (available in multiple languages).