Finland, a land of a thousand lakes, stunning natural beauty, and vibrant culture, is a destination that may seem out of reach for broke backpackers. But fear not, fellow nomads! With its affordable accommodation options, delicious and affordable food, and free or low-cost attractions, Finland is a country that can be explored on a broke budget.
As a broke backpacker, you’re likely looking for a destination that offers a unique and affordable travel experience. Finland fits the bill perfectly. From the stunning natural beauty of Lapland to the vibrant streets of Helsinki, Finland is a country that is waiting to be explored.
In this guide, we’ll take you on a journey through the best of Finland, from the must-visit destinations to the off-the-beaten-path gems. We’ll show you how to explore Finland on a budget, from finding affordable accommodation to eating delicious and affordable food. Whether you’re a seasoned backpacker or just starting out, this guide is perfect for anyone looking to experience the beauty and culture of Finland without breaking the bank.
So why wait? Let’s start our journey through Finland and discover the beauty and wonder of this incredible country.
Mushrooms at the aurora borealis was one of the most insane experience’s of my life and a must try for all.
when to go:
Spring (March to May)
- Pros:
- Fewer tourists
- Lower prices
- Beautiful blooming nature
- Cons:
- Can be chilly
- Some attractions may be closed
Summer (June to August)
- Pros:
- Warm weather
- Long days
- Festivals and events
- Cons:
- Peak tourist season
- Higher prices
- Mosquitoes and bugs
Autumn (September to November)
- Pros:
- Mild weather
- Beautiful fall foliage
- Fewer tourists
- Cons:
- Can be rainy
- Some attractions may be closed
Winter (December to February)
- Pros:
- Unique winter landscapes
- Northern Lights
- Skiing and snowboarding
- Cons:
- Extremely cold
- Short days
- Some attractions may be closed
Best Time to Visit Finland
The best time to visit Finland depends on your preferences. If you want to experience the unique winter landscapes and Northern Lights, winter is the best time. If you prefer milder weather and fewer tourists, spring or autumn may be the best option. If you’re looking for festivals and events, summer is the way to go.
best Itineraries:
1 Week Route
- Day 1-2: Helsinki
- Explore the vibrant streets of Helsinki, visit the Senate Square, and enjoy the city’s nightlife.
- Day 3-4: Turku
- Visit the medieval Turku Castle, explore the charming old town, and enjoy the city’s cultural attractions.
- Day 5-7: Lapland
- Experience the unique winter landscapes of Lapland, see the Northern Lights, and enjoy outdoor activities like skiing and snowboarding.
2 Weeks Route
- Day 1-3: Helsinki
- Explore the vibrant streets of Helsinki, visit the Senate Square, and enjoy the city’s nightlife.
- Day 4-6: Turku
- Visit the medieval Turku Castle, explore the charming old town, and enjoy the city’s cultural attractions.
- Day 7-10: Tampere
- Visit the Tampere Cathedral, explore the charming old town, and enjoy the city’s cultural attractions.
- Day 11-14: Lapland
- Experience the unique winter landscapes of Lapland, see the Northern Lights, and enjoy outdoor activities like skiing and snowboarding.
3 Weeks Route
- Week 1: Helsinki, Turku, and Tampere
- Explore the vibrant streets of Helsinki, visit the medieval Turku Castle, and enjoy the cultural attractions of Tampere.
- Week 2: Jyväskylä and Kuopio
- Visit the Jyväskylä Cathedral, explore the charming old town of Kuopio, and enjoy the natural beauty of the Finnish lakes.
- Week 3: Lapland
- Experience the unique winter landscapes of Lapland, see the Northern Lights, and enjoy outdoor activities like skiing and snowboarding.
1 Month Route
- Week 1: Helsinki and Turku
- Explore the vibrant streets of Helsinki and Turku, visit the Senate Square and Turku Castle, and enjoy the cities’ nightlife.
- Week 2: Tampere and Jyväskylä
- Visit the Tampere Cathedral and Jyväskylä Cathedral, explore the charming old towns, and enjoy the cities’ cultural attractions.
- Week 3: Kuopio and Lapland
- Explore the charming old town of Kuopio, experience the unique winter landscapes of Lapland, and enjoy outdoor activities like skiing and snowboarding.
- Week 4: Oulu and Rovaniemi
- Visit the Oulu Cathedral, explore the charming old town of Rovaniemi, and enjoy the natural beauty of the Finnish lakes and forests.
Transportation:
Public Transportation
- Buses: Finland’s bus network is extensive and affordable. You can buy tickets on the bus or at a kiosk.
- Trains: Finland’s train network is efficient and comfortable. You can buy tickets online or at the train station.
- Metro: Helsinki has a metro system that is easy to use and affordable.
Hitchhiking
- Hitchhiking is a popular way to get around Finland, especially in rural areas.
- Make sure to stand in a safe location and follow local guidelines.
- Hitchhiking is free, but be prepared to wait.
- Check out hitchwiki.org for guides to hitchhiking in every country.
Tips and Tricks
- Buy a student card (even if you’re not a student) for discounts on public transportation.
- Use the Finland bus pass for unlimited travel.
- Hitchhike with a friend for safety.
- Download the Hitchhiking app for Finland.
accommodations:
Couch Surfing in Finland
Couch surfing is a popular way to stay for free in Finland, especially among backpackers and budget travelers. Here’s how to get started:
- Sign up for (couchsurfing.com) and create a profile
- Search for hosts in Finland and send personalized requests
- Be respectful, considerate, and open-minded
Budget-Friendly Accommodations in Finland
- Hostels: Starting from €20-€30 per night, hostels offer dorms and private rooms. Popular options include:
- Helsinki: Eurohostel, Omena Hotel
- Lapland: Lapland Hotel Rovaniemi
- Budget Hotels: From €40-€60 per night, budget hotels provide basic comfort:
- Helsinki: Hotel F6, Anna Hotel
- Turku: Hotel Harriet, Turku Azur
- Guesthouses and B&Bs: Cozy options from €30-€50 per night:
- Helsinki: Guesthouse Helsinki, B&B Helsinki
- Tampere: Guesthouse Tampere, B&B Tampere
- Camping: Pitch a tent or rent a cabin from €10-€30 per night:
- Helsinki: Rastila Camping, Oittaa Camping
- Lapland: Rovaniemi Camping, Saariselka Camping
- Airbnb: Apartments and rooms from €25-€40 per night:
- Helsinki: Shared apartments, private rooms
- Other cities: Look for affordable options in Turku, Tampere, and Oulu
Food:
Traditional Finnish Food on a Budget
- Karjalanpiirakka (Karelian Pasties): Flaky pastry filled with rice, potatoes, and sometimes meat or fish. Try them at a local market or bakery for €2-€3.
- Salmiakki (Salty Licorice): A Finnish favorite, salty licorice is a must-try. Find it at any convenience store for €1-€2.
- Hernekeitto (Pea Soup): A hearty, comforting soup made with peas, pork, and vegetables. Enjoy a bowl at a local café for €5-€7.
- Kalakukko (Fish Pie): A traditional pastry filled with fish, potatoes, and onions. Find it at a market or bakery for €3-€5.
Modern Twists on Finnish Classics
- Street Food: Helsinki’s Street Food Market offers affordable options like burgers, falafel, and Vietnamese food for €5-€10.
- Food Trucks: Many Finnish cities have food trucks serving everything from gourmet grilled cheese to Korean BBQ for €5-€10.
- Budget-Friendly Cafes: Look for cafes with daily lunch specials (lounas) for €5-€10, often including a main course, salad, and coffee.
Grocery Shopping on a Budget
- Discount Stores: Visit discount stores like Lidl, Aldi, or Sale for affordable staples like bread, cheese, and eggs.
- Market Halls: Many Finnish cities have market halls with fresh produce, meats, and dairy products at competitive prices.
Tips and Tricks
- Try traditional Finnish food at local markets or bakeries for the best prices
- Look for lunch specials (lounas) at cafes and restaurants
- Buy snacks and staples at discount stores or market halls
- Don’t be afraid to try new things – Finnish food is a surprise!
Top things to do:
Nature Escapes
- Hike in Nuuksio National Park: Just outside Helsinki, explore stunning forests and lakes for free.
- Visit the Finnish Lakeland: Enjoy breathtaking lake views and scenic hiking trails in the Savo region.
- Explore Oulu’s Nature Reserves: Discover the beauty of northern Finland’s forests and wetlands.
- Lapland’s Wilderness: Experience the vast, untouched nature of Finland’s far north.
- Repovesi National Park: Hike and rock climb in this beautiful park near Helsinki.
- Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park: Marvel at the stunning scenery and hiking trails in Lapland.
- Koli National Park: Hike and enjoy the scenic views of Lake Pielinen.
Cultural Experiences
- Helsinki’s Free Museums: Visit the National Museum, Ateneum Art Museum, and Design Museum on free admission days.
- Temppeliaukio Church: Marvel at this unique church built into solid rock in Helsinki.
- Turku’s Medieval Castle: Explore Finland’s largest medieval castle for a small fee.
- Tampere’s Lenin Museum: Learn about the life and legacy of Vladimir Lenin in this quirky museum.
- The Moomin Museum: Discover the beloved Finnish characters in Tampere.
- The National Museum of Finland: Explore Finnish history and culture in Helsinki.
- The Helsinki City Museum: Learn about the history of Helsinki in this free museum.
Urban Delights
- Helsinki’s Street Art: Discover vibrant murals and graffiti in the Kallio neighborhood.
- Tampere’s Markets: Visit the Tampere Market Hall and Pyynikki Market for affordable food and shopping.
- Oulu’s Rotuaari: Stroll along this lively pedestrian street lined with shops, cafes, and street performers.
- Turku’s Old Town: Explore the charming streets and shops of Turku’s historic center.
- Helsinki’s Esplanade: Stroll along this picturesque park in the heart of Helsinki.
- Tampere’s Pispala: Visit this charming neighborhood with its own unique culture and charm.
- Oulu’s Nallikari: Enjoy the beach and scenic views of the Gulf of Bothnia.
Nightlife:
As a broke backpacker with no money, I thought Finland’s nightlife would be off-limits. But, I was determined to experience the country’s vibrant party scene without breaking the bank. Here’s my story of how I survived – and thrived – in Finland’s nightlife with a pretty fuckin empty wallet.
Helsinki’s Hidden Gems
My journey began in Helsinki, where I stumbled upon a hidden underground bar, Siltanen, offering affordable drinks and live music. I met fellow travelers and locals alike, dancing the night away to indie rock and folk tunes.
Next, I discovered Kuudes Linja, a trendy bar with a relaxed atmosphere and reasonable prices. I sipped on a pint of Finnish beer, enjoying the eclectic decor and lively chatter.
Tampere’s Student Scene
In Tampere, I immersed myself in the student nightlife, exploring the Pispala neighborhood. Pispalan Pulteri, a cozy pub, offered cheap drinks and a warm atmosphere, perfect for meeting new friends.
Oulu’s Alternative Scene
Oulu surprised me with its thriving alternative nightlife. 45 Special, a punk rock bar, became my go-to spot for affordable drinks and live music. I even stumbled upon a secret DIY venue, Kaarlenholvi, hosting underground gigs and art events.
Lapland’s Wilderness Parties
In Lapland, I experienced the ultimate wilderness party at Tundra Festival, a free outdoor festival with electronic music and stunning natural surroundings.
Tips and Tricks
- Look for student bars and pubs for affordable prices
- Ask locals for hidden gems and underground events
- Take advantage of happy hour deals and discounts
- Join Facebook groups for event listings and updates
- Embrace the Finnish concept of “sisu” (perseverance) and be prepared for unpredictable adventures!
Backapcking finland costs:
Accommodation:
- Hostels: €15-€30 per night (€10-€20 in smaller towns)
- Couchsurfing: Free (with a willingness to make new friends)
- Camping: €5-€10 per night (with your own gear)
Food:
- Market halls: €3-€5 for a filling meal
- Supermarkets: €2-€3 for a sandwich and snacks
- Street food: €5-€7 for a delicious treat
Transportation:
- Buses: €3-€10 for short distances (€20-€50 for longer routes)
- Trains: €10-€30 for short distances (€30-€60 for longer routes)
- Hitchhiking: Free (with a willingness to make new friends)
Attractions:
- National parks: Free or €5-€10 for parking
- Museums: €5-€10 (many offer free admission on certain days)
- Hiking trails: Free and abundant
Budget Breakdown:
- Daily budget: €20-€30
- Weekly budget: €140-€210
- Monthly budget: €560-€840
Tips and Tricks:
- Cook your own meals
- Avoid touristy areas
- Use public transportation
- Take advantage of free attractions
- Make new friends (and couchsurf)
Conclusion:
As I stand on the edge of Finland, gazing out at the vast expanse of wilderness, I feel like a Viking warrior ready to conquer the world! Finland, you have been a wild ride, a land of untamed beauty, quirky charm, and unbridled adventure.
From the moment I arrived, I knew that this journey would be different. The midnight sun burned bright in my eyes, the Northern Lights danced across the sky, and the forests whispered secrets in my ear.
I hiked through treacherous terrain, forded raging rivers, and climbed towering mountains. I danced with the Finns, sang with the Swedes, and drank with the Russians. I tasted the sweet nectar of salmiakki, the salty delight of karjalanpiirakka, and the rich flavor of korvapuusti.
Finland, you have tested my limits, pushed me to the edge, and made me laugh, cry, and scream with joy. You have shown me that even in the darkest of winters, there is always a spark of light, a glimmer of hope, and a warmth that can only be found in the sauna.
To all the fellow broke backpackers out there, I say: don’t be afraid to take the leap, to embrace the unknown, and to chase the adventure. Finland may be a land of extremes, but it is also a land of wonder, a land of magic, and a land that will leave you breathless and begging for more.
Kiitos, Finland, for the adventure of a lifetime. May your lakes shine bright, your forests remain wild, and your people always welcome the weary traveler with a warm smile, a cold beer, and a hearty “cheers”!
Lähde (farewell), Finland. Until next time, when I’ll return to conquer the wilderness, to dance with the Finns, and to drink all the coffee!