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    What time zone is Finland in?

    Time zones and clock changes in Finland.

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    Short answer

    Finland is in the Eastern European Time zone, UTC+2 in winter. In summer it uses Eastern European Summer Time, UTC+3. The Ministry of Transport and Communications explains that Finland has observed summer and normal time permanently since 1981, and clocks change on the last Sunday of March and October in all EU countries at the same moment. Sweden and Norway use Central European Time, so they are one hour behind Finland.

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    Why

    1. The ministry says Finland has used summer time permanently since 1981.
    2. The ministry says clocks change in all EU countries at the same moment.
    3. Time.is lists Eastern European Time as UTC+2 and summer time as UTC+3.

    Details

    At the Tornio–Haparanda border you change time zone when you cross into Sweden.

    Tip

    Check the time difference when you book a ferry to Stockholm or a flight to Central Europe.

    What may differ

    The EU is studying whether to end clock changes. The rules may change in future.

    Common misconception

    Finland has the same time as Sweden.

    What actually happens

    Finland is one hour ahead of Sweden all year.

    People also ask

    • When do clocks change in Finland?
    • How many hours of daylight in Helsinki in winter?
    • Is there a train from Finland to Sweden?

    Sources

    This answer is for reference only. Opening hours, prices and services change, so check the official sources before you go.

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