🐕Finland with a dog: entry rules and dog-friendly places

Finland is a place where you can travel with your dog and have a plan for everything: clean parks, soft forest trails, spacious embankments, neat beaches and lots of places where dogs are welcome. Here, the dog-friendly culture isn't just for show — it's relaxed, natural and well thought out.

To make sure your trip is stress-free, make sure you've got all your documents in order, know the entry rules, and find out where you can take your dog in different cities.

Basic entry requirements: it's easy if you do it in advance

Finland does not complicate entry with animals — but several mandatory points must be fulfilled accurately and on time.

1. Microchip of the international ISO standard

It must be installed before the rabies vaccination.

2. Rabies vaccination

Mandatory.
If this is the first vaccination, 21 days must pass.

3. Animal passport (EU Pet Passport) or international veterinary certificate

If you are travelling outside the EU, you will need a certificate.
If you are travelling within the EU, a European passport is sufficient.

4. Treatment for Echinococcus multilocularis

The most important rule for Finland.
Deadline: 120–24 hours before entry.
The stamp is applied by a veterinarian.

👉 Without this tablet, Finland reserves the right to refuse entry to the dog or send it for a re-examination.

Flights, trains and buses: what Finland accepts

Airplanes

— dogs weighing up to 7–8 kg usually fly in the cabin,
— large dogs — only in the luggage compartment;
— Carrying requirements — strictly according to airline rules.

Trains

VR (Finnish Railways) has separate pet-friendly carriages.
They are more spacious, quieter and more comfortable.

Buses

Most intercity buses allow dogs — but it's worth asking in advance: "Onko koira ok?"

Where to walk: the best places in Helsinki, Turku, Tampere and Oulu

Finland is a master at creating spaces where dogs can walk calmly, for long periods and without fuss.

Helsinki: the sea, parks, forests and long promenades

Kaivopuisto
A large park on the hills near the sea. Space, views, silence.

Töölönlahti
The route around the lake is ideal for calm dogs and puppies.

Mustikkamaa koiraranta
Official dog beach: swimming, running, sandy area.

Herttoniemi forest trails
Nature trails without excessive exertion.

Turku: old town + walks along the river

Aurajoki riverside
A route along the water with flat paths and plenty of places to stop.

Kupittaanpuisto
A mega park, a favourite among locals. Long distances, lots of smells and trees.

Ruissalo Island
Pines, beaches, long trails — a paradise for dogs.

Tampere: industrial spirit and forest at your fingertips

Pyynikki Ridge
Coniferous trails, soft soil, shady routes.

Kauppi outdoor area
A large forest area: people come here for a "long walk".

Hatanpää Arboretum
Lake + alleys, ideal evening route.

Oulu: northern expanse and sea breeze

Nallikari Beach
A wide sandy beach — pleasant at any time of year.

City trails system
City trails, ideal for a 5–10 kilometre walk.

Dog parks (koira-aitaus)
Enclosed areas for dogs to run freely.

Cafés and restaurants: where dogs are truly welcome

Dog-friendly places are everywhere in Finland, especially in Helsinki and Turku.

What to look for:

● water bowls at the entrance,

● dog-friendly signs on doors,

● separate tables outside,

● whether the staff are relaxed when asked "Onko koira ok?"

Most often, dogs are allowed:

● small local coffee shops,

● bakeries,

● on summer terraces,

● cafés by the water,

● in coffee shops in Kallio, Punavuori, Ullanlinna (Helsinki).

Rules for leashes, swimming and behaviour in nature

Finland is a country that respects nature, and this also applies to dogs.

Leash

In the city — almost always mandatory.
Without a leash, you can only walk your dog in special areas.

Nuance

In the countryside, many people let their dogs off the leash if:
— there are no wild animals nearby,
— the dog is well-behaved,
— it is not a nature reserve with restrictions.

Swimming

Official beaches for dogs are marked as koirarantа.
The most famous ones are:

● Helsinki: Mustikkamaa, Tammisalo

● Turku: Ruissalo

● Oulu: separate sections at Nallikari

Weekend routes with your dog (ready-made itineraries)

A gentle day in the city

Helsinki: Kaivopuisto → Café Regatta (water for dogs + sea view) → walk by the water.

Active nature day

Tampere: Kauppi → forest trails → viewpoint overlooking the lake.

City + island route

Turku: city centre → Aurajoki → Ruissalo → beach.

North wind

Oulu: Nallikari → city trails → evening by the water.

Trip preparation table

Finland is a place where travelling with a dog is not a challenge, but a pleasure thanks to the infrastructure: trails, beaches, cafés, neat urban areas and the respectful attitude of the locals.

If you prepare the documents, follow simple rules and choose routes that suit your dog's temperament, your weekend or holiday will be peaceful, beautiful and very northern.

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