What languages are spoken in Finland?
Short answer: Finland’s national languages are Finnish and Swedish. Three Sámi languages are also spoken in Finland: Northern Sámi, Inari Sámi and Skolt Sámi. English can be useful as a shared language, but it is not a national language. Information on language status checked on 11 November 2026.
National language does not mean everyone’s first language
A national language has a particular position in society. That does not tell you which language every resident uses at home. People may use several languages in daily life. A bilingual country does not mean that every resident speaks both national languages.
The Institute for the Languages of Finland explains the constitutional status of Finnish and Swedish. Visitors should distinguish this status from the languages offered by a particular hotel, restaurant or tour. Check the provider’s own information for your chosen service.
| Language | What a visitor should know |
|---|---|
| Finnish | One of the two national languages; Finnish place names appear on maps and signs |
| Swedish | The other national language; Helsinki is also called Helsingfors |
| Sámi languages | Three separate languages in Finland, rather than a single uniform language |
| English | A possible service language whose availability needs checking |
Swedish is part of Finland
Swedish in Finland is not simply the language of visitors from Sweden. Finland has Swedish-speaking communities, schools and services. InfoFinland’s introduction to Swedish also explains options for people planning to study or settle using Swedish.
Two versions of a place name do not necessarily identify two places. When booking accommodation, check the full street address and municipality together. Translating a name without checking the location can produce the wrong search result.
Sámi languages are not Finnish dialects
Northern Sámi, Inari Sámi and Skolt Sámi have their own written forms. Their speakers do not automatically understand each other. Kotus describes the Sámi homeland in Finland as Enontekiö, Inari, Utsjoki and the northern part of Sodankylä. Sámi speakers also live elsewhere.
For a tour in a Sámi language, ask which language the guide uses. A description mentioning Sámi culture does not by itself identify the language of the tour.
Choosing a language for your trip
Save booking confirmations and addresses in their original form. Confirm an English-language tour before paying for it. If you want to practise Finnish, try “Opettelen suomea. Voimmeko puhua hitaasti?” This means “I’m learning Finnish. Can we speak slowly?”
For the start of a conversation, see the guide to greetings. The Helsinki accommodation directory can help you find hotels; confirm service languages directly.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. They are Finnish and Swedish.
No. The availability of a service in English does not change that status.
You cannot infer an individual’s language skills from their nationality.
No. Northern Sámi, Inari Sámi and Skolt Sámi are spoken in Finland.
Yes. Helsingfors is the Swedish name for Helsinki.
Choose one in which you can understand safety instructions, and confirm it with the organiser before booking.
Official sources
Checked on 11 November 2026.
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