βοΈ 15 mistakes tourists make in Finland in winter: clothing, transport, ice, money
Winter in Finland without rose-tinted glasses
If you want to understand how to actually survive the Finnish winter of 2025β2026 and not go broke on "must-do" activities, this text is for you. Finland in winter looks like a postcard: soft light, snowdrifts, steam from your mouth, the northern lights. But between a beautiful picture and a comfortable trip lies a chasm of very mundane mistakes.
Some arrive in Helsinki in a fashionable coat and trainers and within a day are looking for somewhere to buy woollen socks. Others plan to visit three cities and Lapland in five days, and then spend half their holiday on trains and changing trains. Others bravely walk along the shiny pavement β and get acquainted with Finnish emergency rooms.
In this article, you will learn:
β why it feels colder at β3 Β°C on the coast than at β20 Β°C in Lapland;
β how to dress in layers so that you don't freeze or turn into a sauna;
β how to avoid falling on the ice and turning your holiday into a marathon of hospital visits;
β how to plan transport, accommodation and activities so that your budget doesn't go down the drain;
β What are the 15 mistakes that tourists and newcomers make in Finland in winter?
Finland is honest: if you prepare yourself, winter here is all about peace, light and a very healthy holiday. If not, it's all about wet jeans and a negative balance in your bank account.
What kind of winter really awaits you in Finland
The first thing that breaks expectations is that the temperature on the thermometer β how it feels outside. Southern Finland (Helsinki, Turku) is more humid and windy, so β3...β5 Β°C by the sea easily feels like β15 Β°C. In JanuaryβFebruary, the average daytime temperatures in the Helsinki area are around β1...β5 Β°C, and at night they drop to β5...β10 Β°C, with the sky covered by clouds 70β75% of the time.
In the centre and north, it's a different story: the frost is stronger, but the air is drier. In February, the average temperature in Rovaniemi was around β14 Β°C, in Tampere around β8 Β°C, and in Turku and Helsinki ( ) around β6...β7 Β°C. At the same time, Lapland is more often covered in stable snow than slush with wind in your face.
Another important factor is light. In December, the sun is above the horizon for only a few hours in Helsinki, about four hours in Rovaniemi, and there may be polar night beyond the Arctic Circle. By February, the days are noticeably longer, but dark evenings and morning twilight still take up most of the day.
To avoid surprises, keep this simple image in mind:
The further north and away from the sea, the colder it is, but the easier it is to dress "correctly": dry sub-zero temperatures are easier to tolerate than damp zero degrees with wind. The first group of mistakes is based on this contrast.
Clothing mistakes: how to freeze at β5 and overheat at β20
Mistake 1. Arriving in Finland in a "thick fashionable jacket" without layers
The classic: a thick down jacket, jeans, a thick cotton jumper β and that's it. In dry frost, this may still work, but in coastal humidity, clothing quickly absorbs moisture, and in the wind, it just gets cold.
The Finnish logic is simple: layers that can be adjusted. Thin thermal underwear or a wool base layer, a fleece or light down jacket, and a windproof and waterproof jacket and trousers on top. The official recommendations for winter clothing in Finland are exactly that: a base layer (preferably wool), a warm second layer, and a windproof third layer.
If you're wondering how to dress for winter in Finland, remember the formula: thin + warm + dry, not "one huge down jacket".
- Wool or synthetic thermal underwear (no cotton).
- Fleece jacket or light down jacket.
- Windproof and waterproof outer jacket and trousers.
- Hat, buff or scarf, mittens over thin gloves.
Mistake 2. Focusing only on temperature, not wind and humidity
"The forecast is only -2 Β°C, so it will be warm" β this is what every other tourist thinks. But +humidity, +wind, +waiting for the bus β feels like a deep minus. Especially if you are walking by the sea in Helsinki or Turku.
Humidity and wind are your worst enemies. Even airlines and Finnish services emphasise that tourists often underestimate the "wet" cold, rather than the numbers in the forecast.
Mistake 3. Saving money on hats, mittens and reflectors
How many people walk around winter Finland in the perfect down jacket... but without a proper hat? Your head, neck and hands are the first to suffer from the wind. Finns consider hats and mittens as essential as house keys.
Reflectors are a separate issue. It is dark for a long time in winter, and drivers are used to pedestrians, but a reflector on a jacket or backpack is a real safety feature, not a souvenir.
Mistakes with footwear, ice and falls
Mistake 4. Coming to Finland in trainers or "fashionable" shoes without treads
Winter in Finland means not only snow, but also ice underfoot. Even in Helsinki, where the roads are sprinkled with sand, there are days when the pavements turn into skating rinks. Studies show that in winter in Finland, one in three adults falls on ice at least once per season, and injuries from falls are one of the most common reasons for seeking medical attention.
Footwear should be:
β warm (with room for wool socks);
β have a textured sole (cube or herringbone pattern, not a smooth sole);
β if possible, with the option of attaching studs.
Mistake 5. No spikes, "I'll walk carefully"
Ice cleats, studded soles, cleats β a local must-have, not "for grannies". Even official tourist services in Lapland advise wearing spikes on the slipperiest days.
If you are wondering how to walk on ice in Finland, remember: spikes + short steps + no rushing. Serious fractures here are sustained by those who "can walk normally on snow anyway".
Going outside in shiny trainers with "thick soles" or Chelsea boots without treads. On clean ice, traction is almost zero.
Mistake 6. Walking on ice "as if on asphalt"
Even in good boots, you can slip if you move as usual. Finnish life hack:
β walk a little slower and take shorter steps
β shift your centre of gravity slightly forward,
β choose snow and sand rather than shiny ice patches,
β avoid metal manhole covers and painted crossings β they are particularly slippery.
"During my first winter in Tampere, I took a chance and fell on the ice twice. The second time, I bought studs for β¬15 β and in three years, I haven't fallen once. It's the best winter purchase I've ever made."
Transport and logistics issues
Finland's infrastructure is really strong: trains run even when it snows, roads are cleared, and buses are adapted for sub-zero temperatures. But that doesn't mean you can live without a backup plan.
Mistake 7. Planning tight connections in winter
A classic scenario: a flight to Rovaniemi at 14:10, a northern lights tour at 18:00, and a bus transfer. Any flight delay or short queue for baggage can ruin the first big impression of the season with stress.
Even the official recommendations for winter transport in Lapland advise allowing a buffer of at least 1β2 hours and not scheduling critical events immediately after a long journey.
Mistake 8. Renting a car in Lapland without winter driving experience
Winter roads in Finland are not only covered in snow, but also feature
β "skating rinks" on small local roads that are not cleared as often;
β moose and deer crossing the road;
β fog and snow dust from oncoming trucks.
β darkness: outside the city, lighting is minimal.
Local groups in Lapland constantly repeat: not all roads are ploughed regularly, and some are not maintained at all in winter. If you have no experience of driving on ice and in the dark, it is better to choose a train, bus or organised transfer. Winter driving in Finland is a separate skill, not just a matter of being more careful.
Mistake 9. Trying to pack three cities and Lapland into 5β6 days
"Two days in Helsinki, two days in Rovaniemi, then Turku, and then Tallinn" β typical enthusiasm for a first trip. In practice, it turns out that half of your holiday is spent on taxis β trains β buses β check-ins β more taxis.
A much more relaxed plan is:
β 3β4 days in one city (Helsinki or Lapland),
β a maximum of one "additional" stop,
β and a separate day for travel.
Mistakes with budget and prices
Finland is a country where one innocent "let's order a taxi to the slopes" can easily add β¬40-60 to your daily budget.
Mistake 10. Not reading what is included in the price of tours and activities
Huskies, snowmobiles, "aurora hunting" β all of these look like the same product, but the details are very different. Some tours include warm overalls, shoes and food, while others only include transport and a guide, and you have to pay for the rest separately.
Tourists often think they are "saving money" by choosing the cheapest option, but then end up paying extra for equipment rental, a photographer, hot soup, etc. In the end, it works out more expensive than buying a full package from the outset.
Mistake 11. Saving on insurance and medical care
Falls on ice, frostbite, and injuries on the slopes are a reality, not a horror story. Studies show that warnings about icy conditions and proper preparation can significantly reduce the number of injuries, but they do not completely eliminate the risk.
Insurance for winter sports, evacuation from the slopes and basic medical coverage are a must-have item in your budget.
Mistake 12. Only considering tickets and accommodation, forgetting about the "little things"
Coffee and a bun in Helsinki, dinner out, a couple of taxi rides, a ticket to the sauna, skate rental, souvenirs β all of this can easily add up to another β¬30-60 per day. If you don't factor these expenses into your plan, the final bill may come as an unpleasant surprise.
It is useful to have at least a general understanding of the cost of living in Finland: food, transport and cafΓ©s are significantly more expensive than the European average.
Mistakes with accommodation and location
Mistake 13. Choosing accommodation based on pictures rather than location
"A cottage in Lapland in the forest, with a jacuzzi and panoramic windows" sounds wonderful. Until you realise that the nearest bus stop is 3 km away, up a hill covered in packed snow, and the return journey is in the dark.
In winter, it's not just how the house looks that matters, but also:
β how many minutes it takes to get to the bus stop/centre;
β whether there is a lit path;
β how realistic it is to walk there in sub-zero temperatures and on icy roads;
β whether there is a drying room and where to store wet clothes.
There are also nuances in cities. If you have just arrived, where to live in Finland at the start is not only a "nice neighbourhood", but also accessibility to transport and shops in winter.
Open the property on the map, turn on pedestrian mode and check the distance to the nearest supermarket and bus stop. In winter, a "10-minute walk" on ice feels like 25 minutes.
Mistakes with activities, expectations and hopes
Mistake 14. Believing that the Northern Lights are "guaranteed"
Favourite marketing: "guaranteed Northern Lights", "almost every night". In practice, everything depends on the weather: cloud cover, fog, snow. Even with high activity, the sky may be overcast. Statistics for Finland are as follows: in winter, Lapland does have many clear nights, but far from 100%, and there are more clouds on the coast.
If you have 1-2 nights in Lapland, the aurora is a nice bonus, not a guaranteed attraction. A realistic plan is 4-5 nights, a willingness to shift your activities and watch the forecasts not only for flashes but also for clouds.
Mistake 15. Too busy schedule
"Huskies in the afternoon, the Northern Lights in the evening, snowmobiles tomorrow, Santa Park the day after tomorrow" β and so on every day. On the third day, the children (and adults) give up, and the body begins to take revenge with colds.
It is better to give yourself some "soft days" without heavy tourism: walks in the forest, sauna, local cafΓ©, free museum. This does not make the trip less eventful, but it greatly reduces the risk of burnout and hypothermia.
How to dress in Finland in winter, how to walk on ice in Finland, winter driving in Finland, and choosing where to live in Finland at the start are four big topics that determine whether your winter will be about freedom or survival.
Winter in Finland without mistakes: what to remember
Finland in winter is not an attraction for extreme sports enthusiasts, but a normally functioning country where people go to work, shops and the sauna every day, regardless of the temperature. Considering the local realities β humidity, ice, short days, the price of an hour of activity β a holiday here is surprisingly mild.
Key points:
β Dress in layers and staying dry is more important than the thickness of your jacket.
β shoes and studs are your new best friends;
β Plan your transport with a winter buffer, not a summer one.
β Calculate your budget for food, transport and activities soberly.
β Choose accommodation based on logistics, not just interior design.
β Don't turn your week into a list of "things to get done."
Then snow, saunas, the northern lights and long dark evenings will not be stressful, but will bring that northern cosiness that draws people to the 60th parallel.
If this article has helped you get your plans in order, share it with those who are going to Finland in winter β tourists, students, new residents. Write your "winter fails" and discoveries in the comments: what you weren't prepared for, what worked perfectly, what life hacks have become your rituals over time. We will definitely include the most useful stories in future updates.
FAQ
Don't take "the warmest jacket" you have, take three layers: thermal underwear, a fleece/light down jacket and a windproof jacket. For your lower body, wear warm tights or thermal trousers under regular trousers or ski pants. A hat, mittens, a buff and one set of really warm socks are essential. You can buy the rest locally if you realise you are missing something.
The best option is insulated, waterproof boots with a pronounced tread, which can accommodate thick socks and still have some air space. Trainers, Chelsea boots and boots with smooth soles are a recipe for falls. Studded soles are inexpensive, take up almost no space and greatly reduce the risk of injury.
Yes, especially if you have a transfer or a scheduled tour. Trains and buses are generally reliable, but snowfall, ice and minor delays do happen. In winter, it is wise to add 60-90 minutes to important connections: plane β train, train β tour, tour β night train.
If you have never driven on ice and in the dark outside the city, it is better to choose public transport and transfers. In Lapland, there are sections of road that are not cleared as often, plus there are reindeer and moose on the road, blizzards and snow dust. A car makes sense if you feel confident driving in winter and know what you are doing.
Prices vary greatly depending on the region and the length of the programme, but on average, expect to pay hundreds of euros for a family day of activities. Husky and snowmobile tours in Lapland are particularly expensive. It is important to check what is included in the price: transfers, equipment, food, photos. Sometimes a slightly more expensive tour turns out to be better value than a 'bare bones' option with additional charges.
Look not only at the interior, but also at the map: the distance to the bus stop, the centre, the nearest shop. In winter, 1.5 km on ice and in the dark feels very different from 1.5 km on dry asphalt in summer. Look for phrases like "ski-in/ski-out" or mentions of a bus stop near the house β this really saves both time and money on taxis.
Ideally, 4-5 nights: then you have a reserve for cloudy days and snowfall. With 1-2 nights, it's more of a lottery than a plan. Check the cloud and activity forecast regularly, but stay calm: Lapland is beautiful even without the aurora, and your holiday shouldn't depend on just one phenomenon.
It depends on the weather. During snowy but thaw-free periods, it is relatively comfortable to walk around, as the pavements are sprinkled with sand. However, when thaws and frosts alternate, the pavements can turn into ice rinks. On such days, studded shoes, careful walking and choosing routes on snow rather than smooth ice are particularly helpful.
Yes, but a sauna is not a tourist attraction, it is a working tool for recovery. After a day in the cold, 15-20 minutes in a sauna with plenty of water and tea can work wonders for the quality of your sleep and your mood. If you are shy about public saunas, choose an apartment with its own sauna β this is very Finnish.
Everyone has their own criteria, but February and March are most often mentioned: there is already more light, the snow is still on the ground, there are many clear days in Lapland, and there is less slush in Helsinki than at the beginning of winter. January is colder and darker, but with emptier streets and fewer tourists. December is all about lights and holidays, but not always about perfect snow.
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