Everything you need to know about camping in Finland with a motorhome
If you are traveling with a motorhome or caravan, you can experience Finland with its stunning nature up close, as you truly are in the middle of the green, lush landscape. In this article, we would like to introduce you to important travel tips on how to get there, travel time, Finnish road traffic, and much more worth knowing about your camping trip in Finland.
1. Why is Finland such a great country for camping?
Finland is a very popular travel destination that attracts nature lovers and adventure lovers alike from all over the world to spend their camping holidays here. The reasons for this are as diverse as Finland itself, and we must say that every single argument is actually enough to pack your motorhome and drive off immediately. Let’s take a look at the most appreciated aspects of camping in Finland.
Nature and landscape
Finland is known for its stunning nature and untouched landscapes. The country offers numerous national parks, lakes, forests, and coastlines that create ideal conditions for an unforgettable camping trip. The vastness of the landscape and the silence of nature ensure that you can spend wonderful holidays here, surrounded by total calm and tranquility.
Freedom to roam
In Finland you can enjoy the “Freedom to roam” or “Right of Public Access”. In Finnish, this is referred to as “Jokamiehen oikeudet”, which translates into “Everyman’s right”. This law allows everyone to move freely in nature, to camp, and to pick berries, as long as you respect the environment and do no harm. This gives you a great sense of freedom in Finland and allows you to explore and camp at many beautiful places beyond the designated camping facilities. You’ll find out exactly what that means in a later section of this article.
Infrastructure for camping
Finland has a well-developed network of campsites and cabins. There are both simple campsites with basic facilities and well-equipped campsites with various amenities such as showers, kitchens, and saunas. This means that you can adapt your trip to your own personal preferences and have the freedom to choose. Finnish campsites are known for being well-maintained and providing a comfortable environment for you as a traveler.
In addition, Finland is perfect for road trips with a motorhome or campervan, as the roads are generally very good. The road network is well developed, with the main roads and motorways being immaculate and well-maintained.
Cleanliness and safety
Finland is a very clean country with clear water and fresh air. The Finns highly value their nature, and nature is certainly an important aspect of them being considered the happiest people in the world. Finland is also known for environmental protection and sustainable concepts that are constantly being developed and modernized. This also applies to campsites, where great green ideas are implemented.
Moreover, Finland is considered one of the safest travel destinations in the world, with a low crime rate, pleasant climate conditions during summer, and has so far been largely spared from natural disasters. The healthcare system is also well-developed and offers high-quality medical care.
Outdoor activities
This eastern Scandinavian country offers a variety of outdoor activities that camping travelers can enjoy to the fullest. These include hiking, fishing, boating, canoeing, wildlife viewing, swimming in the numerous lakes, and much more. The untouched nature gives you a range of alternatives through which you can experience the beauty of Finland with all your senses. All in all, many exciting adventures await.
2. The most important tips for your camping trip in Finland
To ensure a successful trip to Finland, we have put together a few general travel tips for you. Although some spontaneity can be nice, preparation is key for a successful camping holiday. In Finland, you’ll be met with things for which you can prepare in advance. Additionally, it would be a shame if you missed out on a typically Finnish experience. Here we go!
Always keep an eye on the weather forecast
The Finnish weather can be quite changeable, sometimes even within one travel day. Therefore, it’s important to be prepared for different weather conditions, such as packing appropriate clothing, especially for outdoor activities. For hikes, the layered look is generally the best option, as it allows you to shed warmer layers when the sun comes out and vice versa.
In addition, a rain jacket should always be in your backpack. You may not be able to use the umbrella if there are strong gusts of wind. If there is a thunderstorm warning, it is best to postpone your trip to the next day, when the weather often looks completely different.
Mosquito repellent
During the summer months, mosquitoes can become really annoying beasts in some regions of Finland. Thus, a mosquito net or a fly screen on the RV is a must, as is a mosquito repellent for the hikes, especially if you are near water or in forests. Did you know that mosquito repellent spray is now also available made from purely plant-based ingredients and that certain essential oils also protect against mosquitoes?
Experience sauna culture
As you might know, the sauna is an important part of Finnish culture. If you have the opportunity to visit a sauna, you should definitely do so. Some time in the sauna followed by a swim in the lake is an essential routine even on many Finnish campsites.
Watch the reindeer
Reindeer are a common sighting in Finland, especially in rural and northern regions. You should be careful when driving and pay attention to traffic signs that indicate reindeer. If you spot a herd next to the road, you should look out for a parking spot so that you can watch the cute animals upfront. Surprisingly, the reindeer rarely let cars bother them and they can get really close. Sit back and enjoy!
Northern lights and midnight sun
Travelling in the northern parts of Finland and crossing the Arctic Circle gives you the chance to see the mesmerizing northern lights (Aurora Borealis) from mid-September to early April. In summer, you can experience the midnight sun, which means that the sun never sets, not even at midnight. The further up north you go, the lighter it gets.
Tip
Tipping is not as common in Finland as it is in some other countries. However, it is accepted and given by many tourists, especially if the service is perceived as exceptionally good. If you want to tip, you can round up the bill or tip about 5-10% of the bill. You can hand the tip directly to the service staff or note it on the bill.
3. RV or tent?
Whether you want to camp with a motorhome/caravan or a tent in Finland does of course depend on your personal preferences, needs, and habits. The possibility of particularly close-to-nature experiences speaks in favor of a camping holiday with a tent. Generally speaking, with a tent, you can reach more remote places and go deeper into the Finnish wilderness. It allows you to experience the peace and quiet of nature more intensely.
With an RV, however, you are more flexible in terms of accommodation and mobility. When going with a mobile home you can explore different campsites and regions in less time, without having to worry about setting up a tent each time. In addition, a mobile home offers more comfort and amenities such as a kitchen, a bathroom, and more comfortable sleeping accommodations. You also have more storage space for gear and personal items. If you value comfort and convenience, a motorhome is definitely a better choice.
However, you don’t actually have to choose. How about traveling in an RV and also packing a tent for some wilderness adventures?
Good to know
When renting a motor home or caravan at MyCamper, you’re ready to start your camping trip in Finland.
4. How do you get to Finland by motorhome?
If you want to travel to Finland directly from home with your rented or your own mobile home, there are various options. Depending on where you come from, you can use different ferry connections to get to Finland, of which those going from Sweden and Germany are popular ones. It is also possible to travel via the Baltic States. Let’s take a closer look at some common routes to Finland.
From Germany directly to Finland
- Travemünde – Helsinki: This ferry connection is offered by Finnlines. The ferry departs from Travemünde and reaches Helsinki, the capital of Finland. The crossing usually takes around 29 hours.
- Kiel – Helsinki: This route is also served by Finnlines. The ferry starts in Kiel and reaches Helsinki in about 24 hours.
- Rostock – Hanko or Turku: Finnlines also offers ferry connections from Rostock in Germany to Hanko or Turku in Finland. Depending on the port of destination, the crossing takes about 22 to 29 hours.
From Germany via Sweden to Finland
- Sassnitz – Trelleborg – Turku: The shipping company TT-Line offers a ferry connection from Sassnitz (island of Rügen) to Trelleborg in Sweden. From there, you can go to Stockholm or Umeå, for example, and then continue by ferry. The travel time depends on your route.
- Travemünde – Trelleborg – Helsinki: Finnlines departs from Travemünde and travels to Trelleborg in Sweden. From there, the ferry continues the journey to Helsinki in Finland. Travel time is around 28 to 30 hours.
- Rostock – Trelleborg – Helsinki: The Finnlines ferry runs from Rostock in Germany to Trelleborg in Sweden and then continues the journey to Helsinki. The crossing time is normally around 27 to 30 hours.
Across the Baltic States to Finland
Here, you drive through Germany, Poland, Latvia, and Lithuania to Tallinn in Estonia. From there, there are various shipping companies, such as Viking Line, Eckerö Line, or Tallink, which take you to Helsinki in around 2.5 hours.
In general, we advise you to book the ferries in advance and check the schedules and prices with the relevant ferry companies, as they can vary depending on the season, day of the week, or time of the day. It’s also important to allow enough time for check-in and port clearance, especially on longer crossings.
Good to know
Note the applicable entry regulations for your mobile home and yourself in advance. You should find out about visa regulations, necessary documents, and any customs regulations. It is also important that you have all the necessary documents, insurance, and vehicle records with you.
5. When is the best time to travel?
When you’re planning your camping holiday in Finland, we definitely recommend the warmer seasons between May/June and September/October. In the very north of Finland, spring even extends into the month of June and you can see the first flowers and buds sprout and watch nature awaken more and more every day. At this point, summer has already arrived in southern Finland, which is known for its long days and mild temperatures with an average of 15 – 25 °C. At the same time, it’s not uncommon for it to get really hot as well, so don’t forget your bathing suit! Throughout the summer, the landscape shines with different shades of green, which is made possible thanks to the rainy days in between.
The relatively short but beautiful autumn in Finland begins in September. You have to experience the colors of the deciduous trees yourself, because words are not enough for this incredible spectrum! Although it is often said that summer is the best time to go camping in Finland (which we, yeah, basically just did), you should definitely consider autumn. An obvious plus is that you are traveling off-season. Does this mean that the campsites are closed and wild camping is the only option? No, most campsites are open until at least mid or late September, but it means fewer people. This tranquility in the remote nature is a real highlight of the off-season. Oh, and don’t forget the chance to see the northern lights in the autumn!
6. Great campsites and pitches in Finland
If you would like to spend your holidays on a campsite or are planning a road trip where you visit several sites, we have put together a small selection of particularly beautiful places with campsites.
Oulanka National Park
The Oulanka National Park offers you an impressive nature experience that you will not forget. Here, untouched wilderness, rushing rivers, and majestic mountains surround you, leaving you speechless and impressed by nature’s powers. You can explore all this on many different hiking trails that lead you through fascinating landscapes, including the well-known hiking trail “Karhunkierros”.
The campsite “Oulangan kansallispuiston leirintäalue” is located in the middle of the breathtaking nature of Oulanka National Park. It’s located on the banks of the Oulankajoki River and is surrounded by dense forests and impressive rock formations. You’ll park your mobile home between tall trees and you shouldn’t be surprised if some reindeer come by to say hi.
Address: Oulanga National Park campsite, Liikasenvaarantie 137, 93900 Kuusamo, Finland
Google Maps
Website: Oulanga National Park campsite
Hanko
Very close to Helsinki is Hanko, the southernmost city of Finland. Surrounded by the Baltic Sea, the city is known for its beautiful beaches, coastal landscapes, and picturesque islands. Due to its location, Hanko has a maritime vibe and is a popular destination for travelers with a passion for water sports, sailing, and long walks on the beach.
The newly designed campsite “Silversand” is nestled between pine forest and sandy beaches and offers rental of glamping tents or cute cottages, as well as pitches for mobile homes with or without electricity. Right outside your camper door, you can set off on great hikes and bike rides or just have a picnic on the beach.
Address: Camping Silversand, Lähteentie 27, 10900 Hanko, Finland
Google Maps
Website: Camping Silversand
Lake Ranuanjärvi
Right at the Lapland border, you’ll find Lake Ranuanjärvi surrounded by pristine forests, rolling hills, and fascinating flora and fauna. The calm and secluded atmosphere of the lake will undoubtedly bring you closer to the beauty of nature. Here, you can escape the hectic everyday life and simply switch off. In addition to the many different waterfowl that you can observe at the lake, there are moose, reindeer, and even brown bears in the surrounding forests. Isn’t that impressive?
On the west coast of the lake, there’s the beautiful campsite “Camping Ranuanjärvi” with spots on natural terrain right by the water. If you want to take a swim in the lake, you can easily reach it via a boardwalk. Then, the sauna on the campsite takes care of the subsequent warm-up. Another highlight is the glass igloos in which you can stay overnight, making for an unforgettable overnight stay.
Address: Camping Ranuanjärvi, Leirtintaluentie 5, 97700 Ranua, Finland
Google Maps
Website: Camping Ranuanjärvi
Koli National Park
The Koli National Park in Finland is known for its breathtaking natural landscape and offers a variety of special features that make it a popular travel destination. Appreciated parts of the park include its picturesque lake landscape and the 347-meter-high mountain Koli, from which the national park owes its name.
Only about 15 km away from the park, you’ll find the beautiful campsite “Koli Freetime”, which is a perfect starting point for excursions and adventures. Located right at lake Valkealampi, you can start the day by your RV with a cup of coffee and a view of the water. Of course, there is also a private sauna here, as well as a private beach and boat rentals.
Adresse: Koli Freetime, Kopravaarantie 27, 83950 Ahmovaara, Finland
Google Maps
Website: Koli Freetime
Good to know
You can find more great campsites on the coasts of Finland and exciting excursion tips in the area in this article.
7. Is wild camping allowed in Finland?
The topic of wild camping in Scandinavia is often directly linked to the Right of Public Access (which, as previously mentioned, is also known as the “Freedom to roam” or “Everyman’s right”), which allows camping in nature. This law makes overnight stays in tents for 1-2 nights without any problems possible. You can stay almost anywhere, as long as you avoid private property, keep nature clean, and do no harm.
Fortunately, in Finland, the Right of Public Access also allows overnight stays in RVs. If you stick to a few rules and act in line with the principles of nature protection, you can experience a great motorhome trip in Finland while not staying at campsites.
Rules and tips for wild camping in Finland
- You are not allowed to stay overnight with your mobile home near buildings.
- You must not stay on private property without the permission of the property owner.
- Look out for the sign “Leiriytyminen kielletty” (No camping), which means that you must not stay at this place overnight.
- You should avoid cultivated areas, farmland, nature reserves, and national parks.
- Drive only on roads or public dirt roads and never off-road.
- Leave your wild camping pitch at least as clean as you found it.
- Mutual consideration is the be-all and end-all. Behave calmly and observe the rules mentioned.
Good to know
In this article about wild camping, you will find out in detail what the legal situations in Scandinavia and the rest of Europe look like.
8. What do you have to watch out for on the roads in Finland?
It’s always advisable to familiarize yourself with the specific road traffic regulations of a country beforehand. Basically, driving on the right applies in Finland, as it does in most European countries. We will now present some other important information about Finnish road traffic. In Finland, you can easily rent a motorhome with an EU or Swiss driving license and you can start driving immediately.
- The speed limits are generally 50 km/h in built-up areas and 80 km/h outside of built-up areas. On well-developed country roads, the limit is 100 km/h in summer and 80 km/h in winter. The speed limit on the motorway is 120 km/h in summer and 100 km/h in winter. Don’t worry though, the streets are usually marked with signs, so you can be sure at what speed you’re allowed to drive.
- In Finland, motorized vehicles must also use dipped headlights during the day. This regulation serves to improve visibility in road traffic.
- It’s best to always keep an eye out for wild animals, especially at dusk and at night. As you know, to avoid crashes between the vehicle and wildlife, it’s important to slow down as needed and drive carefully. If you see moose or reindeer on or near the road, don’t assume that they will run away. The animals have often gotten used to the traffic and move slowly out of the way, or not at all. Thus, drive very carefully.
- There is only one emergency number in Finland, which is 112.
- Good news to conclude: To the delight of many road trip fans, there are no toll motorways, bridges, or tunnels in Finland.
9. Camping with a dog in Finland
A big advantage of a camping trip is that you can often bring your furry friend with you on vacation without any problems. Generally, Finland is considered a dog-friendly travel destination, so nothing stands in the way of you having the best possible company (who’s with us?). In addition, there are no prohibited dog breeds, which makes camping holidays with dogs even easier.
For entry, your dog needs a valid rabies vaccination and a chip, both of which must be entered into the European pet passport by your veterinarian. Treatment with an approved preparation against tapeworms must also be entered. This must be done between 120 and 24 hours prior to entry.
For your visit to a campsite, which also goes for most hiking trails, the leash obligation applies. A towing leash is often a good compromise here, because your dog still has enough free space to, for example, look for a shady spot on hot days. In some nature reserves and national parks, special rules for dogs may apply, especially during the breeding season of certain bird species. You can often find this information on information boards in the parking lot.
By the way, a tip for a smooth trip with your dog is to get a special dog liability insurance. This covers any damage your dog might cause. Make sure that the insurance is also valid abroad.
10. Crash course in Finnish
Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to speak a few words of the local language while traveling? Then, you’ll impress your travel company and see the happy faces of the locals when you say hello. In addition, it is of course super practical if you can also communicate with the most important terms in Finnish. For your convenience, here’s a little crash course in Finnish.
| Hello! | Hei! |
| Good day! | Hyvää päivää! |
| Bye! | Hei hei! |
| Here are the menus | Ole hyvä! Olkaa hyvä! |
| Thanks! | Kiitos! |
| Yes / No / Maybe | Kyllä / Ei / Ehkä |
| How do I get to (…)? | Kuinka pääsen (…)iin? |
| Parking spot | Pysäköintipaikka |
| Bank | Pankki |
| ATM | Pankkiautomaatti |
| Campsite | Leirintäalue |
| Motorway | Moottoritie |
| Gas station | Huoltamo |
| Grocery store | Elintarvikeliike |
| Restaurant | Ravintola |
| Vegetarian / Vegan | Vegetaristi / Vegaani |
| Pharmacy | Apteekki |
| Doctor / Hospital | Lääkäri / Sairaala |
| Water | Vesi |
| I do not speak Finnish. | En puhu suomea. |
11. FAQ about camping in Finland
How much does camping in Finland cost?
For a simple pitch without electricity and with basic sanitary facilities, you should expect about 15 to 30 euros per night. If you want to book a pitch with electricity for your motorhome, the price is usually between 20 and 40 euros per night.
What are some money-saving tips for camping in Finland?
For a budget-friendly camping trip to Finland, you can for example use the Camping Key Europe (CKE) membership card, which gives you certain discounts at connected campsites, for example on accommodation fees, services, or facilities such as swimming pools or saunas. The card is issued by camping organizations in various European countries, including Finland.
Can I make a campfire in Finland?
Generally, making campfires is allowed in Finland, but heed local regulations and warnings, especially during dry periods, to minimize the risk of forest fires. You should of course, which goes without saying, make sure that the fire is safe and controlled.
Are there enough petrol stations in Finland and when are they open?
When driving in northern Finland, you should not wait until the last drop in the tank, because here, the distances between the gas stations can be a bit longer. Most gas stations are open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and otherwise, there are often automatic/unstaffed fuel stations if you want to fill up after the opening hours.
Is Finland expensive?
It does, of course, depend on what you’re comparing with. Generally, groceries, cosmetic products, cleaning products, and the like are somewhat cheaper in Finland than in the neighboring countries of Norway and Sweden.
Are winter tires compulsory in Finland?
You don’t need winter tires in summer. However, winter tires are always compulsory from November 1st to March 31st with a minimum tread depth of 3 mm. For Lapland, this rule even applies from mid-October to the end of April.
Is Finland an LGBTQ+ friendly destination?
Yes, Finland is widely regarded as an LGBTQ+ friendly travel destination. The country has made significant strides in equality and acceptance of LGBTQ+ rights, putting it ahead of most countries in the world.
What is the currency in Finland and can I pay with my credit card?
The euro is the official currency of Finland. And yes, you can pay with credit cards almost everywhere in Finland. The most common credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are usually accepted in shops, restaurants, hotels, gas stations, and most other establishments.
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