Finland - Prepare

Come with a thick skin, or a good jacket, though the former is better for the traditional dip in an ice hole after a sauna. Don't forget your wish list for Santa.

In June, feel the rhythm of the Kuopio Dance Festival, or gather around a bonfire for the traditional Midsummer's Eve celebrations. Listen to top-class opera or jazz in July at the Savonlinna Operafestival or Pori Jazz, and end the summer festival season in August with the grand cultural feast Helsinki Festival.

New Year's Day, Epiphany Day (Jan), Good Friday (Mar/Apr), Easter Monday (Mar/Apr), Labour Day (1 May), Ascension Day (May), Midsummer's Eve (Jun) Midsummer's Day (Jun), All Saint's Day (Oct/Nov), Independence Day (6 Dec), Christmas Eve (24 Dec), Christmas Day (25 Dec), Boxing Day (26 Dec).

Finnish winters are cold, with temperatures ranging from 0°C down to -30°C, or as much as -50°C in the most northerly climes. This is the time to drill a hole in the ice of a lake, have a sauna and hop in, or to see the amazing colours of the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights. In sharp contrast, the summer sees temperatures getting as hot as 30°C in the inland regions, with the average temperature being between 15°C and 25°C. Head north in June and July to experience the midnight sun.

220V-230V AC, 50 Hz, two-pin plugs are standard.

+358 (national).

Euro (€) is the currency.

GMT +2 (GMT +3 in Finnish summertime).

Visit Finland website

Wear stylised patterns and contrasting colours and don't feel uncomfortable with silence. Finns don't do idle chatter and don't speak if there isn't anything important to say.