Finland

There are few campsites and they are often far apart. Almost every Finnish campsite (“leirintäalue”) is located on the water (river, lake or sea). They are well equipped for itinerant cyclists with washing facilities, hot water, free hot showers, covered cooking and dining area, toilets, sauna (usually included in the price), a fire pit, children's playground, ...

They offer log cabins, comparable to hikers' cabins, for rent (useful in rainy weather) and you can purchase a Scandinavian camping card (6 euros), which gives you a discount on various campsites. Some campsites do close in mid or late August.

Campsites always have good showers, always a kitchen, often a sauna (sometimes free). Campfire every night and this is a good place to socialize. Camping costs between 15-20 euros per night (fixed amount + per person an amount). Camping card gives a discount of approximately 2 euros at a time and costs 7 euros. Is a good investment.

Wild camping is allowed anywhere. Many pests in the woods (mosquitoes, flies, hornets). Uimarantas are ideal (wild) camping pitches. Often a toilet and a table. Very precise and informative maps for Finland - https://retkikartta.fi/?lang=en . Switch layers and zoom in to see free camping places.

Relatively well-organized, and there are numerous official bicycle roads to get around. Although, the more remote place you go to, the fewer bicycle roads you get.

For more information, visit the website.

Petty crimes such as pickpocketing do occur in crowded areas and during the summer tourist season.

Bicycle theft is the most common type of theft. However, after a long period of increase, the number of bicycle thefts has declined. (Finland 2020 Crime & Safety Report).

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Finland ranked 3rd out of 180 countries with a score of 85/100 in the Corruption Perceptions Index done by Transparency International.

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Finland's got a lot to offer. Diverse nature, with its islands, lakes, as well as Lapland covered in autumn colours, wildlife and much more.

Although, there are a few things to be prepared for, such as infuriating mosquitos during the summer months, especially in Lapland or encountering wildlife.

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Finavia operates 21 airports in Finland (but there are 27 in total) out of which Helsinki-Vantaa, Oulu, and Rovaniemi are the most frequented. Domestic flights are operated by Finnair, Norwegian, and SAS.

For more information, visit the website: finavia.fi

Trains in Finland are operated by VR Group (a government-owned railway company). You are allowed to take bicycles on certain trains. Be aware that trains do not run all across the country. The network ends in Kolari (long-distance trains). Trains are generally on time, comfortable, and have power outlets, and free Wi-Fi.

For more information, visit the website.

Before you buy a ticket, make sure that bicycles are allowed aboard a train to your destination!

Coach route network in Finland extends far and wide, covering around 90 per cent of public roads.

If you need to continue with your bike further than a train can take you, coaches will help you reach your final destination. (Sitting on a bus in Finland is an experience in itself with the scenic surroundings you get to experience on smaller roads).

For more information: Matkahuolto, Expressbus, Onnibus

Before you buy a ticket, make sure that bicycles are allowed on a coach to your destination!

Finland's got boat services in many towns along the coast as well as at lakeside places. Moreover, there are options for sightseeing tours and ferries. There are several lines that can take you in and out of Finland to Sweden, Estonia, Germany, the Åland Islands, and even Russia.

For more information, visit the website Visitfinland.com.