Finland is located in Scandinavia, bordered by Russia, Norway and Sweden. With its stunning scenery, scarce population and many lakes, Finland attracts visitors looking for a variety of outdoor activities. Because of Finland's climate and natural environment, packing can present challenges based on the time of year and planned activities.
Bring warm clothing. Finland is notorious for being cold even in the summer. While the days will be warm during summer months, nights often get cold. Bring a jacket and several sweaters that will be appropriate for a variety of events. For spring and fall trips, pack clothing that can layer easily so that you can add and remove layers with changing temperature.
Pack walking shoes. Finland has an excellent public transportation network but you will likely be walking extensively as you see the sights. Most of the cities in Finland are walker-friendly, so you can navigate the streets easily. Bring shoes that are comfortable and consider packing more than one pair in case your first pair causes blisters.
Consider the season. Winter in Finland can be brutally cold; temperatures plunge and FInland gets many feet of snow. If you are planning to travel in the winter months, be sure to pack clothing that will allow you to take part in winter activities. Ice skating, skiing, and snowboarding are all popular winter activities in Finland. If you are planning to travel to Finland in the summer months, bring warm-weather clothing. For the fall and spring, bring rain gear.
Choose clothing that is stylish yet comfortable. Finnish people are stylish but do not tend to sacrifice comfort for fashion. Bring clothing that is appropriate for a fancy night out as Finns don't often miss an opportunity to dress up. Don't be afraid to bring trendy clothing.
Leave room for shopping. When traveling in Finland you will be tempted by the many Finnish designer goods in stores such as Marimekko. As you pack for the trip be sure to leave room in your suitcase for souvenirs. Better yet, bring an extra bag that you can fill with purchases for the trip home.
