Winter is the longest season in Finland, with winters lasting about four months in southern Finland and more than two hundred days in Lapland. For many people, winter in Finland is also the most attractive season. Its beauty can be very light and soft, like a beautiful big shuttling through the snow branches of a catalpa tree. Its beauty can also be breathtaking, such as the coniferous forest on lapland hills loaded with thick snow crowns.
Photo: Markus Kiili / Finnish National Tourism Board
The stunning views are always fascinating. But before the trip, there was a small question: "Will winters in Finland be cold?" ”
Winters in Finland are not as cold as everyone thinks, thanks to the warm North Atlantic currents and the fresh, dry air. In the coldest months, Finland averages around minus ten degrees Celsius.
Winter dress code
Photo: Juho Kuva/ Finnish National Tourism Board
"No bad weather, only inappropriate clothes". When you come to Finland in winter, proper attire is important. Although the outdoor temperature is low, there is heating indoors, so the method of layering is the most appropriate, which can keep warm and easy to remove. Warm underwear and socks are the first step, and then layers are superimposed on top of them. Add a long-sleeved shirt and fleece shirt, and even a pair of wool socks, and the inner layer is designed to keep you warm.
Photo: Jussi Hellstén/ Helsinki Tourist Office
Of course, finland's "coldness" must not be taken lightly. When the weather is bad, you can feel the wind mixed with rain and snow coming from all directions, at this time the umbrella in your hand will look extremely fragile and weak, so the waterproof and windproof performance of the jacket is particularly important. In addition to the right clothes, a suitable pair of winter boots can also effectively increase warmth. Finally, don't underestimate the role of scarves, hats and gloves, wrap yourself tightly, and don't have to be afraid of the low temperature outside.
Travel in winter
When traveling in winter, pay special attention to the road surface conditions. Be extra careful in rainy and snowy weather, especially when the road surface is icy. For those with a good sense of balance, such an open-air ice rink snow field is probably full of fun.
People who are not very good at "snow sports" don't have to worry too much, and snow removal will be arranged on the main public roads. For economic and environmental reasons, Finland rarely uses salt to remove snow on bicycle lanes and sidewalks, and mostly uses the method of paving gravel to prevent the road surface from slipping. If you are still worried about slippery road, you can also put anti-slip nails on your winter boots.
Winter driving
Photo: Niklas Sjöblom/ Helsinki Tourist Office
Finland's newly revised Driver's Licenses Law, which came into effect on 1 February, means that Chinese citizens can rent a car in Finland (except Åland) within one year of entering Finland with a driver's license issued by the People's Republic of China. Provided that the driver's license information is in Latin alphabet (e.g. English) and, if not, a translation of Finnish, Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, English, German or French from an authorized translation agency.
Source: Liikenneturva
There are some obvious differences between Finnish traffic regulations and domestic traffic regulations, such as speed limit requirements, most of them can not turn right at red lights, and keep the headlights on regardless of whether it is dark or dark. Driving in Finland should pay special attention to quiet driving and courtesy driving. Before driving, learn more about Finnish traffic laws.
Reference Information
Driving Tips:
www.expat-finland.com/living_in_finland/driving_tips.html
Nordic Self-driving Guide:
http://www.beioumanyou.cn/site/detailpagerd/103
Self-driving certainly has many advantages, it has more flexibility, and Finland rarely gets stuck in traffic. However, if you want to come to Finland by car in winter, you must be well prepared and play 120,000 spirits on the road.
Winter in Finland is dark and slippery. The short daylight hours mean that it is necessary to drive the vehicle in the dark for a long time. During the winter months, all vehicles must replace their winter tires.
Driving on ice and snow covered roads, pay attention to slow down the speed and increase the distance, and the vehicle should also be extra careful when braking. When encountering snowy roads, drive along the ruts to avoid leaving the road. Even if there seems to be no white ice or snow on the road, watch out for black ice (musta jää). Black ice is a layer of highly transparent thin ice on the ground, and the black ice road surface looks very similar to the wet road surface, which is difficult to distinguish with the naked eye and is particularly dangerous.
Photo: Vastavalo: Hannu Laatunen / Finnish National Tourism Board
The northern Region of Lapland is very cold, so you can learn how to use the engine preheater. In addition to road conditions, driving in Finland also requires attention to wildlife that is on the road, especially reindeer and moose.
Moose (left) and reindeer (right) are infested with warning signs
Photo: liikennevirasto.fi
Photo: Marko Junttila/ Finnish National Tourism Board
You may have seen a scene from the famous Finnish road comedy film Polar Odyssey (2010): driving a car and indulging in a merchandise, the colorful aurora appears in front of you. This feeling of chasing the aurora all the way is great? If you want to enjoy the Aurora Borealis or other sights while driving, be sure to park in a safe place first. Don't be distracted when driving.
Photo: Riku Pihlanto/ Finnish National Tourism Board
Driving in Finland in winter should be done with caution. Even veteran drivers, try to avoid driving on snowy and frozen roads. If you encounter problems, please call the emergency help number 112.
Finland is sparsely populated and has spectacular scenery. If you are cautious enough, you can enjoy driving in winter. By car, you are free to make a tour itinerary: travel between the ancient cities and visit Finnish wooden houses; follow the coast all the way north through the vast snowy fields of Lapland; and when conditions permit, directly across the ice of the Great Eastern Lake... With a car in Finland, you're sure to have an experience once in a lifetime!
Photo: Vastavalo: Jani Seppänen / Finnish National Tourism Board
If you are not confident enough to adapt to the roads of Finland in winter, you can also choose to use public transport. Domestic routes, trains and coaches are very comfortable and convenient, and sometimes public transportation is more time-saving and labor-saving.
Get ready for finland and enjoy the winter days!