Are you planning to travel to Lapland by camper van ? We have listed for you the advices, good tips, and other informations you need to know to leave with peace of mind.
Table of Contents
1. The practical informations before the departure
1.1 The necessary documents
- Need to have a valid passport or identity card for European nationals (“National identity cards (CNI) issued to adults between January 1, 2004 and December 31, 2013 are still valid for 5 years after the end of validity date indicated on the back, even if no material modification of the plastic card attests to this”),
- National or international driving license,
- If you do not have one, consider ordering your European health insurance card : the delivery time is generally around two weeks, but a provisional certificate will be provided to you while you wait,
- Possibility of obtaining a visa, only for nationals of countries outside the European Economic Area (EEA).
1.2 Other important informations
- Time difference : There is an hour more compared to France, 2 hours more than the United Kingdom…
- Finland is in the Euro ! (unlike Norway and Sweden which are in Crowns)
- Sale of alcohol in Finland : all alcohols below 8% are sold in supermarkets. For strong alcohols, go to the Alko (and pay attention to their closing times)
- The electrical outlets are powered by 230 volts / 50Hz.
1.3 Public holidays in Finland
- January 1 : New Year’s Day,
- January 6 : Epiphany,
- March 29 : Good Friday,
- March 30 and 31 : Easter Sunday,
- April 1 : Easter Monday,
- May 1 : Labor Day,
- May 9 : Ascension,
- May 19 : Pentecost,
- June 21 : Midsummer Day,
- November 2 : All Saints’ Day,
- December 6 : Independence Day of Finland,
- December 24 : Christmas Eve,
- December 25 : Christmas Day,
- December 26 : Saint-Etienne.
SUMMER ACTIVITIES TO DISCOVER IN LAPLAND
2. Arriving in Finland by camper van
From Estonia
Expect about two hours of sailing between Tallinn and Helsinki : three companies operate (Tallink, Viking Line or Eckero Line). They are generally similar, but know that the fare depends on the time of crossing, the number of passengers and the dimensions of the vehicle (varies between 50 and 200€). Compare fares and additional informations here : directferries
From Sweden
Between Stockholm and Helsinki, take between 10 and 16 hours. The ferry companies (Finnlines, Viking Line, Tallink) offer several destinations (Helsinki, Turku, Naantali…). Compare fares and additional informations here : directferries
Our advice : wait before filling up ! Gasoline is much more expensive in Sweden than in Finland.
3. Where to rent a camper van in Rovaniemi ?
To rent a camper van in Finland, it is mandatory to be over 19 years old and to have a B permit for at least 1 year (100€ per day for two people).
You can contact agencies based in Rovaniemi :
Or directly search for motorhome rental agencies online :
- Camping-car Online
- Worldwide Campers
- Cooldrive Nomad – this one is a comparative
- Motorhome Republic – this one gives an average of the rates (for two people) according to the following months :
- Avril : 284€ ;
- Juillet : 395€ ;
- Octobre : 339€.
4. Come to Finland with your domestic animal
Features listed by Nordic Co-operation to travel with your pet :
Travelling to Finland with pets from EU countries or Norway :
The requirements only apply to pets travelling with passengers that are not intended for sale or transfer to a new owner. “Any dog, cat or ferret travelling to Finland from the European Union, Switzerland or Norway, with its owner, must meet the following criteria” :
- Identification
Pets must be identified with a unique microchip. Tattooing is only accepted as a means of identification under certain conditions. Animals must be identified before the rabies vaccination. - Rabies vaccination
Animals must be vaccinated against rabies. - Tapeworm treatment
Echinococcus treatment is not required for dogs brought into Finland directly from Norway. Anti-echinococcus tapeworm treatment must be given to dogs imported from other Nordic countries. Cats and ferrets do not need to be treated. - Pet passport
Pets must be accompanied by a pet passport. There are two types of pet passports : EU pet passports and third-country pet passports (Norway).
More information on pet passports on the Finnish Food Authority’s website.
Travelling to Finland with pets from Iceland and outside the EU :
There are separate rules on pets travelling from Iceland and outside the EU with their owner. These are described on the Finnish Food Authority’s website.
Dogs, cats or ferrets travelling without a passenger
If an animal is sent to Finland without an accompanying passenger, a veterinarian approved by the competent authority in the country of departure must perform a clinical examination to ensure the animal is in good health and is capable of travelling alone. Animal movements are also subject to the same conditions listed under the heading above (dogs, cats or ferrets travelling with a passenger).
If the total number of dogs, cats or ferrets is six or more or they are intended for sale or transfer to a new owner after importation, the conditions for commercial movements must be complied with.
Are there any breed-related import restrictions in Finland ?
There are no import restrictions in Finland concerning cat or dog breeds. However, the Finnish decree on alien species prohibits imports to Finland of cross-breeds of tame dogs and wolves, jackals, cayotes or dingoes as well as cross-breeds of tame cats and wild cat species. You can find more information on alien species on the alien species portal.
Travelling to Finland with other pets and domestic animals
Instructions for importing other pet animals, such as rabbits and rodents, ornamental fish, reptiles, pet birds and mini-pigs can be found on the Finnish Food Authority’s website. Instructions for importing horses and other domestic animals can also be found on the page.
In Finland, when walking your pet in the city and around houses, it is mandatory to walk your pet on a leash. This is a recommendation for walks in the forest, as you are not safe from encountering wild animals or other walkers. Finally, if the sidewalk is narrow, it is a good idea when crossing a pedestrian to shorten the leash, and place your pet on your side so that you stand between him and the walker.
5. Moving around Finland by camper van
Driving in Finland by camper van and the specifics
Driving rules in Finland are essentially similar to those in European countries. However, it is necessary to know some local specificities :
- Traffic lights are mandatory, day and night, whatever the season
- Legislation makes winter tires mandatory at least from 1 December to 28 February (adaptable depending on weather conditions) : snow tires are mandatory, favor nailed tires if possible
- In the city, speed is limited to 50 km/h o 40 km/h (except for exceptions) : on major highways, campers are always limited to 80 km/h
- Alcohol level allowed is limited to 0.5 g/L
- Mandatory seat belt for all passengers
- Pedestrians and sled dogs are always given priority, as they are more vulnerable : not to give way is liable to a fine (unlike snowmobiles)
- Children under 1.35 m and/or 12 years old must be seated in approved seats adapted to their morphology
- The possession of a signaling triangle and a yellow vest (easily accessible) in the vehicle is mandatory.
General rules on the roads
- Vigilance is always strict on the roads of Finland : if the weather dictates a lot of driving, wildlife (reindeer, elk and other animals likely to cross the roads, especially in Lapland) can surprise. In case of an accident with a reindeer, it is mandatory to contact the police, as they are all owned by a herder ! Thus, the authorities must find out the death of the animal, and then contact its owner.
- Headlight calls do not necessarily signal the presence of controls on the road : either you have forgotten to turn on your lights, or they want to inform you about the presence of animals (reindeers most of the time).
Our advice : bring chains, gravel, anti-sticking plates and/or straps if you get stuck !
6. Itinerary camper van : Helsinki – Rovaniemi – North Cape
If your plan is to cross Finland by camper van from Helsinki to the Northern Cape, here is the recommended route :
Helsinki – Lappeenranta (230 km)
Nice seaside town, we generally advise you to stop in the Lake Region.
Lappeenranta – Lieksa (295 km)
We recommend you to stop in Lieksa for the Koli National Park. You will be able to hike on marked paths, in the heart of incredible landscapes (suitable for all types of hikers, beginners and confirmed) : more information (Nationalparks.fi).
Lieksa – Oulu (350 km)
Website of the tourist office of Oulu
Oulu – Ruka (240 km)
Ruka is a charming little town with a ski resort : you can go on beautiful hikes, especially the Karhunkierros (3 to 7 days hiking in total, you can of course settle for a few hours walking). More information here : Karhunkierros Hiking _ Ruka.fi.
Ruka – Rovaniemi (200 km)
If you decide to spend some time in Rovaniemi, here are some articles on what to do there depending on the season :
Rovaniemi – Inari (225 km)
- Inari has a must-see museum about the Sami people, SIIDA : this is the reference in terms of information and documentation about the Sami people
- Inari – North Cape (380 km, the border with Norway is 120 km from Inari)
Inari – North Cape (380 km)
Head North, crossing Finnmarksvidda (Norway’s largest mountain plateau with an area of over 22,000 km2), then follow the road along the Pörsangerfjord (a superb fjord of 123km long). After crossing one of the longest tunnels in the world, you’ll arrive on the island of Mageroya near the famous North Cape.
7. On site in camper van
7.1 Where to sleep / motorhome rest areas ?
Wild camping and camper van
In Finland (and Scandinavia), it is not mandatory to find camping areas to spend the night : in fact, Finland is one of the only European countries that allows wild camping, within the limits of respect for the places (and provided that you are not in a nature reserve or a national park). Thus, it is obviously essential to leave the places clean, but also to respect the local flora and fauna.
The law of “everyone’s right”
This right gives every individual the right to enjoy any space, and what that space has to offer : picking fruit and mushrooms is allowed (as long as you do not spoil the natural spaces).
You will also find many “laavu” (wooden huts, with fireplaces in the center, to make a fire). These huts are public : you can settle in, and make a fire using the wood available (usually stored in a hut near the laavu). Again, respect for the places is essential : if locals arrive, you must leave them room in the laavu, as well as space near the fire. Finally, there is obviously a difference between spending an evening in a laavu and settling in for the week… Common sense prevails.
Service areas and campsites
As far as service areas are concerned, most are closed in winter. Click here to open a map showing service areas and car parks offered throughout Finland.
You can also visit the following websites to find a campsite in Finland (count between 15 and 35€ per night ; generally closed from May till September) :
- Rovaniemi Camping : Camping Ounaskoski in Rovaniemi
This camping proposes 100 pitches, for camper-vans, caravans or tents, during summertime, from May until September. There are electricity, wifi, sauna, warm showers, toilets, 2 service buildings, laundry, dryer, kiosk, cafeteria.
Basic fees per night :
Camper / motorhome 20,00 €
Tent 20,00 €
Additional fees per person :
Adult 10,00 €
Child 0-15 years 5 €
Address : Jäämerentie 1
96200 Rovaniemi
Phone : +358 50 329965
ounaskoski-camping@windowslive.com
In these pictures, we see the camping in July.
- Saarituvat Camping : Napapiirin Saarituvat
This camping proposes camping pitches, for camper-vans, caravans or tents, during summertime, from June until August, but it is also possible to rent little cottages.
There are 16 wintertime cottages/log cabins (1-3 persons) and a house for 4-5 persons.
During summer, the 8 summer cottages for 1-2 person(s) are also in use.
There are electricity, wifi, sauna, warm showers, toilets.
Take into account that if Kemijoki river floods heavily, the start of the camping season will be delayed a little.
Basic fees per night :
Camper / motorhome 24,00 €
Tent 21,00 €
Additional fees per person :
Adult 7,00 €
Child 3-13 years 4,50 €
Child under 3 years 0,00 €
Address : Kuusamontie 96
96900 Rovaniemi
Address for Google Maps : Kuusamontie 432, 96900 Saarenkylä
Reception’s phone : +358 50 464 0446
Paula’s Phone : +358 40 744 0998 (WhatsApp is possible)
reception@saarituvat.fi
In these pictures, we see the camping in July.
- Motorhome site near Olkkajärvi Lake : Olkkajärven Venesatama
This free motorhome site is a good place in spring, summer and in autumn, but in winter, there is a lot of people coming from tourism agencies. It’s by the roadside, with the noises of the road, but it is very charming, with little paths in the forest nearby. There are 4 toilets, for women and men, closed at the moment, a fireplace and a little harbour for boats.
Address : Sodankyläntie 1654
96900 Rovaniemi
In these pictures, we see the motorhome site in September.
- Motorhome site at Arctic Circle : Bestpark
This motorhome site has 24 parking slots. Its services are low amperage electricity 1 kW (not for heating), a sauna (capacity max. 2-3 persons), a terrace and barbecue area, warm showers, toilet, fresh water, waste disposal, drive-over sewage, electronic door opening automation, chemical toilet’s emptying, electronic safety.
You can rent a parking slot from 24,90 € or book a 60-minute service break from 7 am to 10 pm through the park’s presentation page. The price for a service break is 8,90 €. Upon reservation, you will receive a text message with a gate code, which is valid for one hour from the time of activation at the gate. The same code also grants access to the maintenance buildings.
A service break includes emptying the chemical toilet, refilling fresh water, and grey water disposal, which are available at all parks. The availability of additional services such as showers, toilets, saunas, and waste disposal is included in the maintenance visit price.
Prices :
Rental of a parking space from 24,90 €
Booking of a 60-minute service break 8,90 €
Address : Joulupukintie 1
96930 Rovaniemi
Phone : +358 300 472 299
info@bestpark.com
In these pictures, we see the motorhome site in August.
- Motorhome site at the Arctic Circle, right next to Santa’s village :
This motorhome parking is authorized day or night, but it has no services. It has 20 parking places for motorhomes on hard standing in front of the chalets. A two minutes walk to be inside Santa Claus Village. It is free to stay and free to see Santa Claus. There are full facilities in the Shell garage opposite. On the left side as you’re facing the garage there is a grey cabinet with glass doors. Emptying toilet and grey water is towards the back of the garage from the cabinet, there is a hook hanging on the wall to pull the lid up. Very quiet overnight in the village. Wifi in the village shops and restaurants. The bus number 8 stops in the village to take you into Rovaniemi, it runs roughly every hour, there is a tourist information point in the village and they have bus timetables.
Address : Tähtikuja 1
96930 Napapiiri (Arctic Circle)
In these pictures, we see the motorhome site in August.
- Shell Rovaniemi Arctic Circle “HelmiSimpukka” / gas station car park, opposite Santa’s village
You can rent a parking space with an electric pole. You can book your place in advance directly at the station – the earlier the more certainly.
There is a cafeteria, a shop and a pharmacy.
You can pre-order the delicacies you would like to eat by calling the station in advance. You can see the different available menus, depending on the station, online :
Shell Rovaniemi Napapiiri – HelmiSimpukka
Open 7/7 – 24h/24h
Price :
15€/day ( including electricity, septic services and filling the water tank)
Address : Sodankyläntie 715
96930 ARCTIC CIRCLE ROVANIEMI
Phone : +358 406 304 846
shell.napapiiri@lapinasemat.fi
- Motorhome sites in Europe : Campercontact
- Campsite search engine in Finland : Campings in Finland
- Campsite search engine in Europe : Eurocampings
Supermarket car parks
If you are travelling through Finland by campervan, supermarket car parks are perfect alternatives if you do not find a campsite and want to stay close to the city center.
Homestays
Finally, you can also settle in for a night “close” to a house : the logic of manners means that you go to the owner to inform him – ask permission – to camp there. Private lands can be vast, and the Finns are welcoming : don’t hesitate !
7.2 Water and WC drainage
For grey waters, always prefer campsites or sewers over nature (especially if you use products that are not biodegradable). For toilets, some gas stations may offer drainage space. Generally, emptying is free and full ones (water, electricity) are paid (around 15€ each) ; however, you may be asked to pay for emptying. In Rovaniemi, there is a park next to Santa’s village where you can empty your camper van. It is also possible to spend the night in this park equipped with toilets.
7.1 The full : petrol, electricity, water
Here you will find the price grids for petrol and electricity in Finland : GlobalPetrolPrices.com.
Beware, they fluctuate in time and depending on the regions where you travel (generally cheaper in the south than in the north). In cities, most petrol stations are open 24 hours a day, 7/7 (some are open from 7 am to 9 pm).
Finland has two types of diesel (trucks and cars) : the more attractive of the two is the one reserved for trucks, be careful not to get caught if you take the risk.
For LPG supply, we advise you to refuel in Sweden or Norway : it is (very) rare to find one in Finland.
7.4 DIY shops for gas bottle, jerricans
As far as gas is concerned, according to “Sur le tapis du vent”, there is only one place East of Helsinki (Innogas), since the stations do not offer a refill service. This same website completes by explaining that ‘’The Neste gas stations all offer bottles of propane gas of 11 kg : the bottle costs 70€ the first time, which you have to bring back each time to get another one. The gas then costs 30€. Before leaving the country, you just have to return the bottle to a Neste station to collect – part of the deposit“.
For LPG supplies, we advise you to refuel in Sweden or Norway : it is (very) rare to find one in Finland.
7.5 The good tips to go to Lapland by camper van
Some good tips to know for those who arrive in Lapland by camper van :
The toilets
You can go to the museums, fast-food, sporting complexes, supermarkets, gas stations, campsites…
The shower good tips
Some gas stations have showers, otherwise campsites or sporting complexes are a good alternative (as far as sporting complexes are concerned, be sure when passing the reception desks : after all, who will know that you are not coming out of a sports session ? But you haven’t been told anything…) In Finland, you will usually find a shower next to the toilet : it ensures impeccable intimate hygiene (and no, it’s not just for ladies).
Here, there is a deposit on the cans
A little logo indicates the value of the cans if you return them. You can go to the entries of the supermarkets to put them in some machines, which, in exchange, will give you a reduction to use in the supermarket.
Sort your waste !
Concerning the rubbish, you will find some containers with logos to be sure not to mislead yourself (eatable, cardboard, plastic, metals…).
7.6 The supermarkets in Rovaniemi
In Rovaniemi, you will find :
- Prisma : food shopping center and daily shopping. The shopping mall has an Alko (shop specializing in the sale of alcohol), a cosmetics store, a pharmacy, as well as two buffet restaurants.
Adress : Teollisuustie 2, 96320 Rovaniemi. Open everyday from 8 am to 11 pm - City Market, S-Market et K-Market : open everyday, generally between 8 am and 10 pm
Don’t waste your time looking for bakeries : bread and pastries are sold in supermarkets (and don’t be too picky about bread…).
7.7 A garage mechanic specialized in camper van in Rovaniemi
The only garage that specifically offers a service for motorhomes is located twenty kilometers North of Rovaniemi : it is the Vauhtivesi garage in Sinettä.
8. Is Finland a safe country ?
Finland is relatively safe : the UK government’s website describes its crime as low throughout the territory. However, this website adds that cases of credit card fraud have been observed. As for terrorism, Finland lists a single terrorist attack in 2017 in Turku (2 dead, 8 injured).
Finally, after several years of record summer temperatures, it is necessary to be vigilant about forest fires : travelers are invited to visit this website to stay informed about the fire alert level in forested areas.
Update : 05/09/2024.
While Lapland deserves to be explored in all seasons, it is important to know that the landscapes differ greatly depending on the time of the year. If you are confused by the idea of driving on snow and/or ice, we advise you to avoid coming between November and April. We invite you to read this article that details all the seasons and off-seasons of Lapland, to make sure you choose the right time !
Pay attention to the mosquito season, from mid-June to July ! If you nevertheless decide to come during this period (which can be complicated, we do not hide the truth from you), we advise you to equip yourself with mosquito repellents on site : the products we find abroad are usually ineffective for these blood-sucking insects !
9. The phone applications to install on site
Our last advice : download these phone applications, they can be useful !
- Emergency service : 112 Suomi
This app allows you to contact emergency services without having to explain your location (your contact details are sent directly to them, or are displayed directly on your phone to facilitate the arrival of emergency services) - Park meter services : Easypark, Parkman, Moovy
To pay for parking quickly, easily, and recharge the parking time remotely - Parking areas : Park4night, Campercontact
To locate all the parking lots, gas stations, laundries and campsites around, with reviews from previous travelers - To find water : Freetaps
Unfortunately this app does not list the water points in Finland…
But you can find the water points in the world on this website : Owater - Tolls : Epass24
This app allows you to pay for the motorway online in Norway and Sweden… not in Finland since there is no toll ! - The Weather : Yr, FMI Weather, Windy, Meteo blue
- GPL : myLPG.eu
