Guide for driving in Europe - Finland some of this information supplied from companies we work with - jmlvillas.com, insurance4carhire.com, Holiday Autos, Essential Travel and Economy Car Hire and other acknowledged sources. It is presented on this site without responsibilty of jml Property Services / insurance4carrental.com and should not be relied on for accuracy.

Driving in Finland

Key rules, regulations and things to know

Driving: Drive on the right and overtake on the left.

Speed limits: Motorway 120 km/h - Open Road 80/100 km/h - Town 30/40 km/h

Headlights: Dipped headlights must be on at all times.

Wild Animals: Elk and reindeer are frequently found on roads and are very active at the end of the day as the sun is going down.

The minimum age for drivers is 18. Minimum Driving Ages European Countries - Here

Seat Belts: Seatbelts are compulsory for all passengers (plus driver) in the front and rear seats. Children under 3 years must always use a child restraint and all children under the size of 135cm must use a booster seat with seatbelt

Drink and Driving: 0.05 This is a low limit like in many countries, meaning you can only have one small glass of wine. The drink driving laws are very strict enforced by the Police. They can also carry out random roadside breathalyser tests. Anyone over the legal limit can be arrested so it is best not to drink and drive. More information Here

Mobile Phones: It is illegal to use a hand held mobile phone whilst driving. Don't risk using one as you can receive a heavy fine in most countries and more important cause a serious accident.

Warning / Emergency Equipment: Your vehicle should carry a warning triangle, reflective jacket and in winter have winter tyres.

Toll Roads: There are no toll roads in the country.

Winter Tyres: You must have these from December to February and engine heaters are sensible. Check with your car hire company when you collect the rental vehicle in winter months.

Disabled Parking: The Blue Badge is recognised in all European countries - More information Here

For more information on driving in Finland, click on image

The Automobile and Touring Club of Finland (ATCF) - To enter site click on image above left

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Lapland Travel Essentials Where is Lapland, you may ask? It is a province, which includes parts of Sweden, Norway and Finland in its borders - all lying near and above the Arctic Circle, in a region called the Tundra.

Besides being home to Santa Claus, a world class skiing destination and one of the most culturally unique places on earth, Lapland is gorgeous - in a heavenly kind of way. Visually, there is no equal - the mountains, lakes, waterfalls and views of the Aurora Borealis are truly beautiful beyond explanation.

Lapland is the homeland of the Sami people, an Arctic tribe of reindeer herders who's origins can be traced back thousands of years. Today, the Reindeer Husbandry Law reserves herding rights exclusively for the Sami people in Northern Lapland

Key Info

Capital - Lapland: Rovaniemi (Finland)

Capital - Finland Helsinki Capital - Sweden Stockholm Capital - Norway Oslo

Currency: Lapland includes Swedish, Finnish and Norwegian territory. The Euro (€) is used in Finland, while the SEK (Swedish Krona) is used in its territory and the NOK (Norwegian Krona) is used in Northern Norway. Remember to check what currency you need before leaving. Currency Conversion Here

Official Language: Norwegian, Swedish and Finnish

Distance between Rovaniemi, Finland: 2,203 km

Interesting Facts About Lapland:

In summer there are up to 73 days of sunshine. During winter in the far north the sun does not shine for an entire month. Lapland is home to an internatinally renowned Santa Claus villages, where the myth of Saint Nick comes to life for children who are lucky enough to visit him. You will not find a better place to view the aurora borealis, or northern lights.

Travel Tip from Essential Travel: For the most affordable trip to Lapland, book an all-inclusive holiday. The daily rate for entertainment like ski resorts and tours can add up more expensively than paying a once off fee

Must Sees in Lapland

Aurora Borealis - Northern Lights: Lapland plays host to the most spectacular light show on earth, the Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights. Sheets of green, yellow and red light waft across the dark horizon of Lapland's untouched wilderness. The Aurora Borealis are best seen without competition from city lights, which makes the northern parts of the Arctic Circle a virtual stadium for this show.

Husky Sled Tour: Experience true adventure in Lapland. Go on a husky tour and traverse the sweeping, snowy hills the Sami way. Tour companies will give you a tutorial before heading out, so that you become acquainted with your dogs. There is no better way to explore the frozen rivers and view the lookout points, than with these remarkably intelligent, powerful and gentle creatures. For the ultimate Lapland experience, go on an eight day, cross country husky tour. .

Father Christmas Tour: Take your kids on a magical adventure, into the arctic circle, to visit Santa Claus at his Lapland workshop. Activities include sleigh rides, snowmobile rides, games, a train ride and overnight accommodation at a resort. The main attraction is meeting Santa, of course, in a Christmas village so authentic it will make a believer out of any adult.

Arktikum Museum, Rovaniemi: This stunning museum in the Finnish territory of Lapland (Rovaniemi) offers insight into the tribal beginning of civilization in the Arctic circle - there is a section of the building that is shaped like an igloo. With incredible exhibitions, snow and Northern Lights simulations, Sami language lessons, it makes a special outing for history buffs and families.

Ice Hotel: The Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden, is a one of a kind. The hotel is constructed wholly out of ice, collected from the nearby Torne River, and assembled by a team of artists from around the world. Located 320 meters above sea level, in remote woodlands, one of the ice hotel's the Ice Hotel biggest drawing cards is the fantastic Aurora Borealis viewings you get in the area. This phenomenal hotel offers a full a la carte menu, incredible rooms, summer options and an experience you will never forget.

To View the essential travel guide Click Here

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