Finland in winter is worth the trip, but a campervan needs preparing for it. Here is what we tell every renter heading north between November and March.
1. Take a camper that is built for it. Not every campervan copes with a Finnish winter. It needs insulation, heating that keeps up, and a water system that will not freeze. Our campers are equipped for winter travel and run on winter tyres.
2. Plan the route, and keep a fallback. Winter weather here is genuinely unpredictable — snow, ice, strong wind. Check the forecast and the road conditions before you set out, and do not push on through bad conditions if you can wait them out. Have a second plan for where you will stop.
3. Dress in layers and pack for the cold. Layering is what keeps you warm once you step outside. Bring lightweight, warm, moisture-wicking clothes, a hat, gloves and warm socks, and a waterproof, windproof outer layer. Pack a first aid kit and a winter emergency kit too.
4. Drive for the conditions. Slow down, leave far more space than you would at home, and give yourself time. Winter driving takes more concentration than most people expect.
5. Then enjoy it. Sparkling snow, frozen lakes, and the Northern Lights if you are lucky. Skiing, snowshoeing and ice fishing are all within reach. A Finnish winter is a strange and beautiful thing to travel through.