Common travel mistakes to avoid in Finland

Finland is known for its unique combination of natural beauty, northern lights, and modern technology. This makes it a desirable destination for travelers from all over the world.

However, Finland, like every country, has its own list of social etiquette that travelers should follow. NewsBytes talked about the mistakes that should not be made in this country.

Telephone etiquette in public places

In Finland, it is indecent to talk loudly on the phone in public places, including cafes, restaurants, libraries, museums, and art galleries. Finns appreciate the peaceful atmosphere in such places. In addition, it can be seen as bad manners or lack of social skills. Therefore, it is very important to remember when and where it is appropriate to use your phone.

Concealment in the sauna

In Finland, going to the sauna "commando" is the norm! Nudity is considered a natural aspect of the Finnish sauna, which is designed to allow people to relax, unwind and cleanse their bodies. It is for this reason that men and women visit separate saunas. Expect to be invited to the sauna, but if you are not comfortable in the nude, politely decline.

Petting reindeer

Reindeer may seem like cute and friendly creatures, which are abundant in different regions of Finland. However, it is not recommended to pet them. As reindeer are wild animals, they can act irrationally or even dangerously if they feel threatened. Between September and November, avoid wild reindeer completely, as males are very hostile during this period and compete for the right to mate.

Don't assume everyone wants to talk

Most Finns are naturally reserved, introverted, and prefer to be left alone in public places. Pay attention to signs that the person does not want to talk, for example, if they are reading a book, looking at their phone, or simply busy eating. In Finland, saying "Hello" to a stranger sometimes results in them not being able to understand what you meant to say for months!

Disrespect for nature

Finns are proud of their country's clean and pristine environment. Therefore, tourists who do not respect nature can diminish this sense of pride and cultural identity. They attach great importance to preserving and protecting their forests, lakes and other natural resources. Moreover, some natural areas in this Scandinavian country are protected. Therefore, tourists who engage in harmful activities may face legal consequences.

Earlier, Travel Wise wrote about 11 mistakes tourists make when visiting Rome.