Finland Guide
Public holidays
The official holiday season for Finns is early July to mid-August, ignited by the midsummer celebrations of Juhannus in late June; during these weeks there's a nationwide exodus from the towns to the country. The best time to visit the rural regions is either side of these dates, when things will be less crowded and hectic – though no cheaper.
On the following days, shops and banks close and most public transport operates a Sunday schedule; museum opening hours may also be affected. Holidays are: January 1, May 1, December 6, December 24, 25 and 26; variable dates are Epiphany (between Jan 6 and 12), Good Friday and Easter weekend, the Saturday before Whit Sunday, Midsummer's Eve and All Saint's Day (the Sat between Oct 31 and Nov 6).