Bring the bug spray

Though not a health issue, the swarms of bloodthirsty insects that descend on the country's north in the summer can be a real pain in Finland. Mosquitoes, sandflies, midges, and horse flies are at their worst in July, but you'll need repellant all summer, especially around lakes and in marshy, densely forested places. There are lots of lonely huts in the wilderness where you can crash with a mat and sleeping bag, but carrying your own tent provides better protection from mosquitoes.

In addition to repellant, you should bring a mosquito cap or hat, as well as a travel net to cover your bed or tent flap to keep the nasty biters away. In Finland, there are 40 different mosquito species. Three of these species are the most bothersome to people. The magic mosquito, the woodland mosquito, and the raven mosquito are the three types. The magic mosquito is the most prevalent species in Lapland. Forest and raven mosquito populations, on the other hand, vary and cannot be found in the same places in specific habitats.