Finland is in general a very safe country with few natural hazards. Occasional severe storms, extremely cold periods in winter, and the spring floods after the thaw are the only serious risks that hikers need to consider when preparing for a trip.
For up-to-date warnings of storms, bad road conditions and forest fire hazards, see the website of the Finnish Meteorological Institute (en.ilmatieteenlaitos.fi).
Finland is well covered by mobile phone networks, but there may be gaps in some remote areas. Signals are generally better in higher areas and more open terrain.
The emergency services number is 112 (for satellite phones +3589 2355 0545). If you have trouble making an emergency call, it may be worth removing the SIM card from your phone and then trying again. See also How to use the emergency number 112 in Finland (pdf, www.112.fi, pdf-file, 166 kb) on the Emergency Response Centre Administration's website.
- Get to know your phone's GPS settings beforehand so that the emergency services are able to locate you if necessary.
The only venomous snake species found in Finland is the adder, which can be recognised by its zigzag stripes. Snakebites are rare, but packs of medication are available from chemists. Insects are usually more of an annoyance than a health risk.
Large animals such as bears or elks only attack people extremely rarely - if they feel threatened, or if someone comes between them and their young. These animals can usually hear, smell or see humans long before we see them, and they normally try to avoid people whenever possible. In the unlikely event that you come face to face with a bear or wolf, the safest way to react is to slowly back off in the direction you came.
More Information
- Large garnivores and us (www.suurpedot.fi)
- Stay Safe in Lapland - Information for visitors and residents (pdf)
112 Emergency Number
If you have an emergency during your trip, such as getting lost, injured or finding a wildfire, call 112. Read more detailed emergency instructions.
Download the 112 Finland application (112.fi) to your phone. When an emergency call is made through the 112 Finland application, the emergency centre attendant is automatically informed of the caller's location.
It is recommended to keep the mobile phone warm and to bring extra food and water with you. There are many excursion locations with no mobile coverage and some mobile phones does not work in sub-zero temperatures, that is why it is always a good idea to let someone know about your itinerary and timetable.