Is a holiday in Finland safe? What proximity to Russia means for Lapland travellers

In this blog

What Finland’s proximity to Russia means for your trip to Lapland, and how preparation is part of a stay at Mökki Tikka.

Research checked on 11 October 2026. Check the linked official travel advice again before you leave.

If you are planning a holiday in Finland, you may have a very understandable question: is travelling to Lapland a good idea, given its proximity to Russia?

We take this question seriously. Your destination’s precise location, current information from the authorities and knowing whom to contact locally can help you make a decision. At the time of our research, Germany’s Federal Foreign Office does not advise against travel to Finland in general. It does, however, strongly advise against stays in the border area adjoining the Russian Federation. This geographical distinction matters. Current travel and security advice for Finland

Finland knows its neighbour

Living next to Russia has been part of Finnish life for generations. It has shaped the country’s history and its approach to security. Finland has developed its defence over the long term and sought international cooperation. President Alexander Stubb explained this path in his speech in Brussels in April 2024. Speech by the President of Finland

There is an approach here that is also useful when planning a journey: pay attention to the situation, prepare and make considered decisions. Nobody can guarantee the future. Good organisation can nevertheless provide guidance, including when circumstances change.

Finland’s official preparedness guide describes cooperation between the authorities, society and national defence within NATO. It also explains that hybrid influence activities do not necessarily lead to military conflict. Preparation and vigilance are part of this system. Suomi.fi on Finland’s security preparedness

What the Russian border means for your journey

Finland’s land border crossings with Russia are closed until further notice. The Finnish government confirmed the continuation of the closure on 4 June 2026. Do not plan to arrive or take excursions across this border. Information from the Finnish government

You must not enter the marked border zone without permission from the authorities. Even a brief detour for a photograph is no reason to disregard barriers or signs. The Federal Foreign Office also reports drone incursions and possible temporary airport closures or flight changes. Before travelling, therefore, check your airline’s announcements too. Federal Foreign Office travel advice

Mökki Tikka is in Impiö near Ranua, beside Koirajärvi. This specific location is what matters for planning your stay. The usual journey from central Europe does not require crossing the Russian border. If you have concerns about the situation or a particular route, please speak to us before booking.

Why preparedness is part of everyday life in Finland

Finland has a well-known household preparedness recommendation: households should be able to manage independently for at least 72 hours during a disruption. This includes drinking water, food, necessary medication and access to reliable information. Authorities and organisations support the recommendation. Finland’s 72-hour initiative

A prolonged power outage can result from heavy snowfall, a storm or a technical fault, for example. Preparing for these situations can help you respond more calmly. Finnish preparedness guidance also covers these everyday causes. Power outage guidance

For a holiday-home stay, it therefore makes sense to plan your grocery shopping ahead, bring personal medication and save important contact details offline as well. Discuss any particular needs with us early, for example if you depend on an electrically powered medical device.

How things are organised at Mökki Tikka

Preparing for unexpected situations is part of organising a stay at Mökki Tikka. Contact people are available for this purpose. Alongside us as your hosts, there is a local contact. With questions about the accommodation or difficulties during your stay, you can turn to people who know the house and the local circumstances.

Our understanding of hospitality includes this practical side. Knowing whom to contact about a problem with the house is just as important as good directions. On arrival, confirm the current ways to get in touch and ask about the arrangements and guidance that apply to your stay.

An emergency plan needs to be understandable when it matters. Three things are particularly important for guests: knowing your location, contacting the right service and following the instructions for the situation. The steps below provide a guide. In immediate danger, contact the emergency services directly; the house’s contacts can then offer additional support.

A simple approach to unexpected situations

In an urgent emergency: Call 112 in Finland. Describe what has happened and where help is needed. Answer the emergency operator’s questions and follow their instructions. For an emergency at the house, the address is Huiliniementie 5A, 97765 Ranua, Finland. On an outing, your actual location is what matters.

The official 112 Suomi app can send your location to the emergency response centre when you make an emergency call through it. It also provides official public warnings. It is best to install it before your journey and check the required permissions. The 112 number is for emergencies, not general questions about power outages or the security situation. Official information on 112 and 112 Suomi

During a power outage without immediate danger: Inform the house’s contact person if a connection is available. Use a torch, keep doors and windows closed as much as possible and switch off cooking appliances. Follow the guidance on water supply and wastewater use, as these may also depend on electricity. Never use a barbecue to heat the house indoors. Finnish power outage guidance

When an official warning is issued: Read or listen to the complete message and follow the steps it specifies. If instructed to shelter indoors, go inside and remain there until the all-clear. Measures such as switching off ventilation depend on the particular hazard and the authorities’ instructions. Official preparedness guide

If the authorities order an evacuation: Follow the instructions given for the destination, route and transport. The local authorities determine the procedure according to the situation. Keep identification documents, necessary medication, your phone and warm clothing within reach. Suomi.fi on evacuation and civil defence

Travel to Lapland well informed

A few focused preparations are enough: read current travel advice, check your journey, save contact information and familiarise yourself with the guidance at the house. Use the responsible authorities for information about the situation. A social media post only becomes a reliable basis for action once its source, date and location have been checked.

We want you to feel comfortable about coming to Mökki Tikka. That includes answering your questions openly and taking practical preparation seriously. Afterwards, your holiday can find its own rhythm: a walk, time by the lake, an evening in the sauna.

Frequently asked questions about safety in Finland

Can I travel to Finland despite its proximity to Russia?

Proximity alone does not determine whether to travel. Current official advice, your specific destination and your route are what matter. Check this information before booking and again before departure.

Are there contact people at Mökki Tikka?

Yes. We as your hosts and a local contact are part of the arrangements for your stay. Confirm current contact details and availability when you arrive. In an urgent emergency, call 112 directly.

Does an emergency plan mean there is a particular danger?

A plan describes how to respond to a possible situation. It does not predict that it will happen. At a holiday home, it can also help during a power outage or an accident, for example.

Where can I find current information?

Use the Federal Foreign Office’s Finland advice, the Swiss FDFA travel portal and announcements from the Finnish authorities. Suomi.fi explains practical preparedness; local public warnings are available through channels including 112 Suomi.