A little guide to Finland

Your first grocery shop

A larger grocery shop on your way to the villa makes life easy. Pick up dinner for the first evening, breakfast and any particular favourites or dietary requirements. The kitchen usually has basic spices, coffee, tea and everyday supplies, but bring anything specific that matters to your group. Our local guide lists shopping options for different arrival routes.

A few useful words at the supermarket

These words are useful on packaging and menus. For allergies, always check the full ingredients and ask staff when needed; lactose-free does not mean milk-free.

• Laktoositon — lactose-free.
• Maidoton — dairy-free.
• Gluteeniton — gluten-free.
• Vegaaninen — vegan.
• Alkoholiton — alcohol-free.

What is Alko?

Alko is the specialist alcohol retailer with a wider choice of wines and spirits. A supermarket and the Alko beside it may keep different hours. Sunday and holiday opening now varies between branches, so check the particular store you plan to use. At Alko, customers aged 18 may buy drinks up to 22% alcohol; customers must be 20 to buy stronger drinks. Bring identification.

Refill your water bottle

Huvikumpu’s tap water comes from a drilled well and has been tested as drinking water. Fill your bottles from the tap before a day out. Pond and other natural waters are a different matter; carry your own drinking water for excursions.

Euros, cards and tipping

Finland uses the euro. Card and contactless payments are widely used, with Visa and Mastercard commonly accepted. A little backup cash can still be useful. Tipping is optional: service is included, although you are welcome to leave a tip if you wish.

The bottle deposit: a small Finnish habit

Many drink containers carry a refundable deposit, called pantti. Return them intact to a reverse-vending machine so the label and barcode can be recognised. At Huvikumpu, cans and glass bottles have separate collection baskets beneath the kitchen stairs. Please follow the house sorting instructions for other waste too.

Chargers and sockets

Finland uses 230 V / 50 Hz electricity and European type C and F plugs. Bring an appropriate travel adapter if needed and check your device’s voltage rating. Hairdryers are provided at Huvikumpu.

A few words go a long way

You do not need to speak Finnish to feel welcome. A small greeting can still bring a smile. A coffee break can be the nicest pause in the day, and a comfortable silence needs no explanation. At Huvikumpu, settle into your own rhythm while keeping the shared peace in mind.

• Hei / moi — hello.
• Kiitos — thank you.
• Anteeksi — excuse me / sorry.
• Tervetuloa — welcome.
• Löyly — the heat and steam released when water meets hot sauna stones.

When you need help

For ordinary questions about the house, message us through Airbnb. In an emergency, call 112 first and follow the operator’s instructions. The exact address is in your personal arrival information and the emergency notice at the villa. For an urgent health problem that is not an emergency, Pirkanmaa’s Medical Helpline 116 117 can advise where to seek care; call before travelling to an emergency department. Your operator may charge for calls from an international mobile plan.

Medicines and pharmacies

Bring enough of your regular medication for the stay. A Finnish pharmacy can help check local availability; do not assume a familiar brand or product will be sold under the same name. Check the pharmacy’s opening hours before travelling, particularly in the evening or on a holiday.