Finland Closes Shop for Midsummer
Saturday June 20 is Midsummer's Day, known in Finnish as Juhannus (St John's Day). One of the biggest celebrations of the year, it brings most of the nation's business and services to a halt, beginning on Friday around midday.
Traditionally celebrated with food, drink, song, saunas and bonfires, Midsummer is the only holiday when the Finnish flag flies around the clock, from 6 pm Friday till 9 pm Saturday. The holiday is celebrated on the weekend closest to the actual Summer Solstice, which this year happens to fall on Sunday.
Shops:
Retail stores may remain open on Friday, Midsummer's Eve, until 1 pm. They are closed on Saturday. On Sunday shops may open from 12 noon to 9 pm.
Kiosks, petrol stations, small shops in rural areas and those under Helsinki's main railway station can set their own hours, so some may be open on Saturday.
Alko:
State alcoholic beverage outlets are open on Friday until 1 pm; closed on Saturday and Sunday.
Post offices:
Post offices close on Thursday by 6 pm. They re-open on Monday June 22.
Some other businesses, such as shops and filling stations, may offer postal services according to their own opening hours.
Banks:
Banks are open normally on Thursday, but then closed until Monday.
Rail service:
VR trains operate on special holiday schedules. Many normal departures are cancelled on Friday and Saturday.
Most run on regular timetables on Thursday. On Friday they generally operate according to Saturday schedules. On Saturday and Sunday they follow Sunday timetables. However there are many exceptions.
For instance, all day trains between Seinäjoki and Kokkola in western Finland are cancelled due to track work. Most will be replaced by buses. Some overnight express trains are also cancelled.
Local train transport:
Midsummer does not bring major changes to VR's local train services. Friday's trains run on Saturday schedules; Saturday and Sunday on Sunday timetables.
Long-distance bus services:
On Thursday, coaches run on regular schedules, with the addition of some extra Friday departures. On Midsummer's Eve, they drive according to Saturday timetables, with limited departures after 2 pm. There is restricted traffic on Midsummer's Day. On June 21 it reverts to the usual Sunday schedules. However some early morning departures are cancelled.
Highway and maritime help:
The Automobile and Touring Club of Finland offers emergency road help around the clock. The hotline number is 0200-8080 (toll call).
The Finnish Lifeboat Institution offers emergency help at sea. Their hotline is 0204 1000. Those in trouble on inland waters (or on land) should call the regular emergency number, 112.
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