Are There Snakes in Finland? Should You Be Worried?

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Finland is a country located in northern Europe.

It is bordered by Sweden, Norway, and Russia.

The Baltic Sea also borders Finland.

Did you know that Finland is home to odd competitions?

For example, Finland hosts many strange competitions such as mobile phone throwing, wife carrying, and boot throwing.

But besides having strange competitions, Finland is also home to several species of snakes, one of which is venomous.

If you’re planning a trip to Finland, this guide will provide you with the information you need to know about the different snake species in Finland and tips to remain safe while exploring nature.

So, Are There Snakes in Finland?

Despite what you may know, Finland is home to three different snake species.

All the snakes that reside in Finland are extremely different from one another.

In Finland, you’ll find the smooth snake, the adder snake, and the grass snake.

The only snake that is venomous and potentially harmful to humans is the adder snake, also known as the Vipera berus.

However, even though they are considered to be venomous, they aren’t very dangerous or aggressive.

Snake Species in Finland

Here are the different types of snake species found in Finland:

Smooth Snake

The smooth snake, also known as the coronilla Austriatica, is a snake that is typically found in Finland.

Adults can grow anywhere between 60 and 75cm in length.

They also have a dark marking on their head, shaped like a crown.

They are also characterized as being gray or dark brown with smooth skin, hence their names.

They are small, slender, and often found in the southern part of the country.

Adder

The adder snake is also known as the Vipera berus and is known as the only venomous snake in Finland.

Adult adder snakes are typically 22 inches long.

Their color can vary between light gray, brown, or red.

They also have a zigzag stripe that runs down their backs.

They have large heads and an X or V on their backs.

And while these snakes are known to be venomous, they are rarely aggressive unless provoked.

Grass Snake

The last type of snake species that lives in Finland is the grass snake.

It is also referred to as the ringed or water snake.

Adults can grow to be 59 inches long.

They range in color and can be brown, gray, or olive-green.

They also have black spots on their backs.

The grass snake is one of the most commonly found snakes in the country.

They are mainly found near ponds, lakes, and marshes, but can also be found in gardens.

Is it Safe to Go on a Trek in Finland?

While hiking in Finland, you may encounter other wildlife besides snakes, including bears, wolves, and elk.

Some of these wildlife sightings are rare. It is, however, possible to encounter snakes during your trek.

If you happen to encounter a snake while hiking, you should slowly back away.

Snakes are more likely to attack if they feel threatened.

Overall, hiking is safe in Finland, but you must take the necessary precautions.

For example, you should wear the appropriate hiking gear since trails tend to be covered in tree roots and rocks and are steep.

It’s also possible for trails to be slippery when icy or wet.

Most of all the national parks in Finland provide excellent opportunities for hiking, walking, and backpacking.

You’ll also find that many of the trails are marked concerning their length.

Permits aren’t required in Finland to hike.

However, if you are going to be hiking in groups greater than 10, you’ll be asked to notify Metsahallitus ahead of time.

Interesting Snake Facts in Finland

As mentioned earlier, Finland has only one snake species that is venomous.

This snake is known as the adder.

Here’s an interesting fact: there have been more snake sightings of adders in the summer of 2014 than there have ever been before.

This was mainly due to the dry, hot weather Finland was having during that time.

During the summer of 2014, there were also multiple reports of snake bites.

A resident was bitten by an adder snake while picking blueberries.

Adder bites can be extremely painful and cause immediate swelling.

As painful as they are, they are rarely fatal.

The last fatality in Finland resulting from a snake bite was nearly 30 years ago.

Adders prefer to eat mice, lizards, and voles.

But they only eat 6–10 times per year, which isn’t very often.

The grass snakes in Finland are strong swimmers, despite their names.

You can easily find them near streams, lakes, and ponds.

But they can also be found in gardens and grasslands.

3 Safety Tips for Exploring Nature in Finland

Here is a list of safety tips to keep in mind while exploring nature in Finland:

1. Familiarize yourself with your GPS. Before you head out onto a walking or hiking trail in Finland, you must familiarize yourself with your phone’s GPS settings. If you are lost or have an emergency, personnel will be able to pinpoint your location.
2. React correctly to wildlife. While bear and elk attacks are extremely rare in Finland, it’s still important that you know what to do should you encounter one. Bears may attack if they feel threatened. If you do come face-to-face with a wolf, bear, or elk, you should slowly back away in the direction you came in.
3. Stay informed of local storms and warnings. Another safety tip to keep in mind when exploring nature is to check the Finnish Meteorological Institute for storm warnings, bad road conditions, and more.

Summary

Finland has three snake species, known as the adder, the smooth snake, and the grass snake.

The only venomous snake is the adder snake.

Encountering snakes in Finland isn’t uncommon, especially during the hotter months.

Besides snakes, Finland is also home to other wildlife, some of which are dangerous, including sharks and crocodiles.

Hiking in Finland, for the most part, is pretty safe.

However, you may come across steep, rocky, or even wet trails.

Being prepared by wearing the necessary attire and footwear is critical.

Besides snakes, it’s also possible to encounter other wildlife while hiking, such as elk, bears, and wolves, although it’s not as common.

The best way to stay safe is to inform yourself of local warnings and storms, familiarize yourself with your phone’s GPS, and react correctly to wildlife, should you encounter any.

Finland Safety Overview

READ THE FULL REPORT: Finland Safety Review

Safety Index:

86

• OVERALL RISK: LOW
• TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
• PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
• NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
• MUGGING RISK: LOW
• TERRORISM RISK: LOW
• SCAMS RISK: LOW
• WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW