The best bars and cafés Finnish Lapland

Timetable

Cafés are open during the day until 5 p.m. and café-bars between 11 a.m. and midnight, sometimes longer on weekends. Cafés in Scandinavian countries are renowned for their cosy, subdued atmosphere, but this is not necessarily true in Lapland. There's often not much choice in terms of venues. There are, however, a few unmissable spots in every region. In the Nordic countries, the term "afterwork" is used rather than "happy hour", as it is illegal to offer discounts on alcohol.

Beware: in the Nordic countries, it is often no longer possible to buy beer in supermarkets after a certain hour. In fact, sales are totally forbidden at weekends.

Age restrictions

Alcohol can be consumed from the age of 18. However, in Sweden, Finland and Norway, you have to be 20 to buy alcohol in special stores (Systembolaget, Alko and Vinmonopolet respectively). Supermarkets sell only beer and cider (generally less than 3.5% alcohol).

What's very local

In Sweden, the Fika, a kind of sweet break in the morning or afternoon, is a veritable institution. We drink coffee and treat ourselves to a sweet treat, often cinnamon buns, Semlor if Mardi Gras is approaching, or Lussekatter, delicious saffron buns, in December.

Smokers

Cigarettes, even electronic ones, are strictly forbidden inside restaurants, bars, cafés and clubs. In bars and clubs, you'll need to find a terrace or designated smoking area. Nordic countries are extremely sensitive to public health, and smoking is not popular. The Nordics prefer snus, chewing tobacco, which is not necessarily healthier...