Shops are generally closed. Grocery stores with a floorspace of fewer than a hundred metres, and stores in sparsely-populated areas are however allowed to open during the holiday. In addition, special permits have been granted to stores in the capital city region, Porvoo, Tampere, South Karelia and Kymenlaakso.
Post offices are open until 6pm on Wednesday, but remain closed on Thursday with the exception of Santa Claus’ post office just north of Rovaniemi. Stores with a post office concession on the premises will serve customers according to their own opening hours.
The State Railways VR will run a Sunday service for long distance trains on Ascension Thursday, with some exceptions. Travellers are advised to check the VR website for further details. Commuter trains run to a Friday timetable on Wednesday and a Sunday timetable on Thursday.
Long-distance buses run to a holiday timetable on Thursday. Details can be found at the Matkahuolto website.
Helsinki region buses run to a Friday timetable on Wednesday and a Sunday timetable on Thursday. Further details are available at the HSL website.
Banks are closed on Thursday.
Alko stores are open until 8pm on Wednesday and are closed all day on Thursday.
Although there are plenty of closures, football fans can enjoy a full Veikkausliiga programme, and ice hockey enthusiasts can follow the ongoing World Championships in Helsinki and Stockholm.
