Families struggle with lack of electricity at Rastila camping area in Helsinki

At the Rastila camping area in Helsinki, tents still lack electricity. The Fischer family from Germany finds the situation both familiar and perplexing. “This might be one of the only camping sites in Europe where tents don’t have electricity,” says Jan Fischer.

While camping in Sweden and Norway, the family had the option to choose a pitch with or without electricity. The Fischer family, comprising five members, brought along a small portable refrigerator, multiple mobile phones, and laptops—all requiring power. “It’s not ideal to have no electricity. We’re used to the availability of power for our tents,” Jan noted.

The absence of electricity is particularly challenging for larger families, who have flocked to camping sites this summer. Some camping areas in Finland do offer electricity, or allow tent users to utilize spots designated for caravans, but regulations vary widely.

Antti Saukkonen, managing director of the Finnish Camping Association, highlighted that rules are location-specific, with a universal safety distance of four meters between tents and caravans.

Some campers have adapted by using solar panels. Matthias Sanetra from Frankfurt, Germany, has invested approximately €1,000 in a solar panel for his van, which powers essentials, including his refrigerator.

At Rastila, there are plans to introduce electricity specifically for tents. The Fischer family has had to leave their refrigerator empty in the car, as the vehicle’s battery can’t support it. Both Rastila and the Finnish Camping Association report a growing demand for electricity for tents, prompting the scheduled installation of around ten electrical outlets for tents next summer.