History Archives

Alvar Aalto’s Finland: Architecture designed for people

Widely regarded as Finland’s most influential architect, Alvar Aalto transformed modernism with a human-centred approach to design. Today, his work is nominated for the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Life & society Travel

The last ferry to a Finnish island

Sandy beaches, windswept pine forests and a lighthouse overlooking the Gulf of Bothnia have long made Hailuoto one of Finland’s most distinctive islands. Now, as a new bridge nears completion, the island is preparing for a transformation.

Arts & culture Literature

Tracing the trail of an extinct sea giant, Finnish novelist finds literary success

An extinct sea cow, a museum skeleton and a fascination with scientific history inspired Finnish author Iida Turpeinen’s internationally acclaimed debut novel Beasts of the Sea.

Arts & culture Music

Celebrating a century of jazz in Finland

Many early jazz gigs on Finnish soil took place in gritty sailors’ bars. Jazz went on to earn a fervent following. The century-long history of jazz in Finland inspires a cavalcade of special events in 2026.

Life & society Nature

Finnish natural and cultural heritage in abundance

Whether in town or out in the country, Finnish people live side by side with nature. Even the largest cities have natural areas accessible by public transport, and the countryside is never far away, including a great diversity of national parks and World Heritage Sites.

Life & society Travel

On Finnish west coast, Neristan’s historic houses enchant visitors

A stroll through one of Finland’s most substantial historic wooden neighbourhoods shows off its charm and colour. Take a tour of the Neristan district in the west-coast city of Kokkola.

Life & society Traditions

Torilla tavataan: Where Finns meet when the country triumphs

When Finland wins big on the international stage, the celebration spills into the streets. Torilla tavataan – “meet on the market square” – is the call to share the moment together.

Arts & culture Art

Draped in design: Exploring Finland’s textile art at EMMA

Just outside Helsinki, the Espoo Museum of Modern Art (EMMA) invites visitors into the world of Finnish textile artistry, where bold patterns and innovative techniques have shaped both fashion and design.

History