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.
Nordic noir is a crime fiction genre that thrives on unease: society is broken, and the winter never quite ends. Finnish author Satu Rämö’s bestselling Hildur series, now headed for television, continues the grim tradition while revealing a glimpse of humanity within the darkness.
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.
Finnish chef Arto Rastas brings Nordic flavours to Cristiano Ronaldo
From northern Finland to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Arto Rastas has taken Finnish cuisine far beyond its borders. Football star Cristiano Ronaldo is among those drawn to his clean, ingredient-led approach.
Finnish fashion through fresh eyes: Emerging designers showcase work in Helsinki
For Helsinki Fashion Week, emerging Finnish designers presented their inventive collections among the historic wooden buildings of the Seurasaari Open-Air Museum.
Lakes, forests and strikingly unfamiliar cityscapes give Finland cinematic range, but the real draws for foreign film companies are efficiency, convenience and incentives.
Finnish figure skater Iida Karhunen glides into the spotlight
Iida Karhunen caught viewers’ attention with her Olympic debut in 2026 at age 17. Her precision and composure suggest she will continue to impress. One goal is the 2027 World Championships in Tampere, Finland.
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.
Finnish dads are taking more parental leave than ever – let’s take a look
We visit a Helsinki family to glimpse the daily life of a father on parental leave. His months at home with his toddler are full of the kind of ordinary moments that matter most.
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.
Can Finland win Eurovision again? Meet the musicians everyone is watching
Finnish violin virtuoso Linda Lampenius and popstar Pete Parkkonen are among the early favourites to win the Eurovision Song Contest, with “Liekinheitin” (Flamethrower). We meet them ahead of this year’s event, taking place in Vienna, Austria.
Finnish entrepreneurs’ innovative office pods mix tech and design
The Finnish company Framery makes what you might call phone booths for the 21st century. Their office pods fulfil a range of seemingly contradictory requirements and are in demand around the world.
Finland might not be famous for what is usually considered “bikini weather.” But here, swimwear is worn year-round – from summer lakes to winter ice holes and steamy saunas.
Northern Finnish city of Oulu offers magical mix of tech and culture
As Oulu steps into the spotlight as the European Capital of Culture, the city is blending cutting-edge technology with its famously offbeat cultural spirit.
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