things you should and shouldn’t know

Finns celebrate freedom every December

Life & societySociety

Finns celebrate freedom every December

One of Finland’s most inspiring celebrations arrives every year on December 6: Independence Day. (Try pronouncing it in Finnish, Itsenäisyyspäivä; or in Swedish, Självständighetsdagen.)

A Finnish chef puts a fresh spin on Christmas recipes

ChristmasChristmas cuisine

A Finnish chef puts a fresh spin on Christmas recipes

We meet chef Timo Lepistö to get some refreshing new versions of Finnish Christmas recipes and discuss his favourite things about Christmas in Finland, in an article that is sure to make you hungry.

After finding refuge in Finland, Afghan woman continues to advocate for peace and equality

Life & societyEquality

After finding refuge in Finland, Afghan woman continues to advocate for peace and equality

Since fleeing the Taliban and arriving in Finland, Shekeba Ahmadi has found stability in one of the world’s most gender-equal countries. Through her work as a women’s rights advocate, she hopes to fight extremist oppression in her former homeland.

Finnish folk musicians lead listeners in exciting new directions

Arts & cultureMusic

Finnish folk musicians lead listeners in exciting new directions

Finnish folk sounds are grabbing additional audiences with edgy new music, thanks to artists such as Pekko Käppi and Vilma Jää, who combine contemporary styles and technology with age-old traditions and instruments. We talk with them about their musical paths.

Finland emojis

#1

Helsinki-Uusimaa is the most innovative region in the EU

Source: Regional Innovation Scoreboard

Helsinki South Harbour and surroundings by webcam

Facts, stats and infoWebcam

Helsinki South Harbour and surroundings by webcam

Webcam view from Makasiini Terminal, South Harbour, Port of Helsinki Webcam view from South Harbour, Port of Helsinki

Starting over out in the country, Finnish farmer believes cricket cuisine could help heal the climate

Business & innovationCuisine

Starting over out in the country, Finnish farmer believes cricket cuisine could help heal the climate

Roope Päivänen leaped from his home and his job as a film director in Helsinki to a new life as a cricket farmer (yes, that’s a thing) in the Finnish countryside. Visit the farm with our video.

A breath of fresh Finnish air

Life & societyNature

A breath of fresh Finnish air

The archipelago in the Baltic Sea just off the shore of Helsinki offers everything from vigorous exercise to mindful meditation.

Finnish playwright’s newest production creates space for exploring social norms

Arts & cultureWebpick

Finnish playwright’s newest production creates space for exploring social norms

Finnish author and theatre director Saara Turunen is back with The Grapes of Reason, the third play in her Rooms trilogy. It opened at Helsinki theatre Q-teatteri in autumn 2022. English subtitles are available at several performances.

Finnish futurist sees new ways of looking at people’s career paths and skills

Business & innovationLifestyle

Finnish futurist sees new ways of looking at people’s career paths and skills

We meet multitalented futurist, inventor and composer Perttu Pölönen, who helps people navigate the ever-changing labour market. He believes continual technological progress will increase the need for uniquely human skills.

#1

in the sustainable development index

Source: Sustainable Development Report

Treasure hunting in the Finnish forest

Life & societyNature

Treasure hunting in the Finnish forest

It’s late September, and we’re breathing the fresh, earthy fragrances of autumn in a forest just west of the Finnish capital. We’re tagging along with a mushroom picker who compares her hobby to searching for treasure in the woods.

In Finnish culture, hobbies get pride of place

Life & societyWellbeing

In Finnish culture, hobbies get pride of place

Hobbies offer a way for people to enrich their lives – and even enhance the lives of others in the process. Joining a hobby is also a way to meet new Finnish friends.