thisisFINLAND

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 Family

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.

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 Music

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.

Business & innovation Innovation

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.

Arts & culture Travel

In Oulu, northern Finland, cultural events you don’t want to miss

From street festivals to riverside saunas to symphony orchestras, Oulu is making the most out of its year as European Capital of Culture.

Business & innovation Fashion

In Finland, swimwear isn’t just for summer

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.

Life & society Seasons

Light and laughter: Finland awakens with the joyful arrival of spring

Spring in Finland appears in a rush of light, laughter and lawn games, drawing people outdoors to celebrate nature’s dramatic return.

Arts & culture Travel

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.

Business & innovation Fashion

Finnish fashion houses greet spring with clean lines and colour

Spring in Finland brings a shift in mindset. Daylight hours increase, calendars fill up and wardrobes need to keep pace. The approach is simple: practical, polished and contemplated.

Life & society Traditions

Why Finnish children dress up as witches at Easter

At Eastertime in Finland, you might find a little witch at your front door, offering a traditional blessing. In return, they hope for a few sweets.

Business & innovation Startups

Here are two Finnish apps that help build real-life connections

In Finland, community often grows through shared hobbies, neighbourhood traditions and, increasingly, digital platforms that make it easier to ask for and offer help.

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.

Life & society Nature

“Wow” moments in Finnish nature

Walking in the forest daily is a passion for Aino Eeronheimo and Taija Koivuluoma. They’re friends and neighbours in Jakomäki, eastern Helsinki.

Life & society Finnishness

9 years and counting: Finland is first in the World Happiness Report

The World Happiness Report singles out Finland as the happiest country in the world in 2026, for the ninth year running. To celebrate, we seek out people named Onni (Happiness) to ask what makes them happy (see video).

Life & society Happiness

Unpacking Finnish happiness

Happiness doesn’t just happen. In Finland, it’s the result of strong social systems and a culture of wellbeing that has been carefully built over the past 100 years.

Arts & culture Literature

Looking at life, photos and Finnish happiness after four decades in Finland

Tim Bird’s new book, Happy Land, reflects a life of observing, photographing and finding contentment in Finland. It holds some wisdom for more recent arrivals, too.