Life & society

Finnish hobbyhorse phenomenon gains new ground at a gallop

The Finns didn’t invent the stick horse, but they reinvented it. The new version, and the culture, skill, sport and online presence that surround it, have little resemblance to the simple toys you may remember from your childhood.

Life & society Hobbyhorse

Finland presents HRH The Duke of Cambridge with two hobbyhorses for his kids

His Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge, also known as Prince William, got an unusual gift during his official visit to Finland: two handcrafted hobbyhorses. They’re more than mere toys.

Life & society Finland 100

Finland’s #checkout247 live broadcast makes the mundane mindful

This Finnish phenomenon reveals the glorious tedium of a supermarket checkout. And now it’s going global.

Life & society Education

Finnish arts education inspires action all over the Arctic

Inspiring children to be aware of climate change and its perils is a key aim of Green Actions, a Finnish project that involves schools and universities across the countries that make up the Arctic region.

Life & society Environment

Picture this: All 40 Finnish national parks

Slideshow: From the Baltic islands to the Arctic highlands, photojournalist Tea Karvinen’s inspiring book compiles beautiful images and personal impressions of all of Finland’s 40 national parks. [Editor’s update: As of June 1, 2022, there are now 41 national parks. The newest is Salla, in northeastern Finland.]

Life & society Cuisine

Crunch or cringe? Finnish companies cultivate insect cuisine

How would you feel if you found yourself facing a plate of food made from bugs? At an insect cuisine tasting event, the crowd seems anxious but eager. Insect eating looks set for a breakthrough in Finland, especially as regulations are changing. And we’ve got recipes!

Life & society Education

In Finland, the world’s largest parent-teacher meeting and other education ideas

The HundrED project discovers inspiring educational innovations in Finland and all around the globe, and shares them.

Life & society Society

Finnish punctuality: hot or not?

We asked five people who live in Finland whether being on time is hot – or not.