Life & society

Finnish sauna healers trust tradition and the restorative powers of the forest

Birch, spruce, juniper and other trees in Finland provide a range of wellness benefits in care offered by traditional sauna healers. They draw on accrued knowledge, Finnish folklore and a good steam.

Life & society Language

“Easy Language” increases your Finnish and Swedish language reach in Finland

Easy Language is aimed at those who have difficulty understanding standard language for one reason or another. It has a long history in Finland, and its scope continues to expand.

Life & society Architecture

Admiring art nouveau: Helsinki’s architectural eye candy

Helsinki showcases one of Europe’s richest concentrations of photogenic art nouveau buildings. We aim a camera at some of our favourite Finnish façades, towers, doorways and balconies.

500,400

Number of summer cottages in Finland

Source: Statistics Finland

Life & society Sustainability

On a roll: Helsinki urban planning continues to expand bike path network

The Finnish capital places high on the growing list of enlightened world capitals that embrace cycling as an urban planning priority. Broad political agreement is a factor in the long-running development of its bike path system.

Life & society Nature

How “every person’s right” in Finland evolved over more than a century

More than 110 years ago in eastern Finland, Ilma Lindgren fought for her right to pick lingonberries on land she did not own. Her court case provided a legal precedent, helping ensure that everyone may enjoy nature, regardless of who owns the terrain.

2010

The year National Failure Day was introduced

Life & society Quality of life

My happy place in Finland

Four expats in Finland tell their stories and reveal how living there contributes to the way they view and experience happiness.

Life & society Nature

Spending an idyllic week in a Finnish national park, on a shepherding holiday

In several of Finland’s national parks, grazing sheep and cows help maintain traditional landscapes. Holiday-goers can enjoy a week surrounded by natural beauty while looking after the animals.

Life & society Finnishness

A Finnish word, sivistys, adds to wellbeing and helps solve future challenges

Finland’s Year of Sivistys 2024 spotlights a long-established concept of societal enlightenment and learning, and harnesses its strengths to face challenges now and in the future.

47%

of Finnish people earn a higher education degree

Source: OECD