thisisFINLAND

Rock begins with J

One-third of all Finnish young people are into Japanese pop culture, including music, fashion, cartoons and more.

Admiring beauty and grit in Helsinki

Photographer Taneli Eskola seeks out the places where city and nature meet for the book Exploring Helsinki.

Between memory and forgetting

Elina Hirvonen talks about her critically acclaimed novel When I Forgot, which offers a mix of Finnish and American perspectives on September 11, Iraq, Vietnam and the Second World War – and on love.

Life & society Travel

Saimaa Canal links two Karelias

Fresh air, forest scenery, sea views, nostalgia and good company: No visa is required when you take a Saimaa Canal cruise over the Russian border to the former Finnish city of Vyborg.

Life & society Travel

Medieval castles

Olavinlinna, site of the Savonlinna Opera Festival, is Finland’s most famous medieval castle, but others are hidden away across the country.

Arts & culture Design

Glass on wings – Oiva Toikka

Famous for his glass art, Oiva Toikka is the most colourful and original personality among the masters of Finnish design.

Life & society Society

Seeking the real Finnish sauna

We visit the exclusive yet modest Finnish Sauna Society just outside Helsinki. If Finland can be said to have an official sauna, then this is it.

things you should and shouldn’t know