things you should and shouldn’t know

Finnish phrases to put in your pocket

Life & societyLanguage

Finnish phrases to put in your pocket

The free service Hei Finland, accessible on your mobile device or computer, provides you with Finnish expressions for social, business and emergency situations.

Travel broadens the Kalevala

Arts & cultureArt

Travel broadens the Kalevala

Two eye-catching exhibitions celebrate the 160th anniversary of the publication of the Kalevala, Finland’s national epic.

Northern twist in Argentinean tango

Arts & cultureMusic

Northern twist in Argentinean tango

As2wrists Dance Company takes its improvised style of tango from Finland to Argentina, the genre’s country of origin – and people love it.

Hands in the clay

Arts & cultureDesign

Hands in the clay

Anu Pentik tells the rags-to-riches story of her famous design brand: “Even in difficult times, the only option was to go forward.”

Progressive prison keeps doors open

Life & societySociety

Progressive prison keeps doors open

You can find an “open prison” – yes, there is such a thing – on the main island of the Suomenlinna fortress, one of Helsinki’s most popular tourist sites.

The lightness of night in Helsinki

Life & societySlideshows

The lightness of night in Helsinki

Short days and darkness force photographers to see things in a new light. See what we mean in this slideshow.

Santa’s new gift to Lapland’s economy

ChristmasModern Christmas

Santa’s new gift to Lapland’s economy

A brand new Santa resort complements its more established counterparts in other areas of Finnish Lapland.