thisisFINLAND

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.

Business & innovation Sustainability

From bottles to molecules, Finland continues to reshape its plastic recycling

Finland’s public and private sectors are stepping up to the recycling challenge with a roadmap and an array of innovations.

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.

First place in European Happiness Equality Index

Source: The Happiness Research Institute

Arts & culture Technology

Becoming Alan Wake: The Finnish face of a world-famous video game

When Ilkka Villi arrives at the office in the morning, he promptly suits up in a full-body spandex outfit and gets to work pretending to be an action hero.

Arts & culture Festivals

Pop, rap, techno and yoik: Festival in the far north of Finland spotlights Sámi music, culture and languages

The annual festival Ijahis Idja (Nightless Night) in the very northern town of Inari showcases modern and traditional music by Sámi Indigenous people. We talk with several performers about their music and heritage.

Arts & culture Technology

Finnish university project seeks to understand video game culture

With the increasing popularity and impact of video games on today’s cultural landscape comes the need to study and analyse them, too.

Business & innovation Webpick

University of Helsinki presents health and sustainability innovations at startup mega-event Slush

The University of Helsinki is at Slush, the world’s leading startup event (held annually in the Finnish capital – November 20–21 in 2024), to show off high-quality research that gives rise to future innovations and technologies.

Arts & culture Cuisine

Food first: Finnish festival cuisine emphasises sustainability and artisanal touches

The recipe for the perfect bite? Sustainable, local ingredients turned into world-class artisanal dishes, served with a smile in a laid-back festival setting.

Hei!

Finnish word for "Hello!"

things you should and shouldn’t know