thisisFINLAND

Finnish photographer sees light alone in landscape

Anyone who has visited a bustling Helsinki café knows that stereotyping the Finns as antisocial is outdated and exaggerated. Yet award-winning Finnish photographer Mikko Lagerstedt has made a career out of displaying the beauty and nuances of solitude (see slideshow).

Business & innovation Health

Finnish scientists: Pine-bud bacteria may help cure humans

Researchers at the University of Oulu have discovered that bacteria found in pine buds may hold the key to new treatments for conditions including Alzheimer’s and macular degeneration.

Life & society Cuisine

Pea soup tradition is weekly #TBT passion in Finland

Every Thursday, restaurants all over Finland serve pea soup for lunch, with oven-baked pancakes for dessert. We find the answer to the burning question on everyone’s lips: Why?

Life & society Finland 100

Finland celebrates 100 years of independence in 2017

The Finns achieved independence on December 6, 1917. The nation celebrates its 100th year with numerous events in Finland and all around the world.

Christmas Modern Christmas

Christmas lights up the Helsinki night

Our holiday slideshow contradicts the idea that the northern winter is a time of lingering darkness. Bring on the light!

Business & innovation Economy

Bengt Holmström becomes Finland’s newest Nobel winner

When Bengt Holmström’s phone woke him up early one morning, he thought it was a reminder to take his medicine. Instead, it was a call to tell him he’d won the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences.

Life & society Education

The simple strength of Finnish education

Several years in Finland allow an American schoolteacher and blogger to observe what makes the Finnish education system so good – the answer is simpler than you think.

Christmas Modern Christmas

What’s in Finnish Christmas for non-Christians?

Christmas in Finland: What is it to non-Christians? Anyone can join in, but you don’t have to be a Scrooge to opt out, either.

Business & innovation Technology

Startups at Slush hold one key to Finland’s future

The hightech entrepreneurship movement Slush already exerts significant impact in Finland and beyond. And yes, it’s a movement, not just an event: in less than a decade, Helsinki attendance has gone from 300 to 16,000.

Business & innovation Lifestyle

There’s a hat for that: Finland’s shiny happy “pipo” people

A woolly hat – “pipo” in Finnish – is an essential accessory during the cold Finnish winters, but it can also be trendy. We look at several success stories from the thriving local knitwear industry, including one designer who wears a hat in the summer, too.

Arts & culture Film

Finnish feel-good film takes the world by storm

Since taking the Un Certain Regard prize in Cannes, The Happiest Day in the Life of Olli Mäki continues to win the hearts of audiences.

Life & society Society

Helsinki sees seaside sauna renaissance

Several new sauna buildings have impressively transformed parts of the Helsinki waterfront, increasing the number of public saunas where visitors and locals can go for an authentic Finnish sauna experience – and a bracing dip in the Baltic Sea.

Arts & culture Design

Finnish fashion gives new life to old fabric

Finnish companies are producing new fibres, fabric and fashion from old clothes. Discarded textiles find new life as clothing, accessories or even flooring material.

Life & society Education

Finnish reading dogs help kids learn and grow

“Reading dogs” are no ordinary canines. Reading out loud to a dog can give kids confidence, improve their skills and contribute to their creativity.

Business & innovation Innovation

Joined-up transport solutions for smart cities

ThisisFINLAND Magazine 2016