thisisFINLAND

Finding the fruits of the Finnish forest

Going out to the woods to collect mushrooms and berries is a natural pastime in Finland – some might even call it a sport.

Arts & culture Film

Filming the unusual story of Moomin creator Tove Jansson in Helsinki

We speak to director Zaida Bergroth about a film that shows viewers a new side of Finland’s Tove Jansson, the much-loved writer and artist who created the world-famous Moomin stories.

Business & innovation Sustainability

Three Finnish companies at the forefront of reducing and reusing waste

In “re” life: See how Finnish innovations and companies are contributing to responsibly recycling, replacing, reducing, repurposing and reusing plastic and other materials.

Innovator in cleantech

Source: Global Cleantech Innovation Index

Arts & culture Design

How Finland’s Moomins moved from beloved books to coveted mugs

The first Moomin book, in 1945, introduced a cast of characters that gained international fame. We talk to the designer behind one of the most unusual Moomin success stories: the mugs that you can find in almost every Finnish household. They’re so popular that someone even wrote a master’s thesis about them.

Life & society Sports

The Finnish summer ice hockey article you didn’t even know you were waiting for

Why talk about ice hockey during the summer? Funny you should ask. The answer has to do with Finland, climate change, a group called Save Pond Hockey, the NHL and more.

Arts & culture Visual arts

New audiences continue to find Finland’s number one painter, Helene Schjerfbeck

Early in 2020, record-breaking attendance at Helsinki’s Ateneum Art Museum and the release of a feature film signalled that artist Helene Schjerfbeck is getting much-deserved attention from audiences of all ages. We talk with actor Laura Birn and curator Anna-Maria von Bonsdorff.

Arts & culture Webpick

Hometown Helsinki holds special place in choreographer’s heart

Dancer, choreographer and filmmaker Ima Iduozee has gained international acclaim and travelled around the world, but Helsinki is dear to him. (Article includes video clip.)

Life & society Nature

Life on the edge: Living on the western and eastern borders of Finland

At Finland’s easternmost and westernmost points, people go about their lives in locations that contain direct connections to the nation’s history.

200,000

Number of reindeer currently kept as pets

Source: Lapland Above Ordinary

things you should and shouldn’t know