thisisFINLAND

5 reasons to love Finnish porcini mushrooms

The word porcini means “piglets” in Italian. In English they go by “penny bun” and “king bolete.” These are only a few of the many names people use to refer to this beloved wild mushroom. Here’s why you should love them too.

Arts & culture Performing arts

Make air, not war: The joyfully absurd World Championships in Oulu

Ever dreamed of witnessing something wildly fun and just a little bit bonkers? Picture people of all ages rocking out on stage with instruments only they can see. Dancing like nobody’s watching, fully immersed in the moment. This is air guitar at its most serious. And most glorious.

Arts & culture Music

Quirky ’90s band Ultra Bra stages a stylish comeback at 30

Ultra Bra, one of the most beloved Finnish bands of the 1990s, has released new songs after more than two decades and reunited for shows at Helsinki’s Olympic Stadium and summer festivals.

The happiest country in the world since 2018

Source: The World Happiness Report

Life & society Sports

Frenemies for life: Finland and Sweden’s century-old athletics rivalry continues

Celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2025, the Finland–Sweden Athletics International is a one-of-a-kind event celebrated each August. It’s a stage for pride, passion and an age-old rivalry between two close neighbours.

Arts & culture Moomin

Why Finland’s Moomin books still matter in today’s world

The Moomins and the Great Flood, by the Finnish writer and artist Tove Jansson, was published in 1945. The first Moomin book introduces the central characters and themes like love, respect and belonging, for which Jansson and the extended family of Moomins became internationally renowned.

Arts & culture Literature

The whimsical humanity of Finnish Moomin author and artist Tove Jansson

The creator of the Moomins was much more than just a cartoonist. Her body of work could fill several lifetimes. She lived a long life shaped by love, freedom, sea and adventure – all of which can be read and felt in her works.

Arts & culture Webpick

Finnish writer Saara Turunen’s work plays on new stages in Helsinki and Germany

Saara Turunen’s newest play opens in Helsinki, followed by the German version’s premiere in Hannover, with the Finnish author directing both versions herself.

Life & society Nature

Discover the wild herbs growing across Finland

Finland’s forests are full of flavour. Meet the wild herbs hiding in plain sight.

Hei!

Finnish word for "Hello!"

things you should and shouldn’t know