thisisFINLAND

Admiring art nouveau: Helsinki’s architectural eye candy

Helsinki showcases one of Europe’s richest concentrations of photogenic art nouveau buildings. We aim a camera at some of our favourite Finnish façades, towers, doorways and balconies.

Life & society Sustainability

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.

December 24

Santa Claus arrives with the presents on Christmas Eve, not Christmas Day

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.

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 Webpick

Get to know the Finnish contenders for a spot at Eurovision 2025

Six acts are competing to represent Finland in the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest. They range from alt-pop to metalcore.

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.

63.5%

of Finns belong to the Evangelical Lutheran Church

Source: Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland

things you should and shouldn’t know