thisisFINLAND

Magic in the Finnish summer air

Every year, music festivals fill cities, fells, forests and lakesides with live music and a peculiar kind of charm that can only be felt in the summertime. Let’s unpack the reasons that make Finland the promised land of summer festivals – and look at some unique festival experiences for those who have seen it all.

Life & society Cuisine

5 reasons to love potatoes like a Finn

In Finland, spuds and taters have no haters. There are countless reasons to love the humble potato – here are five.

Business & innovation Innovation

7 surprising things that Finnish companies are making out of wood

Clothes, car batteries, fish feed – you name it. Some of the world’s most creative and commercially promising wood-based innovations come from Finland, and many are made from industry by-products. Here are just a few.

December 24

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

Life & society Nature

A secret kingdom of spring: Finnish stick forts come to life

Wherever you go in Finland, you’re never far from a forest or a park. Our photographer takes a walk in the woods and finds imaginative hideouts children have made from branches, sticks and leaves.

Life & society Sauna

5 Finnish saunas that show there’s a sauna for every taste

There are over three million saunas in Finland – in theory, enough for everyone in Finland to have a sauna at the exact same time! While most of them are privately owned, public sauna culture is also thriving, with a staggering variety of options available. Here are a few outstanding picks if you’re looking to experience the real deal.

Arts & culture Music

Finland’s Eurovision story evolves from trials to triumphs

In the glitzy Eurovision Song Contest, Finland languished as a perennial underdog for decades. Then its fortunes changed dramatically, and it has repeatedly been a serious contender to win the continent’s hearts.

Arts & culture Webpick

100 or so books from Finland: See what the Finnish Literature Exchange suggests

The Finnish Literature Exchange (FILI) lists more than 100 up-and-coming books from Finland. The bulk of them are so new that they haven’t been translated yet, but they offer a tantalising view of what’s on the way.

Arts & culture Art

Vibrant legacy: How artist Reidar Särestöniemi brought out northern Finland’s colours

From modest origins in the northern Finnish village of Kaukonen, Reidar Särestöniemi progressed to fame and recognition. His art continues to resonate with audiences, celebrating nature, individuality and the power of self-expression.

62.2%

of Finns belong to the Evangelical Lutheran Church

Source: Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland

things you should and shouldn’t know