Animals - thisisFINLAND

Spending an idyllic week in a Finnish national park, on a shepherding holiday

In several of Finland’s national parks, grazing sheep and cows help maintain traditional landscapes. Holiday-goers can enjoy a week surrounded by natural beauty while looking after the animals.

Arts & culture Photography

Receiving polished pictures from Finnish photographer Pentti Sammallahti

At K1 in Helsinki, insightful, compassionate pictures of people, trees and animals by Pentti Sammallahti show why he’s one of Finland’s best-known photographers. (Article includes photo show.)

Life & society National park

Natural attraction: Finland’s national parks draw people to popular peaks and hidden gems

The dozens of national parks spread across Finland receive about 3.5 million visitors annually, but the numbers are unevenly distributed. While the quieter parks are farther off the beaten track, that only increases their charm.

Life & society Environment

Weathering winter in Finnish waters: Wildlife copes with changing Baltic Sea

Climate change is affecting average water temperatures and amounts of ice cover in the Baltic Sea. That influences the lifecycle and survival of fish and other wildlife, but not always the way you might think.

Life & society Animals

Canines contribute to Covid-19 testing at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport

Making an unusual coronavirus test available to passengers at the airport could provide a needed boost to confidence in international travel.

Life & society Environment

Up close and online: View the Finnish wilderness with webcams

Many people have had to spend long periods of time indoors, not to mention curtail travel plans, because of Covid-19 social distancing measures. With live webcams showing Finland’s wildlife and wilderness, you can pass the time and get a travel fix.

Life & society Nature

Warm winter makes rescuing Finland’s Saimaa seal many degrees more difficult

Climate change presents fresh challenges for Finland’s already endangered Saimaa ringed seal population and those trying to save it. We visit them on the lakeshore.

Life & society Language

Let your Finnish-language animal run free

Splendiferously long words, complex grammar, inscrutable sayings – the Finnish language contains many idiosyncrasies that fascinate and challenge learners. For a light interlude, take your Finnish to new heights of animalistic self-expression.