Culture - thisisFINLAND

Staying playful: A Finnish artist combines fatherhood with creative freedom

Everyone’s an artist in Teemu Keisteri’s family, no matter if they’re four or almost 40. Father and son get creative together and explore Finland’s vibrant children’s culture scene.

Life & society Architecture

Lahti, Finland chooses most beautiful building as city celebrates 120th anniversary

Residents of the southern Finnish city of Lahti have selected a 19th-century manor house as their city’s most beautiful building.

Life & society Architecture

Heads up for Helsinki’s urban overstory: Lions and gargoyles and bears, oh my!

If you elevate your gaze, Helsinki’s architecture contains surprising details. Mythical creatures, solemn figures and watchful animals perch high above street level.

Arts & culture Film

Finland taps tragicomic film, 100 Litres of Gold, for Oscars

Teemu Nikki’s darkly comic drama is Finland’s official submission for the 2026 Academy Award for Best International Feature Film.

Business & innovation Fashion

Finnish workwear: Fashioned with purpose

Wearing Finnish design brings a touch of Finland to professional settings, where first impressions and lasting impact matter more than ever.

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.

Arts & culture Music

Spotlight on Vörå, Finland: the local impact of KAJ’s Eurovision success

The Swedish-speaking Finnish trio KAJ represented Sweden in the Eurovision Song Contest with a cheerful sauna song that was the hot favourite to win the final last May. In the end, they came in fourth – but they went from local heroes to viral international phenomenon, transforming their home village in the process.

Arts & culture Webpick

Tracing the rise of Finland’s folk music from village roots to global acclaim

Folk music in Finland has evolved from postwar silence to a vibrant, internationally respected art form. As Womex (Worldwide Music Expo) 2025 approaches, Music Finland traces that journey.