Finnishness - thisisFINLAND

Wolves, owls and lions: Why Finland names its national teams after animals

Wolves howl, owls swoop, lions roar – and so do Finnish national sports teams. In Finland, naming your team after a wild animal is part of the game.

Life & society Cuisine

Only local sources: A Finnish chef creates acclaimed cuisine in a small town

When chef Remi Trémouille returned to his roots in Eastern Finland he discovered the importance of a strong local community. All ingredients in his kitchen come from nearby producers, which means the menu sometimes surprises even the chef himself.

Life & society Sports

Finland’s quirky sand skiing world championship also carries a climate warning

Our video shows you a beach on the west coast of Finland where a group of skiers embraces sand instead of snow – not just for sport, but to draw attention to a warming world.

Hei!

Finnish word for "Hello!"

Life & society Sports

Fit as a Finn: The story behind Finland’s affinity for exercise

From 19th-century gymnastics clubs to today’s ski trails and cycling paths, fitness has long formed part of Finnish life. But what keeps this nation moving through every season? Let’s find out.

Life & society Sports

Life in motion: A visual journey into what an active lifestyle means to the Finns

In Finland, movement is often woven into daily life – not just as exercise, but as a source of fun, resilience and connection. Our photo essay explores how Finns of all ages keep active, from disc golf and swimming to simply walking in the woods.

3.3 million

Amount of saunas in Finland

Source: Unesco

Life & society Sauna

Finnish architect Sami Rintala tells us how saunas got hotter than ever

Inspiration from Finland is prompting a global sauna boom, thanks to architects such as Sami Rintala, whose designs can be found in Japan, Norway, Romania and the UK. He tells us how saunas got so hot.

Life & society Lifestyle

An ode to the joys of Finnish summer cottages

From coastal islands to inland forests, our American reporter explores the quiet joy – and hard work – of Finland’s summer-cottage traditions.

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.

2010

The year National Failure Day was introduced