Finnishness Archives

Show me the way to the next pikkujoulu (Finnish pre-Christmas party)

In the weeks before Christmas, Finland seems overrun by party fever. It’s the pikkujoulu (pre-Christmas party) season.

Life & society Society

Finntown’s slice of the Big Apple

Once upon a time, New York had two Finnish neighbourhoods – Finntowns. We talk to a couple who used to live in one.

Arts & culture Literature

US wise guy makes fun of life in Finland

The book How to Marry a Finnish Girl shows why kids can speak Finnish but you can’t, how to avoid summer cabins, and more.

Life & society Sports

Row, row, row that church boat

For a breath of fresh air and a taste of traditional Finland, try a wooden rowboat 12 metres long.

Arts & culture Literature

Finnish contemporary literature: A wealth of voices

Finnish literature is going further than ever. Join our tour of prose, poetry and publishing (and Finland-Swedish books).

Life & society Slideshows

Finns walk on water in winter

Slideshow: The Finns make the most out of a cold winter by using the frozen ocean as a park for walking, skiing and more.

Christmas Finnishness

Strangest Greetings from Santa and 23 other extraordinary Finns

This December we’re proud to present an online exhibition showcasing Finland’s weird and wonderful creativity. Twenty-four artists and musicians post refreshingly unconventional Christmas messages to capture your imagination. Enjoy!

Life & society Language

In search of Finland’s longest word

We scoured the forests for Finland’s longest word – and we may never understand the full implications of our discovery.

Finnishness