Helsinki - thisisFINLAND

Trams carry the future in Helsinki and elsewhere in Finland

From the hum of the motor to the clatter of the tracks, people connect Helsinki’s trams with modern daily life and historical memories. This mode of transport will play a central role in the future of the capital and other cities in Finland.

Life & society Webpick

Helsinki Design Week: Designing happiness in the Finnish capital

Helsinki Design Week fills the city with creativity and big ideas, asking whether design can shape happiness.

Life & society History

Then and now in photos: Helsinki 50 years after the Cold War summit

As Finland hosts an anniversary event marking 50 years since the historic OSCE summit and the signing of the Helsinki Final Act, we return to the city streets where history happened. Paired images show iconic Helsinki locations in 1975 and 2025, offering a glimpse of how much has changed.

Business & innovation Sustainability

Savouring sustainable eating in Finland

We visit two innovative Finnish businesses – a discount retailer and a Michelin Green Star restaurant – to see how food culture is shifting from consumption to conservation.

Arts & culture Festivals

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.

Business & innovation Architecture

Inventive Finnish company makes construction ideas float

Bluet, a young Finnish company with an imaginative approach, has become a global leader in the new industry of floating leisure structures: buildings, swimming pools, football fields, concert stages and more.

Arts & culture Architecture

Eye-catching Helsinki architecture: Exploring more Finnish art nouveau marvels

With camera in hand, we tour the array of photogenic façades and timeless charm on display in Helsinki’s numerous art nouveau buildings.

Life & society Sustainability

On a roll: Helsinki urban planning continues to expand bike path network

The Finnish capital places high on the growing list of enlightened world capitals that embrace cycling as an urban planning priority. Broad political agreement is a factor in the long-running development of its bike path system.