Aino, Lumi and Pyry: Let’s look at Finland’s naming traditions
Finnish first names can feel opaque to outsiders – full of vowels, folklore and unfamiliar sound – but when you take a closer look, Finland’s naming traditions tell a fascinating story.
Alvar Aalto’s Finland: Architecture designed for people
Widely regarded as Finland’s most influential architect, Alvar Aalto transformed modernism with a human-centred approach to design. Today, his work is nominated for the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Sandy beaches, windswept pine forests and a lighthouse overlooking the Gulf of Bothnia have long made Hailuoto one of Finland’s most distinctive islands. Now, as a new bridge nears completion, the island is preparing for a transformation.
Tracing the trail of an extinct sea giant, Finnish novelist finds literary success
An extinct sea cow, a museum skeleton and a fascination with scientific history inspired Finnish author Iida Turpeinen’s internationally acclaimed debut novel Beasts of the Sea.
Many early jazz gigs on Finnish soil took place in gritty sailors’ bars. Jazz went on to earn a fervent following. The century-long history of jazz in Finland inspires a cavalcade of special events in 2026.
Finnish natural and cultural heritage in abundance
Whether in town or out in the country, Finnish people live side by side with nature. Even the largest cities have natural areas accessible by public transport, and the countryside is never far away, including a great diversity of national parks and World Heritage Sites.
On Finnish west coast, Neristan’s historic houses enchant visitors
A stroll through one of Finland’s most substantial historic wooden neighbourhoods shows off its charm and colour. Take a tour of the Neristan district in the west-coast city of Kokkola.
Torilla tavataan: Where Finns meet when the country triumphs
When Finland wins big on the international stage, the celebration spills into the streets. Torilla tavataan – “meet on the market square” – is the call to share the moment together.
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