Lifestyle - thisisFINLAND

Finland’s quirky love for saunas

The Finnish sauna is getting a makeover as new venues offer creative takes on the traditional steam bath. Here’s a guide to some pretty awesome saunas.

Life & society Quality of life

We asked people in Finland what makes them happy

In honour of the International Day of Happiness, which takes place every year on March 20, we visit Oodi, Helsinki’s grand central library, to talk with people about what makes them happy. In our video, they tell you in their own words.

Business & innovation Lifestyle

Finnish futurist sees new ways of looking at people’s career paths and skills

We meet multitalented futurist, inventor and composer Perttu Pölönen, who helps people navigate the ever-changing labour market. He believes continual technological progress will increase the need for uniquely human skills.

85.4%

of Finns live in urban areas

Source: UN World Urbanisation Prospects

Life & society Nature

Treasure hunting in the Finnish forest

It’s late September, and we’re breathing the fresh, earthy fragrances of autumn in a forest just west of the Finnish capital. We’re tagging along with a mushroom picker who compares her hobby to searching for treasure in the woods.

Life & society Wellbeing

In Finnish culture, hobbies get pride of place

Hobbies offer a way for people to enrich their lives – and even enhance the lives of others in the process. Joining a hobby is also a way to meet new Finnish friends.

500,400

Number of summer cottages in Finland

Source: Statistics Finland

Life & society Cuisine

Making sweet, sour loaves and blazed fish by the sea: western Finnish recipes

Geography and culture are reflected in these recipes from western Finland, where sea buckthorn grows along the Baltic Sea coast and the Ostrobothnia region is known for its potato farming tradition.

Life & society Cuisine

Rolling out pies, rye bread and other essential eastern Finnish recipes

We visit eastern Finland to find recipes for blinis that require two days to make and dark rye bread that takes three or four days. And we reveal the secrets behind baking Karelian pies, berry pies and more.

Life & society Equality

Finland tops World Happiness Report for fifth time in a row, highlights trust, wellbeing and freedom – other Nordics in top 8

Finland leads the 2022 World Happiness Report, with the other Nordic countries keeping it company in the top eight. What are the values and systems that contribute to keeping Finland at the head of this list?

3.2 million

Amount of saunas in Finland

Source: Finnish Sauna Society

Business & innovation Cuisine

Feast your eyes on these Finnish chocolate creations

Artisanal chocolatiers have been emerging across Finland in recent years, offering seriously tasty competition to the big brands. Small shops can also stand out by focusing on vegan chocolate, gluten-free options, sustainability, local ingredients or supply-chain ethics.