Lifestyle - thisisFINLAND

Finnish society places value on family time and inclusivity

The significance that Finnish people attach to Mother’s Day and Father’s Day may reflect something that goes beyond the holidays themselves. It may be indicative of the way Finland, as a society, views and supports parents and families.

Life & society Cuisine

A whole bunch of brunch for May Day: Finland’s festival of spring arrives

May Day, traditionally the wildest party of the year in Finland, starts on April 30 and continues on May 1, when people take to the parks for a picnic brunch. Chef Timo Lepistö provides us with recipes that fit the holiday. Even in times of social distancing, there will be some version of brunch.

Arts & culture Art

Helsinki show spotlights the continual renewal of an age-old Finnish art form

It’s a word that many find difficult to pronounce, but the technique and designs of “ryijy” tapestries hold a special place in Finnish culture. We visit an extensive ryijy exhibition at Kunsthalle Helsinki to see a traditional art form that remains vibrant.

84.2%

of Finns live in urban areas

Source: UN World Urbanisation Prospects

Life & society History

Åland Islands to commence celebration of 100 years of peaceful autonomy

The Åland Islands Peace Institute contributes to a programme of events marking the centenary of a unique agreement.

Life & society Webpick

Helsinki Freedom video series tells stories about life in the Finnish capital

A minidocumentary video series celebrates the freedoms that people living in the capital experience every day. A group of hand-picked creators were given the freedom to demonstrate what being free means to them.

3.2 million

Amount of saunas in Finland

Source: Finnish Sauna Society

Life & society Sauna

Unesco highlights the intangible but very real spirit of Finnish sauna culture

“Sauna culture in Finland” is now on the Unesco list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. What does that mean, and what does the sauna represent to Finnish people?

Life & society Helsinki

Snow brings light and life to Helsinki

In recent years, southern Finland has experienced a prevalence of comparatively mild winters, in line with predictions and observations of climate change. Every so often, though, a series of snowstorms changes the way Helsinki residents look at their city (article includes slideshow).

Life & society Nature

Fleeting fame: Finland’s “centre of population” exists in the middle of nowhere

Why are two people putting up a monument in the woods? They’re attempting to pin down Finland’s centre of population as it moves slowly south through the quiet forests outside the city of Hämeenlinna.

500,400

Number of summer cottages in Finland

Source: Statistics Finland