Lifestyle - thisisFINLAND

Summer in the city: An open-air pool beckons in the heart of Helsinki

Helsinki Swimming Stadium is an oasis. In a park in the middle of the Finnish capital, you can swim in a heated, Olympic-size outdoor pool or work out at an open-air gym.

Arts & culture Visual arts

Art in the archipelago: Helsinki Biennial reflects global concerns

Exploring identity, interconnectedness and the ecological crisis, the event’s theme and subtitle, “The Same Sea,” is more relevant than ever in a world marked by a pandemic.

Life & society History

Åland marks centenary of autonomy agreement with a year full of events

The 100-year anniversary of a unique and enduring agreement in the Åland Islands is the occasion for a yearlong programme of special events and celebrations.

85.4%

of Finns live in urban areas

Source: UN World Urbanisation Prospects

Life & society Family

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.

3.2 million

Amount of saunas in Finland

Source: Finnish Sauna Society

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.

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.

500,400

Number of summer cottages in Finland

Source: Statistics Finland