Video - 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.

Arts & culture Music

Spotlight on Vörå, Finland: the local impact of KAJ’s Eurovision success

The Swedish-speaking Finnish trio KAJ represented Sweden in the Eurovision Song Contest with a cheerful sauna song that was the hot favourite to win the final last May. In the end, they came in fourth – but they went from local heroes to viral international phenomenon, transforming their home village in the process.

Arts & culture Music

Rising stars: These young fiddlers carry on Finland’s pelimanni folk music tradition

In the small town of Kaustinen, a hotspot for Finnish folk music, two young musicians are making waves. Erkki Virkkala and Iikka Huntus are part of a new generation keeping the pelimanni (folk music) tradition vibrant, blending skill, creativity and a love of playing together.

Arts & culture Culture

A night hike into the heart of Finnish folk music

Kaustinen, a small Finnish town renowned for its rich folk music traditions, welcomes festival-goers with a unique night hike through rain-soaked forests and magical cliffs. As fiddles echo in the dusk, hikers from across the globe gather to experience music and nature under the northern summer sky that never goes dark.

Life & society Fashion

Finnish American designer Ervin Latimer creates inclusive fashion

Finnish American designer Ervin Latimer believes that fashion needs to change, not people. He designs for a variety of bodies and genders. Latimer’s uncompromising design philosophy has made waves at renowned events such as Copenhagen Fashion Week and Pitti Uomo.

Life & society Equality

Finnish comic artist Kaisa Leka breaks preconceptions about disabilities and being outdoors

Award-winning artist and adventurer Kaisa Leka wants to ensure that nature is accessible for everyone. Her prosthetic legs have taken her across the United States and all the way to the Arctic Sea, but her hidden gems are on the countless islands of the Finnish archipelago.

Arts & culture Festivals

Finnish lightscapes: Festivals light up the night in Finland

Every winter, Finnish cities shine with light festivals showcasing works by both Finnish and international artists. You can see what they’re all about in our video.

Arts & culture Music

Sounds like Finland: Capturing the country’s essence in music

What does a country sound like? Finland set out to answer this question by becoming the first nation in the world to create an official national soundscape. Plug in, press play and experience Finland – no plane ticket required.