thisisFINLAND

Vibrant legacy: How artist Reidar Särestöniemi brought out northern Finland’s colours

From modest origins in the northern Finnish village of Kaukonen, Reidar Särestöniemi progressed to fame and recognition. His art continues to resonate with audiences, celebrating nature, individuality and the power of self-expression.

Life & society Finnishness

For Finnish university students, May Day is the greatest time of year – here’s why

May Day in Finland is more than a celebration of spring. It’s a jubilant spectacle in which university students embrace creativity, tradition and community.

Life & society Language

With art, motion and emotion, Finnish researchers explore new language-learning paths

Learning a new language can be daunting and is often associated with hours of memorising vocabulary and repeating textbook phrases. But what if it could be more active, creative, fun and emotionally engaging?

Life & society Language

How livestreaming helped me learn Finnish – and what you can take from my experience

For the past two years, I have subjected myself – and, more importantly, a live audience – to the great and noble quest of learning Finnish. Here’s what I found out.

Finland emojis

Helsinki-Uusimaa is the most innovative region in the EU

Source: Regional Innovation Scoreboard

Facts, stats and info Webcam

Helsinki South Harbour and surroundings by webcam

Check out what’s happening on and around Market Square and at Allas Sea Pool. Watch the ferries arrive and depart. See what the weather is like in the Finnish capital, and maybe spot some seagulls at cruising altitude.

Life & society Politics

Finland’s election day coffee tradition unites all kinds of voters

Many people in Finland make voting into an outing by stopping for coffee and cake afterwards. We catch up with voters at their chosen cafés to get to the heart of the long-established Finnish custom of election day coffee.

Life & society Politics

Election time: Finland’s foreign residents cast their votes in county and municipal elections

Nationwide elections of some kind – presidential, parliamentary or others – happen in Finland at least every two years, and sometimes in consecutive years. Foreign residents can vote and run for office in the combined county and municipal elections. We talk with some of them.

Business & innovation Webpick

University of Helsinki research: Prehistoric people may have “heard” rock paintings talking

A number of prehistoric (5000–1500 BCE) rock paintings exist in Finland, mostly in the southeastern part of the country. Surprisingly, the acoustics of some sites may have made them important to the hunter-gatherers of the time.

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.

in the Sustainable Development Index

Source: Sustainable Development Report

Life & society Finnishness

Eight years in a row: Finland remains in first place in World Happiness Report – other Nordics in top 7

We’re happy to note that Finland has been the happiest country on the planet since 2018, according to the World Happiness Report. How does Finland’s “infrastructure of happiness” help happiness happen?

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.

Life & society Society

Nordic cooperation covers everything from art to economics

The Nordic region is very diverse, but its citizens have many values in common. We hear from two significant Nordic institutions about their work in Finland and abroad.

First place in European Happiness Equality Index

Source: The Happiness Research Institute

Arts & culture Music

Made in Finland: Sweden sends Finnish sauna-party band KAJ to Eurovision

In a curious turn of events, Sweden has chosen KAJ, a comedy group from Finland, as its representative for the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest. Finland’s own delegate is Erika Vikman.

Business & innovation Architecture

Inventive Finnish company makes construction ideas float

Bluet, a young Finnish company with an imaginative approach, has become a global leader in the new industry of floating leisure structures: buildings, swimming pools, football fields, concert stages and more.

Life & society Sauna

5 tips for enjoying the sauna like people in Finland

Want to make the most of your sauna experience? Start with this simple list!

Life & society Webpick

Finnish sauna offers a warm welcome for people from all walks of life

In Finland, sauna is not a rare luxury, but a central part of the culture. In fact, did you know that there are more saunas than cars in Finland?

Arts & culture Visual arts

Looking for paradise: Finnish artist Tove Jansson’s paintings go far beyond the Moomins

Even dedicated fans of Finnish artist and writer Tove Jansson’s Moomin characters may know little of her painting career and its role in her life. We show you around a major exhibition – and uncover some info about one of the Moomin books, too.

Hei!

Finnish word for "Hello!"

things you should and shouldn’t know