Is Water the Secret to Happiness in the Land of a Thousand Lakes?

Finland has once again, for the ninth consecutive year, claimed the top spot in the World Happiness Report. While there are many contributing factors—such as high life expectancy, a profound sense of freedom, safety, and low levels of corruption—could one explanation lie in our country’s vast and abundant waters? The continental ice sheet left Finns […]

Winter Silence in Historic Fiskars Village

The Raseborg area in western Uusimaa is rich in fascinating history and historical sites. In my view, one of the most picturesque features of the region is its old ironworks villages, whose varied buildings look postcard-perfect to modern Finnish eyes. Perhaps the most famous of these is Fiskars Village, which buzzes with tourists in summer […]

Brew Coffee over a Campfire (Without Setting Your Hair on Fire Like I Did)

One of the most quintessentially Finnish ways to spend time outdoors is to brew coffee over an open fire. Unhurriedness is an essential part of the moment: a good fire takes time to catch properly, and good coffee takes time to become just right. Calmness and deliberate movements also belong to the experience, as does […]

A Simple Pastry with a Homemade Look: Joulutorttu is a Beloved Taste of Finnish Christmas

The joulutorttu (Yule tarte) is one of the most recognisable and cherished Christmas pastries in Finland. It is eaten primarily in Finland, and for many Finns it is an unquestioned part of Christmas—just as essential as the Christmas tree, rice porridge, and boxes of chocolate. The joulutorttu is commonly available in cafés at an affordable […]

A First-Timer’s Guide to Baltic Sea Cruises – Q & A

A cruise or ferry trip to Turku, Helsinki, Tallinn, Stockholm, or Mariehamn is an easy – and even luxurious – way to experience the Baltic Sea. However, boarding a massive cruise ship and finding your way around isn’t always straightforward if you’ve never traveled on one before. Here, we’ve gathered some general guidelines and links […]

The Beautiful Medieval Chapel Ruins of Lemböte in Åland

About a 20-minute drive from Mariehamn lies the charming ruins of Lemböte Chapel, beautifully situated by the sea in a peaceful forest setting. The medieval chapel has been stylishly restored, and even today summer services and other events are still held there. Visitors can explore the site independently, and although the chapel itself is usually […]

Tammerkoski: A National Landscape in the Heart of Tampere

Flowing through the center of Tampere, Tammerkoski is one of Finland’s most unique national landscapes—a tranquil waterway steeped in industrial history, surrounded by charming parks and red-brick heritage.

rug-washing in Finland

Washing Rugs is a Beloved Finnish Summer Tradition

Washing rugs at a rug-washing station is a Finnish summer tradition. Learn how locals turn this everyday task into a seasonal ritual.