FINNISH CULTURE, FOOD & HERITAGE
We Finns live in a culture that is a rich mix of deep history and modern lifestyle. Our nature, especially our countless lakes, vast forests, and the long, island-filled Baltic Sea coast, are an essential part of our Finnish identity. This closeness to nature is also reflected in our values and lifestyles, such as our love for outdoor activities, berry picking, mushroom foraging, and the sauna, which is an important part of life for many in Finland.
Finnish design and architecture are world-renowned, combining practicality with aesthetic beauty. Our long and rich history can be experienced through our buildings, for example, in the Old Rauma district, our charming archipelago villages, and the architectural masterpieces in our larger cities, such as the central library Oodi in Helsinki. Finland also has a strong tradition of storytelling and music, which extends from our national epic, the Kalevala, and classical music – Jean Sibelius – to contemporary music and cinema. We Finns are particularly known for our successful metal bands, which tour around the globe. The Finnish language, which is unlike other Nordic languages and often described as a language of hobbits, is a dear treasure to us, through which we express ourselves and our culture.
Community and equality are important values to us Finns, who live in one of the world’s most stable and happiest countries. Although we may seem reserved at first, we are friendly and hospitable when you get to know us.
