Finland’s culture, which is full of history, goes against the idea that it is always dark and snowy. Even though they are called “shy,” Finns are very friendly and sure of themselves. Natural beauty, like the Northern Lights, lakes, and woods, is a big part of what makes the country unique. Traditions like sauna routines and Midsummer’s Eve celebrations show a strong bond with nature and history.
Finland’s artistic history, such as the poems in the Kalevala and the designs of Alvar Aalto, shows how committed the country is to creativity and new ideas. If you visit Finland, you will have a great time exploring its food, Helsinki’s art scene, and the friendliness of the people. Get ready for a beautiful trip through Finland.
Coffee culture
Did you know that Finns drink more coffee than anyone else? The fact that Finns drink an average of 700 cups of coffee a year shows how much they love the drink. Even though young people aren’t doing it, adults are a big part of this high spending rate. Why is coffee such an essential part of Finnish society, even though the weather isn’t good for coffee plants? Well, those long, dark winters do play a significant role.
When it’s cold outside, coffee is a pleasure that warms the body and the soul. In the winter, when there isn’t much sunshine, Finns fight the darkness by keeping their body clocks steady. But coffee is a pick-me-up that helps you fight tiredness and welcome the day ahead. It’s not just a drink to keep warm; it’s a way to stay awake and involved, which keeps the Finnish spirit strong even when things get tough.
In this society that revolves around coffee, Helsinki has a lot of cute coffee shops, and each one offers something different for locals and visitors. So while in Helsinki, Finland, remember to enjoy a cup of coffee and feel how it makes the country feel warm and alive.
Celebrations for Independence Day
Finland’s path to freedom may be more recent than other Scandinavian countries. In 1917, when the Russian Empire was in the middle of the Bolshevik Revolution, Finland took the chance to break away from Russia. They changed their name from the Grand Duchy of Finland to Suomi.
Going to Helsinki around December 6, you’ll see the beautiful snowy streets and busy Christmas markets and participate in special events. Everyone has the day off on the National Day of Independence, which is good. For those of you who have Finnish friends, get ready for a fun night out on the night before the feast.
The joyful spirit of the Finnish people
Finnish people are known for being happy, which makes the country famous for being the happiest in the world. Some Finns might not take this seriously, but many studies and scores back it up.
What is it about Finland that makes it so happy? There are many reasons for this, and I’ll discuss them in more detail in my next post. Finland is the perfect place to be happy, from its excellent education system to its high life expectancy, generous pay, low crime rate, and deep link to nature.
Even if people in Helsinki greet you with frosty smiles in the winter, real happiness goes beyond words. Finns seem happy because they live in a system that cares for their health and lets them do well.
Embracing the sauna culture
Finnish people are into baths; it’s more than a hobby. Folk traditions like this are also important in Finland and other Nordic countries.
Saunas are an essential part of Finnish society, not just a nice-to-have. In Helsinki, they’re everywhere and can be found in almost every home. In the past, when people lived alone on islands, Finnish farmers prioritized making saunas and other necessary buildings. Finns are naturally shy, but become surprisingly open in the sauna, where the warm air makes them feel comfortable talking to strangers.
Nestled proudly next to the seaside Ferris wheel in Helsinki stands a renowned Finnish sauna, welcoming visitors throughout the year. Even in the depths of winter, it’s not uncommon to witness individuals leisurely exiting the sauna in their bathing suits, seemingly unfazed by the cold.
In Finland, saunas are more common than cars, which shows how important they are to people there. Sauna swimming is good for your health, and Finns put their health above all else.
This societal focus on saunas could also be caused by Finland’s excellent tram and metro systems, which make public transportation very easy to use. Even though it gets freezing in the winter in this country, people still can’t resist the draw of a sauna session.
Embrace Finland’s unique cultural landscape!
Learning about Finland’s unique culture is a journey from amazement to wonder. Finding baths everywhere and being greeted with kindness by Finns are unforgettable experiences. Finland is beautiful, whether you’re looking at the Northern Lights or drinking coffee in Helsinki in the snow. Take its warmth and magic wherever you go as you say goodbye to this land of baths and smiles.
