Rain continues to drench the western and southern regions of Finland, while central areas and Oulu are experiencing snow and sleet. Open image Viewer The flag-raising ceremony on Helsinki’s Tähtitorninmäki hill took place beneath a blanket of clouds on Saturday morning. Image: Jari Kovalainen / Yle As Finland marks its Independence Day, a damp and overcast sky will cloak much of the nation, with only Lapland expecting temperatures to dip below freezing. Rain is projected to sweep in from the Southwest throughout the day, saturating southern and western areas. By the afternoon and evening, this rain is set to transition…
Author: Finland Review
A Young Prodigy Makes History in the Chess World In a remarkable turn of events, the world of chess has witnessed a historic milestone as reported by The Guardian. Indian prodigy Sarwagya Singh Kushwaha has etched his name into the records, becoming the youngest chess player ever to be included in the rankings of FIDE, the international chess federation. Kushwaha’s journey to this achievement has been nothing short of extraordinary. He broke into the speed chess world rankings last November at the tender age of just three years, seven months, and 20 days. His impressive dedication to the game is…
Iceland is a land adorned with breathtaking natural wonders. From dazzling glaciers and turquoise lagoons to black-sand beaches and lush moss-covered lava fields, the treasures awaiting discovery on a luxury trip to Iceland are boundless. However, with its iconic national parks and over 130 protected areas, the task of choosing where to explore may feel daunting. At Hidden Iceland, our travel experts are prepared to lead you through this enchanting landscape. Their extensive knowledge of the country ensures that you will find the perfect destinations tailored to your travel preferences. Whether you dream of traversing glaciers, exploring ice caves, or…
The Evolving Landscape of Work in Finland In Finland, the world of work has taken on a new shape since the pandemic. People are now logging approximately one million more remote workdays each week compared to pre-COVID times, marking a significant shift in how we approach our professional lives. However, while working from home has become the norm, it comes at a steep price. Reports from Hufvudstadsbladet indicate that Finland’s service sector is facing annual losses estimated at a staggering 1.3 billion euros due to this shift in work culture. Seizing Russian Assets In a bold move on the international…
Tennis Star Anastasia Potapova Shifts Allegiance to Austria Amidst Russian Backlash In a move that has sent ripples through the tennis community, 24-year-old Anastasia Potapova has confirmed her decision to compete under the flag of her “new home,” Austria. This announcement comes on the heels of her successful application for Austrian citizenship, marking a significant change in her professional trajectory. Born in Russia and long a representative of her homeland, Potapova expressed her deep affection for Austria in a recent statement. “Austria is a place I love. It is incredibly welcoming and a place where I feel completely at home.…
Reykjavík is a truly enchanting city—so captivating that the only dilemma to ponder is where to rest your head while exploring its wonders. With an array of splendid hotels to choose from, selecting the right fit can feel overwhelming. At Hidden Iceland, our expertise as luxury travel agents allows us to curate the perfect accommodations for your Icelandic adventure. Here’s our guide to the finest hotels in Reykjavík. The Reykjavík EDITION The Reykjavik EDITION. Iceland Luxury Accommodation & Private Lodges. Hidden Iceland. For those seeking a touch of elegance, The Reykjavík EDITION is a 5-star haven that blends sophistication with…
In a revealing new poll by Yle, the opposition Social Democratic Party (SDP) has emerged with a notable six-point lead over Prime Minister Petteri Orpo’s National Coalition Party (NCP). This trend may signal shifting sentiments among Finnish voters as the political landscape continues to evolve. According to the recent survey, the SDP, led by Antti Lindtman, captured the support of 24.7 percent of respondents—essentially one in four voters. Meanwhile, Orpo’s NCP trailed with 18.7 percent support, leaving them well behind in the race. The Finns Party, coming in third, secured 14.2 percent of voter backing. Despite the SDP’s lead, all…
Simona Halep’s Pivotal Decision: A Journey from Adversity to Stardom In a candid moment shared on social media, Simona Halep, the Romanian tennis sensation who recently concluded her career, reflected on a harrowing episode from her youth that forced her to make a life-altering decision. Now at 34, Halep recalled the daunting experience that left her grappling with a significant question about her future. Having just claimed the title at the 2008 French Open girls’ tournament at the tender age of 16, Halep faced a frightening incident during a routine training session. “I couldn’t move. I was so scared and…
If the impending winter has you feeling a bit blue, perhaps it’s time to reconsider your destination. In Iceland, the colder months aren’t just a time for hibernation; they’re a gateway to epic adventures and luxurious experiences that are truly one-of-a-kind. We turned to our guide, Levi Baráth, to discover what makes winter in Iceland so special: “I love the snow and the sun being so low, creating such colors at sunrise and sunset. I haven’t seen this anywhere else before!” Levi’s enthusiasm is infectious. The winter months in Iceland offer a chance to witness sheer natural beauty. So, bundle…
Consumer prices saw a modest rise of 1.4 percent last month compared to November 2024, according to the latest preliminary data from Statistics Finland. This increase, while still notable, marks a slight decline from the 1.5 percent year-on-year inflation reported in October, which itself was a gentle uptick from September’s figures. Over the past 18 months, Finland’s inflation rate has been on a downward trajectory, having peaked at nearly 9 percent in February 2023. The data indicate that the uptick in November was largely fueled by higher healthcare-related expenses. Encouragingly, it also showed that prices for food, fuel, and clothing…