Rain Alters Competition Landscape for Women’s Relay in Val di Fiemme As clouds loom over Val di Fiemme, the weather forecast predicts a rainy day ahead—an unexpected twist for the women’s relay event taking place today at the Tesero ski stadium. Unlike previous days of competition, when athletes battled the elements with relative ease, this change may significantly impact strategy and performance. Upon visiting the course early Saturday morning, it was evident that preparations were underway. The artificial snow, already soft and pliable, drew immediate attention. Though rain had not yet begun to fall, the air chilled to a brisk…
Author: Finland Review
A survey conducted last year revealed an intriguing aspect of social life in Finland: the average Finn has about four close friends and a total of eleven friends overall. As Valentine’s Day approaches, it’s fascinating to observe how Finland stands apart from many countries, where the day is often synonymous with romance. Since 1987, Valentine’s Day—known in Finnish as Ystävänpäivä or “Friend’s Day”—is celebrated as a tribute to friendship and community connections. On February 14, many Finns take the opportunity to exchange heartfelt messages and even gifts with their close friends, reinforcing bonds that transcend traditional romantic notions. Recently, social…
While the once-reliable tradition of sending letters through the mail is waning, the national postal service is experiencing an uptick in parcel deliveries. In its latest report, Posti, Finland’s national mail company, announced a notable increase in profitability during the latter part of last year, despite a decline in overall turnover. Specifically, the company’s adjusted earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) rose to 30 million euros in the fourth quarter, a marked improvement from nearly 22 million euros during the same quarter in 2022. However, this success came amid a 3.3 percent drop in turnover for the final quarter, totaling…
Finland’s Lubrication Scandal Takes a New Twist In a stunning development within the realm of cross-country skiing, Heikki Tonteri, the lubrication manager for the Finnish cross-country team, stirred the pot with a provocative Instagram post on Friday. The image featured a bottle of cream typically used to reduce friction. Accompanying the photo, Tonteri cheekily commented, “Hand cleaner,” leaving many to ponder the implications of his words. The timing of his post couldn’t be more significant, as it appears to reference a lubrication scandal that made headlines just a day earlier. During an emergency meeting, Italian national team head coach Marcus…
Our small ironworks tour around Raseborg over the weekend took us through Antskog, Fiskars, and Billnäs before we arrived in Mustio (Svartå) for the grand finale. As with our earlier stops, the area was quiet—aside from a solitary duck gliding across the rippling water, we found ourselves completely alone. The winter scenery was simply breathtaking! The striking yellow façade of Mustio Manor, one of Finland’s most cherished heritage buildings, gleamed against the backdrop of a blue-and-white winter landscape. Having heard countless ghost stories about this manor, I couldn’t help but envision spirits peering at us from behind the windows as…
Keliber Launches Europe’s First Battery-Grade Lithium Mining Operation In the chill of a Finnish winter, a significant chapter in Europe’s lithium production story has begun. Mining firm Keliber has officially kicked off lithium mining in Kaustinen, marking the launch of Europe’s first battery-grade lithium processing operation in the Kokkola region. This much-anticipated project promises to generate around 350 jobs and establishes an essential production chain, aiming to reduce dependency on imports from China. On a chilly Wednesday, invited guests and reporters gathered to witness a historic moment as the first spodumene veins were blasted from the rock at the Syväjärvi…
Every Team Deserves Respect: A Reflection on Olympic Ice Hockey In the arena of international sports, the spirit of competition transcends national pride. Jukka Jalonen, head coach of Finland’s ice hockey team, knows this well. Four years ago, he guided the Finnish Lions to Olympic gold, but as they return to defend their title, the dynamics have shifted dramatically. The journey began with an unexpected setback—a 4-1 loss to Slovakia. For Jalonen, this wasn’t a stunning revelation. “The strength of Slovakia didn’t surprise me at all,” he remarked after the match against Sweden. “In fact, I would argue they might…
In Finland, the landscape is dotted with an array of stunning natural destinations where one can indulge in the quintessential Finnish sauna experience. Whether nestled deep within expansive wilderness or conveniently located near urban areas, these saunas offer a unique way to connect with nature and relax. Before we wrap up, we’ll share some personal favorites recommended by our team, showcasing just a handful of the countless options available across the country. For those eager to explore even more, a quick online search using the word “sauna” alongside your desired destination will unveil additional gems. Alongside public saunas, private saunas…
The Finnish government’s proposal to amend the Driving License Act—a move aimed at enhancing road safety for young drivers—will be up for discussion in Parliament next week. Recent findings from a survey commissioned by Fintraffic, Finland’s traffic management agency, reveal that one in three young people believe the current requirements for obtaining a driving license are too lenient. This poll, which surveyed over 800 individuals aged 15 to 24, found that 463 of them already hold a driving license. Fintraffic’s CEO, Pasi Anteroinen, voiced serious concerns regarding the implications of these findings. He noted that Finland currently trails other Nordic…
Ilkka Herola: Champion in Unconventional Gear In the world of ski racing, few details stand out quite like the oversized ski goggles worn by Ilkka Herola, a seasoned combined athlete gearing up for his fourth Olympic Games in Milan-Cortina. At first glance, his striking choice may raise eyebrows, but for Herola, there’s function over form in every facet of his gear. “My head has been exposed for so long that it looks pretty rough,” Herola remarked, displaying a nonchalance towards his unconventional look. “I really couldn’t care less; these goggles are coming with me until I hang up my skis…