Wildlife Corridors Could Significantly Reduce Road Kill in Finland In Finland, the battle against wildlife fatalities on roads has reached a critical point. Each year, millions of wild animals fall victim to traffic, and the presence of larger mammals, such as elk, poses an especially grave risk to human safety. A recent study from the University of Helsinki has brought some hopeful news: implementing wildlife corridors, such as overpasses and dry paths through culverts, could potentially decrease road kill by an impressive 80 percent. Wildlife corridors are essentially man-made structures designed to facilitate the safe passage of animals across human-altered…
Author: Finland Review
In a significant move for the Finnish tourism industry, LähiTaksi, one of the country’s leading taxi services, has announced an agreement to integrate Alipay, the world’s premier mobile and online payment platform, into its operations. This initiative follows a similar commitment from the Rovaniemi Taxi Service Company, marking a notable shift in how businesses in Finland are accommodating the increasing influx of Chinese travelers. By the time the 2018 Chinese Spring Festival holiday rolls around on February 14, Alipay will be accepted in all 1,250 LähiTaksi vehicles, essentially extending the reach of mobile payment options to major areas throughout Finland.…
A Vital Reminder on Food and Water Hygiene As travelers indulge in new cuisines and experiences, the importance of food and water hygiene often becomes an afterthought—yet the risks are very real. Diarrheal illnesses, including Shigella (known as shigellosis or dysentery) and Salmonella infections, pose significant threats, particularly to those venturing to certain regions. Since October 1, 2025, there has been a concerning uptick in Shigella and Salmonella cases reported among travelers returning to England, Scotland, and Wales from the picturesque Cape Verde Islands. Of the 164 confirmed Shigella cases, 112 individuals specifically linked their illness to travel in Cape…
A cyclist races by in a blur, followed by another, and then another. In Oulu, bicycles have become as ubiquitous as the snow that blankets the streets in winter. Here, the city makes it a priority to clear and maintain its extensive network of bike paths, allowing residents to ride to work and school with the sort of ease and acceptance that seems entirely normal. With over 950 kilometers (590 miles) of dedicated cycle routes, Oulu has rightfully claimed its spot on the global stage as one of the premier cycling cities in the world. Located approximately 540 kilometers (335…
Finland has reopened its bear hunting season after a two-year hiatus, allowing the culling of bears in certain regions of the country. The season began on Thursday, August 20, and is set to run until October 31. In June, the Supreme Administrative Court made a pivotal ruling that authorizes the culling of up to 182 bears, allocated according to specified regional quotas. This decision comes after a period of suspension that affected bear hunting outside of reindeer herding areas. The temporary ban was initiated due to legal challenges questioning the validity of culling permits. Ultimately, the court dismissed these appeals,…
World’s Coolest Job? Finnish Hotel Seeks Northern Lights Spotter In an enticing twist for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike, a hotel in Finland is on the lookout for an individual to take on a truly unique role — that of a Northern Lights spotter. Yes, you read that right. The mesmerizing dance of the aurora borealis, renowned for its stunning beauty, has inspired this remarkable job opportunity that promises to be unlike any other. Nestled in the heart of Finland’s Lapland, this hotel offers not just a place to stay but an immersive experience into the wonders of the…
The Allegro train service between Saint Petersburg and Helsinki is set to cease operations next Monday, marking the end of an important travel link between the two cities. The Finnish state-owned railway, VR, has announced the suspension of all services to Russia, a decision that comes amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. The Allegro service, known for its swift journeys, has generally operated twice daily, offering a vital connection for both travelers and those returning to Finland. In a recent conversation with business daily Kauppalehti, VR made it clear that it was prepared to halt Allegro services if deemed unnecessary by the…
Nature’s Intimate Portraits: The Extraordinary Journey of Konsta Punkka At just 21 years old, Konsta Punkka has emerged as a celebrated nature and lifestyle photographer from Helsinki, Finland. With a stunning following of over 750,000 on Instagram, he has captivated audiences with his breathtaking close-up shots of wildlife that feel almost magical. As reported by Colossal, Punkka’s commitment to his craft is nothing short of extraordinary. In a remarkable display of dedication, he once spent hours crawling at the entrance of a cave, meticulously waiting to capture that elusive, perfect photograph. His patience and persistence shines through in every image,…
If you envision Helsinki as solely a bastion of Nordic minimalism, it’s time to expand that perspective. A stay at the opulent Hotel Maria offers a fresh take on Finnish design, where former military structures have been meticulously restored to create a luxurious five-star experience that can be elusive in Finland. Founded by Samppa Lajunen—a three-time Olympic gold medalist—this remarkable hotel is situated in the charming residential neighborhood of Kruununhaka, an ideal location for a venue that echoes his championship pedigree. Hotel Upon entering Hotel Maria, the neo-renaissance style makes an immediate and striking impression. Grand lighting elements set off…
Exploring the Design District In the heart of the city, the Design District emerges as a vibrant tapestry woven with boutiques, bars, and cafes. Strolling through its neatly arranged streets, visitors are treated to a unique blend of cutting-edge Finnish photography and charming designer apparel, all accompanied by an impressive array of textiles and innovative furniture that reflect Helsinki’s creative spirit. Here’s a guide to some of the standout locations: 1 Design Museum – Here, you can marvel at iconic pieces like Richard Lindh’s vintage 1960 Solifer moped, a true emblem of Finnish innovation. 2 Helsinki Secondhand – A treasure…