Culture is the heartbeat of a place, giving it a unique flavor, and when it comes to Finland, it often presents a delightful twist of the unusual. The quirks that define Finnish culture make one ponder and provoke a bemused “What?” or perhaps even a drawn-out “Whaaat?!”
These rather eccentric habits are part and parcel of our allure—indeed, a significant piece of our charm. In fact, I would contend that Finnish quirkiness equates to Finnish charm, and I’d stand by this equation without hesitation.
So, what exactly does it mean to be Finnish? What distinctive traits characterize this Nordic culture? In no particular order, I’ve gathered my thoughts into a list of 50 cultural insights into Finland.
May these nuggets of information help you feel more at home in Finland, while igniting your curiosity about our way of life. Let’s delve in!
Facts on Finland – How to Interact with Finnish People
#1 Shake hands. Forget cheek kisses; here, a firm handshake is the norm, whether you’re greeting a man or a woman. In informal settings, a simple nod or wave will suffice. Take for instance a housewarming party: a typical Finn may just wave and say “Moi!” from the doorway.
B) In public spaces, even intimate ones like gym locker rooms, silence is golden; no greetings are necessary.
#2 The use of “How are you” in Finland. While many say “Hey, how are you?” as a casual opener worldwide, in Finland, this phrase is a genuine inquiry. Expect silence if you don’t engage in deeper thought about your response. Unless they’re particularly cosmopolitan, most Finns take a moment to contemplate their answer.
#3 Avoid money questions. Financial matters remain private here. Asking about someone’s salary, or even how many reindeer a Laplander owns, treads into taboo territory.
Psst… It’s best to steer clear of detailed inquiries about reindeer, forest acreage, or salary.
#4 Call the tax office. In a peculiar twist, salary information in Finland is public. If curiosity gets the better of you, a quick call to the tax office will yield the answers you seek. Only in Finland!
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#5 Finnish conversational flow. Silence is golden in Finnish conversations; pauses are part of our communication style. It’s not personal, merely a hallmark of how we engage.
#6 Personal space in Finland. We value personal space, maintaining a comfortable distance, especially with those we don’t know well. On public transport, Finns will opt for an aisle seat only when window spots are taken.
#7 Not much talking. If you know someone only slightly, a polite nod might be all that’s necessary as you pass by. In Finland, acquaintance level is often quite limited; relationships are either deep or nearly nonexistent.
#8 The note. This is particularly true in apartment buildings. Should you get too loud or park incorrectly, you’re not likely to face confrontation. Instead, you might find a terse note waiting for you.
Facts on Finland – Eating Habits and Food Culture
#9 You decide your portion size. In a Finnish home, food is typically placed in serving dishes on the table. Each diner helps themselves, opting for portions they feel comfortable with.
#10 Help yourself. Feel free to go back for seconds without waiting for the host’s cue. Often, a Finn will offer more food, but if you’re full, it’s perfectly acceptable to decline—except when visiting your partner’s mother; then, you absolutely take more.
#11 Eat everything on your plate. Finns generally adhere to the principle of finishing every last bite. Leaving food behind is frowned upon; it signals a lack of concern for the environment and disrespect for the cook. However, it’s permissible to leave behind inedible bits like peels or fat.
When the food becomes messy, a small bowl might circulate the table. Known playfully as ‘the cruise ship’ (“risteilijä” in Finnish), this is where you discreetly deposit fish bones and peels.
#12 Milk with a meal. When it comes to drinks at mealtimes, don’t be surprised by the absence of wine. Finns typically opt for milk or water, while tea and coffee are commonly enjoyed after the meal.
#13 The savory Finnish breakfast. Sweet toppings like jam are rarely seen at breakfast; instead, expect butter, cheese, cold cuts, or veggies atop open-faced sandwiches. Porridge with berries often graces the breakfast table as well.
#14 The Christmas ham. Each country has its own festive fare, and in Finland, nothing says Christmas like a perfectly roasted ham, served alongside mustard, peas, and dried plums. The indulgence lasts until everyone is utterly fed up—right until it’s time to do it all over again the following year!
#15 Thursday lunch favorite. If you find yourself in Finland on a Thursday, seek out pea soup and oven-baked pancakes, a tradition rooted in Catholic history. Pea soup served as a hearty pre-fast meal, with pancakes gaining popularity in later years.
#16 Got an allergy? No problem. Finland is one of the most accommodating countries for those with allergies. On night trains, some cabins are specifically reserved for allergic passengers.
Facts on Finland – Typical Home in Finland
#17 No shoes. Visitors to a Finnish home are expected to remove their shoes unless it’s a large celebration, in which case guests might wear outdoor shoes before switching into party shoes.
#18 Making a bed. Finnish beds often use duvet covers that fully envelop the blankets, preventing fights over covers at night with two duvets in double beds.
#19 Dishwashing differences. Rather than using a sponge, a dishwashing brush is the standard cleaning tool among Finns.
#20 Extraordinary cupboard. Every kitchen contains a special drying cupboard, or “astiankuivauskaappi,” which allows dishes to air dry, with water draining conveniently into the sink.
#21 Finns love to recycle. Most households separate trash into multiple categories, including biodegradable waste, cans, and bottles, with a growing trend toward collecting plastic waste separately.
#22 The weird small shower head. Often found near sinks in toilets, this tiny showerhead is for personal washing.
#23 Sitting on the sauna bench. Always sit on a towel in the sauna, and don’t forget to wash before and after your session! Want to learn more about sauna etiquette? Check out my dedicated post.
#24 The Moomin mug. Just as Denmark has the Little Mermaid and Belgium boasts Tintin, Finland proudly claims the Moomins—adorable, pastel-hued creatures that delight children and adults alike. Expect to find Moomin mugs in most Finnish homes.
#25 Finns love tiny lifehacks (niksi, in Finnish). These clever tricks aim to save time and money; for example, cutting a hole in the top of a butter tub to conveniently store a butter knife, streamlining the morning sandwich-making process.
#26 Finnish indoors are super warm. Excellent insulation means Finnish homes stay cozy, often featuring triple-glazed windows and underfloor heating. Some homes are so excessively warm that people wander about barefoot year-round—an observation I’ll note for my mother: “Turn down the heat!”
#27 Moving flats. In Finland, it’s customary to leave behind kitchens, shelves, and major appliances for the next occupant, while taking your washing machine and any lamps with you.
Tips about Finnish People and the Finnish Language
#28 Almost fragrance-free nation. Many Finns have sensitivities to scents, so it’s wise to wear fragrances sparingly.
#29 Dating rules. In Finland, dating implies exclusivity. Engaging with someone means you’re in a relationship, even if reference terms hint otherwise.
#30 Being naked is not always sexual. For many Finns, nudity in the sauna is natural and far from sexual.
#31 Most Finns dress very practically. Wearing attractive clothing isn’t the priority for many, often eclipsed by the pressing need to stay warm during cold seasons. My detailed winter clothing tips might come in handy!
#32 Santa is Finnish. We hold a steadfast belief that Santa Claus resides in Finland, rather than at the North Pole.
#33 Evenings are leisure time. The workday typically runs from 8 am to 4 pm, although in Helsinki, it’s more common to start at 9 am. Efficiency during these hours allows everyone to escape the office without guilt.
#34 Finns are very punctual. When meeting a Finn, punctuality is a must; being late is not taken lightly.
#35 A gift for a Finn? Coffee-related gifts always make for a safe and appreciated choice. Local coffee flavors, biscuits, or sweets are sure to be well-received.
#36 Throwing water on the sauna stove. It is an unthinkable horror for a Finn to enter a sauna devoid of the necessary water to throw on the stove—the resulting steam enhances the sauna experience immensely.
#37 Celebrating birthdays in Finland. Birthday parties are a large event for children, who often have two separate celebrations—one for friends and another for family. As adults, however, the focus shifts toward milestone birthdays.
#38 Drinking your own drinks at a party. The concept of ‘Bring Your Own Drink’ (BYOB) is popular at Finnish gatherings due to the high cost of alcohol, a note often specified in party invitations.
#39 Interested in Finnish? For a non-Finn speaker, the Finnish language may sound charming. Don’t let the complexities of word endings intimidate you—Finnish toddlers make it work effortlessly! Consider enrolling in my free beginner class.
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Facts on Finland – Finnish Society and Lifestyle
#40 The baby box. Finnish expectant mothers receive a maternity package, aka “äitiyspakkaus,” as a gift from the government. This 80-year-old tradition includes all essential items for a baby’s first year, and the box itself doubles as a crib.
#41 No smoking. Smoking is generally frowned upon. While outdoor smoking is permitted, non-smokers prefer when it’s avoided altogether, with many outdoor spaces now designated as entirely smoke-free.
#42 Forage away! Finland’s ‘Everyman’s rights’ allow individuals to roam freely, foraging for berries and mushrooms in the wild, or camping overnight, provided they respect the land.
#43 Speeding can be expensive. In a unique turn of policy, fines for speeding are proportionate to an individual’s annual income.
#44 Free money from bottles. Finns return recyclable cans and bottles to stores for a small refund, promoting environmental mindfulness.
#45 Inexpensive hobbies available. Since the early 20th century, towns in Finland have promoted affordable adult education programs, encompassing a plethora of subjects from languages to crafts.
#46 Summer nights are very bright. Thanks to the Midnight Sun, regions in Lapland experience continuous daylight during summer months, punctuating the night sky with vibrant light.
#47 Finland is super safe. It’s not uncommon for Finns to leave their belongings at unsupervised racks in public spaces, confident they’ll return to find their items untouched.
#48 The darkness. While winter darkness can be profound, it doesn’t deter Finns from enjoying outdoor activities; they embrace the winter months with enthusiasm.
#49 The biggest annual holidays are Christmas and Midsummer. Finns cherish the opportunity to spend quality time with family and friends during these festive seasons, with most businesses closing their doors.
#50 Sisu. Last but not least, there’s a concept that resonates deeply within every Finn: “sisu.” This word encapsulates courage, grit, and determination when facing challenges, and embodies the unyielding Finnish spirit.
And there you have it—the entire list!
What caught you by surprise? Are there any more facets of Finnish culture that ought to be shared with the world? Feel free to comment below!
Seeking more insights into Finland and its culture? Don’t miss my other posts: