Throughout 2026, the Finland, Naturally team is embracing the Sleep Outdoors for a Night challenge, inviting members to step out of their comfort zones and into the great outdoors. Kicking off the year was Maarit, who braved a chilly January night along the banks of the Ounasjoki River in Rovaniemi, Lapland. As a service provider and customer advisor for Finland, Naturally, Maarit is often seen at the Finnish Nature Center Haltia in Nuuksio National Park, where she assists visitors and guides school groups. For her overnight adventure, she chose a spot that held deep personal significance: the campsite was set…
Author: Finland Review
HIFK Welcomes Back Goalkeeper Hugo Alnefelt After Injury In a significant boost for Helsinki IFK, the SM league club announced the return of goalkeeper Hugo Alnefelt to the roster. The 24-year-old Swede is set to reclaim his spot in goal after a challenging period on the sidelines. Alnefelt suffered a concussion during a home match against Ilves on January 9. In a harrowing moment, he was struck in the head by Ilves forward Teemu Engberg, leading to a fall that left him motionless on the ice. Medical staff quickly intervened, and he was taken off the rink on a stretcher.…
The crisis helpline in Finland is stepping up to provide essential support, offering assistance in English for those in need. Mieli Mental Health Finland reports that its Crisis Helpline experienced an unprecedented surge in calls last year. In 2025, volunteers answered over 110,000 inquiries, marking an increase of around 10,000 from the previous year. Overall, the helpline received nearly 320,000 calls, and the response rate improved significantly, rising to 35 compared to 26 in 2024. For those seeking help, the Crisis Helpline can be reached at 09 2525 0116. It operates on Mondays from 4 PM to 8 PM, and…
While Haukkalampi stands as the most frequented entrance to Nuuksio National Park, it still offers a chance for tranquility—provided you choose your timing wisely. If you find yourself with an opportunity to visit Nuuksio on a winter weekday, particularly outside the holiday rush, do seize it. Recently, I ventured into this serene winter landscape with my colleagues from the Finnish Nature Center Haltia and my spouse, Joel. Our destination was the picturesque areas of Haukanholma and Mustalampi. The hike provided a perfect escape from everyday life, showcasing all the enchanting aspects of wintery Nuuksio: the soothing sounds of a nearby…
Jari Saario’s Triumphant Return to Finland Date: [Insert Date] In an inspiring turn of events, extreme rower Jari Saario, 53, is set to return to Finland from South Africa this Tuesday. The story of his homecoming unfolds with great anticipation, and Iltalehti will be there to capture each moment. You can catch the live coverage from Helsinki-Vantaa Airport in the video linked above. Saario’s ambitious rowing expedition, which aimed to traverse the challenging waters from Cape Horn to Cape Town, faced an unexpected setback about a week and a half ago. A mechanical failure left him in peril at sea,…
Finland’s Last Landlines: A Historic Shift By this summer, Finland will officially retire its last remaining landlines, marking the end of an era in telecommunications that has lasted more than 200 years. The telecommunications company Elisa will shut down its legacy network on June 30, as reported by Iltalehti. This significant transition will impact both households and businesses. In late April, those affected will receive letters informing them of the shutdown and outlining available replacement services. The decline of landline usage began in earnest in the early 2000s, as mobile phones rapidly gained prominence. Even so, many may still fondly…
The corporate behemoths have opted not to comment in advance of their impending financial results, as reported by Yle. In a recent exchange, five of Finland’s six largest publicly traded companies responded to inquiries regarding U.S. President Donald Trump’s latest threats concerning tariffs. Among the notable Finnish firms weighing in were Kone, Wärtsilä, UPM-Kymmene, and Valmet—each of whom considers the United States a vital export destination. However, all those contacted refrained from speculation. Each company declined to offer comments, adhering to the “quiet period” convention that restricts listed companies from discussing financial performance, market conditions, or future prospects during the…
Niklas Friman Sets Course for Turku: A Homecoming for the Season Ahead In a significant move for both player and team, Olympic and world champion Niklas Friman is set to return to Turku next season, rejoining TPS after his stint in the Swiss league. Multiple sources confirmed to Iltalehti that the seasoned defender will bring his talents back to his hometown, marking a promising chapter in his career. The 32-year-old Friman has spent this season with HC Ajoie in Switzerland’s top league, where he faced challenges integrating consistently into the team’s lineup. With an extra foreign player on the roster,…
The British broadcaster has characterized the recent data breach as emblematic of contemporary challenges. In a noteworthy move, the BBC has launched a compelling podcast series centered on Alexander Kivimäki, the individual convicted in connection with the notorious Vastaamo hack. This six-part exploration not only unravels Kivimäki’s life but also highlights the profound impact on the victims of this data breach. Titled Ransom Man, the podcast adopts the moniker Kivimäki used as he infiltrated the records of over 33,000 patients, extorting both the psychotherapy center Vastaamo and its clients. Among the voices featured in the series is that of Meri-Tuuli…
Biathlon: Finland’s Medal Hope Takes Center Stage By Santtu Silvennoinen Suvi Minkkinen, a name growing in prominence, finds herself at the heart of Olympic medal discussions. As the buzz around her intensifies, the summer athlete is becoming known not just as a competitor, but as Finland’s shining hope for gold. With a commendable track record that includes one victory and four second-place finishes in the recent World Cup season, Minkkinen currently stands as the top Finnish athlete in traditional winter sports, which encompass skiing, biathlon, ski jumping, Nordic combined, and alpine skiing. The competitive landscape for women’s biathlon has shifted…

