What is the Kalevala? The Kalevala stands as a monumental piece of epic poetry, a tapestry woven from centuries of Finnish and Karelian folk songs. Compiled and edited by the Finnish scholar Elias Lönnrot, this national epic first appeared in its final form in 1849 and remains a cornerstone of Finnish culture. Rather than being crafted entirely anew, the Kalevala draws deeply from the oral traditions of its people. The cultural and geographical region of Karelia, which now straddles eastern Finland and northwestern Russia, provided a rich backdrop for Lönnrot’s collection of verses. During his travels across eastern Finland and…
Author: Finland Review
On New Year’s Day, Finland’s wildlife regulations underwent a significant transformation, allowing hunters to cull up to 100 wolves—a decision that has stirred considerable debate. This controversial change marks a departure from the year-round protection wolves previously enjoyed, a safeguard largely in place since 1973. The new hunting season opened following a vote in parliament last year, motivated by rising wolf populations in certain areas. According to the Finnish Wildlife Agency, hunters successfully harvested 86 wolves within the set quota before the season concluded. From January 1 to February 10, the previously protected wolves were fair game as Finland sought…
Discovering Lapland: The Real Winter Wonderland Santa Claus, reindeer-led sleighs, and a winter landscape that seems torn from the pages of a storybook—one might think these are simply figments of holiday imagination. Yet, according to a survey by the travel operator TUI, a surprising one-third of Britons still view Lapland as a fictional realm. In fact, this enchanting destination is very much real, situated within the Arctic Circle. Spanning the northern reaches of Norway, Finland, Sweden, and Russia’s Kola Peninsula (though the latter is currently advised against for travel), Lapland remains one of Europe’s last great wildernesses. Known for its…
How I Spent Five Days in the Happiest Country on Earth: Finland As I touched down in Finland, I was welcomed not just by the crisp Nordic air, but by an undeniable sense of serenity that permeates this remarkable country. Often hailed as the happiest nation on the planet, Finland offers an intriguing blend of breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and a lifestyle that prioritizes well-being. Day One: Helsinki’s Heartbeat My journey began in Helsinki, the vibrant capital that perfectly melds modernity with tradition. Strolling through the streets of the Design District, I discovered an impressive array of boutiques, cafes, and…
Discovering the Hidden Gem of Black Mountain in Eastern Helsinki Nestled in Eastern Helsinki lies a true natural oasis known as Black Mountain, or Mustavuori. Despite its darker name, Mustavuori is a vibrant, green sanctuary just waiting to be explored. In recent years, the allure of local nature destinations has skyrocketed, as we’ve all turned our attention from far-flung adventures to the scenic beauty nearby. Thankfully, Helsinki boasts remarkable nature spots right on our doorstep. For several years, I’ve made it a point to frequent the forest trails of Mustavuori, immersing myself in the serene embrace of its towering trees.…
Home»VISA AND PASSPORT NEWS»Sweden Joins Estonia, Spain, Germany, USA, Japan, Thailand, and More in Finland’s Historic 2026 Visa-Free Travel Surge to 185 Countries: Your Dream Destinations Are Now Within Reach—Time to Explore! Published on February 24, 2026 As 2026 unfolds, a remarkable new chapter in global mobility begins for Finnish passport holders, with visa-free access now extending to 10 major destinations, including Sweden, Estonia, Spain, Germany, Greece, the United States, Japan, Thailand, Brazil, and Fiji. This significant development simplifies travel logistics for Finns, allowing them to explore these countries without the hassle of visa applications. The surge in visa-free travel…
Finland at War: Understanding Finnish Military Abbreviations As part of our ongoing exploration of Finland’s military history, we take a closer look at the abbreviations used in wartime communications. These shorthand terms are not just practical; they reflect the unique aspects of Finland’s defense strategy. Key Abbreviations h.c. – Volatile Gas h.leko – Fighter Aircraft h.v. – Fighter Squadron price – Tug hmm – Destroyer Mr. – Assault Start Line hp. – Howitzer hp.psto – Howitzer Battalion hvh – Searchlight Ha.Lsto – Hanko Fortress Haav. Sjp. – Shelter for the Wounded HaLo – Hanko Sector Ham.sp. – Hamina Military District…
Hossa National Park, situated in the heart of Suomussalmi, is a breathtaking enclave where one can truly connect with the tapestry of human history. Recently, my companions and I embarked on the 8-kilometer (4.9-mile) Värikallio Curve trail, renowned for its ancient rock paintings. Before setting off, we stopped by the Hossa information center for a quick briefing before making our way to the trailhead. Being late August, the warmth of summer lingered, yet the vibrant hues of autumn had yet to arrive in the sprawling pine forest that enveloped us. The Lihamyorre parking area and trail head at Hossa Värikallion…
Discovering Tranquility at The Baro: Finland’s Boutique Retreat On our journey through the stunning boutique hotels of Finland, we find ourselves drawn to The Baro, nestled just a short drive from Billnäs Gård, within the enchanting Barosund region of Inkoo. This hidden gem is perched on a magnificent and remote island, where nature reigns supreme. When Jussi Paavoseppa acquired this wild expanse of heavily wooded terrain, his vision was clear: to create a series of wooden cabins that would harmoniously blend with their surroundings. Designed as prefabricated units elevated above the ground, they embody a philosophy of respect for the…
After an unexpectedly long hiatus from the blog, I find myself re-emerging with a blend of new experiences and renewed vigor. Life has a way of shifting our focus, and for a while, I was caught in the whirlwind of a mid-life crisis, where the energy and inspiration to explore new culinary adventures seemed elusive. But today, I’m excited to share a fresh recipe that I hope will reignite the joy of cooking we all cherish. During my time away, a number of noteworthy events have transpired that I’m eager to share. First and foremost, I successfully passed my language…