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…
Author: Finland Review
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…
Ikea Issues Urgent Recall on Nymåne Lamps Due to Electrical Shock Hazard In a recent announcement, Swedish home furnishing giant Ikea has issued a safety warning regarding certain models of its Nymåne wall and reading lamps, citing a potential risk of electrical shock. The company has urged customers to cease using these lamps immediately and to spread the word about the recall, particularly to anyone who may have received, purchased, or borrowed the items. The recall specifically targets lamps manufactured within the date range of the week in 2017 through 2020 (weeks 2217 to 2520) that carry a supplier ID…
Victor Hedman: A Beacon of Support for Linus Ullmark’s Mental Health Journey In a candid conversation with TSN, Swedish NHL goaltender Linus Ullmark bravely shared his struggles with mental health that sidelined him for an extended period. While he sought professional help for his issues, it was the unwavering support from fellow player Victor Hedman that provided additional solace during these trying times. Ullmark recounted the moment he finally reached out to Hedman, revealing, “I hesitated to call him at first. I thought about how he has a family with two kids and his own responsibilities. But he encouraged me…
What Topics Would You Like to Hear on the All Points North Podcast? The All Points North podcast, brought to you by Yle News, has been a staple of our programming for nearly a decade, encompassing over 300 episodes. Throughout this journey, our listeners have consistently served as our greatest wellspring of inspiration and creativity. As we embark on an exciting phase of updating and enhancing the podcast, we want to hear from you. Your insights and feedback are invaluable as we consider what changes to make—and what to maintain. We invite you to take a moment to share your…
The Olympic Committee’s Surprising Take on Women’s Combined Events As the dust settles after a stirring World Cup race in Seefeld, the head of the Olympic Committee finds himself grappling with an unexpected decision regarding the women’s combined event, leaving many, including seasoned athletes, in disbelief. Toni Roponen, the Olympic Committee’s top sports director, is voicing his concerns about the exclusion of women’s combined from the Olympic lineup. He struggles to comprehend the rationale behind the decision, citing the relatively low international competition levels and investments in the sport from various countries. “It’s puzzling,” Roponen remarks. “Only a few hundred…