Air Traffic Resumes as Storm Hannes Leaves a Mark on Finland Air travel is gradually returning to normal at airports in Finland’s north, specifically in Rovaniemi, Kittilä, and Ivalo, after a turbulent weekend of cancellations and delays prompted by Storm Hannes. The storm swept across the country overnight, wreaking havoc on infrastructure and significantly impacting the operations of Elenia, the electricity network operator. Late Saturday night, powerful gusts toppled trees, severed power lines, and disrupted transportation networks, leading to Elenia experiencing its most significant outage in ten years. Conditions began to stabilize by 9 AM Sunday, yet the repercussions of…
Author: Finland Review
Remembering a Legend: Antti Kalliomäki Reflects on Pentti Nikula’s Legacy Pole vaulting icon Antti Kalliomäki speaks fondly of the late Pentti Nikula, a towering figure in Finnish athletics who passed away at the age of 86 on Thursday, October 30. In the early 1960s, Nikula was more than just an athlete; he was an inspiration to countless young sports enthusiasts, including Kalliomäki, who recalls the incredible impact Nikula had on his early life. “I looked up to Pentti not just as an athlete but as a true role model,” Kalliomäki reflects. Now 78, Kalliomäki vividly remembers the day in June…
A significant winter storm is on the horizon, poised to complicate the already hectic post-holiday travel scene. A storm named Hannes is advancing from the Northwest, expected to sweep across Finland on Saturday, unleashing powerful winds, particularly in the western and northern regions of the country. According to the Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI), the impact of Hannes will begin to be felt after midday, with gusty northwesterly winds intensifying as the evening approaches. Meteorologists predict wind speeds of 20 to 25 meters per second, with the fiercest gusts along the west coast potentially exceeding 25 meters per second. The most…
Jake Paul’s mother is expressing her outrage over the boxing match’s promoter. In a recent episode of the Impaulsive podcast, Pam Stepnick unleashed her frustration on Eddie Hearn, the noted boxing promoter, following her son’s bout against heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua. “I want to step into the ring and take on Eddie Hearn because I can’t stand his smugness,” Stepnick declared passionately during the interview. “He truly thinks he’s above everyone else.” As many had anticipated, the match proved to be one-sided. Joshua showcased his prowess, overpowering the social media sensation and delivering a decisive sixth-round knockout. Stepnick was particularly…
The serene atmosphere of Christmas in Helsinki stands in stark contrast to the vibrant celebrations typical of Lagos, Nigeria. Omotola Adeshina, an accomplished musician, reflects on his recent achievements after obtaining a Master’s degree from the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki. His studies in the academy’s Global Music program culminated in a memorable concert held in mid-December at Musiikkitalo’s Sonore Hall, part of the city’s Global Fest. Adeshina’s performance showcased his original compositions, interwoven with spiritual songs, and featured an ensemble of musicians that included three choirs sharing the stage. The audience was enthralled, responding with spontaneous singing, dancing, and clapping,…
Helsinki’s traditional Christmas Market at Senate Square shattered records this year, drawing in an impressive 650,000 visitors—up from 600,000 last year. This bustling market, a fixture in the city’s holiday calendar, wrapped up its festivities last Sunday. Organizers attribute the surge in foot traffic, in part, to the city’s increasing appeal as a tourist destination. Jenni Pajunen, chair of the board for the Helsinki Events Foundation, noted that with this growing popularity, the market may now hold the title of Finland’s largest public event. Food played a starring role in this year’s success, featuring over 100 small producers and culinary…
The Unconventional Choice: Leo Tuuva and His Unique Racket In the world of elite hockey, players typically adhere to a traditional palette when it comes to their equipment. However, 19-year-old Leo Tuuva of Rauma Luko stands apart, cooling off at Finland’s under-20 training camp in Duluth’s Amsoil Arena, with a racket that is decidedly off-white—a rarity among his peers. “What’s the story behind that?” With a casual shrug, Tuuva responds, “There’s really no special backstory. I had to choose a racket last summer and I picked this one. The white color caught my eye; it looks stylish, and I just…
Yle has curated a delightful holiday lineup, beginning with the beloved classic The Snowman, which will air on Christmas Eve. This enchanting 1982 animated film tells the heartwarming tale of a boy who befriends a snowman, brought to life from Raymond Briggs’ cherished story. Among its many memorable moments is the iconic music, featuring the hauntingly beautiful song “Walking in the Air,” composed by Howard Blake. Here’s a glimpse into Yle’s streaming platform, Areena, showcasing some highlights that you won’t want to miss. The Snowman (Available December 24 at 11:28 AM) This classic film captures the magic of childhood imagination…
Tragic Loss of Norwegian Biathlete Sivert Guttorm Bakken The sporting world is reeling from the sudden and untimely death of Norwegian biathlete Sivert Guttorm Bakken, who was found deceased in his hotel room in Passo Lavazè, Italy, on December 23rd. He was just 27 years old. The cause of Bakken’s death remains unclear, with further details yet to be disclosed. However, Italian media sources have begun to piece together the events leading up to this tragic incident. Reports from the Gazzetta dello Sport indicate that Bakken’s teammates raised concerns when he failed to appear for breakfast. When attempts to contact…
Driving conditions look largely favorable as we head into Christmas Eve’s eve. On this bustling Tuesday, holiday travelers are expected to hit the roads in droves, marking the peak of outbound holiday traffic, according to Fintraffic. Marko Kolattu, a traffic management operator, notes that congestion is likely to peak shortly after noon, with heavy traffic predicted well into the evening, varying by region. For those navigating central areas, be prepared for the worst bottlenecks between 2 and 3 PM, as the afternoon unfolds. Especially busy stretches will include Highway 4 Northbound from Lahti and Jyväskylä, alongside significant traffic anticipated on…