Snowshoeing, when conditions are right—particularly on a sturdy, load-bearing snow crust—can be an invigorating activity that gets your heart racing, even in the chill of winter. Nestled in the Pallastunturi fells is Palkaskero, an ideal destination for both novice and seasoned snowshoers alike. The path leading from the nature center to Palkaskero is not overly long, and the breathtaking scenery greets you almost immediately. On a crisp Sunday morning, my friend and I set off toward the Pallastunturi Fells, our hearts set on snowshoeing. The forecast promised splendid weather, and we eagerly anticipated a dazzling winter landscape bathed in sunlight.…
Author: Finland Review
Tapio Korjus, A New Chapter for Finnish Sports In a notable shift within Finnish athletics, Tapio Korjus, an acclaimed javelin champion, found himself outpaced in a recent electoral contest for the chairmanship of the Finnish Olympic Committee. Though Korjus has celebrated numerous victories throughout his career—including many first-place finishes on the javelin circuit—November 2024 marked a rare second-place finish for him. The committee ushered in a new era with Petteri Kilpinen, who succeeded former chairman Jan Vapaavuori by a decisive vote of 96 to 38. Remarkably, Kilpinen entered the race just weeks before polling began, spotlighting a keen interest from…
Holiday Hours for Grocery Stores, Alko Outlets, and Posti Services As the festive season approaches, grocery stores, Alko Outlets, and Posti service points across Finland will be operating under a holiday schedule this week. This Christmas week, most supermarkets will remain open but will reduce their hours. Notably, some K-Citymarkets and Prisas will continue to operate around the clock, providing convenience for those last-minute shoppers. For precise opening times specific to each Kesko and S Group outlet, customers are encouraged to check the respective websites. Lidl stores, for example, will close at 4 PM on Christmas Eve. All outlets of…
Tapio Korjus Advocates for Better Support for Former Athletes In the world of sports, where high stakes and fierce competition reign, few understand the intricacies of the system quite like Tapio Korjus. An Olympic champion and influential figure in sports policy, Korjus has dedicated decades to shaping the landscape of athleticism through working groups and development initiatives. Despite notable achievements, he believes the battle for ex-athletes’ rights is far from over. Korjus candidly reflects on the disparity between cultural and sporting organizations, noting that while the arts community has adeptly championed its interests, the sports sector has lagged behind. He…
As winter settles in across Finland, the rhythm of day and night reveals a fascinating geographical variation. While many eagerly anticipate longer days, southern Finland will continue to experience later sunrises for several more days before the dawn breaks a bit earlier. This Sunday marks the winter solstice, the day when the sun graces the Northern Hemisphere for the shortest span of time. Notably, the exact moment of the solstice occurs at 5:02 PM on December 21, as the sun reaches its zenith directly above the Southern Tropic of Cancer. This timing has slight variations each year, with the next…
Kristian Vesalainen is embarking on a new chapter in his career, having signed a contract with Sparta Praha that spans this season and the next. On Saturday, Vesalainen and HPK mutually agreed to part ways. During his time in the SM league this season, the Helsinki native suited up for 30 games, notching an impressive 2 goals and 14 assists. Now, as Vesalainen moves to Sparta Prague, there is speculation that he could make his debut at the prestigious Spengler Cup in Davos as the year draws to a close. The agreement he signed ensures his involvement with the club…
Reevaluation of Finland’s Public Finances Looms The Finance Ministry has announced a pressing need for adjustments to public finances, potentially requiring up to 1.4 billion euros in changes before the current government’s term concludes in 2027. With Prime Minister Petteri Orpo’s cabinet, comprised of members from the National Coalition Party (NCP), facing roughly 18 months left in office, the financial landscape is increasingly under scrutiny. The ministry’s latest assessment suggests that the next government, upon taking office in 2027, will need to implement even more rigorous measures, with the required adjustments estimated between 7 and 12 billion euros. In a…
The christmas cake, or Yule tarte, holds a special place in the hearts of many Finns. This delightful pastry is not just another holiday treat; it’s a festive tradition woven into the very fabric of Christmas celebrations in Finland. Much like the Christmas tree, rice porridge, and boxes of chocolates, the Christmas cake is a steadfast staple. Available at cafés across the country at reasonable prices and easily made at home, its popularity continues to thrive. Constructed from flaky puff pastry, the Christmas cake can take on various shapes, but it most commonly appears as a charming four-pointed star. Many…
Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua: A Clash of Titans in the Ring In a thrilling showdown that has captured the imaginations of boxing enthusiasts and casual fans alike, the spotlight is firmly on Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua as they prepare to face off in the ring. The air is thick with anticipation as these two formidable fighters, each boasting distinctive fighting styles and backgrounds, gear up for what promises to be a memorable bout. Jake Paul, the YouTube sensation turned professional boxer, has made headlines not just for his unorthodox rise in the sport but for his relentless drive…
Plans to Utilize Frozen Russian Assets for Ukraine’s Defense Stalled In a significant development regarding aid for Ukraine, a plan to funnel frozen Russian assets into the country’s defense efforts against the ongoing invasion has reportedly “hit a wall,” as reported by Helsingin Sanomat. Instead of tapping into those assets, European leaders at a summit in Brussels have opted for a different route, agreeing to accrue 90 billion euros in joint debt to support Ukraine. This funding is intended to address the military and economic needs of Ukraine for the next two years, as confirmed by various outlets, including the…