Must-See Programs This Season: Summer Night’s Dinner invites guests to a culinary adventure at a kilometer-long table, where local flavors take center stage. For the more daring diner, there’s the chance to sample dumpling, a dish featuring pork and potatoes that has lately garnered a reputation as the worst food in the world. Save the date: August 15, 2026. Dalia Stasevska Beyond the Sky makes the cosmos accessible to all. This captivating project merges art, science, and technology, showcasing astrophotographer Jukka-Pekka Metsävainio’s stunning images of distant nebulae projected onto the ceiling of the Oulu Hall event center. The Oulu Symphony…
Author: Finland Review
Record Number of Saimaa Ringed Seal Pups Born This Year In a promising development for conservation efforts, Finland’s state-owned wildlife agency, Metsähallitus, has reported a remarkable increase in the population of Saimaa ringed seal pups this spring. A recent census identified around 100 of these endangered pups in the Saimaa lake region, marking the highest annual count since monitoring began. “This year’s total of 100 pups is a remarkable achievement. It’s a ten out of ten result,” noted Miina Auttila, a nature conservation specialist at Metsähallitus, in a press release. She attributed this surge to the health of the female…
As Finland gears up for potential changes in its tourism landscape, the rollout of a new tourist tax in 2027 could make accommodation significantly more expensive. This development has sparked discussions among travelers and industry professionals alike, as they consider the implications for tourism’s future in this Nordic jewel. Currently, the details surrounding the proposed tax remain under review, but the idea is to bolster local economies while addressing the growing demands placed on infrastructure and services due to rising visitor numbers. As Finland continues to charm tourists with its stunning landscapes and vibrant culture, stakeholders are weighing the balance…
Finland to Launch Its First Cross-Border Rail Link This Summer Finland is on the brink of a transportation milestone, poised to unveil its inaugural cross-border rail connection with continental Europe this summer. Authorities indicate that the long-awaited service to Sweden could commence as early as June, bringing a new dimension to transnational travel. European rail experts suggest this new route will pave the way for one of the longest train journeys within the EU. Currently, travelers wishing to cross from Finland to Sweden can only do so by bus or car between the border towns of Tornio and Haparanda, situated…
Welcome to Finland! As you embark on the adventure of exploring our vibrant summer cities and stunning natural landscapes, you’ll discover a pristine environment waiting to be enjoyed. To help you settle in and appreciate our commitment to keeping Finland beautiful, here’s a quick guide on the Finnish way of caring for our surroundings. In the City: The Bin As you wander through the streets of Helsinki, Tampere, or any of our charming towns, there’s a simple rule to remember: always dispose of trash in the bin. You’ll find waste bins conveniently placed on street corners, near bus stops, and…
Authorities Issue Warning as Bears Emerge from Hibernation As spring descends upon Central Finland, police are raising alarms about a rising number of bear sightings in residential areas. With the bears waking from their long winter slumber, residents are urged to take precautions to minimize encounters. Authorities have noted an unusual influx of bear activity, particularly in the northern regions. Reports indicate that while many confirmed sightings come from tracks and wildlife cameras set up in hunting territories, bears have increasingly ventured closer to homes and gardens. The awakening bears, driven by hunger after months of hibernation, are drawn to…
Access Denied: A Look at Finland’s Emerging Tourist Tax If you’re planning a trip to Finland, it might be wise to keep an eye on potential changes in accommodation costs. Starting in 2027, a new tourist tax could roll out, significantly impacting your expenses. Before you start dreaming of the Northern Lights or exploring the sauna culture, be aware that your travel budget might need to stretch a bit further than anticipated. For more detailed information, check out reliable news sources as this situation evolves. Stay informed!
Finland in Spring: A Season of Subtle Luxury and Wild Flavors As the last vestiges of winter melt away, Finland awakens to the gentle embrace of spring. This transitional season, often overlooked, offers a unique blend of understated elegance and vibrant natural bounty. It’s a time when the landscape transforms, revealing a tapestry of colors that invites exploration and appreciation. In Finland, spring is not merely a precursor to summer; it is a celebration of nature’s renewal. The air becomes crisp with possibilities, and the first blooms of wildflowers dot the terrain. For those who seek adventure, the wilds of…
When the name Northern Finland comes up, most people conjure images of Rovaniemi, the famed village of Santa Claus. However, this enchanting region offers far more than just a winter wonderland for families grappling with the clutches of overtourism. Just a train ride north of Helsinki, journeys to this frosty adventure begin in February, transforming the landscape into a breathtaking tapestry of snow-laden firs and icy lakes. My own adventure took me to Oulu, a charming city located roughly two hours and twenty minutes south of Rovaniemi, soon to be the European Capital of Culture for 2026. Nestled along the…
Navigating the waters of the Finnish swimwear industry isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Yet, for Salla Maisonlahti, co-founder of Halla Halla, and Laura Saarinen, founder of Lilja the Label, one question tops their frequently asked inquiries: Aren’t your summers really short? “First and foremost, Finns know how to make the most of every season, which means swimwear is embraced all year round,” Maisonlahti explains. “And let’s not forget: summer graces some part of the world at any given moment!” Echoing this sentiment, Saarinen highlights Finland’s vibrant and diverse swimwear culture. “Our sauna traditions and the enthusiasm for ice swimming and…