Explore Finland: Culture, Community, and Opportunity
Finland is located in Northern Europe, where East meets West. It shares land borders with Sweden, Norway, and Russia, and is connected to Estonia across the Baltic Sea.
Historically, Finland was part of Sweden for centuries before becoming an autonomous Grand Duchy under the Russian Empire. The country gained independence in 1917, and today, around 20% of its territory lies above the Arctic Circle—adding to its distinctive climate and natural landscapes.
These geographical and historical influences continue to shape Finnish culture, traditions, cuisine, and lifestyle. They are also reflected in the values and character of the Finnish people.
What Is Finland Like?
Finland is a land of contrasts. It offers four distinct seasons, from the bright midnight sun of summer to the quiet, snowy nights of winter. Each time of year brings its own character and beauty. The country’s varied regions—from the Arctic north to the lake-filled south—also provide rich cultural diversity and experiences.
Finnish people are often described as warm, sincere, and respectful. Equality and democracy are deeply rooted in everyday life, often taking priority over traditional hierarchies.
Finland is officially bilingual. Finnish is the primary language, and about 6% of the population speaks Swedish. Regardless of language or region, everyone has equal access to high-quality education. The Finnish education system is known for its strong emphasis on fairness, inclusion, and academic standards.
The country is also one of the world’s safest and most stable societies. It is highly digitalized, with modern infrastructure and widespread use of smart technologies—all balanced by a deep respect for nature. As a member of the European Union, Finland maintains close ties with its Nordic neighbors and the wider international community.
Nature is central to Finnish identity. About 70% of the land is forested, and the country is home to around 188,000 lakes, 81,000 islands, and 1,100 km of coastline. The archipelago between Finland and Sweden is the largest in Europe. Stretching 1,160 km from north to south, Finland features everything from Arctic tundra in Lapland to lush green landscapes further south.
Finland’s four seasons are distinct:
- Summer (June–August): Bright, warm, and lively, with temperatures reaching +25–30°C
- Autumn (September–November): Cool and colorful, with crisp air and changing leaves
- Winter (December–February): Cold, snowy, and calm, often dropping to -25°C or below
- Spring (March–May): A season of renewal, as daylight returns and nature wakes up
Despite its northern location—on the same latitude as Siberia—Finland’s climate is milder than expected. In Vaasa, summer temperatures range from +12°C to +25°C, and winters typically range from +5°C to –15°C.
Foreigners often describe Finns as polite, helpful, and modest—sometimes a bit reserved at first, but open and friendly once you get to know them. English is widely spoken, especially among younger people, so getting around and connecting with others is easy even without Finnish or Swedish skills.
Daily life in Finland is organized and efficient. With just 5.5 million people, you won’t find long queues or traffic jams. Public transport is reliable, clean, and makes even remote areas accessible.
The Finnish way of life
The Finnish way of life is shaped by democratic values, a strong sense of equality, and a deep connection to nature. From everyday routines to national traditions, you’ll find a balance between simplicity, personal freedom, and cultural richness. Popular pastimes include spending time outdoors, enjoying the arts, following sports—and, of course, relaxing in the sauna.
Life in Finland tends to be relaxed and informal. Social norms are low-pressure, and people communicate directly and honestly. Silence is not awkward—pauses in conversation are natural and even appreciated. It’s polite to let others finish speaking before responding, which can make conversations feel thoughtful and unhurried.
In workplaces, the atmosphere is typically casual. People are addressed by their first names regardless of role or title, and formal dress codes are rare unless the setting calls for it.
When dining out, it’s common for each person to pay their own share. Tipping is not expected, though it may be offered for exceptional service in restaurants or occasionally to a doorman. Socializing often takes place at home, and if you’re invited over, it’s polite to bring a small gift—like flowers, chocolates, or coffee. Coffee, in fact, plays a big role in Finnish hospitality and is often served during visits.
Smoking is prohibited in most indoor public spaces, workplaces, and offices. Designated smoking areas are provided, and where they aren’t, smokers typically step outside. Restaurants and bars are legally required to offer non-smoking areas. In private homes, it’s respectful to ask before smoking; even then, it’s common to step out onto a balcony or outside entirely.
People in Finland
Finns are often described as quiet and reserved, yet honest, straightforward, and dependable. The rhythm of life—and even personality—tends to shift with the seasons. Summer often brings a more open and social mood, while winter invites a quieter, more reflective pace.
Although generalizations about national character are always tricky, one consistent trait is the strong respect for personal space. Finns are not quick to engage in small talk with strangers, so newcomers may need to take the first step in building connections. But once the initial barrier is crossed, Finns are warm, loyal, and genuinely welcoming. Honesty and reliability are deeply valued in both personal and professional relationships.
Sports play a central role in Finnish life. National pride runs high during international competitions—especially in ice hockey, skiing, athletics, and motorsports. Finland also has a fondness for unusual sporting events, including wife-carrying, boot-throwing, mosquito-swatting contests, and winter swimming in icy lakes.
With nature all around, outdoor activities are a favorite way to unwind. In winter, popular pastimes include slalom and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, and ice fishing through holes drilled in frozen lakes. Summer offers plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors, from biking, hiking, and swimming to canoeing, rafting, and sailing. Finnish baseball (a unique national variant), football, and golf are also widely played throughout the country.
Sauna – A Finnish Tradition
With 5.5 million people and over 1.7 million saunas, it’s clear that sauna culture is a deeply rooted part of Finnish life. You’ll find saunas in homes, apartment buildings, student housing, and even in offices and sports facilities. Many people enjoy a sauna session at least once a week. Traditionally, men and women bathe separately—except within families or close friend groups.
The Finnish sauna is a modern version of an ancient sweat-bathing tradition. It’s known to relax muscles, ease aches, and release mental stress. In a typical sauna, water is thrown onto hot stones to produce steam, increasing both temperature and humidity. Some Finns also use vihta or vasta—fresh bundles of birch twigs—to gently tap the skin and stimulate blood circulation.
There are no strict rules in the sauna, but the key is to listen to your body. You don’t need to wait for others—step out when you’ve had enough. It’s common to cool off with a shower, a dip in a lake, or even a roll in the snow between sessions.
At VAMK, the Student Union VAMOK has its own sauna facilities. You’ll have the chance to attend student events and enjoy the sauna experience with your peers!
Explore More About Finland
Learn about studying in Finland, student life, and practical tips for international students considering Finnish universities.
Discover Finnish culture, society, innovation, and lifestyle through articles, videos, and stories curated by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland.
Plan your trip with inspiration from Finland’s official travel guide—featuring nature, cities, seasonal highlights, and local experiences.
