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Latest On The Blog
Is it expensive to live in Finland? 5 x cost of living in Finland examples (family, single person…)
I get a lot of questions about how expensive it is to live in Finland. That’s why this blog post walks you through monthly expenses in different life situations and different locations in Finland. I'll keep this intro as short as possible because we have a lot to go...
7 Laid-back and Delicious Things to Do in Lahti
Lahti has so many things going for it! The city center offers incredible forest trails next to winter stadion, Alvar Aalto architecture, whiskey tasting and mouthwatering Finnish cooking. Lahti is a fantastic non-touristy day trip destination from Helsinki!
Finnish Macaroni Casserole: Granny’s Never Fail Recipe With Finnish Cooking Tricks
If you like mac and cheese, the Finnish macaroni casserole might be your new favorite! Finnish families certainly love it, and it’s easy to see why this is such a popular dish in Finland. It’s very family-friendly and easy to make from simple ingredients that won’t cost you a fortune.
Finnish Language
Quick Guide to Finnish Grammar for Beginners
I know, Finnish has a reputation as a difficult language to learn. For example, the US State Department’s Foreign Service Institute lists Finnish among the group of languages considered the most difficult for English speakers. I get a lot of questions about how long...
Quick Guide to Finnish Language Basics
Finnish language basics are fascinating for two reasons. First, Finnish seems so random to most people. Second, the language explains many hidden cultural things. I think it's always a good idea to learn a little bit about the language of any country if the...
50 Funny Finnish Phrases & Words in English that Describe the Finnish Mindset
The Finnish language is full of expressions that describe the unique aspects of the Finnish mindset and culture. For example, if a Finn is broke, he might use the expression “I have Matti in my purse” (olla Matti kukkarossa) to describe the situation when translated...
Finnish Food
The Irresistible Finnish Cinnamon Rolls: Pulla Recipe
Take one bite and you’ll understand why cinnamon buns are a staple of the Finnish cuisine! The scrumptious and soft Finnish pulla is an everyday sweet treat here in Finland. It comes in many forms: twirls, rolls, braids, and butterfly-like shapes called korvapuusti....
Fabulous Finnish Blueberry Pie: Super Simple, No-Mess Style!
The blueberry pie is a Finnish food staple. I feel that many families have at least a couple of different blueberry pie recipes that they rotate as there are so many delicious versions of this traditional treat. There is a blueberry pie with a rye crust, blueberry bun...
The Classic and Simple Finnish Salmon Soup
The Finnish salmon soup (lohikeitto, in Finnish) is the perfect soup. It’s like the little black dress of Finnish cuisine. At the same time, a salmon soup is easy home cooking, super healthy and suitable for any event. In this household, it's the go-to recipe for busy...
Finnish Culture
50 Cultural Facts on Finland that Help You Understand Finns
It is the culture that makes a place unique and, as we are talking about Finland here, a little bit weird. It is the culture that makes you say what? Whaaat?! I feel that the relatively odd Finnish habits are a part of our charm. A major part of our charm. Actually,...
How to Trace Your Roots In Finland (+ Resources Explained)
How you can take the first steps to trace your roots in Finland? Here are the first things you can do to make your search using databases and archives easier and to jump over the first 100 years gap that you won’t be able to find in the databases…
How to Make Finnish Friends? 7 Steps that Help You Succeed
Making friends as an adult is difficult. Making Finnish friends as an adult seems even more difficult. But why? As a Finn, I'll try my best to share information and tips about Finnish culture so that that you'll enjoy more of your time in Finland or our company,...
As seen on
Fun Things to Do in Finland
Finland Bucket List: 35 Authentic Ideas by a Local
I’m a list person. An excel person. A roadmap person. And within the last few years, I have also become a ‘Say a goal out loud, work hard and watch it happen’ person. When I was 15, I made a dream board. I cut out magazine pictures and texts which resonated with me. I...
TOP 5 Dreamiest Glass Igloos in Finland + Tips for Booking
*In commercial collaboration with the award-winning glass igloo destination - Arctic Land Adventure. Please note that this post has affiliate links. If you buy through my links, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission, which helps the upkeep of...
Funny Finnish Small Talk Habits You Will Run Into in Finland
Small talk in Finland - does it exist? How can you make small talk with Finns? Hands down, those are the most asked cultural questions in my inbox. Indeed, Finnish small talk will, most likely, be very different from your culture. Before I begin, I'd like to say that...
Travel Planning
Super Helpful Guide to Finland Weather Year Round + Monthly Tips!
What’s the weather like in Finland? That must be the most common question I hear as a Finn. And no wonder! It's hard to know what to expect. Snow and coldness are the first thoughts to many. But wait, isn't there supposed to be warm summers too? How confusing! Well, I...
How to Pick the Best Finland Guide Book (TOP 5 by a Finn)
When it comes to finding a Finland guide book, there are surprisingly many options even though Finland isn’t the most popular travel destination. As my mission is to help you with all things Finnish, I have spent the last couple of weeks researching the most popular Finland guide books on the market.
Lapland Packing List: What to Pack for Winter Finland?
Are you feeling excited but a tiny bit worried about how to be prepared for the Finnish winter? Getting ready for another climate is difficult. I bet the most headache is due to the winter’s extreme cold, right? This post aims to give you a massive sigh of relief!
100 Ideas to Do in My Helsinki
Helsinki is a pocket-size Metropolis – a mix of Finnish straightforwardness and Nordic functionality with a dash of continental elegance.
Over the years, I’ve explored the city inside out. I put together a local’s ultimate guide to give you 100 ideas that you can do when you visit Helsinki!
After reading this guide, I hope that Helsinki feels like a second home to you.
