5 Finnish Traditions Every Traveler Should Experience

Finnish culture is all about minimalism, simplicity and a deep connection with nature. The people of Finland have a rich history and unique cultural traditions, and experiencing these traditions firsthand will offer you a deeper understanding of Finnish life than any guidebook description could.

1. Sauna Culture

Finland has more saunas than cars, roughly one for every two people. The sauna is more of a cultural cornerstone here in Finland than a wellness trend here. People have traditionally been going to saunas for relaxation, socializing, and even giving birth in centuries past. A proper Finnish sauna experience involves a plunge into snow or an icy lake, followed by rewarming inside. The hot sauna supposed to cleanse you from the inside while the chilly ice bath is said to pump up the blood and improve circulation

2. Foraging Under Everyman's Right

Finland might be one of the only countries in the world where anyone can forage at any time, thanks to jokamiehenoikeus, Finland's "everyman's right”. Cloudberries, mushrooms, lingonberries, and blueberries are abundant in the wilderness, especially in late summer and autumn. To take part in the experience, you can join a local foraging outing. It’s a fun activity that also helps you understand the intimate connection between this land and its people.

3. Midsummer (Juhannus)

Midsummer is celebrated all across Scandinavia, and in Finland it’s called Juhannus. We celebrate it around the summer solstice and it is one of most beloved holidays here. During this time of the year, the long summer days rarely turn into nights. Traditionally, Finns retreat to their lakeside cottages in the country for bonfires, saunas.

4. Coffee Culture

If you think you are a big coffee aficionado, you will probably find good competition in Finland. Finnish people are among the highest per-capita coffee consumers in the world. Coffee breaks, known as kahvitauko, are cherished parts of their day. You will find a cafe in almost every corner in Helsinki, and some coffee chains like the Fazer cafes are renowned as heritage institutions in the city.

5. Christmas Traditions Rooted in Lapland

Rovaniemi in northern Finland is the official hometown of Santa Claus so Christmas celebrations are a big thing here. Everyone knows about the Santa Claus Village, of course, but Finnish family celebrations involve quieter customs and hearty meals. Celebrations usually start with visiting cemeteries on Christmas Eve to light candles at the graves of loved ones then gathering together for a large family meal with traditional Yuletide dishes.

So on your next visit to Finland, take a chance to immerse yourself in the local culture to see more of Finland that not many know, beyond the snow, reindeer and northern lights.