Typical Finnish things you should try

Enjoy peace and quiet, and your personal space

Compared to hectic metropolitan holidays, you will find peace and quiet in Finland even in cities. We are proud of our nature and fresh air and both of those can be sensed in our beautiful forests covering more than half of Finland's surface area. You won't experience cramped space in more urban conditions either. With a population of only 5,6 million people on 390,908 square kilometres, there definitely is room and space for everyone.

But you can also find some peace and quiet in surprising places, such as on public transport. Because we Finns love our personal space. 

Pick berries and mushrooms

Thanks to the clean air and fresh water, you can eat many wild berries and mushrooms straight from the forest. When the day gets shorter and when autumn gets closer, many Finnish families head to the woods and pick the fresh forest delicacies – local food at its very best.

Go pick blueberries, lingonberries, cranberries and cloudberries, a true pearl of the swamps, and enjoy the stunning sceneries around you. This all is possible as in Finland we have public access rights, so-called everyman’s rights which allows you to pick almost anything you desire from the forest. Just remember to not damage the environment or disturb others while exercising public access rights.

Relax at sauna

There are 5.6 million inhabitants in Finland and more than 3 million saunas. This means one sauna per household on average! You can find saunas in private apartments and on the shores of Finland’s countless lakes. Many companies have their own saunas, some saunas float on water and there is even a sauna gondola at the Ylläs Ski Resort in the Finnish Lapland!

Try some of Finland’s most unique saunas: a modern Löyly in Helsinki, Kiilopää smoke sauna in Saariselkä and a wonderful snow sauna in Rovaniemi. Yes, you read correctly, the sauna is made from snow and ice and the only thing made of wood are the benches.

Drink tap water

In Finland, the water that comes straight out of the tap is pure and healthy. In fact, among the highest quality in the world. On top of that, it might be the most tasteful water you have ever drunk! In Finland, tap water is available for everyone. Many Finns carry their own reusable bottle with them and when thirsty they simply fill them from the tap. 

Adventure the outdoors

Finland is a true treasury of unique, unspoiled wilderness and fantastic national parks. Not to forget about stunning lake views and the world’s largest archipelago. Try hiking and mountain biking year around as there are many trails available around the country. Lakeland and the coastal area provide a great setting for maritime activities like canoeing, paddling, sailing and fishing.

In winter, Finns’ favourite activities are cross-country and downhill skiing, snowshoe hiking, swimming in a hole of ice and ice skating.

Unique dishes – karjalanpiirakka and salmiakki

One of the most famous Finnish dishes is karjalanpiirakka, Karelian pies in English. They originate from the Karelia region and consist of rye crust filled with rice porridge with egg butter on the topping. Finns love them so much that they eat them for breakfast and snacks, and even serve them at business events as well as weddings. 

Finns love different kinds of sweets and the wide selection in Finnish stores often amazes foreigners. One of our favourites, Salmiakki, salty liquorice in English is, as the name tells, a type of liquorice with a salty taste. Typically, it is eaten as candy, but you’ll find other food like ice cream, chocolate and alcohol flavoured with it. This delicacy is not for everyone, but you’ll need to try and see how you like it! Did you know that you can also buy liquorice on Finnair flights? Our Nordic Kitchen Onboard menu includes two different sweet bags for you to try. 

Campfire coffee & sausage

When Finns go hiking, the essential part of the outdoor recreation is making a campfire. Often it crowns the whole experience. Sitting by a campfire, enjoying the tranquility of the forest with a warm cup of campfire coffee is everything you need to feel relaxed. Combine your coffee break with sausage, grilled in the campfire and topped with mustard and ketchup and here you have one of the most Finnish things you can do.

Remember that in Finland’s national parks, campfires are only allowed in designated spots if there are no grass or forest fire warnings. And take away everything you brought along after leaving the camp.