Fantasizing About Finland
During these uncertain times it’s understandable to feel down and uninspired. This got us to thinking about happier places out there for now. Considering Finland has landed the #1 spot on the World Happiness Report for the last three years consecutively, the Finns must be doing something right. This annual report is based on six variables including: GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom, generosity, and absence of corruption. To give a little frame of reference, the U.S. came in at the 18th spot earlier this year. If this alone doesn’t spark your curiosity, we’ve compiled some unique information about the country that just might. Once the travel restrictions open up and you feel comfortable traveling internationally again, make sure to bump Finland up to the top of your list.
Ah, sweet Finland. You are truly a sight to see. Photo by Taneli Lahtinen.
The first and most obvious reason we’re fantasizing about Finland is Aurora Borealis–also known as the Northern lights. Not only are they visible from northern Finland, they come out to play 200 nights a year, which is just about once every other night. If this intrigues you, make sure to view from Finnish Lapland, the northernmost region inhabited by indigenous people called the Sami. The ideal setting lacks light pollution and favors clear skies. If such a setting is attainable, the Northern Lights will dance for anyone close enough to see.
During the months when Aurora Borealis isn’t visible, just about everything else is. From May to August, visitors can expect 24-hour sunlight, giving it the name “the land of the Midnight Sun.” When nights are as light as the days, there isn’t anything you can’t do. The biggest difference comes from the change in the nature of the light. The sun adopts a richer, reddish-yellow hue that makes for the most beautiful sunrises and sets. It provides an opportunity to bask in the sun and make up for the absence of it months before.
Finland also is home to 40 national parks. Vast landscapes, ancient forests, deep lakes and gushing rapids make Finland’s nature scene one of the most extraordinary. The attitude towards nature is deeply intimate. There’s a saying, Jokamienhen Oikeus, which means “everyman’s right.” Essentially, this means anyone can roam freely just about anywhere in the country. You’re free to forage for mushrooms and berries or just inhale as much of some of the cleanest air in the world as you please. The southern part of Finland is dominated by flat countryside, but up north in Lapland, you can expect to find a snow-covered tundra. Wildlife ranges from bears and reindeers to eagles, swans, and the world’s rarest seal.
The surrounding areas of the Baltic sea and archipelagos are possibly the most magical part of this land if you’re seeking isolation. Nothing will make you feel more grounded and in tune with nature than enjoying the peace and silence found here. There’s a reason Finland also earned the nickname “land of a thousand lakes,” and it’s because it has 188,000 lakes, making it the country with most water in relation to land mass. It has some 70,000 islands speckled in the thousands of lakes. While this may seem overwhelming, don’t forget it also has an abundance of forests totalling 70% of the land. This beautiful country, famously known for its sense of calmness and quietness, is almost unavoidable.
Aurora Borealis, dancing the night away. Photo by Frans Van Heerden.
Alongside nature, Finnish design is also unmatched. “Design is a state of mind in Finland and is woven seamlessly into everyday life. It is a way of living that embraces timeless beauty, sustainability and a harmonious relationship with the natural world.”
Finnish design is often remarked as pure and timeless. There are two main styles here, one being the traditional cottages of the north and the other being a modern minimalist abode. A lot of designers’ and architects’ inspiration comes from nature because of the intimate relationship with the environment, which is why sustainability is a top priority. The unwavering respect and devotion to the land is rooted in the Finnish culture.
POV: You’re walking down a Finnish staircase. Photo by Natalya Letunova.
And, because the art and design is such a unique facet of their culture, a few museums are a must see. The Klasma Museum of Modern Art, Helsinki Art Museum, and Amos Rex are just a few we recommend. Art from many periods of time, including Art Nouveau, Nordic Classicism, gothic revival, and minimalism are dispersed throughout the country.
One of the most popular ways Finns relax, and we can totally get on board with, is by using a sauna. There’s 3.3 million saunas for a nation made up of 5.5 million people, making saunas more than just a physical detox in Finnish culture. It’s a deep spiritual experience that cleanses the mind and soul on top of the body. It’s often regarded as the holiest room in the home and the most closely associated with wellbeing, according to BBC.
The sauna culture is no new fascination but rather one that’s been rooted deeply in the culture. It’s a detox in all aspects of one’s self. Women used to and still do sometimes, give birth in saunas. The reasoning for this is because the wall lining makes it the cleanest room in the house! Today, oftentimes you’ll see a modern wood-stove sauna, but traditionally they were smoke saunas.
These are just a few of the many reasons we are vouching for the “land of a thousand lakes.” If you happen to find yourself up near the Arctic Circle, give yourself enough time to take in all the natural wonders it has to offer.
Featured image by Taneli Lahtinen.
We do not own any of the images pictured in this article.