10 Surprising Things You Didn’t Know About Finland

Originally published on Medium (2024), now updated for Vocal!

In this blog post, I want to share some interesting and surprising things about Finland. My amazing home country has so much to offer, and I bet there are a few fun facts about Finland that will totally surprise you. Let’s jump in and check out 10 cool facts about Finland together!

1. Heavy Metal Heaven

Did you know that Finland has more heavy metal bands per person than any other country in the world? Yup, you read that right! Finland heavy metal culture is huge, with over 50 bands per 100,000 people. If you love rock music, this is definitely the place that should be on your bucket list. Bands like Nightwish, HIM, and Children of Bodom have put Finland on the global metal map. Whether you’re a metalhead or just curious about different music scenes, Finland’s heavy metal culture is worth checking out.

2. Sauna Culture

Finland’s sauna culture is legendary. There are over 3 million saunas in Finland, which is impressive considering the population is around 5.5 million. That means almost every household has a sauna! Finns love to relax and unwind in these hot steam rooms, and it’s a big part of their tradition. Saunas are used for physical and mental relaxation, social gatherings, and even business meetings. Finnish sauna culture is something you absolutely must experience if you ever visit Finland. Imagine sitting in a warm sauna after a cold winter day — it’s pure bliss!

3. Land of a Thousand Lakes

Which country is known as the Land of a Thousand Lakes? It’s my beautiful home country Finland! But guess what? There are actually around 188,000 lakes here! This makes Finland an ideal place for nature lovers. And, of course for those who enjoy water activities like swimming, fishing, and kayaking. The lakes are incredibly clean and beautiful, perfect for summer picnics and winter ice fishing. Because there is a lot of water in Finland, many Finns, including me, really love nature and doing things outside.

4. Midnight Sun and Polar Night

In Finland, you experience some pretty extreme daylight conditions. In the summer, the northern part of the country enjoys the Midnight Sun, where the sun doesn’t set for several weeks. Imagine staying up late and still seeing the sun shining brightly! It’s a fantastic time for festivals, outdoor activities, and midnight hikes. In contrast, during winter, the same areas go through Polar Night, where the sun doesn’t rise at all for weeks. This dark period might sound tough, but we Finns have adapted to cozy traditions, like lighting candles and enjoying warm drinks. It’s a unique experience that’s hard to imagine unless you see it yourself.

5. Coffee Lovers

Finns are the biggest coffee drinkers in the world. On average, we consume about 12 kilograms (26 pounds) of coffee per person each year. Coffee breaks, or “kahvitauko,” are a cherished part of daily life. Whether at work or home, we love to gather for a coffee and some good conversation. It’s not just about the caffeine — it’s a social ritual. So, if you’re a coffee fan, you’ll fit right in! Next time you sip your coffee, think about the Finns who make this daily habit an art form. Since I love drinking coffee, I would appreciate it if you could buy me a Finnish coffee!

6. Top-Notch Education

The Finland education system is considered one of the best in the world. Finnish students have shorter school days and less homework, yet they perform exceptionally well in international tests. The school really cares about treating all students fairly and making sure they are healthy and happy. It’s a great example for other countries to follow. The teachers are highly valued and have received good training. They focus a lot on making learning fun and working together. They aim to help students enjoy learning and become good at thinking for themselves. It’s no surprise that Finland regularly ranks high in education worldwide.

7. Innovations and Inventions

Finland is a country of innovators and inventors. Did you know that Nokia, once the world’s largest mobile phone manufacturer, is Finnish? Finland has a strong tech scene, and its contributions go beyond mobile phones. A person named Linus Torvalds, who is a computer expert from Finland, made something called Linux. It’s a type of computer system that many servers and devices in the world use. Finland is also home to the heart rate monitor and the sauna stove, showcasing its blend of high-tech and traditional innovations. The Finnish drive for innovation and problem-solving is truly inspiring.

8. Aurora Borealis

Want to know where to see the Northern Lights? Head to Finland! The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, can be seen especially in Lapland if you are lucky. This natural light show is caused by solar winds interacting with the Earth’s magnetic field, creating spectacular colors in the sky. Don’t miss this amazing light show — it’s truly magical and worth seeing! The best time to see the Northern Lights is from September to March, and there are many tours and accommodations specifically geared toward watching Aurora Borealis. Whether you’re an avid photographer or just love stunning natural phenomena, the Northern Lights in Finland are a must-see.

9. Home of Santa Claus

Santa Claus, or “Joulupukki” as he’s known in Finnish, officially lives in Korvatunturi, Finland. Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi is a popular tourist destination in Lapland. There you can visit Santa and meet his reindeer. It’s a dream come true for kids and adults alike. The Santa Claus Village is open year-round and offers activities like dog sledding, snowmobiling, and meeting Santa Claus. During the Christmas season, it’s especially magical with festive lights and decorations. If you’ve ever wanted to step into a real-life winter wonderland, this is the place to go.

10. Sisu — The Finnish Spirit

What does sisu mean? Sisu is a unique Finnish concept that stands for resilience, determination, and grit. It’s a big part of the Finnish identity and helps explain how we Finns face challenges with courage and perseverance. Sisu isn’t just about surviving tough times; it’s about pushing beyond your limits and staying strong in the face of adversity. What is sisu? It’s that inner strength that keeps you going no matter what. When faced with tough times and doing great things in sports and innovation, sisu is the driving force.

Final Thoughts

Here are 10 interesting things about Finland that make my home country special. From the relaxing saunas and beautiful lakes to the Northern Lights and the incredible spirit of sisu. As you can see, Finland has something amazing to offer everyone. I hope you enjoyed these Finland fun facts as much as I did writing them. Have you ever been to Finland or learned something new about it today? Drop me a comment down below!

Want more Finnish culture? Be part of Suomi Unveiled—subscribe now for free!