Nature - thisisFINLAND

Inspiration and influences: 12 artists in Finland talk about life and creativity

On a fascinating journey of discovery, we visit an array of Finland-based artists to find out what ideas animate and inform their work.

Life & society Finnishness

For seventh year running, Finland is first in World Happiness Report – other Nordics in top 7

Since 2018, the UN World Happiness Report has found that Finland is the happiest country in the world. How does happiness happen? And where can you take a happiness masterclass?

Arts & culture Culture

In the far north, Siida shows a Sámi view of how nature and culture go together

Hundreds of kilometres above the Arctic Circle, the Siida Sámi Museum and Nature Centre portrays the culture of the Indigenous Sámi people and the diversity of the region’s flora and fauna.

13%

of Finnish forests are protected

Source: Discovering Finland

Life & society Education

Navigating life sustainably at an archipelago school in Finland

Our video brings you to an island off the southwestern coast of Finland, where schoolkids take a course called Archipelago Knowledge. It maintains local traditions while looking towards a sustainable future.

Arts & culture Nature

Finnish photographer Meeri Koutaniemi goes to the source

Wherever she roams, award-winning photographer Meeri Koutaniemi draws strength from Finnish nature – and never stops looking for that perfect tree to climb. Our article includes a small selection of her impressive photography.

200

Number of nights the Northern Lights are visible in Finnish Lapland in a typical year

Life & society National park

Nature is for everyone: Finland adds to accessibility at national parks and nature areas

Recent years have seen numerous improvements in accessibility in the great outdoors at national parks and nature areas. Dozens of accessible trails are available in regions all over Finland.

Life & society Sports

Having fun on the water in Finland

People in Finland love spending time outdoors. Finland’s 188,000 lakes, hundreds of rivers and long coastline offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy nature. The Finnish Lake District is the largest such area in Europe.

Business & innovation Universities

At a university in northern Finland, international cooperation thrives

You never know who you’ll bump into at the Arctic Centre in the city of Rovaniemi. Each of the researchers and students has their own story of how they found their way to northern Finland.

500,400

Number of summer cottages in Finland

Source: Statistics Finland