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Living and Teaching English in Finland - Habits, Customs & Curiosities

Due to its location in the far north of Europe, Finland enjoys long light days in the summer months which are perfect for enjoying the pristine wilderness that makes up a large proportion of this sparsely populated country.

Although the cold months can be long and dark, they also provide perfect conditions for trying out the wide range of winter sports that are routinely available.

Take a look at the following guides for further info regarding travel to Finland, the culture and customs of the country, as well as some of the things to look forward to on arrival.

Although Finland is the most sparsely populated country in the European Union, it regularly comes out near the top of various international polls regarding education, healthcare and overall quality of life. You can also try your hand at adrenaline pumping activities such as dog sledding and snowmobiling, while the less energetic might enjoy a spot of ice fishing. Many visitors choose to combine their trip to see this phenomenon with a stay in the famous ice hotel that is rebuilt from scratch every year.

For visitors and locals alike, winter pursuits are a must during the colder months, with plenty of great locations for skiing and snowboarding. Another must-see attraction during the winter is the extraordinary northern lights which can be seen in the north of the country.

As well as being one of the most northerly countries in the world, Finland is famous for its huge number of lakes and islands. Finns are also notable for their love of coffee, with each person consuming 1kg per month on average. One thing that is surely down to the cold climate is the country’s love of a steaming hot sauna.

In contrast, the country is the least densely populated in the whole of the European Union, with only 16 people per km². Whether this is due to the long dark winters in this part of the world, is not clear. If you feel the need to warm yourself through you are never far from a sauna as there are more of them in Finland than there are cars.

For visitors to Finland’s capital, the Helsinki Cathedral soon becomes a familiar landmark as it looks down over the very heart of the city center. Although it is still used as a place of worship, the cathedral is well worth a visit for anyone with an interest in architecture, history or religion.

Built in the early to mid-19th century, the cathedral sits among a number of other architectural wonders from the same bygone era. The convenient central location of the cathedral means it can easily be reached via public transport and you can also incorporate a visit with several other interesting attractions in the local area.

If you find yourself in Finland and you are looking to explore some of the country’s history and culture, a day trip to Turku Castle is highly recommended. Throughout its long history the castle has seen many battles and sieges, however, the enormous 5-meter thick walls have ensured that it still remains standing today. Although there is an airport in the local town, most visitors come by road as it is only a short journey from the capital Helsinki.

Founded in the late 13th century, the castle is the largest medieval building in the country and one of the oldest still in use anywhere in Finland. After extensive renovations in the 1980s, Turku Castle is now a popular tourist site and home to the most visited museum in the country.