Thoughts on Finnishness by TAMK Students

Ice Swimming and Sauna: The Essence of Finnishness

Finnishness is full of unique experiences and traditions that reveal much about the soul of our nation. One of these experiences is ice swimming and sauna—a perfect combination that captures the deepest essence of being Finnish. And if you add grilled sausage and a beer, you're diving straight into the core of Finnish culture.

Weather variety in Finland

In Finland we have four completely different seasons, which is one of my favorite parts of being a Finn. However, I have noticed that the seasons are also the one thing that Finns complain the most about. In winter people complain about it being too cold, in spring it’s too wet, in summer it is too hot and in the autumn it gets too dark. Many people get seasonal depression in autumn or winter for it being too dark all the time, and we call it kaamosmasennus. Nevertheless, in this post I’ll focus on the good things about summer and winter in Finland.

Embracing silence and space: The Finnish way of life

Finland, known for its stunning natural landscapes and unique cultural traits, offers a glimpse into a way of life where silence and personal space are cherished. In a world that often feels overwhelming and noisy, the Finnish approach to these concepts provides a refreshing contrast.

The Finnish way of life – it is what it is, no use of crying about it

To many people Finns might first seem grumpy and pessimistic. But honestly, I think us Finns are more like hobbits from the Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings. We value our food, friends and family, we like a good party, and most of us prefer a more simplistic lifestyle. But what makes our Finnish way of life unique?