With the northern location of Finland, your perception of this beautiful country might differentiate enormously depending when you happen to visit. You are also likely to be confused with the shyness of people in general, but happily surprised with the kindness they’ll show once you get in contact with them.
The difference between a day and night
The difference between summer and winter in Finland is literally like the traditional difference with day and night. During the summer the sun hardly sets down and opens up wonderful opportunities to have late-night chill outs around a campfire socialising. It’s common to spend most of your weekends during summer on your cottage and enjoy the nature with a group of friends or family. Finns really appreciate the peaceful surrounding, with nothing but great views and sounds of nature around you. The more urban places get more lively at summer too. In fact, the most usual compliment you’ll hear about a Finnish city is “Place X is such a lovely summer city!”. Summer is my clear no. 1 pick for the best season. People are smiling, birds are singing and there’s just a cool positive vibe flying around.
When it comes to winter, there’s a downside to all that praise you can read about it. Sure, snow and Santa Claus are enjoyable. The Northern Lights are an amazing visual experience and the sunny days with snow on the ground are quite cool, sure.
However, especially in the Southern Finland it can get quite depressing. At the worst parts of the year there’s no daylight outside of office hours and even then the day light can be quite grey. Finnish are in the top 5 of the happiest countries of the world constantly, but we would be even happier with a different climate. The long dark winters are survivable, but if you’re like me and need sun light to be energic it can be a tough battle.
Luckily, there are ways to fight the negative effects of winter. Healthy diet and plenty of exercise give you energy and while the weather isn’t enjoyable outside you can focus on studying and past time activities aren’t restricted to things you can do outside. Enjoying a cup of hot chocolate or tea while playing board games with friends will help you relieve some stress. It’s quite common to take a holiday for a week or two from the winter as well. Travelling to a warm country and getting a break from the darkness gives a boost and once you get back to Finland your energy tanks are filled again.
All in all, most people would agree that they wouldn’t change the different seasons of Finnish climate even if they could. Winters can get bit rough and sad, but there’s always a new spring waiting around the corner and when the summer gets here, it’s not to miss! There’s no place on earth i’d rather be in summer than sunny and warm Tampere.
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