When I was only planning to move to Finland, everyone told me that Finns were quite cold people. After living here for two years, I have realized that this is not true at all. In this blog, I would like to reflect on what Finnishness means to me.
The first things that come to my mind when I think about Finnishness are sauna, ice hockey, respect for personal space, and nature.
First of all, I would like to talk about sauna, of course. I agree that this is an inseparable part of Finnish culture. Almost every family has access to a sauna, and for many friends of mine it is a weekly ritual. Sauna is not just a hot room where you sweat, it is a place to relax, slow down, and disconnect from stress and everyday worries. It is also a space where people can spend quiet time with themselves or share peaceful moments with family and friends.
Another important part of Finnish identity is ice hockey. It is not only a sport, but also a source of national pride. When the Finnish national team plays, many people follow the games with great interest, and the whole country seems to come together. Ice hockey creates a sense of unity and shared emotion, even among people who are not usually interested in sports. On game days, I often saw entire cities dressed in team jerseys to support the players.
Respect for personal space is another trait that strongly defines Finnish culture for me. At first, I found it unusual that people do not engage in small talk and prefer to keep their distance. However, over time I understood that this is not coldness, but rather a form of respect. They might never ask you if everything is okay when you’re sad, but they’ll definitely support you if you decide to open up to them. It’s not because they don’t care, but rather because they respect your boundaries and won’t push if you don’t want them to.
Nature also plays a very important role in Finnish life. Forests, lakes, and clean outdoor environments are always close, and many people spend their free time outside. Picking berries, or simply enjoying silence in nature are really common there. Almost every day on my way home, I see people walking or cycling. I think this strong connection to nature is another thing that makes Finnish people seem so calm and relaxed, which can sometimes be mistaken for coldness.
To me, Finnishness is not about being cold or distant. After living in Finland for two years, I see it in a different way. Finnishness is about respect – for personal space, time, and comfort. It is about knowing how to slow down and appreciate life, whether through a sauna evening, a hockey game, or time spent in nature. What may seem like coldness from the outside is actually a calm, balanced, and thoughtful way of living. Perhaps there is something to learn from it.
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