For me Finnishness mostly considers my relationship to Finnish nature. Nature has always been an important part of my life, but I haven’t always understood its significance but it has developed gradually over time. Although I currently live in the city center, nature serves as a way to escape the daily challenges, so I try to find time to spend outdoors as often as possible.
In the past, I took nature for granted and didn’t fully appreciate the diversity of Finnish natural environment. As a child, I lived in a quiet and fairly small town, where it was easy to access nature. However, when I moved to Tampere city center to attend high school, the importance of nature began to grow. The new environment was much busier than the one I had grown up in, so nature became a way to escape the noise and busyness of the city.
Now, especially as a university student, nature plays an incredibly significant role in my life. I enjoy going for walks in nature and admiring the diversity of Finnish landscape throughout all seasons. I find each season to be beautiful and inspiring. One of my favorite seasons is autumn because the nature is particularly beautiful then, and the weather is still warm. I also greatly enjoy summer, even though it is unfortunately short in Finland. I love that our nature offers such a wide range of experiences across different seasons.
My daily life is usually quite busy, so I seek peace in nature. It has helped me gain a better understanding of my well-being and stress management amid a hectic routine. Spending time in nature improves my mood and brings balance to my studies. After spending time outdoors, my mind is almost always lighter, and my thoughts are clearer.
Nature is a significant part of Finnish culture as well and at least in my inner circle people really appreciate nature and what it has to offer. With relatively small population in Finland and the long dark winter people have to find ways to enjoy life and that’s probably why nature is such a big factor in people’s life. All in all, Finland has a really beautiful and unique nature.
Finnish culture, to me, is deeply intertwined with this connection to nature. Beyond the landscapes and seasons, it’s about the quiet appreciation of the world around us and the peace it brings in our everyday lives. Whether it’s the long walks in the forest, picking berries in the summer, or simply sitting by a lake, nature gives Finns a chance to slow down and reflect. It’s no surprise that so many traditions, like sauna or juhannus (Midsummer), are tied to the natural world. These moments remind us of the simplicity and beauty of life here in Finland. For me, Finnishness isn’t only nature, it’s also the peace and sense of connection that comes with it, and these are the main parts of what being Finnish means to me.
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