Sauna
Sauna is well known for its benefits in the wellness industry and is deeply integrated in the Finnish culture. Saunas originate from Finland and there are, apparently, more saunas than cars in the country. They are quite popular way to spend time with friends and almost every apartment building has one. In winter season you can see people in swimsuits exiting sauna and taking a dip in a frozen lake which is called avantouinti.
Lakes
Finland’s is commonly referred to as “a land of a thousand lakes” and it is due to over 150 000 lakes across the country. I was amazed when flying to Finland for the first time since I was able to see so many of them, surrounded by rich forests. People often go walking or running around a nearby lake. In summer, they are used for swimming and when they get frozen in winter, you can see kids and adults skiing and ice skating or simply crossing.
Mökki
This stands for a summer cabin that is usually located by a lake or sea and is quite popular among Finns. The best time for experiencing it is Midsummer as it doesn’t get dark. For many Finns owning a mökki is a dream come true as it is used as a getaway from city life. Many old cabins don’t have electricity nor running water. They usually have wood-fired sauna, and these make it an ideal place for relaxation and hanging out with family or friends. It is common to swim, fish and grill while being there.
Silence
Before moving to Finland, I’ve heard about the tendency of people to be silent and cold. The idea didn’t seem really appealing at first but after living here I started to appreciate it and value it. Finns are extremely comfortable with silence and in their culture, it is seen as a way of being respectful and considerate towards others. It is common to keep quiet in public places not to disturb surrounding people. That doesn’t mean they are not talkative; it’s simply a way of showing respect.
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