27 Finnish Things Finland Is Famous And Known For

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If you’re looking to travel to an amazing country that is rich in culture, history, and natural beauty, look no further than Finland! Wondering what Finland is famous for?

Finland is a land of many wonders, from its pristine forests and towering peaks to its icy lakes and rushing rivers.

But this country is more than just a pretty face – Finland is also home to some of the most innovative and forward-thinking people in the world. From its cutting-edge technology to its world-class design, here are some things that Finland is famous for.

Food Finland Is Famous For

Traditional Finnish food is heavy on meats and potatoes, but there are some unique dishes that are definitely worth trying.

Salmiakki

finnish-candy-salmiakki

Salmiakki is a Finnish candy that is well known in the country and abroad. It is a strong, salty licorice candy that has a unique and intense taste. While it may not be for everyone, salmiakki is a beloved part of Finnish culture and is often considered a “must-try” for visitors to the country. This is one finnish food that takes some getting used to!

Mämmi

Mämmi is a traditional Finnish Easter dessert that is made from rye flour, molasses, and water. It has a thick, pudding-like consistency and a mildly sweet/salty taste. While it may not be to everyone’s taste, mämmi is an iconic part of Finnish cuisine in relation to the religious holiday. Be sure to give it a try when you get the chance.

Karelian pies, or Karjalanpiirakka

famous-karelian-pies

Karjalanpiirakka is a traditional Finnish pie that is made out of rye flour and has a savory filling. The dough is rolled out thin and then filled with the filling, which typically consists of rice or potatoes, butter, and salt.

The pie is then folded in half and sealed shut, and it is baked in an oven to create a sumptuous dish. It goes best with Munavoi (egg butter) on top during consumption, and is a common Finnish breakfast dish.

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History, Culture, And Traditions Finland Is Known For

Finland is also famous for its unique culture and customs. Did you know, for example, that Finnish people are some of the happiest in the world? Or that sauna is an important part of Finnish culture? Here are some History, culture, and traditions that Finland is known for.

Happiest Country in the World

world-happiest-country

Finland is often cited as being the happiest country in the world. This is likely due to a combination of factors, including its rich culture, beautiful landscape, and stable economy.

Finnish people are also known for being incredibly happy and content with their lives, which contributes to the country’s overall happiness. They have been ranked as the second most content people in the world, after Denmark.

Aurora Borealis

beautiful-aurora-borealis

The Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, is a natural phenomenon that is famous all around the world. People travel from far and wide to catch a glimpse of this stunning natural light show, and for good reason – it’s truly a sight to behold.

One of the attractive facts about Finland is that it is one of the best places in the world to see the Aurora Borealis. Therefore, if you’re lucky enough to be visiting during the right time of year, make sure to head out into the wilderness and try to catch a glimpse of this natural wonder.

Glass Igloos

Glass igloos have become a popular tourist attraction in Finland in recent years, and for good reason – they offer a unique and unforgettable experience. These structures are made entirely out of glass, which allows guests to enjoy unobstructed views of the surrounding nature.

What’s more, many glass igloos come equipped with heating systems, so you can stay nice and cozy even while surrounded by snow and ice.

If you’re looking for a truly one-of-a-kind experience, be sure to check out some of the glass igloos in Finland.

Midnight Sun Film Festival

Held in the town of Sodankylä in Lapland, the Midnight Sun Film Festival is a major event in Finnish culture. The festival takes place every year in late June and early July, and features films from all around the world.

It is one of the longest-running film festivals in the world, and is considered to be a major cultural event in Finland.

If you’re a film fan, be sure to check out the Midnight Sun Film Festival if you find yourself in Finland during the right time of year. You may just get to see some of the best films from all around the world.

Reindeers

reindeers-in-finland

Reindeers are an important part of Finnish culture and are a major tourist attraction because of their relation to Christmas. They can be found throughout the country, but the best place to see them is in Lapland, in the far north.

Reindeer are mainly used for transportation or for pulling sleds, and many people in Lapland rely on them for their livelihoods. If you’re interested in seeing these amazing animals up close, be sure to visit Finland during the winter months.

Nokia

Nokia is a Finnish multinational communications company. It was founded by Fredrik Idestam in 1865 as a paper mill and later on, started manufacturing telecommunications equipment.

Nokia is best known for its mobile devices, which include the Nokia 3310 and Nokia 6600. The company continues to face challenges since the rise of smartphones.

However, Nokia remains a well-known brand in many parts of the world because of their prominence in the early mobile phone days.

Finnish Sauna Culture

finnish-sauna-culture

Sauna is an important part of Finnish culture, and something that Finland is known for. Sauna is a wood-fired or electrically heated room used for relaxation and cleansing.

In Finland, saunas are traditionally taken naked, and there is a strong etiquette around sauna culture. Saunas are seen as a way to relax, socialize, and cleanse the body and mind.

There are over 3 million saunas in Finland, which is more than one sauna for every two Finns. Sauna culture is so important in Finland that there is even a Sauna Day, which is celebrated on the last Saturday of every August.

Quality Education

finland-quality-education

Finland is known for having one of the best education systems in the world. The country has consistently ranked at the top of global education rankings, and is known for its high-quality, free education system.

Finland’s education system is famous for its focus on creativity and problem solving, as well as its strong emphasis on teamwork and collaboration. They are also known for their innovative approach to education, with many schools implementing new teaching methods and approaches.

Finland’s education system is one of the reasons why the country is such a popular destination for students and educators from all over the world.

The Moomins

The Moomins series of Finnish children’s books and comics. They are the creation of Tove Jansson, a Finnish author, and artist. The lovable characters are known for their round, white bodies and their large noses, referencing on the trolls in Nordic mythology.

The Moomins live in a fictional place called Moominvalley, which draws inspiration from the Finnish countryside. The culture of the Moomins also reflects Scandinavian culture, with a focus on family, nature, and simplicity.

Coffee Drinking Culture

coffee-drinking-culture

Finland is one of the biggest consumers of coffee in the world. The Finnish love for coffee is partly due to the cold, dark winters, which can make coffee a very comforting drink.

Finnish coffee culture is also very strong, and there are many coffee shops and cafes in Finland where you can enjoy a nice cup of coffee.

Angry Birds and Mobile Games

famous-mobile-games

Angry Birds is a mobile game that became wildly popular in 2009. The creators, Rovio Entertainment is a Finnish company.

This is a puzzle video game where the player uses a slingshot to launch birds at pigs stationed on or within various structures, with the intent of destroying all the pigs on the playfield. The game has been downloaded over 4 billion times.

Finland is known for developing high quality and addicting games. Some of the other popular mobile games originating in Finland include Clash of Clans, Hay Day, and Boom Beach. These games are all available on iOS and Android devices.

Sports-Related Things Finland is Famous for

Ice Hockey

popular-ice-hockey

Ice Hockey is a very popular sport in Finland. In fact, it is considered the national sport. The country has had a lot of success in the sport, with many world and Olympic championships. The popularity of the sport can be attributed to the cold weather, which makes skating a popular activity. Ice hockey is also a very fast paced and exciting sport to watch.

Skiing 

skiing-in-finland

Finland is a great place to ski, with many popular skiing destinations. Therefore, it is no surprise that the sport is big among locals as well. One of the most popular places to ski in Finland is Ruka, which offers plenty of slopes for all levels of skiers. Other popular skiing destinations in Finland include Levi, Ylläs, and Saariselkä.

Pesäpallo

Pesäpallo is a Finnish sport that is similar to baseball. It is considered the national sport of Finland, alongside ice hockey. The sport was invented by a Finnish man named Lauri “Tahko” Pihkala in 1922.

Pesäpallo is played with a bat and a ball, and there are two teams of 10 players each. The object of the game is to hit the ball with the bat and then run around the bases. The team that scores the most runs wins the game.

Kimi Räikkönen

Kimi Räikkönen is a Finnish racing driver who competes in Formula One. He is the only Finnish driver to win a Formula One World Championship. He has also won the 24 Hours of Le Mans twice, in 2018 and 2019.

Räikkönen made his Formula One debut with the Sauber team in 2001. He moved to McLaren in 2002, and won his first race in 2003. In 2007, he won the World Championship with Ferrari after moving to the team that year.

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Cities and travel destinations Finland is Known for

Being an important country in the Nordics, there is no shortage of cities to visit in Finland. Here are some of the top travel destinations that Finland is famous for.

Helsinki

capital-of-finland

Helsinki, the capital of Finland is a port city on the Gulf of Finland, which is in between Sweden and Russia. Helsinki is known for its neoclassical architecture, including the Presidential Palace and the City Hall.

It offers a unique experience because of the different cultures and history that can be found in the city. There are several landmarks and things to see in Helsinki, such as the Senate Square, Helsinki Cathedral, Sibelius Park, and Market Square.

In addition, there are many restaurants and cafes that serve Finnish food, which is great for any foodie traveler.

Lapland

beautiful-lapland

One of the best places to the Northern Lights is in Lapland, which is in the north of Finland. Lapland is known for its pristine forests, snow-capped mountains, and crystal-clear lakes.

It’s also home to Santa Claus Village, where you can meet Santa Claus himself! In addition to its natural beauty, Lapland is also famous for the reindeers. You can often see these friendly animals roaming around in the wild, or you can even go on a reindeer safari!

Finnish Lakeland

stunning-finnish-lakeland

If you’re looking for a unique and beautiful place to travel in Finland, consider the Finnish Lakeland. As the name suggests, this area is known for its many lakes and rolling hills.

In fact, there are over 55,000 lakes in this region. The landscape is especially picturesque in the spring, when the trees are covered in fresh green leaves and the lakes are still frozen.

Åland Archipelago

finland-aland-archipelago

Åland is a chain of islands in the Baltic Sea. The Åland Islands are an autonomous province of Finland.

The archipelago is made up of over 6,500 islands, making it the largest archipelago in Finland. What makes the Åland Archipelago so special is that it is the only place in Finland where you can find true peace and quiet.

The islands are also home to a variety of wildlife, including many rare and endangered species. If you’re looking for a unique and beautiful place to visit in Finland, the Åland Archipelago is definitely worth a visit.

Tampere

tampere-in-finland

Tampere is a city in southern Finland. It is the most populous city in the Pirkanmaa region with a population of 223,272. Tampere is known for its many lakes, parks, and historical buildings.

Some of the main attractions in Tampere include Tampere Cathedral, Finlandia Hall, and the Tampere Market Hall. The city is also home to many museums and galleries, such as the Finnish Labour Museum Werstas, the Tampere Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Finnish Museum of Natural History.

Architecture and Landmarks Finland is Famous for

There are many interesting landmarks in Finland that are certainly worth visiting. Here are some the natural landscapes and places that Finland is famous for.

Suomenlinna Fortress

popular-suomenlinna-fortress

Suomenlinna Fortress is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Finland. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it has been open to visitors since 1891. The fortress was originally built by Sweden-Finland’s King Gustavus Adolphus during the 17th century as protection against Russian attack from the sea. This island fortress has been occupied by many different countries over the years, and it’s now one of Finland’s most well-preserved historical sites.

Sarkanniemi Amusement Park

finland-amusement-park

Sarkanniemi is a famous amusement park in Tampere, Finland. The park is known for its many thrilling rides, with the roller coaster being one of the most popular rides in the park.

The park also has a variety of other rides, as well as a waterpark, which makes it a great place to visit for both adults and children. Sarkanniemi is also home to the Finnish Museum of Natural History, which is one of the most popular museums in Finland.

The wide range of activities available here makes it a great spot for both traveling and even local families.

Temppeliaukio Rock Church 

temppeliaukio-rock-church

The Temppeliaukio Rock Church in Finland is one of the most unique and fascinating churches in the world. Carved out of solid rock, this Lutheran church is a popular tourist destination due to its stunning architecture and interesting history.

The church was designed by Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen and completed in 1969. It is built entirely from rock, with the walls, ceiling, and floor all made from natural granite. The unique design of the church means that it has excellent acoustics, and it is often used as a venue for concerts and other events.

The Temppeliaukio Rock Church is located in the Töölö district of Helsinki, and is easily accessible by public transport. Visitors can explore the church at their own pace, or take a guided tour to learn more about its history.

Turku Castle

The Turku Castle is a medieval castle in the city of Turku, Finland. It was founded in the late 13th century and served as the main fortress of the Swedish Empire in Finland. The castle was captured by Russian forces during the Great Northern War in 1714 and remained under Russian rule until 1918.

Today, the Turku Castle is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Finland. It is open to the public and offers a variety of events and exhibitions throughout the year.

Santa Claus Village

If you’re looking for a festive place to visit in Finland, look no further than Santa Claus Village. This charming village is home to Santa Claus himself, as well as his elves and reindeer.

The village is in the town of Rovaniemi, which is in the Lapland region of Finland. Rovaniemi is the official hometown of Santa Claus, and has been since 1985.

The village is open year-round, but it is especially magical during the Christmas season. During this time, the village is adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations. You can even take a picture with Santa Claus himself!

Many more things Finland is Known and Famous for

Finland is a fascinating country with plenty to see and do. This stunning Nordic country is well known for being one of the most beautiful places in the world, and with good reason.

From its snow-capped mountains and pristine lakes to its lively cities and delicious food, Finland has something for everyone.

There are many things that Finland is famous for awaiting you while on your trip – from the stunning landscapes and architecture to the delicious food and friendly people.


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Welcome To NomadsUnveiled
This is Rax. For over a decade, I have traveled to over 60 countries - from a budget backpacker to a business traveler, expat and then a digital nomad. You can find insights and perspectives from myself and other world travelers that will inspire your journey of discovery.

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