Finland is a Nordic country found in Northern Europe. It is not as well-known as its Scandinavian neighbours, but it has a colorful history and is full of culture. The country has some laws that are considered quirky, and others that make it seem the most sensible country in the world.
So, there it is, proof that Finland is at times down right crazy, yet probably the best place to live ever. What's not to like? For a place that cold, they have some warm-hearted people. Check out these 14 fun and quirky facts about the Land of the Thousand Lakes.
- 1
National Failure Day
Finland created a National Failure Day in 2010. It certainly sounds weird, yet it makes sense as it permits Finnish people to learn from their mistakes and not repeat them. It's celebrated each year on October 13th.
- 2
Caffeine addicts
- Food
With an average of 12 kg per year, Finnish people drink more coffee per person than anyone else in the world.
- 3
Odd competitions
- Adventure
Finland hosts a whole bunch of odd competitions, including wife carrying, mobile phone throwing, air guitar and boot throwing.
- 4
Hello!
There are no payphones in Finland. Is this because it's the home of Nokia?
- 5
Small change
Finland has adopted Euro currency on 1st January 1999, but has given up on the 2 and 3 cent coins, too fiddly?
- 6
Top notch education system
- Families
Finland has been ranked for years among the 5 best countries in the world for its excellent education system.
- 7
Fair traffic laws
Traffic violation fines depend on how much you earn: in 2002 a man was fined 116,000EUR – he had a yearly income of 7 million.
photo by Kahvilokki (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified
- 8
Hot and cold game
In Finland, it’s the norm to have a sauna in your house... and to jump in a lake after you've had one, even in the harsh winter.
photo by Math (CC BY-SA 2.5) modified
- 9
Midnight sun
- Unusual
In June and July, the sun doesn't drop below the horizon.
- 10
Polar night
- Unusual
In the winter, the sun never reaches the horizon.
photo by Osopolar (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified
- 11
Alternate accommodations choice
You can rental igloos to stay in if you don't fancy the Helsinki hotels, when the temperature is -30ºC outside, they stay at a balmy -3ºC.
Start planning your trip
Where to stay in Finland
Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort
VALO Hotel & Work Helsinki
Marski by Scandic
Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Helsinki
Hotel AX
Courtyard by Marriott Tampere City
Motelli Rovaniemi
UNITY Tampere Trikootehdas
Scandic Grand Central Helsinki
