Finnish culture

Food and drink

Finland is well known for having some of the cleanest tap water in the world. It is safe to drink and most Finns drink tap water on daily basis. 

Vegetarian and vegan options are available in almost every restaurant and supermarket in Finland. Additionally, other dietary restrictions are taken into consideration. You can easily find both gluten-free and lactose-free food in supermarkets and restaurants. Diets are usually clearly labelled – look for your symbol.

Supermarkets in Finland are often open until 20:00 or 21:00, and many are open on Sundays. There are also several 24/7 supermarkets. To cut down on food waste, supermarkets in Finland often offer products that are close to reaching their best-by date at a significant discount. Often these products are marked with a red/orange sticker with discount percentage.

Everyman’s Right and nature  

Nature is a big part of Finnish life. Many Finns enjoy spending time in the forest and swimming in the many lakes across the country. Everyone in Finland has has the right to visit nature and enjoy what it offers us off the designated footpaths. However, this also means you should be respectful towards nature and other peoples' property. You can learn more about Everyman’s Right and how make the most of it on the Finnish National Parks website.

Finland has 41 national parks where you can relax and enjoy marked hiking routes, nature trails, and campfire sites. Visitors can also stay overnight in the national parks at designated camping sites, shelters, and huts. Nuuksio and Sipoonkorpi are the closest national parks to the Helsinki region. You can reach both national parks with public transport. 

Language 

Finland is a bilingual country and both Finnish and Swedish are Finland’s official languages. In general, Finns speak English well. However, having a good knowledge of Finnish and/or Swedish is very useful. It can help you connect with the local population, local culture, and can improve your employment opportunities.

Haaga-Helia is committed to helping our students develop their language skills. Below you can find links to our language course offering, plus some other useful resources.

Leisure time and sports

Although Finland may be a small country, there are plenty of options for leisure time activities and there are many sports to take part in. Nature is abundant, and you can find many hiking trails, parks, and designated camping spots for a night in the forest. In the cities, you can explore local museums, art exhibitions, and fun attractions. Finland is also host to many sports, such as ice hockey, ice skating, and cross-country skiing. Due to their popularity, it is easy to get involved and find second-hand equipment cheaply. Below you can find links to a few different webpages that have more information about leisure time activities in Finland.

Resources for students arriving with family

Finland is a great country to live in for families and children. If you move to Finland with a partner and/or family, please note that many organisations and Finnish municipalities also provide support for them. Learn more about some of the available resources below.