There is pretty well known stereotype that Fins are quite shy, not very social people. While the dark winter months don’t always bring out the cheeriest of moods, the Fins I have met are much friendlier than the stereotypes would have you believe. Another common stereotype about Finnish culture, is actually much more fact than stereotype: Fins love their saunas! In a country with just over five million people, there are over two million saunas. Saunas aren’t only valued for their relaxing and healing nature, but sauna culture in Finland has deep social roots. Going to the sauna is a place to where communities can come together, forget about the stresses of daily life, and enjoy each other’s company.
While I’m certainly not an avid sauna goer, I have from time to time visited a local public sauna, popped into the one at the gym after a workout, and visited the sauna in the basement of my apartment building after a long day. This has been a great way to get to know locals, and embrace an activity that is truly part of Finnish culture. It’s also a great way to just kick back and relax!
Fins are also very active. The landscape here is truly beautiful and many locals make good use of their natural surroundings with outdoor sports and activities being a big part of everyday life. Whether it’s picking berries and mushrooms in the forest, exploring local trails, or taking part in the odd sport of “orienteering”, getting outdoors is a great way to meet locals. As I’ve mentioned before, I’m and avid runner and have really enjoyed running through the extensive trail system in Helsinki. The trails are always packed with people, even during these recent snowy days. The running community, regardless of where you are in the world as I have found, is super supportive. It’s always great to be out on a run and have someone pull up beside you and just chat for a few miles. I also took part in a trail race earlier in the fall, it was such a fun event and truly a great way to branch out talk to others who I would normally just walk right on by if we passed on the street.
An aspect of the Finnish lifestyle, or at least city living in Helsinki, that has taken some getting used to is that it just isn’t feasible to simply go out to dinner with some friends. Prices in Helsinki are so expensive! So, those that do grab a meal out, it’s always lunch at a little cafe, because that’s where you can get the most bang for your buck. This can make going out and being social at little tough, especially when you’re a college student on budget! Luckily, the Finnish student organizations organize tons of budget friendly events and evening “activities”, including the odd traditional sitsit, which I’ll get to in a later blog. If you ever visit Finland, and attend a student sitsit, you certainly will never think of the Fins as anti-social again… really is quite the experience!
