Finnish culture

Languages in Finland

Finland has two official languages: Finnish and Swedish. Many people also speak English well, which can make everyday communication easier for newcomers. However, developing your Finnish or Swedish skills can help you connect more deeply with local communities, better understand cultural nuances, and improve your employment opportunities.

Haaga‑Helia offers a wide range of Finnish courses and other language courses as part of its language and culture studies, helping students build practical skills for studies and working life.

You can also explore Finnish independently through useful external resources:

• FinnishCourses.fi – search for Finnish classes across Finland
• YLE: Suomen kielen alkeet – beginner‑level learning materials
• Kielibuusti – national project supporting Finnish and Swedish learning for study and work

Values in Finnish society

Understanding a few common Finnish values can make everyday interactions feel easier. These are not strict rules — just cultural tendencies that help explain Finnish people.

Trust and honesty

Finns often trust other people and public services. Being honest and keeping your word are appreciated.

Independence and privacy

People value their own space and independence. Keeping a respectful distance and giving others room is normal.

Punctuality

Arriving on time is seen as respectful and responsible.

Modesty

Finnish communication is humble and calm. People generally avoid bragging or speaking loudly.

Relaxed social expectations

Don’t worry about making a cultural mistake — Finns do not expect foreigners to know all the customs, and small missteps are usually forgiven.

Everyday communication in Finland

Finnish communication may feel different at first, but most students find it becomes comfortable quickly.

• Direct and clear. People often speak plainly and get to the point. Words are chosen carefully.
• Silence is natural. Pauses in conversation are normal and not awkward.
• First-name basis. Students and staff commonly use first names, even in formal situations.
• Eye contact is a sign of honesty. Looking someone in the eye shows openness and respect.
• Greetings. Handshakes are typical in formal situations; cheek‑kissing is uncommon.

These habits may take a little time to get used to, but they make communication simpler and more relaxed once familiar.

Everyday eating and food

Finland is well known for having exceptionally clean and safe tap water, which most people drink straight from the tap daily.

Meal times are simple and steady:

• Lunch is usually eaten early, around 11:00–12:30, often as the main warm meal of the day.
• Dinner tends to be earlier than in many countries, often around 17:00–18:00.

Finland also has a strong coffee culture — coffee breaks (kahvitauko) are a regular part of study and work life, and cafés often serve pastries like korvapuusti (cinnamon rolls).

Food options are widely available for different dietary needs. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten‑free, and lactose‑free products can be found in most supermarkets and restaurants. Allergens and dietary labels are clearly marked to help you choose safe and suitable options.

Most supermarkets are open until 20:00 or 21:00, including Sundays, and a few larger stores in major cities operate 24 hours. 

To help reduce food waste, many shops mark soon‑to‑expire items with red or orange discount stickers — an easy way to shop affordably and sustainably.

Sauna culture

The sauna is one of the most iconic elements of Finnish culture. It is a place for calm, warmth, and unwinding — a tradition deeply woven into family life, celebrations, and weekly routines. Many Finns see the sauna as a place to relax the mind as much as the body.

Saunas can be found almost everywhere, from apartment buildings to sports facilities and lakeside cottages. Sharing a sauna is often a sign of trust and a relaxed way to spend time together.

Second-hand culture

Finland has a strong culture of re-use and sustainability. Shopping second‑hand is common across all age groups and reflects Finland’s value of thoughtful, environmentally conscious consumption.

People enjoy browsing second‑hand stores, recycling centres, and flea markets not just to save money, but to find high‑quality items, reduce waste, and support a circular lifestyle. Giving items “a second life” is seen as both practical and responsible.

Nature and Everyone’s Rights

Nature plays a significant role in Finnish life. Forests, lakes, and peaceful outdoor spaces are abundant, and many people enjoy spending time outside year‑round.

Finland’s Everyone’s Rights (Jokaisenoikeudet) allow anyone to explore nature freely — from walking in forests to picking berries — as long as nature and private property are respected. You can learn more about Everyone’s Rights and how make the most of it on the Finnish National Parks website.

Finland has 41 national parks, offering marked hiking routes, nature trails, campfire sites, and designated camping areas. Nuuksio and Sipoonkorpi, the closest national parks to the Helsinki capital region, can be reached easily via public transport.

Free time, leisure and sports

Free time is an important part of Finnish culture, and people often recharge by enjoying simple, everyday activities. Many spend time in nature — walking in forests, visiting lakes, or exploring well‑marked trails across the country. Cities add their own cultural flavour with museums, art exhibitions, cafés, and seasonal events.

Public libraries are treasured community spaces where people go to read, study, attend events, or simply enjoy a quiet moment.

Sports are a central part of Finnish culture. Ice hockey is especially loved, and winter brings plenty of opportunities for ice skating on outdoor rinks, cross‑country skiing on maintained tracks, and trying downhill skiing or snowboarding. Many Finns grow up enjoying these activities, and students often join in — especially when winter turns cities into ready‑made playgrounds for seasonal sports.

Whether you enjoy peaceful nature moments, creative cultural experiences, or active winter fun, Finland offers many ways to experience local life outside your studies.