When on vacation, it’s easy to see all the sites or visit the right museums. Trying to soak up local culture proves to be the real challenge, especially since most tourist activities don’t engage you directly in the environment as the natives live in it.
To avoid the bland taste of endless sightseeing, here is a checklist of things to sample to fully taste the flavor of Finland, Northern Europe:
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Coffee
Finns drink more coffee per capita than any other people in the world. Be sure to try their particularly dark brew.
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Sauna
The word sauna is a contribution to English from the Finnish language. Going to Finland without jumping in the sauna is like going to Turkey without visiting a bath. It’s not just a dying tradition, but a veritable cultural institution that’s as important to the Finnish way of life today as ever. A great way to bond with your new Finnish friends and to work up an appetite for Finnish cuisine.
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Reindeer
Up in Lapland, reindeer petting zoos are an option, but they’re present throughout the rest of the country. On the dinner plate. Try to get over the guilt of eating Santa’s helpers. Reindeer can be raised without the unecological deforestation practices required to raise beef, so it’s serves as a counterpoint in the Finnish diet. Don’t worry, they’re delicious.
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Fazer Chocolate
Finland’s biggest candy company also produces the most popular kind of chocolate. Smooth, creamy, and not too sweet.
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Pole walking
The national love of cross country skiing isn’t forgotten in the warmer months. Poles for fitness walking are available for purchase, and many locals stay in shape by practicing this combination of power-walking and cross country skiing.
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Salmiakki
A spicy, salty black licorice. Somewhat of an acquired taste, but unique and worth trying.
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Xylitol
Birch trees are plentiful in Finland, and it’s extract, xylitol, is found in gum and toothpaste as it has excellent teeth-cleaning properties. Though it’s usually flavored with mint, xylitol gives things a hint of it’s own unique taste.
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Rye Bread
The rye bread popular in Finland is different than what’s eaten just about anywhere else. It has little to no yeast so it’s very flat, and has a hearty flavor. Traditionally eaten with salmon, cheese, lettuce, tomato, or even just butter on top. Varieties abound, different shapes, tastes, consistencies. There’s bound to be one to suit everyone’s palate.
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Koskenkorva
The national alcoholic spirit. Although it looks and to some tastes like vodka, it’s made of barley and has been made in Finland for centuries. Also available in different flavors, the most popular of which is salmiakki.
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Ice Hole Swimming
During the winter time, locals will cut open holes in frozen over lakes or rivers to take a dip in the icy water. The practice is said to stimulate the circulation, and some of the older generation swear it’s what keeps the life expectancy high. A dip in the cold is usually easier to bear when coming from and returning to a hot sauna.
Picture of Finnish flag in Helsinki, Finland originally posted by Harry Brignull
Topic: Tips and Ideas |
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Tags: culture, Finland, Northern Europe
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About the author
Hanna Hurme is a writer working in Helsinki, Finland, after getting enough of the sun from growing up in Los Angeles, California. She plans to move to New York in the near future, and hopes to one day be able to travel more extensively.
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