Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Finnish Lifestyle &
Culture
Despite the magnificent lakescapes and outdoor activities, Finland's greatest
highlight is the Finns. Isolated in this corner of Europe, they do their own
thing and have developed a strongly independent, self-reliant streak, col-
oured by a seriously offbeat sense of humour.
THE MÖKKI
Tucked away in Finland's forests and lakelands are half a millionkesämökkejä(summer
cottages). Part holiday house, part sacred place, themökkiis the spiritual home of the Finn
and you don't know the country until you've spent time in one. The average Finn spends
less than two days in a hotel per year, but several weeks in a cottage.
These are places where people get back to nature. Amenities are often basic - the glori-
ously genuine ones have no electricity or running water - but even the highest- flying Euro-
techno-executives are in their element, chopping wood, DIY-ing, picking chanterelles and
blueberries, rowing, and selecting young birch twigs for thevihta(sauna whisk). There's no
better sauna than amökkione: the soft steam of the wood stove caresses rather than
burns, and the nude dash for an invigorating spring into the chilly lake is a Finnish summer
icon. As is the post-sauna can of beer, new potatoes with fresh dill, and sausages grilled
over pine cones on the barbecue. It's hard not to feel at peace when gazing out at the silent
lake, trees perfectly reflected in it by the midnight sun, and anything of consequence miles
away.
The best way to experience amökkiis to be invited to one by a Finnish friend, but failing
that, there are numerous ones that you can rent, particularly in the Lakeland area.
Love of Nature
Finns have a deep and abiding love of their country's forests and lakes. In July Finland is
one of the world's most relaxing, joyful places to be - a reason Finns traditionally have not
been big travellers. After the long winter, why miss the best their country has to offer?
