There Finland He often remains in the shade with respect to his most famous Scandinavian neighbors, yet he hides cultural treasures and unique traditions that deserve to be discovered. This Nordic country, with its innovative mentality and the perfect balance between modernity and nature, reserves interesting surprises.
Let’s discover together 5 curiosities (+1) that few know.
1. The tap water is cleaner than many brands of bottled water
In Finland, opening the tap means accessing one of the purest waters on the planet. The Quality of Finnish drinking water often exceeds that of international bottle water brands. This is possible thanks to rigorous control standards and a cutting -edge purification system that uses the country’s natural resources.
2. There is a worldwide launching championship
Every year, Finland hosts the mobile Phone Throwing Championship, a competition as absurd as it is fun. Participants challenge each other to launch old cell phones as far as possible, transforming obsolete technology into a spectacular sport that attracts curious from all over the world.
3. A library where tools and musical instruments are lent
In Finland there are revolutionary libraries where, in addition to the books, you can borrow Trapani, sewing machines, guitars and even sports equipment, all for free. This innovative concept of “library of things” reflects the Finnish mentality of sustainable sharing and democratic access to resources.
4. Skiing from the front door to the supermarket
In many Finnish cities, during the winter, it is possible to ski directly from home to the supermarket. The ski slopes integrate perfectly into the urban fabric, making skiing not only a sport, but a real means of daily transport.
5) The culture of the sauna
The sauna is something extremely serious for the Finns, who attend it on average 2-3 times a week, accumulating over 150 sessions per year. More than a simple hygienic practice, it is a sacred ritual of reflection and sharing that profoundly shares the country’s cultural identity.
With over two million saunas for a population of 5.5 million inhabitants, Finland boasts the highest density of saunas in the world: practically one every three people. The sauna is considered a neutral space, where social and economic differences are canceled. Inside, everyone is the same: this is where important decisions are made, commercial agreements are concluded and family ties are strengthened.
Tradition is thus rooted that many Finnish homes have a private sauna, and even some government offices are equipped with it. The ritual follows unwritten codes: you enter naked or wrapped in a towel, keep a respectful silence and, after exposure to heat (between 80 and 100 ° C), you immerse yourself in a frozen lake or roll in the snow. In 2020, this cultural heritage was officially recognized by UNESCO as part of the immaterial heritage of humanity.
