This trip took me beyond tourist spots and into actual Finnish daily life. I stayed in a quiet residential area of Kotka, shopped at the local supermarket, joined community events, and even sorted my recycling like a responsible adult in wool socks. It wasn’t full immersion—I still googled how to open the front door twice—but for a little over a week, I got a real taste of how Finns live when the snow sets in. And I started noticing things I definitely didn’t see coming.
Finns Are Surprisingly Chatty—But Respectful of Personal Space
In a queue, at a bus stop, or in a café, don’t be shocked if a Finn strikes up a conversation. But if you’re sitting alone on a bench? No one will invade your bubble. Personal boundaries are sacred here. It’s a curious mix—friendly, but never pushy. I found it kind of perfect.
Travel Passes Double as Safety Gear
In cities that still use physical transit passes, Finns often carry them in reflective cases. At night, they wave them at bus drivers to be more visible. Smart and practical! It’s a small habit that shows how deeply safety is built into daily life. And it’s not just passes—people wear reflectors like accessories, dangling from coats and backpacks like tiny, glowing charms.
Tap Water? Straight to the Glass—or the Soup Pot
In most Finnish cities, people drink tap water without a second thought—and even use hot tap water for cooking. But not everywhere: older pipes or local water quality can still be an issue in some areas. Locals know. I, meanwhile, spent five minutes staring at bottled water, wondering if I was overthinking hydration.
Free Museum Days—But Expect a Crowd
Museums like the Helsinki Art Museum or Vellamo in Kotka offer free entry on certain days or during specific hours. But don’t expect peace and quiet—Finns love their museums just as much as visitors do. I arrived ten minutes early, thinking I’d be first. I wasn’t even in the top fifty. Lesson learned.
Sweet Traditions of Winter in Finland
February brings out seasonal treats you won’t find year-round. One is the Runeberg torte—a dense, spiced pastry named after a Finnish poet. You can read more about Runeberg tortes here. Another is laskiaispulla, a cardamom bun stuffed with whipped cream, almond paste, and raspberry jam. I thought I’d try one. I lost count around four.
A Loud “Kiitos” in the Bus
On Finnish buses, it’s common to hear people say Kiitos (thank you) to the driver—even when exiting from the middle doors. The first time I heard it, I thought someone was talking to a friend. Then I realized almost everyone was doing it. It’s a tiny gesture, but it makes public transport feel oddly warm.
Winter Streets Are Covered in… Granite?
Instead of sand, Finnish sidewalks are sprinkled with granite grit. It crunches underfoot, gives traction on ice, and serves as a subtle reminder of the country’s rocky roots. It also somehow ends up inside your shoes and stays there until June.
Self-Checkout? Finns Are Still Warming Up to It
Supermarkets have self-checkout machines, and they work perfectly. But for some reason, the regular cashier lines are always longer. Maybe it’s habit. Maybe it’s trust. Or maybe people just enjoy the brief human interaction. Whatever the reason, the machines are there—waiting.
OnniBus: Cheap, But Cramped
Finland’s OnniBus double-decker coaches are a great way to travel between cities—especially if you book in advance. But comfort? That’s another story. Most seats are painfully tight, unless you score the front row on the top deck. The rest? If you’re tall, be prepared to fold yourself like a pretzel—and stay that way for three hours.
Hobbyhorsing: A Serious Sport
One of Finland’s quirkiest youth sports? Hobbyhorsing. Kids (mostly girls aged 10–18) ‘ride’ stick horses and train like real equestrians. I’d heard of it before, sure—but seeing a full-blown competition, complete with jumps and choreographed routines? That was next-level.
Ice Swimmers Are Expected—Outdoor Café-Goers? Not So Much
Ice Swimmers Are Expected—Outdoor Café-Goers? Not So Much
Seeing someone plunge into a frozen lake? Totally normal in Finland. But spotting people sipping coffee outdoors when it’s below freezing? That threw me. I thought I’d misread the temperature—until I saw steam rising from their cups and nobody wearing gloves. I know Finns are tough, but this? This was elite-level winter living.
After a week of living a little like a local, I left Finland with a new appreciation for its winter quirks. From granite grit to glowing reflectors, from hobbyhorses to ice swimming, every detail felt like a quiet celebration of the season. And honestly? I didn’t just survive Finnish winter—I kind of fell in love with it.
