-Leisure

Finland has so many indoors and outdoors activities to promote physical and mental health for all the age groups. The vast wilderness and majestic landscapes invites everyone to get adventurous on warm summer days, and snowy white days encourage everyone to enjoy the view from indoors.

All Finnish cities and municipalities have a municipal or city library. At libraries it is possible to borrow books, read magazines and newspapers, use a computer, study or participate in various events. Some libraries may also have childrens’ games or host story hours.

Most libraries usually have a reading room. This is a quiet space suitable for reading and working in silence. Some libraries also host language cafes where foreigners practise speaking Finnish.

Finns are very active when it comes to sports and especially light sports are part of daily life, such as gardening, clearing snow, walking or cycling to work or to grocery shops.

Municipalities and sports clubs, among others, organise instructed sports activities.

Some municipalities organise instructed sports activities especially aimed at immigrants, such as women-only groups or introduction to various types of sports.

Organised sports are open to all. Everyone can participate in the activities of sports clubs. Instructed sports can include activities such as exercise classes, guided walks, jogs or skiing trips.Swimming and skiing are very popular in Finland, so beginner courses are also held for adults.

Approximately 70 per cent of the sports facilities in Finland are owned by municipalities. These include, for example, sports arenas, indoor swimming pools and other facilities, such as football fields and skating rinks. The municipal sports facilities are available to all residents.

Best activities to do in Finland

  • Fishing on a lake
  • Hiking and trekking in the nature
  • Kayaking and boating
  • Skiing and fat biking in winter
  • Sauna and swimming indoors or outdoors
  • Sledging with Huskies
  • Chasing Northern lights – Aurora Borealis
  • Pet reindeers