How to Experience Authentic Finnish Culture This Summer

When people imagine Finland, they often picture snow, saunas in winter, or the northern lights. But honestly, summer is when Finland quietly shines — and in a way most travelers never expect. If you're coming here in the warmer months and want to experience the culture for real — not just see the sights — this is for you.

I’ve lived here long enough to know that Finnish culture doesn’t always reveal itself right away. It’s subtle, slow, and sometimes hidden in the quiet moments. But if you know what to look for — or what to lean into — you’ll leave with more than photos. You’ll leave with a sense of something deeper.

Summer moves at a different pace here

In summer, life in Finland shifts. People disappear from cities and head to their summer cottages, often by a lake, surrounded by forest. Things slow down. Days are long — like, really long — and the light never quite fades in the north. You might find yourself up at midnight, sitting outside in a T-shirt, wondering how time passed so quickly.

There’s this deep appreciation for the small things: grilling outside, swimming in cold water, having a quiet coffee in the sun. It’s not about rushing to do everything. It’s about being present. Slowing down isn’t just encouraged here — it’s cultural.

Sauna is a way of life

If you’re traveling to Finland, someone will probably invite you to a sauna. Say yes. It’s not a spa. It’s not fancy. It’s quiet, often a bit smoky, and deeply personal. People go to the sauna to reset, to clear their heads, to connect — or sometimes just to sit in silence.

There’s usually a lake or sea nearby, and yes, many people go for a dip between rounds (even if the water’s cold). Sauna is one of the few places in Finnish culture where small talk happens, but it’s not required. Just being there — warm, calm, quiet — is enough.

Food is seasonal and simple, and that’s the beauty of it

Summer in Finland tastes like wild strawberries, new potatoes, dill, and fresh fish. You’ll find open-air markets everywhere selling produce that’s been picked that same morning. Finns care about food, but it’s not showy. It’s about what’s in season, what can be foraged, what’s fresh.

It’s very common for people to pick berries and mushrooms themselves. Foraging isn’t just a hobby — it’s something many grow up doing. I can’t think of many other places where it’s so normal to head into the forest with a bucket, come back with enough for a pie, and freeze the rest for winter.

Silence is part of the conversation

This is something that often surprises visitors: silence isn’t awkward in Finland. You can sit with someone for an hour, barely say a word, and it’s still considered quality time. People don’t talk to fill the air. When someone says something, they usually mean it.

I’ve come to appreciate that kind of quiet. It takes the pressure off and somehow makes space for a more honest connection. If you're not used to it, it might feel strange at first. But give it a little time — you’ll understand.

Summer festivals are everywhere — and they’re a big deal

One thing people don’t always expect is how much Finns love summer festivals. Once the weather warms up, the whole country becomes a patchwork of events — big, small, traditional, modern, and sometimes just plain weird.

There are music festivals like Flow Festival in Helsinki and Ilosaarirock in Joensuu, where you'll find a mix of local and international artists. Then there are folk and cultural festivals like the world-famous Savonlinna Opera Festival held in a castle or Kaustinen Folk Music Festival, which has been going strong since the 60s and feels like stepping into a timeless Finnish village scene filled with fiddles, dancing, and traditional costumes.

But it doesn’t stop there. Every region seems to have its own thing — a jazz weekend, a poetry gathering, a forest rave. And then there are the more unusual ones: a swamp soccer world championship, a wife-carrying competition, a heavy metal knitting contest. Yes, those are real.

The best part? These festivals aren't just for tourists. They're for everyone. Whether it’s a group of teenagers at a techno festival in a field or an older couple clapping along to accordion music in a village square, there’s a sense of belonging. A kind of joy that comes from being together, outside, under the light of a sun that never fully sets.

Nature isn’t a weekend activity — it’s part of everyday life

This is probably the most important part. Nature is everything here. It’s not just a backdrop — it’s where people go to think, to rest, to be alone or together. Thanks to “Everyman’s Right,” you can walk, hike, swim, and even camp pretty much anywhere as long as you respect the land.

Even after all these years, I still find it amazing how normal it is to walk barefoot through a forest, swim in a cold lake, or just sit in silence watching the light shift across the water. That’s culture, too — just a quieter kind.

Finland doesn’t shout to be noticed. It invites you to pay attention.

So if you’re coming here this summer, try not to over-plan every moment. Leave space for slow mornings, long silences, local coffee, and strange little festivals that pop up in places you’ve never heard of. Let yourself get curious. Swim in a lake. Say yes to a sauna. Sit in the sun and do absolutely nothing.

You might find that the most beautiful parts of Finland are the ones you didn’t expect — the ones that reveal themselves only when you’re not trying too hard to find them.