Things you learn when you move to Helsinki
“When I first landed in Helsinki, I thought I had it all figured out. I’d read the guides, watched the videos, and even Googled “weird Finnish habits” (spoiler: they’re not that weird). But this city has a way of flipping expectations faster than you can say sisu.
Here’s what I’ve learned—lessons that might surprise, delight, or make you go, Wait, what? Whether you’re packing for a move or already here, consider this your cheat sheet to life in Helsinki, Finland’s happy capital.”
Eva
Local Helsinkian
1. Finns Are Cold and Unfriendly. (Myth. Melted.)
I’d heard that Finns were about as warm as a January breeze. Wrong. Finns aren’t cold; they’re just… efficient. They skip the small talk, but when you break the ice (hint: saunas help), you’ll find friends as dependable as a Halti raincoat —which, by the way, you’ll need here.
2. It’s Hard to Meet People in Helsinki. (Try a sauna.)
Meeting people isn’t hard—it’s just about finding the right spaces. Join a hobby group, hit a neighborhood event, or step into a sauna. Whether you’re sweating out toxins or brainstorming your next big idea, saunas are Helsinki’s social HQ.
3. Saunas are just for Relaxing. (They’re everything.)
Speaking of saunas, they’re basically Helsinki’s living rooms. Deals are made, gossip is shared, and life’s mysteries are solved—all in a towel. Saunas aren’t just a way to relax—they’re a way of life.
4. Helsinki’s Public Transport Is Just Like Everywhere Else. (Not even close).
Clean, punctual, and surprisingly peaceful—Helsinki’s transport is a dream. But here’s a pro tip: personal space is sacred. Sit alone first, always. Oh, and don’t just stand there, wave, or the driver will breeze right past you. Lesson learned (with a touch of embarrassment)!
5. You Have to Speak Finnish to Get By. (English gets you far.)
Learning Finnish is great, but it’s not a must. English will get you through nearly every situation, from ordering your korvapuusti to navigating the metro. Want to tackle Finnish someday? Plenty of resources are available, especially if you choose to study in Helsinki. But don’t worry—no one’s expecting you to roll your Rs perfectly on day one.
6. Helsinki Is Just Like Other European Capitals. (It’s refreshingly different.)
Think Paris with less fuss, Berlin with more forests, or London with a fraction of the commute. Helsinki marches to its own beat: a slower, steadier pace where urban life and nature blend.
7. Finnish Food Is Bland. (Your tastebuds will disagree.)
Subtle doesn’t mean boring. From creamy salmon soup to rye bread that’s basically a hug in carb form, Finnish food is all about comfort, quality, and a deep connection to the seasons. Helsinki’s food scene thrives on locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients that celebrate the natural environment. And don’t even get me started on korvapuusti—they’ll ruin all other cinnamon buns for you.
8. You Need to Adapt to a Fast-Paced Lifestyle. (Helsinki hits pause.)
Here, life moves at your speed. Quick dip in the sea before work? Sure. Slow tram ride home? Absolutely. In Finland, work-life balance isn’t just a buzzword—it’s how Helsinki works.
9. There Are No Fun Activities in Winter. (Guess again.)
Winter in Helsinki feels like stepping into a snow globe. Skate on frozen seas, ski through parks, or sip glögi (mulled wine) under fairy lights at a Christmas market. Dark days don’t mean dull days.
10. It’s Always Dark in Winter. (Short days, bright moments.)
If I had a euro everytime a helsinkian warned me about the dark winters. Sure, the days are short, but the light? Magical. Snow sparkles under street lamps, candles glow in every window, and the occasional Northern Lights occasionally make an unforgettable cameo.
11. It’s Hard to Get to Nature Without a Car. (Not Here.)
Nature is always close by. Ten minutes from the city by train, and you’re walking forest trails, breathing fresh sea air, or relaxing by a lake. Helsinki’s connection to nature is what makes it feel so special—and so happy.
12. There’s No Beach Life in a Nordic City. (Helsinki says otherwise.)
Nordic cities and beaches—two words you wouldn’t think belong together. But Helsinki flips that script with its urban beaches. Whether it’s a lively day at Hietaranta beach or a serene swim at Uunisaari, Helsinkians embrace their seaside selves. With sun, sea, and the occasional sandcastle, Helsinki’s beaches are a Baltic surprise you didn’t see coming.
13. Helsinki Is Expensive. (It’s value-packed.)
Sure, Helsinki isn’t cheap, but it’s all about what you get: clean, reliable transport, top-notch healthcare, and a quality of life that’s hard to match.
As for the food scene, Helsinki caters to every palate and pocket. You’ll find cozy cafes serving karjalanpiirakka (those buttery rice pies you’ll crave forever), food trucks dishing out reindeer burgers, and, for a touch of luxury, 11 Michelin stars spread across 10 extraordinary restaurants. Whether it’s a quick bite or an unforgettable fine dining experience, Helsinki proves that good taste knows no budget.
14. Helsinki is a small city and I’ll be bored in a year. (Small city, big surprises.)
Compact? Yes. Boring? Never. With 300+ islands, quirky neighborhoods, food festivals, secret saunas, and endless seasonal surprises, Helsinki keeps you curious.
There you have it—7+7 myths busted and truths revealed about life in Helsinki. It’s not always what you expect, but that’s exactly what makes it special.
Whether you’re planning a move, dreaming of a visit, or already here, Helsinki welcomes you with open minds and open doors. Ready to embrace the city for what it really is?
