All About Finland

Not technically part of Scandinavia (which is just Sweden, Norway, and Denmark), Finland is part of the Nordic countries that also include Iceland, Greenland, the Faroe Islands, and Åland.  Finland was first settled more than 11,000 years ago and a large portion of northern Finland, Sweden, and Norway is still inhabited by the indigenous Sami people.

Ranked the happiest nation on earth, Finland boasts an incredible education system and a culture rooted in balance and connection to nature in everyday life.  Residents and visitors alike embrace the country’s natural wonder, food, sauna experience, and sustainability practices.

This deep connection to nature rooted in Finland’s culture is most evident in the holidays they celebrate, especially during their short summer season.  Finnish Midsummer celebrates the solstice with bonfires, dancing around the Maypole, and other folkloric traditions.  In a nation where the cold, harsh winter can last as long as 200 days, these celebrations of nature are of paramount importance.

Despite being so far north, Finland boasts incredible biodiversity.  The landscape is dotted with more than 165,000 lakes and the nation is 78% forest, creating the perfect home for the bears, wolves, and elk that inhabit the land.   As a result of the abundant forest land, Finland is one of the largest producers of lumber in the world and has developed a versatile horse that is capable of doing many jobs – the Finnhorse. 

This coldblood breed is influenced by both riding and draft horse characteristics making them universal horses for the Finnish people.  The studbook contains four sections, each with a different goal in mind – one type is bred to be a heavier working horse, one type is bred as a trotter for racing, one type is bred lighter for riding and sport, and the fourth is bred as a pony type.

Have you been to Finland?  Let’s hear about your experience in the comments!