Nordic homes are centered on feelings of warmth, coziness, and contentment ‒ a famous concept found all across Northern Europe. Known as “Hygge” in Denmark, “Kos” in Norway, and “Kalsarikännit” in Finland, each emphasizes the importance of finding joy in the little things, away from the roar and tumult of modern life. This attitude partially explains why people love living in Helsinki, one of the coldest cities in the world, but also one of the happiest.
Helsinki is a creative hub and urban forest, a fast-growing city where people come to flourish. One of the best examples of the Nordic model, a governing philosophy that emphasizes free markets, economic welfare, and social justice, Helsinki is smart, stable and proudly offbeat ‒ a place where no one sweats the small stuff and everyone’s free to live their best life. If you’re interested in setting down roots overseas, here is why Helsinki might be the place for you.
High Living Standards
Helsinki is one of the best run cities on the planet, with advanced social services that work hard to improve the lives of residents. By following the Nordic model, it's become a world leader in:
- Healthcare. Finland has universal public healthcare. Primary care is accessible, low-cost, and open to everyone living in the country, regardless of their immigration status.
- Safety. Thanks to its trustworthy, responsive, and professional police force, Helsinki is one of the safest cities in Europe. Regular foot patrols, well-lit streets, and honest citizens keep the crime rate extremely low.
- Cleanliness. Street cleaning services are active year round. They sweep away dust in the spring and gather up leaves in the fall. In winter, they clear snow and grit the sidewalks, to prevent slipping. Property owners are responsible for removing garbage on their land, while the strong civic culture discourages people from littering.
- Transportation. In addition to its tram and train system, the city has over 300 bus routes that crisscross the city, making more than 25,000 departures every day. Ninety-nine percent of public vehicles arrive on time, ensuring people reach their destinations as quickly as possible. If you want to get away, the railroads can carry you as far as the Russian and Swedish borders!
- Education. Helsinki has 190 comprehensive (elementary) schools, 41 upper secondary (high) schools, and 15 vocational institutions. Support systems and preparatory classes help foreign students integrate into their new environment. Around 90 percent of graduates go on to college. The city is home to a globally ranked university ‒ the University of Helsinki, as well as Aalto University, just beyond the city limits, which offers degrees in science, technology, business, art, and design.
Powerful Economy
Helsinki is Finland’s workhouse, home to its largest companies and industries. Its strategic location on the Baltic Sea makes it a vital link between Europe and Asia, and a major center for trade. All of the country’s banks and financial institutions are headquartered in the city. Together, they manage assets, pensions, insurance funds, and state investments on behalf of towns, companies, and individuals throughout the country.
But while its logistics and business services are incredibly strong, Helsinki’s economy is dominated by its burgeoning tech sector. During the past ten years, the city’s received over $1.2 billion in capital investments, which has helped fuel more than 2,000 startups and scaleups around the city, including 300 AI firms. With support from Aalto University and VTT Technical Research Centre, the city has even established a complete supply chain for quantum computing, including research and production.
Technology is now Finland's most valuable export, requiring a steady supply of skilled workers. Helsinki Partners ‒ the city’s marketing, investment, and talent initiative ‒ is doing everything it can to attract programmers and engineers. It helps recruit overseas workers into “the world’s happiest business environment,” connecting them with entrepreneurs who can help grow their careers.
Finnish employees aren’t only well paid. They also enjoy a wide range of additional benefits, such as paid vacations and family leave. The government regulates working hours as well, leaving employees with plenty of time to relax and explore interests outside the office.
Stunning Design
Helsinki is a striking example of Nordic architecture. Renowned for their sleek, functional, and minimalist approach, the city's buildings are serene, innovative, and imaginative. Though every neighborhood has its gems, the most iconic landmarks are clustered around the urban core, including:
- Helsinki Cathedral. Located on the north side of Senate Square, this magnificent church was constructed in 1852. Built in the shape of a Greek cross, its massive green dome is surrounded by a series of smaller towers and statues of the twelve apostles.
- Finlandia Hall. Constructed from gleaming white marble, this concert and conference space is famous for its dynamic asymmetry and meticulous regularity.
- Oodi Library. A place to read, relax, and socialize, the Oodi Library blends glass, steel, and wood to create a space that feels clean, cozy, spacious, natural, and industrial.
- Temppeliaukio Rock Church. This subterranean worship center is built into a granite hillock in the center of town. The sanctuary is notable for its rocky walls and domed skylight, which creates an atmosphere that is not only rugged, but intimate, and expansive at the same time.
- Parliament House. The symbol of Finnish democracy, this massive hall is built from red granite, with a symmetrical facade that combines elements from neoclassical and modernist architecture.
- Helsinki Central Railway Station. An impressive fusion of art deco and modernism. Constructed from pink, patterned stone, its arched entryway is flanked by two pairs of giant statues, known as the “Lantern Carriers.” Behind the structure is a 160-foot, illuminated clock tower topped by a greenish-blue copper dome.
Delightful Scenery
Helsinki is a heavily forested city in a heavily forested country. Almost forty percent of its land is covered by trees, providing residents with plenty of clean air, quiet spots, and arresting views. Just beyond the town limits, Sipoonkorpi and Nuuksio National Parks provide a chance to explore the hills, lakes, and woodlands in the neighboring countryside.
Geocaching and bird watching are popular year-round, but the parks are especially busy during spring and autumn, when people come to pick berries and mushrooms. Winter turns the Nordic wilderness into a snowy playground for six months out of the year. There are over 75 ski resorts scattered all across the country, with long slopes and cross-country trails lit up by the green glow of the northern lights.
Sauna Culture
With five million citizens and three million saunas, it’s clear no country loves a good steam more than Finland. Saunas are a holistic experience in Helsinki, complete with bars and bistros. After sweating out their worries, visitors can splash around in heated outdoor pools, order a round of Finnish meatballs, and take in a wine course before heading home. The biggest saunas also offer inspiring views of the country’s lakes or Baltic coastline. Small wonder they’re such a popular social venue, and a great place to unwind with your family and friends.
Unique Cuisine
Though Finnish food may not be world famous, its simple, locally sourced ingredients make it healthy, wholesome, and extremely nourishing. Most Finnish recipes have been passed down through generations, the perfect thing to comfort you after a long day in a cold climate.
- Poronkaristys (Sauteed Reindeer). Thinly sliced meat taken from the back of a reindeer, which is fried in fat, seasoned with salt and pepper, and cooked until tender. It’s generally served with sugared lingonberries, mashed potatoes, and cucumber pickles.
- Graavilohi (Cured Salmon). An appetizer made from Baltic salmon. After being sliced and cleaned, the fish are cured with salt, sugar, and dill and served along with boiled potatoes or bread and mustard.
- Salmiakki (Salty Licorice). Known as black licorice in most of the world, this candy is flavored with ammonium chloride, which gives it a salty and astringent taste. Though normally eaten alone, it’s sometimes used to flavor ice cream, cocktails, and meat.
- Leipäjuusto (Squeaky Cheese). Made from colostrum (milk collected from cows who have just given birth), this dish is low in fat and high in protein. Resembling a cheese pie, it’s typically eaten with tea and coffee after dinner.
- Karjalanpiirakka (Rice Pie). A buttery pastry stuffed with rice, carrots, or potatoes and traditionally eaten with a large helping of butter or egg-butter spread.
- Korvapuusti (Cinnamon Buns). Also known as “slapped ears,” these fluffy sweetbreads are cinnamon buns with a unique shape. After rolling and slicing the dough, the baker presses their finger down into each bun, cinching the sides before coating them with butter and sugar.
Curious Celebrations
Helsinki has some truly unforgettable holidays. Finns look for any excuse to have fun and aren’t shy about indulging niche interests. A few of the unique festivals you’ll find here include:
- World Wife Carrying Championship. Held every year in a small town north of Helsinki. During this event, husbands test their strength by hoisting their wives up on their shoulders and racing through a sand track and obstacle course. Winners receive a trophy, a bag of souvenirs, and their wife’s weight in beer.
- Dinner Under the Sky. Hungry Finns take over city streets, setting up massive tables that stretch the length of city blocks, so they can picnic with their friends and neighbors. Anyone willing to bring their own food and wine is invited to attend!
- Lux Helsinki. Helsinki gets barely six hours of sunlight during winter. To help revive people’s spirits, the city created Lux Helsinki, a public festival featuring projections, illuminated artwork, and massive light arrays designed and constructed by local and international lighting designers.
- Air Guitar World Championships. An international competition that takes place every year in Oulu, a village a few hours outside Helsinki, held in honor of anyone who’s ever wanted to jam along with their favorite band. Winners receive a custom-made guitar to take home with them.
- Flow Festival. Experience the brightest stars in the pop and indie scene, performing alongside some of the hottest DJs in Europe. Over 100 performers descend on Helsinki every year to fire up the crowds with their experimental tracks. Its innovative lineup even includes interactive art installations, creating a visual as well as audible feast.
Moving to Helsinki
Whether you’re crossing a land border or heading overseas, North American helps you reach your destination safely and stress-free. Our movers have the knowledge and experience to handle everything from packing to shipping to customs and final delivery. Every household is unique, which is why we tailor our plans to meet your needs. To start preparing for your move, contact us today for a free quote!