The lowest and coolest area in traditional Finnish saunas is often used for washing, as in Mattila & Merz’s 2017 Sauna in the Yard in the artists’ colony of Fiskars.Credit...Luana Rigolli ...

Finland is also packed with saunas and has a strong welfare state. Several unusual traditions and social norms contribute to the country's culture. Here are seven surprising facts about the country.

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or ...

Named by 38% of Finns as their ideal place to live, Tampere is a favorite among Finnish and international visitors. It is the Sauna Capital of the World, which is where people want to be in the ...

As my first initiation into local life, she’s teaching me about that very quintessential Finnish tradition, saunas. Before this holiday, I have to confess, I didn’t like saunas.

With 47% of travelers planning a winter holiday in 2025, winter travel makes a strong comeback. For those venturing outside of North America, 45% consider Europe. Finland, the world’s happiest ...