Guide to Finnish Sauna & My Sauna Essentials
Sauna and Finland really stand for each other, it's probably one of the things that people first associate with Finland, yet there are so many question marks from visitors and new
How to Make Friends in Finland: A Guide for Expats and Newcomers
Finland is known for its breathtaking nature, high quality of life, and innovative design, but making friends in this Nordic country can feel challenging—especially for newcomers making friends in Finland seems daunting. Finnish people have a reputation for being reserved, and social circles can seem hard to break into. However, forming meaningful friendships in Finland is absolutely possible with a little effort and the right approach!
Friendship Day in Finland: A More Inclusive Valentine’s Day
In Finland, February 14th isn’t just for romantic couples—it’s Ystävänpäivä, or Friendship Day! This wholesome celebration is a great reminder to appreciate the friends you have, and to reconnect with those you may have lost touch with. Whether you send a message to an old friend, call someone you haven’t spoken to in a while, or finally reply to that forgotten text, true friendships will always pick up where they left off. And let’s be honest – you know exactly who I’m talking about!
But what if you’re still looking for your people in Finland? Here are some of the best ways to meet new friends in Helsinki and beyond.
1. Join Social Clubs and Community Groups
One of the easiest ways to meet new people is by joining clubs that align with your interests. Here are a few great options:
- @secretclub.cc – A community for women to connect through shared activities.
- Supper Clubs – For food lovers, supper clubs like those organized by @emma.ranne bring together people over delicious meals.
- Hiking Groups – Facebook groups dedicated to hiking and outdoor activities are a great way to explore Finland’s nature while making new friends.
- Board Game Clubs – Many bars and community spaces host board game nights, offering a relaxed way to meet new people.
2. Take the Initiative: Host a Gathering
Bringing people together yourself is a fantastic way to expand your social circle. A simple gathering, like a cheese and cocktail night, can introduce people from different parts of your life to each other. You’d be surprised at how friendships can form organically when you create a space for connection! Making friends in Finland can be challenging, and maybe we can all be a part of changing that!
How about a sauna visit all together? For newbies in Finland, this seems like an intimidating endeavour, but with the right people it’s a fun and social activity that’s also good for your wellbeing.
3. Engage in Networking Events
Professional and social networking events can be a great way to meet people with shared interests. Platforms like Meetup and LinkedIn Events often list gatherings that can help you connect with locals and other expats. The City of Helsinki has a Spouse Program dedicated to help significant others in Helsinki find connections.
4. Explore Shared Workspaces
If you work remotely or freelance, or if you are on the job hunt and want to have some company – consider using a co-working space. Places like Maria 01 or Mesta Coworking or my own home turf of Sofia Helsinki provide excellent opportunities to meet people in a professional yet casual environment, and everyone here needs a lunch buddy, which is a great way to connect.
5. Meet at Cozy Cafés and Social Spaces
Cafés in Finland are more than just places for coffee—they can be great hubs for socialising. One highly recommended spot is my new favourite, Third Place restaurant, which offers delicious food (the Guanciale pasta!!), a cozy atmosphere, and frequent in-house events where you can meet new people naturally.
6. Try Bumble BFF: A Social App for Friendships
If you’ve heard of Bumble for dating, you might not know that it also has a BFF mode, which lets you swipe to find friends instead of romantic partners. It’s a fun and low-pressure way to connect with like-minded people in your area. I went on a couple of friendly walks a while ago, and while I didn’t click with everyone, I’m still in touch with some of my dates!
7. Step Outside Your Comfort Zone
Finns may be reserved at first, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t open to friendships. In the early days of living in Finland, I made a habit of telling people that I was looking to meet others and asked them to invite me to events. It felt a little forward at times, but the results were amazing—people were happy to include me, and I made lasting connections!
And trust me, I absolutely hate this phrase, and there’s nothing wrong with your comfort zone (I love mine, it’s great!) but for the purpose of meeting new people and making friends in Finland, it will require you to take a step our of it. It’s stupid, I know.
8. Attend Cultural and Local Events
Finland is home to many festivals, cultural events, and seasonal celebrations. From midsummer festivals to Christmas markets, attending these events provides a natural opportunity to meet locals and fellow expats alike. This is also often a time when locals have their own routines and traditions, where foreigners can often feel left out. So take this as a sign: if you’re a Finn, invite your international friends around, and if you find yourself without plans, organise something for the other “lost souls”. Those were always such special times.
9. Join a Class or Team
Participating in a local sports club, running group, or gym class can help you meet people with shared interests. Whether it’s cross-country skiing, football, or dance classes, sports are a fantastic way to build friendships in Finland.
Enrolling in a language course, a pottery class, or a yoga session can also introduce you to like-minded individuals in a relaxed setting. Helsinki has a variety of workshops for all interests!
Check out the summer university, Saga yoga who not only have a variety of courses but also retreats, or the Adult Learning Center for courses of all kinds! Also, special interest groups like Opera lovers who connect through the Savonlinna Opera festival membership events bring people of niche interests together and I love it. Wine lovers can enjoy and learn all about your favourite grapes at a wine tasting, for example with Memories by the Glass.
10. Volunteer for a Cause
Volunteering is not only a fulfilling activity but also an excellent way to meet compassionate and like-minded individuals. Whether it’s helping at an animal shelter or joining an environmental clean-up, there are plenty of opportunities to give back and make connections.
Bonus tip: Get a Dog (or Borrow One!)
Dog owners tend to meet and chat while walking their pets. If you don’t have a dog, apps like Lemmikkihoitaja (Pet Sitter) can help you connect with pet owners who need a hand (also for the cat people amongst us). Spending time at dog parks can also lead to spontaneous conversations, and is a great way to connect with familiar faces.
Making friends in Finland takes time, but with an open mind and a little initiative, you can build meaningful connections. Whether you join a club, host a gathering, or simply put yourself out there, you’ll find that Finnish friendships, once formed, are strong and long-lasting – and you can rely on them, always.
If you’ve found great ways to make friends in Finland, share your tips in the comments! And if you’re still on the journey, don’t worry—your people are out there waiting to meet you. 🤍