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About & Services
Finland Lifestyle Guides
Travel in Finland
Food & Restaurants
Entrepreneurship

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Germano Mancini
Ole Lunde
Maggý Erlendstir

Nora Johansen
Caren Kisjers

Kelvin Ekström
Jakob Strand
Graeme Hofman

Mille Mogensen
Joseph Forster

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kathrindeter

✖️LUX 🇱🇺 / HEL since 2010 🇫🇮
✖️Producer, Journalist, Fixer & Official @myhelsinki Host
🤍 Helsinki City & Cabin lifestyle #kolmiomökki

🇫🇮✨ Finland is the happiest country in the

🇫🇮✨ Finland is the happiest country in the world, again! ✨😌🇫🇮
For the 8th year in a row Finland is the happiest country! Hurrah! There are many reasons for this, and yes people here will complain and be confused but take a moment to hear me out:

Happiness here isn’t about constant joy, but about a life that feels safe, balanced, and meaningful. And Finland? Well, it’s got that figured out 🇫🇮🤍 it’s perfectly fine to be content, and that’s a big part of it.

But also:

🌲Nature everywhere: Forests, lakes, clean air and being able to enjoy all the seasons
👯A strong sense of community: Trust, safety, and support for all
🙌Work-life balance: More time for life, less stress, priorities are clear, hustle culture isn’t a thing here.
🤫Silence is golden: Peace and personal space are valued and I love that it’s perfectly fine to just all agree to shut up sometimes 🤝
👊🏻Sisu: That unbreakable Finnish resilience

What do you love most about Finland? ⬇️

#happiestcountry #finland #worldhappinessreport

✨ Kolmiomökki plan & KEVÄTMESSUT GIVE-AWAY! @k

✨ Kolmiomökki plan & KEVÄTMESSUT GIVE-AWAY! @kevatmessut_official

Spring is in the forest air 🌿 ...the first light, the melting snow, the first coffee on the terrace this season... oh.

I have to admit, spring is usually my least favorite season (because, let’s be real, we’re just waiting for summer for three months). But ever since Kolmiomökki, I’ve started looking forward to it. The season kicks off, the first projects come together, and the scent of the forest waking up after winter is just... something else.

The Spring Fair Kevätmessut is the perfect place to get in the mood the season: cabin life, DIY, gardening... hands down, my favourite fair!

On my list this year:
💧Water situation upgrade - Stay tuned for this one! Schlepping heavy bucketloads of drinking water should soon be a thing of the past.
🚪Front porch - The area around the main entrance and cleaning station is uneven and slippery, so the plan is to build a small deck to make it safer and easier to use.
🖌️Tackling the small stuff - From curtain rods to paint touch-ups and door repairs, there are countless little fixes waiting to be done.
🪜Upstairs railing - The stairs to the upper floor of the A-frame are… precarious at best. A safety upgrade is overdue, both a handrail and a bannister are coming up!

‼️GIVEAWAY‼️
🪴 Come get inspired! I’m giving away 2 tickets to the Spring Fair (worth 40€)
📍@messukeskus
📆March 27–30, 2025
⏰Thursday–Saturday 10:00–18:00 & Sunday 10:00–17:00

HOW TO ENTER:
1️⃣ Follow this account & Comment below ⬇️ and tell me what project you’re taking on this spring.
2️⃣ Tag a friend you’d love to bring along!

The winner will be randomly chosen and contacted on Tuesday, March 25th, in the evening. Good luck! 🍀
Tickets gifted by Messukeskus. Otherwise no affiliation.

#mökki #meidänmökki #mökkielämää

Skating on natural ice will forever be my favourit

Skating on natural ice will forever be my favourite thing to do, even though I was embarrassingly out of practise to an extent that I went out to buy knee guards for next time 🫠

I still loved it the most and it made my winter heart giddy with joy as a took in the beauty of lake Tuusula. It’s definitely easiest to drive and start your trek for example from @hotelgustavelund - with public transport it’s possible but takes twice as long to get here 🫠 I highly recommend visiting @halosenniemi while you’re in the area! Next time I’m planning to skate there 😌

⛸️In my skating bag:
- skates and blade guard
- optional skating poles
- knee protection if you’re not used to skating on natural ice - the cracks in the ice can make you fall easier especially with figure skates because of the front picks
- water bottle
- thermos with coffee (you can also buy some along the route, there are several little cafés)
- wear sunscreen and lip protection
- a cloth and/or tissues to wipe your skates after

❄️ What to wear:
- @northoutdoor merino wool base layers*
- @rcollectionfinland anorak (the terracotta colour is my favourite)*
- @karitraa hybrid pants
- @northoutdoor half-zip merino wool sweater & socks
- @myssyfarmi muffi beanie*
- @aarniwood sunglasses*
- @stockmanncom mittens
- @sorelfootwear boots that are easy to take off - found second hand @tori_fi
- @fjallravenofficial kånken outlong backpack is the perfect small outdoor companion

My checklist for the perfect winter cabin trip to

My checklist for the perfect winter cabin trip to #kolmiomökki:

✅ red wine and tasty snacks in front of the fire place
✅ cuddle the cats under a bunch of blankets
✅ steamy sauna and avanto (dip in the frozen lake)
✅ fireplace food
✅ build the A-frame @lego I got for Christmas 🤝
✅ project plans for season 2025 ❄️

#mökki #meidänkoti #meidänmökki

❄️Forever my happy place #kolmiomökki We sp

❄️Forever my happy place #kolmiomökki

We spent a weekend here and it was the most magical winter over there that I still can’t believe it. The temperature gets up to a nice and cozy 20°C but dropped almost back to zero overnight, so it wasn’t feasible to stay and work from there as it would take too long to get warm enough each morning. But I’m already planning the next trip ✨😌

#mökki #finland #meidänkoti #meidänmökki

✨HOW TO MAKE FRIENDS IN FINLAND 👯 We celebrat

✨HOW TO MAKE FRIENDS IN FINLAND 👯
We celebrate Friendship Day in Finland today, which to me is such a wholesome and more inclusive way to Valentine’s Day 🤍

While it’s common to send postcards for example, it’s also just a nice reminder to send a message or call that friend you’ve been meaning to get back in touch with for the longest time, respond to that forgotten text from months ago and then you got too embarrassed to write back because too much time has passed (you know which one I mean) and I promise you there won’t be any hard feelings. Because with true friends that all doesn’t matter 🤍

Making new friends as an adult and in a place that isn’t home (yet) is hard. Here are some ideas on how to find your people in Helsinki:

✨ Join a supper club or friendship club that unites people! I’ve recently been told about @secretclub.cc for women to enjoy shared activities. @emma.ranne organises supper club dinners sometimes that bring together foodies. Hiking groups on FB organise outdoor gatherings all around Finland. Board game clubs meet to play in bars or at members homes. Things are out there!

✨Take Initiative: in January I hosted a get together for my friends from all different parts of my life. People brought their favourite cheese, I made cocktails and it was a wonderful time. The best part: people made new friends and have met up afterwards! That’s amazing. Bring people together! It doesn’t have to be a big thing.

✨You could for example bring everyone to @thirdplace.hki - not only is the food delicious, it’s great to share, the vibes are cozy and the music good, and in-house events make it a great place to spend time with new and old friends.

✨A couple of years ago I joined Bumble BFF, which I didn’t even know is a thing. Swiping for friends instead of dates is fun!

✨put yourself out there: in the beginning of my life in Helsinki I had to overcome the Finnish reservedness by shamelessly asking. I told people to please invite me to things or take me along to events because I wanted to meet others. And while it seemed really intrusive, it was actually great.

Share your own tips in the comments!

#ystävänpäivä #friendshipday #hyvääystävänpäivää

Today is Finnish architecture and design day, whic

Today is Finnish architecture and design day, which is also Alvar Aaltos birthday. Probably the most well known architect and designer of Finland, his and his wife Aino’s work are probably the main reason I discovered an interest in this over the years.

Last weekend I just visited @villa_mairea_ run by @maireafoundation after having that on my wish list for years! Beautiful human-centric design, surrounded by nature and thoughtful design choices throughout- my literal dream house ✨

You can book guided tours that give great insight about the history and design process. Truly timeless and inspiring - #kolmiomökki planning is in full swing.

#villamairea #visitalvaraalto #alvaraalto

I don’t really do bucket lists but after several

I don’t really do bucket lists but after several visits to Koli National Park I was just WAITING for a moment there with some sun and light.

As much as I love this place in every season, I knew that this spectacular landscape will just hit different when it’s not grey. So after some snowshoeing in the grey forest, @marinacomes and @cazprice joined me on a quest to see the top of the hill for sunrise.

And… finally, I got my moment.

*press trip @showyourkoli @lieksankehitys @kolilieksa
#showyourkoli #kolifinland #lieksankehitys #discovermediatours25 #toolboxconsulting25y

✨Hello from Kuopio! A new place for me, after cr

✨Hello from Kuopio! A new place for me, after creating a project assignment around the city of Kuopio during my tourism studies in 2010, I finally also got to visit! So that was a little full circle moment.

With the most beautiful and dreamy winter weather, it was the perfect day to discover some of the regions highlights. I particularly loved the winter path of @puijopeak and the stunning 360° views of the tower there.

Also our visit to @kuopionsaana - such a special place: besides the two beautiful saunas you can not only dip in the frozen lake, but also have a proper outdoor swim moment in a heated pool or chill in one of the several hot tubs. Such a beautiful spa area that I can’t wait to come back to and spend more time at. The @bellalakeresort accommodation nearby is just so dreamy as well.

Kuopio is a wonderful region to combine outdoor activities with some city vibes! I’m already planning to come back here in the end of February to go skating on the frozen lake, and some treasure hunting at the local flea markets 👀

*Press trip #destinationsavo #kuopio #pohjoissavonmatkailuin #Discovermediatours2025

❄️ TOP WINTER DESTINATIONS IN FINLAND & @matka

❄️ TOP WINTER DESTINATIONS IN FINLAND & @matkamessut ticket give-away❣️

Winter in Finland is one of the most magical times to experience this beautiful country, from snow-covered landscapes to wild adventures and winter sports, winter wellness or exploring a city - there’s something here for everyone.

Here’s my little collection of some favourite destinations outside of the capital area that I visited in the last years.

🏆The perfect place for your next trip in Finland is the Matka travel fair that’s happening at @messukeskus next week and you can win 2x tickets here (worth 40€)!

🗓️17.-19.1.2025
📍Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre
🕐Opening hours:
Friday at 10-19
Saturday & Sunday at 10-18

To participate:
✨Follow @kathrindeter
✨Like this post and tag your travel (fair) buddy in a comment

The winner will be contacted by dm on Wednesday, 15.1.
The tickets have been kindly provided by @messukeskus. No other affiliation.

See you at Matka 2025! 💃

#matkamessut #matkamessut2025

Oh winter 🤍 January is shaping up to be a very

Oh winter 🤍 January is shaping up to be a very exciting month with wonderful trips to some new destinations in Finland, and a return to some all-time-favourite places in my chosen home. We’re currently totally snowed in here in Helsinki which is so nice as well ✨

✨Blini season is here 😍 January marks the m

✨Blini season is here 😍

January marks the month that Bliniviikot are all around the city, which means many wonderful restaurants have the wonderful delicacy on their menus. The Finnish interpretation is made with buckwheat flour and baked in a cast-iron pan until crisp and lush, and is served with a variety of different toppings, along the sides of smetana, red onions and pickles. @restaurantlasipalatsi had a particularly excellent Skågen topping this year, but also the beetroot and apple or the reindeer mousse are just excellent.

This is your sign to try blinis this January ✨ and I highly recommend to treat yourself to a glass of Champagne while you’re at it. Lasipalatsi is one of my favourite classic Finnish restaurants in Helsinki and I’m always excited to eat here 🥂🍾 but it’s also always special to be in this Finnish functionalist design icon of a building from the 30s.

*press invitation @restaurantlasipalatsi @raflaamo #bliniviikot2025 @viikonviini

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