12 quirky reasons to visit Finland in 2023 /

From playing air guitar to sauna heating and wife-carrying contests, here’s our list of unconventional events celebrating Finland that will take you to new places and experiences – and put a smile on your face in the world’s happiest country.

running socks

As for knitting, Finland loves its woolen socks. Since the Scandinavian nation is also known for its famous runners, what could be better than running in woolen socks on snowy paths through the woods? The annual Woolsock Run Finnish Championship features races of various lengths ranging from 3km to 6km and 12km, with on-site supplies such as hot juices and soup, and tickets to the local swimming hall where participants can warm up in the sauna, the world – Finnish renowned steam bath.

When & Where: February 18, 2023, Orivesi

Tobogganing in Scandinavian style

The Kicksled World Championships emphasize the classic Finnish take on sledding, with a wooden seat in the front and long skis on the bottom. Kicksled racing is a serious sport in Finland, and the annual event – ​​this year’s 32nd anniversary – hosts a host of other activities, including skating and winter camping, to round out the active weekend.

When & Where: March 10-11, 2023, Multia, Central Finland

Breeds with reindeer

In Finnish Lapland, there are as many people as reindeer – about 180,000 – and the furry four-legged animals are a traditional part of life and culture in the Arctic. During the annual reindeer racing championships, spectators enjoy the thrill of watching competitors on their skis fly behind the reindeer competing on a 1,000-meter track. It takes serious skill and many racers have been practicing since they were kids.

When & Where: March 25-26, 2023, Inari

Skiing and Sauna

The very original Swimming Suit Skiing event was born from the wild idea of ​​two women to combine their favorite activities: cold therapy in the form of skiing in little more than a bathing suit and taking a hot sauna. The aim of the event is to put a smile on the faces of the participants in winter, at the same time give them the unique experience of the alternation of hot and cold and also inspire them to try something new that keeps the spirit alive .

When and where: March 9, 2023, Jämsä

Purl jam

Heavy metal enthusiasts and artisans unite as Finland hosts the annual Heavy Metal Knitting World Championships. In the Scandinavian nation, there are more than 50 heavy metal bands for every 100,000 people and thousands of avid knitters who are metal heads, so combining the two genres makes for a very entertaining and quirky show.

When & where: July 7, 2023, Joensuu

Some love it when it’s hot

In Finland, the birthplace of the sauna, heating up the steam bath is an art. At the World Sauna Heating Championships, participating teams aim to heat a tent sauna to a desired temperature as quickly as possible. Teams are encouraged to dress up to entertain the public and other participants, with the best outfits awarded. Collaboration, a good team spirit and a positive attitude are all that are needed.

When and where: July 8, 2023, Jyväskylä

Play dirty

A good sporting match in the mud draws people from all over the world to the Swamp Soccer World Championships every summer. The popular event is attended by nearly 200 teams, with more than 2,000 players from different countries. Onsite entertainment, including Swamp Rock, adds to the fun competition that is open to everyone from businesses to groups of friends and sports clubs.

When & Where: 14-15 July 2023, Hyrynsalmi, near Oulu

wake-up service

The coastal town of Naantali in the Finnish archipelago hosts the annual Sleepy Head Day Festival, featuring a range of sleepyhead-themed events. year. The day begins with a wake-up call for the Official Sleepy Head of the Year, a celebrity, who is thrown into the Baltic Sea at 7am. Various events around the theme, including a market with artisan products, a parade and a cake competition.

When & Where: July 27, 2023, Naantali

Go for gold

Did you know that Finland has a gold rush history? In Finnish Lapland, at the Tankavaara Gold Village, you can get acquainted with the story, or participate in the European gold prospecting championships nearby. The annual event provides a lively experience for all the family, whether spectators or competitions. There are several categories, including one for beginners, and the winner in each category is the panner who finds all the hidden gold nuggets first.

When & Where: July 20-23, 2023, Tankavaara

Wife up

Of the most high-profile competitions to take place in Finland, the World Wife Carrying Championship tops the list. The race has been organized in Sonkajärvi every year since its inception in 1992 and is won by the first to cross the finish line with his or her partner. The fun event attracts many spectators every year and the prize is the woman’s weight in beer.

When & where: 30 June – 1 July 2023, Sonkajärvi

Tree huggers unite

Every summer, nature lovers gather in Levi, Finnish Lapland, to see who can best express their passion for trees at the Tree Hugging World Championships. The hugging contest is all about reaping the benefits that forests have for mind and body in Europe’s most forested country – almost 75 percent of Finland’s land area is covered with forest.

When & where: August 19, 2023, Halipuu Forest, Kittilä, Finnish Lapland

Play for peace

The legendary Air Guitar World Championships make international headlines every year for its curious, upbeat approach that sees people from all over the world strum their imaginary instruments on stage. Organized in Oulu since 1996, the aim of the annual event is to promote world peace. According to the organizers, if everyone in the world played an air guitar, no one would be able to hold a gun.

When & Where: August 23-25, 2023, Oulu