Blog
Welcome to our blog for Finnish learners and fans of Finland! Here you will find posts about Finland, Jyväskylä and Finnish language both in English and in Finnish. Enjoy!
Experiences from the 2024 Summer Intensive Course
We asked two participants from last year's Summer Intensive Course in Finnish Language and Culture to share their experiences and thoughts on participating in the course and immersing themselves in the Finnish language and culture. Read what Julia and Karl-Wilhelm have to say about their experiences and favourite memories, and what advice they want to give to newcomers!
Finnish Christmas traditions
Suomessa joulua juhlitaan jouluaattona, eli 24. joulukuuta, toisin kuin monessa muussa maassa. Suomalaiseen jouluun kuuluu paljon erilaisia perinteitä. Joulun juhlinta on kuitenkin yksilöllistä, ja perinteet voivat vaihdella riippuen asuinpaikasta tai suvun tavoista. Joulu ei siis ole kaikilla suomalaisilla samanlainen, mutta alle on listattu joitakin yleisempiä suomalaisia jouluperinteitä.
Kaamos
One of the most central things about Finnish winter is kaamos (the polar night). Kaamos refers to the time when the sun does not rise above the horizon at all. However, the darkest kaamos doesn’t happen everywhere in Finland, only in Lapland. Despite that, during that time sunlight is quite rare in other parts of Finland as well.
Top 5 things about Finnish autumn
Summer is coming to an end, which understandably might feel a bit sad. No more long, warm evenings, days spent on the beach, or summer holidays. While that’s true, it’s also important to remember all the positive things that are coming with autumn! Here are some reminders for you to get excited about the coming season, and maybe the end of summer won’t feel as bad.
Midsummer (juhannus)
Midsummer (“juhannus”) is celebrated at the end of June, near the summer solstice. It’s known as a celebration of light and the middle of summer. In Finland this day is also a celebration of the midnight sun, because in the northern hemisphere the sun does not set at all during this time.
Jyväskylä city navigation guide
What happens first when you arrive to Jyväskylä? You will probably find yourself at Matkakeskus - the city's long-distance transport center - either by bus or train. Matkakeskus is located right in the heart of the city. But where to go after that? Let's have a Jyväskylä mini-tour!
The ABCs of Finglish – Starter Pack for Beginners
Language is constantly changing and developing. Although Finns love their original and endearing language, it also takes influences from the English language. Sometimes the influence is so obvious that some words and phrases might turn into Finglish; the beautiful alliance of English and Finnish. Here you have a short Finglish lesson with common Finglish expressions!
Finnish sayings and their meanings
Do you know what it means when something leaves from a mitten or when a day is on a sled? How is a rabbit connected to relaxing? The Finnish language has many interesting sayings with funny literal meanings. However, the sayings have wise metaphorical meanings that you can learn from.
Summer activities in Jyväskylä
Jyväskylä is known as a beautiful summer city full of fun activities. Who wouldn’t love to try different saunas near the Lake Jyväsjärvi, enjoy a nice summer day on the deck of a restaurant ship or admire stunning nature around the hills of Laajavuori?
How to dress for Finnish winter
Are you coming to Jyväskylä during winter and aren’t entirely sure about what to wear? Luckily we have gathered you some tips about clothing for the colder season.
Pääsiäinen Suomessa
Suomalaiseen pääsiäiseen kuuluu rairuoho, kukat sekä maukkaat herkut, kuten suklaamunat ja mämmi. Pajunoksilla virpomista unohtamattakaan!
Hyvää vappua!
Happy 1st of May!