Ugly Tourists in Finland: How Tourists Upset The Finns

Sauna is almost a religion in Finland and not knowing the right etiquette for the Sauna may be the biggest thing tourists do that upset the locals in Finland. The Finns are pretty laid back people, but there are a few things that travelers and tourists to Finland do that does piss them off. Here we go through some tourist mistakes that do upset the Finns.
Filmed in Turku, Finland
Copyright Mark Wolters 2022
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[@ruskasielu6261]

Also if you're in a public space (whether on the train, in a restaurant etc...), and there's plenty of free space to sit, pick a seat that's not too close from the other people there. Nothing worse than having a stranger sitting right next to you when half the place is empty.

[@jennah94]

Amen, this! And also, if you happen to sit next to me (in a full bus) and I move to another spot when I see an empty one, don't be mad. I just want to sit in peace :D

[@dmxdmx9743]

I know I hate that even on the beach there’s a whole beach and they come and sit right next to me. That sucks.

[@lgempet2869]

As an introvert, I feel the same way in America & wherever I go so this isn’t something that is only culturally Finnish….in any case, I can definitely “identify.”

[@filb]

The rule applies also for men's bathroom with the urinals lol

[@clvrswine]

No, that makes you a weirdo. Get over yourself.

[@MrBlondino]

Today I found out that I am Finnish by nature but not by passport. Time to ask mum some serious questions.

[@woltersworld]

Uh oh...

[@b.v.nielsen8714]

We'll need an update on the questions to mom! 😊❤️🇩🇰

[@diavolacciosatanasso]

One more here, the more impressive since I'm actually Italian.

[@BuddyLee23]

Test: how do you feel about ice hockey?

[@klemendebevec8777]

@@diavolacciosatanasso So u are a reverse Italian?

[@matswinberg5045]

As a Swede, I never address Finnish people in Swedish when I visit Finland . That is, I never assume that they speak Swedish. Instead I talk English and if they want to switch to Swedish it is their call. The language issue is sensitive in Finland were many oppose the mandatory courses in Swedish at school -"tvångssvenskan". With that being said, being from Stockholm which is quite close to Finland I wish I would have had the possibility to learn Finnish at school.

[@JaniLaaksonen91]

That is a really good approach. It's always very intimidating to speak a foreign language to a native speaker of that language. It is a lot easier to talk english to a swede than to an american. And for the most of us our english is a lot stronger than our swedish so speaking swedish is kinda terrifying. Plus with native english speakers there's usually no other option than to speak their native language. With you swedes english is almost always an option. Also if we meet a swede we might want to show off our skills in swedish after we've had a moment to prepare so letting us make the call is a good choise. Och leijon är bättre än tre kronor! xD

[@tescobakery1927]

As a Finn I can confirm that we indeed can't hold a conversation in Swedish as it is a useless language here since English exists. Old people may be able to speak or understand Swedish as back in their time English wasn't as essential as it is now

[@BigmanDogs]

@@tescobakery1927 Yeah I feel like it's sort of like French Canadians except the Swedish speaking population is much smaller in Finland. Especially since many have either moved to Sweden or assimilated into only speaking finish.

[@BigmanDogs]

@@JaniLaaksonen91 Honestly I'm Swedish and I even speak English with Danish and Norwegian people. Maybe some Swedish here and there. I think it's because for example Danish people understand us a lot better than we understand them. Whereas Norwegian is either more similar to Swedish or Danish depending on the region.

[@tosijjaan]

The mandatory Swedish lessons are actually called "ruoska ruotsi"

[@formerCA]

As a Japanese, I can relate to the Finns. Take off your clothes in the hot springs, don't sexualize it, keep the rules, be punctual, honour your word, don't talk about Korea too positively, don't say Japan is part of China, don't show up to people's homes unannounced, and greet people from a fair distance by nodding or bowing.

[@Ringocos]

🤝

[@walrus1206]

..and take off your shoes inside! 😁

[@patienceobongo]

Too many rules. Can't be bothered visiting these places.

[@Ringocos]

@@patienceobongo Huh? Common decency is too many rules?? Can't speak for japan but I don't think that we here in finland have that many 'rules' that you wouldn't find in other countries

[@patienceobongo]

@@Ringocos well, i won't bother visiting anyway

[@vinaymulukutla358]

My experience is that Finns are indeed extremely reserved and value their personal space. It's hard to tell whether they like you or not in the beginning given that they won't be particularly open with you until they know you well. This isn't the kind of place where you can just go up to someone and start a random conversation although they will help you if you need it. Most speak excellent English. Therefore invading their personal space will not do you any favours. I have actually made friends with Finns by minding my own business, they noticed me and that I wasn't bothering them but they wanted to say Hello. They then came up to me and said hello. But you can be sure that when you've established friendship with them, it is the most genuine and purest friendship you'll ever know and they are very hospitable. Learning their language (which is a very difficult language, Finns know this and they will be very patient with you if you try) and culture will get you far (they will love you)

[@Jimmytakala]

True

[@demogordon9772]

that sound like those pet owners who say everything how to train a pet

[@vinaymulukutla358]

@@demogordon9772 Perhaps you should read a book or do a course that says everything on how to train yourself to communicate more effectively in the English Language. From what I can see here, that really needs some work.

[@SatumainenOlento]

Basicly, Finns are introvert cats...they come to you when they have made sure from a distance that you are harmless... LOL 😆

[@honkhonk8009]

Ye thats what I noticed with Euros in general. They lowkey sound like they hate you and are extremely distant most of the time. I like Americans more. Americans can never act serious and have alot of humility. Much easier people to be around imo

[@ArcticExploring]

As a Northern Norwegian, we have so much in common with Finns.

[@marknewton6984]

Who cares?

[@mikeh2772]

@@marknewton6984 I do! So how you like them apples...

[@vincentcarrot]

@@marknewton6984 wow, another bot written by some teenager

[@svfilms2778]

@@marknewton6984 if u dont care, why did u opened this video and spent time To write that rude message?

[@MsBabbi]

@@svfilms2778 he probably doesn’t know anything about neither Norway nor Finland 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@hannuback]

Mixed saunas do happen, though it's more common to have men and women go separately. In swimming hall saunas you're not allowed to use swimsuit in the sauna so the swimsuit doesn't get sweaty. It's also important to remember to shower before and after a sauna in a swimming hall, so the sauna and the pools stay cleaner. If you're invited to a private party and there's a sauna, they sometimes are mixed saunas, but generally you're allowed to use a swimming suit or at least a towel if you wish (just be prepared to bring your own towel). Often an agreement is made if there is going to be a mixed sauna, but it's perfectly fine to suggest that men and women go separately if you don't feel comfortable being naked in a mixed sauna. Sometimes it's agreed beforehand that people bring their swimsuits. Student party saunas are often mixed saunas and it's typical to go naked. If you're invited to someones summer cabin, ask if there is a shower and an indoor bathroom. Be prepared that there is only an outhouse for toilet and no shower in the sauna - many woodburning saunas have a vat for heating water and you dilute the almost boiling water with cold water in a bucket and wash yourself with pouring water overyourself. If the sauna is small and there are a lot of people going to the sauna, it's sometimes agreed that each family has their own turn - couples are considered families and often get their own turn too. Unwritten rule is that if you go into the sauna and know that someone is waiting for their turn, don't stay longer than an hour unless agreed otherwise. Nakedness in sauna is perfectly normal and natural for finnish people. I'm 40 years old and I still sometimes go to sauna naked with my parents when there are family turns, because they are my family. There's absolutely nothing weird about that, though not all finnish people do the same.

[@loshotsos8767]

i dont know where i got this but i always thought the swimsuit thing is something about chlorine vaporating in the sauna

[@hannuback]

@@loshotsos8767 that's one reason for why swimsuits are not allowed in swimming hall saunas: chlorine can vaporate and cause respiratory problems. The amounts of chlorine used are small but some people can get symptoms from it.

[@hannuback]

Actually there might not be any real reason for not using a swimsuit in a swimming hall sauna. It's debated that the amount of chlorine is too small to cause any respiratory problems. If you shower after sauna, it should wash the sweat away, so the hygienic reason might not be true either. I guess these might be more cultural reasons and a case of "it's always been like that", than something that can be proven with science.

[@jussiautio8454]

I'd go as far as saying that in all private parties they start with women's turn in sauna and then it's mixed sauna. And wether its family or friends, mixed saunas are perfectly normal, non-sexual thing. For obvious reasons swimming halls enforce gender split in saunas, but in private time segregation is lot more rare.

[@ohwow9559]

@@loshotsos8767 that’s true actually! if you have some sort of sensitivity or asthma if could cause problems

[@charleshimes1634]

We had a foreign exchange student from Finland my senior year in high school (Class of '68). She was from Oulu, spoke 7 languages, and was a wonderful person. She was also at least 2 years ahead of us in her education. I have, because of her, always been especially interested in Finland.

[@pouncepounce7417]

I compare finnish teachers always with american seals, it is about as hard to get into booth professions, they take teaching very serious

[@auvomesilampi6325]

There are really good schools in America too, even better

[@charleshimes1634]

@@auvomesilampi6325 OK.

[@Atomisti]

@@auvomesilampi6325 The Finnish boys are about as good as the US boys according to the PISA. And that's on average, of course. Finland could learn a lot from certain US schools.

[@edwardmacnab354]

@@Atomisti Do most people in America even care about school ?

[@Darknie666]

I visited Finland a week ago, Rovaniemi. Im spanish but everybody there started thinking i was finnish because of how i act and how i look. I have to tell people "sorry i dont speak suomi". Everybody was extreamly nice, but yes, im a quiet person who keeps the distance. And something that I notice is they love when you compliment they culture, nature, food. I loved their chocolate (Karl Fazer) and i was continuisly saying so, and they loved everytime I said how good finnish chocolate was. They also love when you talk about their beautifull landskape and lakes, and they are amazing, but they love hearing nice things about their country. Also, their salmon is the best of the world, and they will ask if you tried reindeer, and it is delicius, when they listen to that they were happy. They just want to share they culture. I always said kiitos instaid of thank you and also make them happier. Its just little things. If you go to a country apreciate it, its not that hard, specially such a beautifull and friendly one.

[@rantle450]

Yummmm don't say chocolate. Craving it.

[@susanmance9436]

I was almost afraid to watch this! I was in Finland this summer, and worried that I might have done one of these things to irk the Finns, but happily I didn't do any of these upsetting things! I even knew how to say sauna correctly! :)

[@woltersworld]

Awesome!

[@OOBEJuanKenobi]

@@woltersworld It’s a wide-eyed stare…

[@oscarosullivan4513]

@@woltersworld I’m afraid if I was with a group of my compatriots we would be too loud in a pub. The winter war was in 1939

[@mickmacgonigle5021]

I can't even spell sauna

[@karpolla]

Haha, that sauna spelling really isn´t an issue :) But cutting in line and especially saying we are soviets is really bad :D

[@user-vo1ni1im1l]

First, it's really easy to be too loud here! )) Second, about relations with Russia - true! On the other hand, my local friends appreciated when I told them one Russian joke about Finland (or not a joke given the current situation): what is Finland? It's the piece of common sense that once broke off from the Russian Empire. The Finns are awesome!

[@fortuna7469]

❤❤ from a Finn

[@preuser]

Never heard such type of Russian joke🌚 I am Russian and visited Finland like traveller more than 100 times) had 🇫🇮 visas from 2004) In current situation this video is not actual but funny. Especially about sauna, I prefer small private sauna in cottage or in apartment, so it is not problem and don’t like saunas in aquaparks, f.e. )

[@user-vo1ni1im1l]

@@preuser Don't know all the jokes in the world, either, дружище. Это нормально.

[@ErikMuellerGermany]

Keep distance at least 1,50m because of "C"? Finns: Why so close and not the usual 3m.

[@woltersworld]

That's funny

[@aritakalo8011]

It was good that they dismantled the maintain 2 meter "C" distancing rules. Since we were allowed again to go to the normal 5 meters. Like 2 meters was getting uncomfortably crowded.

[@vincentcarrot]

And do not approach a Finn too fast from any direction (yes, I know the Mark Twain (?) quote).

[@cherylcronk1786]

My brother told me in Australia out in the country compared to city we had more distance naturally not just for covid Just an observation.

[@Gwahlur]

Very interesting to see this perspective on Finland. Most of your advice is spot on - especially the preference for calm behavior and personal space. Following the rules also, the Finns are extremely law abiding in general. We are baffled if an adult person doesn't know how to queue properly and efficiently. In my opinion, you can nowadays get away with being a little late, but always keeping your word is fundamental. It's a trust based society, your word is your honor and we really don't appreciate idle promises. Suprise visits were actually a big part of the old rural culture here, they used to be a common practice back in the day. It's the modern, urbanized Finns that hate them. City life seems to make a Finn cling on to their social space bubble even tighter, it's a different experience to many other cultures. :) And we are not really upset if you like Sweden better. The Nordic rivalry is a tongue in cheek kind of thing, we don't take it that seriously at all. I think Finns used to have low self esteem with regards to the Swedes in the past, but that's not really a thing anymore in modern Finland. Nowadays we see Sweden as our equal, in all honesty it's a great country and culture to be neighbors with. Really cool that you're enjoying Finland!

[@lenaevess]

I agree on everything except the Sweden thing. I mean, who would want to be a Swede? Happier, healthier and more handsome. No, how dare they? Imma rather be a finn 😅😅😅

[@Vanhapjuuma]

Yeah well, it's actually only the Finns themselves that can compliment Swedes: otherwise it can quite easily be interpreted as rude. The only seriously annoying thing (that everyone in Finland knows) about the Swedes is that they cannot but be complimented. Gotta hate the Swedes for being so unhateable!

[@b.v.nielsen8714]

@@lenaevess I 100% agree with the Sweden thing, but rather be danish. 😊❤️🇩🇰

[@Gittas-tube]

Gwahlur Hi there! Great comment! I agree 100 percent! The old Finnish stereotype of a disgruntled, little brother complex towards Sweden is a thing of the past, especially after Nokia, Linux etc. Also, for the last 40 years or so, business ties between Finland and Sweden have become ever tighter and more intertwined. Lots of Finnish families have relatives in Sweden. As Nordic welfare states, both countries are pretty similar and have similar laws in place. For instance, the "allemansrätt", "jokamiehenoikeus" in Finnish, is a shared law in both countries. We also share some customs like the one about taking off your shoes indoors. It's purely for hygienic reasons: The weather conditions being what they are, with mud, sleet and snow in season, nobody wants all that dirt spreading all over their wooden floors or on their carpets. We share many other customs, as well, as for example, regarding food: Swedish meatballs are not called Swedish, because they are also a staple of the Finnish cuisine. Finland has changed a lot during the last fifty years, and so have the people. Some things remain the same, though. It's a society built on trust, honesty and fairness. The ideals that it strives to achieve are equality and opportunity for all, for taking care of its citizens. There is still some of the spirit left exemplified by the wartime saying "kaveria ei jätetä" (you don't abandon your buddy). And yes, we take most things in stride. Cool is the word...

[@janus1958]

As a Finnish-American raised in Northern MN, I grew up only hearing the proper way of saying sauna. Then we moved, and now I always get quizzical looks when I use the word, and generally have to say something along the lines of, "You likely call it a saw-na". This often leads to my having to explain that I'm actually pronouncing it the right way.

[@jussioman]

This was actually really accurate info. Well done Mark. :)

[@woltersworld]

Kiitos!

[@joonarepo2067]

The advice are good but I don't think people are as judgemental as Wolter makes them seem. Most people don't care if you go to a sauna with clothes on or pronounce the word wrong.

[@anttilepisto6131]

@@joonarepo2067Plus any Finnish person that actually follows hockey will know that Sweden is better than Finland at hockey. Luckily the difference isn't as big as it was 6 years ago when the World Cup last took place. Sweden is also a more affluent country, they speak better English, have better pop bands, and they look better than Finns. With that knowledge comes the little brother syndrome that Wolter is describing in this video. But hey, even if we're inferior to Sweden, we're still a hell of a lot better than Russia.

[@jjvainionpaa]

@@anttilepisto6131 What your saying is a bit awkward. I guess there's only a handfull that think the same. Inferior, what?

[@jeanettewaverly2590]

The more I learn about Finland, the more I want to reincarnate there for my next life.

[@woltersworld]

I love it there

[@markoruotsalainen1161]

Then welcome to tax hell as a reborn

[@holymacarenafin2319]

@@markoruotsalainen1161 lmfao touch grass. Josset tee 100k vuodessa ni turha valittaa. Sitku paska osuu tuulettimeen ja pääset jatkaa elämää ilman konkurssia niin tuu huutaa tuota.

[@guerillagorilla4423]

Feel free lol

[@freezedeve3119]

why to wait so long?

[@l.4230]

Today i heard my neighbor talk... I live in my apartment over a year and this was first time i heard some noise... i was such a confused i didnt even know if i should knock on her (i mean if she is okay) or call the police - i was literally worry... turned out she had visitors and they had a fun... who would expect this shit? I used to think my building is such a good quality - apparently my neighbors just didnt talk for year - i love them.

[@SwimmingInSunlight]

I live alone and wear headphones at home so I think my neighbours might think the apartment is abandoned 😂

[@danielpiotrowski4946]

Hi Mark, just wanted to say that your videos have helped spark a love of travel for me. This past year I've gone on two separate 10 day trips to Europe and your videos have helped me prepare and get excited for the journey. I'm thinking of travelling to the Caucasus for my next trip, and from your videos, it doesn't seem like you've been there before. But I'm going to use some of the knowledge I've learned from your other videos to make sure this trip goes great as well! Keep up the good work and the informative videos.

[@SLOWHAND234]

This is a wonderful video, handled in a very understanding, humorous, sympathetic way.

[@woltersworld]

Thank you

[@TheEdnar83]

I've come across some of these previously, and while I agree with most of these, there's a little bit of nuance I feel like I must relay to all you foreigners to Finland. The need for space isn't just that we value our own space, it's that we value _your_ space. It's a respect thing. I won't assume everyone in the universe is interested in my innane jibberjabber, and I expect the same to apply the other way too. It's also assumed that if you have an actual issue, a problem, something concrete where someone can help you, then of course you should ask, and it would be very rude not to try and help. But to just small talk about weather or somesuch...why are you taking up my time with that? This is also why comfortable silences are common here. If there's nothing to say, then there's no need to make up some stuff to talk about. People can just enjoy the silence, alone or with someone, and that's ok. The downside to this is that Finns don't easily socialize even amongst themselves without some reason to do so. There needs to be a mutual "permission" to be social derived from the situation we're in for us to chat. That can kinda lead people to feel lonely if they don't have those reasons available to them, so they don't have many social contacts.

[@Jimmytakala]

Excellent comment!

[@markopaasela8583]

Specially in Helsinki you need to understand the escalator etiquette. if you don't want to walk up stay on the right side let people pass you from the left.

[@malbecmikegrey996]

This is from London underground practice, in spite of UK generally using the left.

[@teosto1384]

I was gonna say there really isn't anything to upset a Finn with, but when I heard the line jumping a little steam came out of my ears. That's intolerable! :D

[@vincentcarrot]

lethal at times, seriously

[@endrankluvsda4loko172]

I think I need to move to Finland. It sounds amazing!

[@marknewton6984]

Move.

[@endrankluvsda4loko172]

@@marknewton6984 lol I'd love to

[@Atomisti]

It doesn't get talked enough that Finland's economy has been doing poorly for about 15 years now, and the future doesn't look any better: Rather, it'll probably be even gloomier.

[@eduardkalmanawardze]

@@Atomisti although Finnish gdp is much higher than gdp of Poland (my native country )

[@avagrego3195]

Spent 3 dayso in Helsinki and loved loved Helsinki. So appreciated that it was not over crowed with people.

[@africonexion]

I have been to Turku twice, to attend a folklore summer seminar and then a folklore conference, both at Turku University. I enjoyed this video because it brought back fond memories.

[@SwimmingInSunlight]

One faux-pas my Korean friend did when we got to know each other, was that since he had studied in France he assumed the cheek kissing was an across Europe habit 😂😂 Thankfully I had lived in Hungary before so I just naturally went along with it but most Finns maybe not so much 🥊

[@boab69y2k]

Such an awesome channel. I am new here and it’s really nice learn about other cultures so I can leave my ignorance at the door when visiting. Your videos regarding the Netherlands made made my holiday to Amsterdam so much more enjoyable as I took on board a lot of the things what not to do. Thank you. In Scotland we also can’t stand que jumping as well😂

[@lenaevess]

This has been said in other comments too, but mixed naked saunas do happen, it just depends on the group. Some places they even have separately a womens sauna and mens sauna earlier and a mixed sauna in the evening so everyone can have the kind of sauna they prefer with least amount of bothering others. Just ask the group about how they do it and remember, never sexualise sauna or others. And this is super important, you do need to have a "pefletti" no matter what sauna you are going into! A small towel or a thing to sit on so that your sweat does not go into the wooden seats. That would be disgusting. Otherwise another great video, cool to see you enjoying a beer in Wissy, gonna buy you one if I ever run into you in there! 😄

[@HappyLifeFoodAroundTheWorld]

Nice and usefull tips and advices !

[@pamelaanders5062]

I love your travel tips. After watching you I always want so much to visit the country in question. Thanks.

[@softesthedgehog]

I’m Finnish, lived in Finland all my life, and I pronounce sauna the English way when I speak English. It’s not mispronunciation, it’s a loan word, and loan words naturally change in the language they’re adapted to

[@tobiojo6469]

Awesome video 😊

[@shaunhall6834]

Thank you for doing these types of videos. Love Finland!

[@mats7492]

as a german tourist thats been to finland i have to say that the only thing ive heard from finns is praising germany... finnland copies a lot of german laws and politics.. thats been going on for decades now. german and finnish people are quite similar i na lot things.. being quiet and reserved for example

[@BoloH.]

Germany is well-regarded in Finland.

[@woltersworld]

Except when they steal the moose signs 😉

[@BoloH.]

@@woltersworld There were a few stories about weird German tourists, including a dubious one where a German couple ransacked a milk churn stand thinking that the produce was left there for anyone to enjoy. Quite a few of these stories (with various nationalities of the tourists) are practically folklore now and stories about weird tourist encounters are regular, once-a-year-ish subject for tabloids.

[@sampohonkala4195]

German punctuality is valued at least in what comes to time; Finns may be less punctual in other things. There are historic reasons for a general trust to Germany and Germans. Even the war of Lapland between Germany and Finland is mostly considered as an unavoidable accident between nations that were never enemies.

[@Finsolitus]

The stereotype of cheap German tourists is based on the busloads of German pensioners who travel across the country on their way to Lapland, the cargo hold of the bus filled with food and drinks from home so that the only money the tourists have to spend on in Finland are their hotel rooms. Of course cheap tourists are better than no tourists, but I've heard that those working in the Finnish tourism industry are always a bit exasperated with Germans because of this.

[@Henrik.Sirkku]

i truly enjoyed your talk show even more than anthony bourdains.. damn it could have been longer, very good presentation,, cheers from finland

[@user-ue3tg6wx3b]

Good and informative video,👍

[@huitase313]

Just do not litter. We like to keep places clean and I will shove it back to your pockets if I see you littering 😃

[@woltersworld]

Yes. Super clean

[@SampoPaalanen]

In regards to that personal space thing, there was joke here during the pandemic when the rules were at least 2 meters apart that was "do we have to be so close to each other", but yes getting overly close or touching isn't really a thing except with people who are close, we won't get mad if you do but it will put us outside our comfort zone in a bad way so I'd suggest a wave or at most a hand shake as greeting unless you're very close with the person and know they won't get uncomfortable from close contact. Also with Sauna thinking it's something sexual or lewd with get native Finns upset really fast, especially the older ones as it's a form of communal bathing and while all public Sauna are gender segregated it's up to the individual or family if private ones are and normally there's absolutely nothing sexual about even private mix-gender saunas (we're not so naive as to not know about the fetishistic aspects saunas might posses to some but that's for porn here not for normal use) in general we Finns don't consider nudity to be sexual in and of itself so saunas are thus not sexual in and of themselves and thinking we're some weird pervos will get us upset.

[@sixten8493]

Also, successful intercourse in sauna is very difficult due to surrounding temperature and humidity. The changing room serves this purpose better

[@amwelty]

The Finns are wonderful! Visited last fall & had an excellent time.

[@woltersworld]

Awesome to hear!

[@vincentcarrot]

Coolish. I try not to interfere.

[@CrippleX89]

No noisy people, no invasion of personal space, living orderly and by the rules, no surprise visits... They truly sound like my kind of people! Oh yeah, and the take-off-your-damn-shoes thing; I totally agree with that! In the Netherlands it's very normal to keep your shoes on when you visit someone, but it pisses me off like nothing else. Like, you wear those things *on the streets*! They're dirty, you more than likely stepped in 100 people's bubblegum that they just spit out onto the pavement, you've worn them in public toilets, you might've stepped in dogshit... What are those things doing in my living room?!

[@BlackRain_]

Wait until your neighbour reports you to the neighbourhood board because you are making too much noise by taking a shower later in the evening. This happens in Finland. They are very deep authoritarians. Don't be fooled.

[@vincentcarrot]

Agreed very much. It is not that SHOES are banned indoors, but your OUTDOOR shoes are. E.g. go to a theatre or opera, I bet people would not walk outdoors with the shoes they wear there. But of course if you are wearing indoor shoes, be careful not to step on someone's toes, literally. Ouch.

[@madsbuhris]

This Finnish vs Swedish sterotype is a bit old thing. In reality Finland and Sweden has the Best relations between eachother on this entirely planet!

[@gabrielgabriel5177]

Not for all finns. Many of us finns do not like west including sweden so much becouse all secularism and liberalism comes from west.

[@TheBergmark]

@@gabrielgabriel5177 finns are like us swedes but with a brain.

[@gabrielgabriel5177]

@@TheBergmark good self sarcasm my friend. I would not say you swedes do not have brain. Also many finns who live in capital area do not use their brain any more - especcially politics. But I mean ethnicly, culturally (original culture), historically, linguisticly, geneticly etc finns and scandinavians are very different from each other

[@stuppurainen]

Love to hate the Swedes! Honestly, love them dearly, but would never say that out loud.

[@gabrielgabriel5177]

@@stuppurainen i have exactly same feelings to our brother russians

[@piretkokk2832]

Everything, except the hockey part, is the same in Estonia 😀.

[@BMGeo100]

Nice video :) 🇫🇮

[@toyman9642]

Several years ago, I spent some time in London, England, staying with a friend who lived there. One evening, we were joined at a pub by a friend of his who was in the Grenadier Guards and whose current assignment was as a guard at the Tower of London. Being very close to the public, I asked him who were the best and worst tourists he encountered. He replied, "the best were Canadians and Japanese. They're polite, quiet and respectful. The worst by far, were Americans. They're rude, arrogant, demanding, mouthy, pushy, loud and show no respect. They need a swift kick in their asses."

[@knockeledup]

In my experience, Chinese tourists are the worst.

[@bjrnjensen7074]

There are stereotypes about every country, I guess. Maybe he just met the wrong people? I `ve seen (and heard) tons of Americans on the streets of Oslo, where I live, and I have also had the opportunity to talk to some of them, and others that I`ve met through friends etc. None of these would fit the descriptions that you mention here, doesn`t mean that there aren`t any-but you can find that among locals in other countries as well.

[@Mm4riii]

One thing (which is closely related to the topic of being too loud in public) that annoys me, wether it's locals or tourists, is when people shout or make a lot of noise in forests/national parks. My dad taught me that you should respect nature quietly, so others can enjoy it too.

[@BlackRain_]

Wait until you go cycling through a park in the UK at 6am to discover an african with a bluetooth speaker walking around blasting out 'music'. MultiCULTuralism at its finest.

[@derdin8]

Montreal Canadiens fan here...My favorite hockey player of all time is from Turku, Finland - Saku Koivu!!

[@VesperHelsing]

The reason we wait until the light changes to cross the road is not that we want to obey the law, it's because we don't want to draw attention and the people to look at us. If you cross the road, people will look but propably many of them will follow as now someone else has done it first.

[@butternutsquash6984]

Finno-American here. These all apply to us, too. The cultural heritage is strong.

[@filb]

Must be great in the summer with the days and nights never going dark....but it also must be brutal in winter for the opposite reason.

[@sampohonkala4195]

It is very cozy when it is dark all the time, you just need the right mood for it. There may be cloudy months when you literally see the sun only once, and even daylight you only see on weekends as it is dark when you go to work and dark when you come back. But the changing seasons are actually really great, all of them, and the process of change.

[@kalitheamare]

The total opposite of Latin cultures! But in Rome, do as the Romans do, and I love, respect and enjoy the company of my Finnish friends, wonderful people indeed, your advice is spot on👍 greetings from France.

[@gabrielgabriel5177]

Yeah, finland is not a latin country

[@bjrnjensen7074]

I have been to 3 Latin countries; Romania, Portugal and Cuba. To be honest, I didn`t notice much difference in how people behaved on the streets etc, compared to my hometown Oslo. People were not particularly loud, for instance. The vast majority of the people were just minding their own business, and I was just another person on the streets.. Nobody tried to talk to me, but I did get help when I needed it.

[@pyrylehtonen-caponigro3198]

It's also important to remember that there are some mixed saunas and in the sauna some people are more comfortable speaking up about etiquette, especially older men, although they might do so in Finnish.

[@gabrielgabriel5177]

Yes but in mixed saunas people are not naked

[@themakela]

Great video!

[@TeinnHolly]

Oh my gosh. I think I know where some of my family habits came from! Several generations removed from Finland, but I so relate to these things

[@mdj864]

Sounds heavenly! Love the idea of quiet and personal space-- And although Im aware of the health benefits of sauna, I could never place my naked behind where other naked, sweaty butts have been sitting. Nor would I be comfortable sitting in a small room full of naked strangers. No offense to those comfortable in these types of scenarios, it just wouldn't be for me

[@timoterava7108]

It is very common to use either disposable paper or washable linen underlays. Normally they are offered on the house, but you can always bring your own small towel for that just in case. Also you are supposed to wash yourself properly before and after the sauna.

[@diavolacciosatanasso]

Love the thing about the quiet, the silence, and the personal space, the very things I struggle with daily.

[@yohanbeck8172]

Hey Wolter - great advice! I would like to add one more Don't. And this is quite a strong one. Littering, If a foreigner shows a public display of littering or throwing garbage around. I think people are not hesitant to take action. It'l definitely get you a remark verbally, or even a proper beating if the deed is done in ignorant fashion. Throwing a paper cup or ice cream stick can be frowned upong but any larger gesture than that - oh boy.

[@TomaszbtdZiobrowski]

4:54 finland and soviets :D as I was saying to my self: winter war and Simo Häyhä, especially now is quite good reminder :)

[@antcommander1367]

funny how soviets forgot winter, before and after both french and german did same mistake too. never invade in winter

[@BlackChrome3000]

As a Finn, i approve everything this dude said xd

[@user-uw3fr7cd9z]

I don’t mean no offense but how are your Finnish and name is Ali 😅?

[@BlackChrome3000]

Umm, should my name be Liisa then?

[@katashworth41]

It’s nearly 15 years since I went to Helsinki (my 21st birthday present) and I am desperate to get back, went over New Years and the enthusiasm for letting fireworks off in the street was a surprise. I do also crave the Karl Fraser.

[@Dragonsphinx]

As a Finn, about the surprise visits, as far as I’ve experienced personally, this becomes more okay between family and close friends. Yes, depending on the situation you can still disturb someone with a surprise visit, and yeah, arranging it beforehand is *always* better, but if it’s close family or close friends, you’re more likely to get a milder reaction. Like if my best friend showed up unannounced, I wouldn’t mind unless I was in a rush. But if a less familiar acquaintance showed up I’d be like “WTF you doing here??”

[@eetuthereindeer6671]

I would only accept my grandma on a surprise visit. Not even my best friends

[@honkhonk8009]

@@eetuthereindeer6671 Ur missing out. When u let people come over whenever U want, its so much less lonely. Life is alot nicer if ur more open with friends.

[@eetuthereindeer6671]

@@honkhonk8009 i get so overstimulated and tired in a situation like that and so do all of my friends

[@salsheikh4508]

Love this channel

[@andeeharry]

Personal space, it's the same everywhere. Don't be an invader, know the boundaries.

[@offthebeatenpathadventures1348]

Saunas are the best. Would you ever consider doing a dos and do nots of haunted houses for Halloween?

[@chiracultrainstinct3d629]

4:12 the most American question in terms of geography. Nice video by the way

[@honkhonk8009]

6:00 Im Canadian. Honestly this part is insanely true for us. We do that alot honestly. Honestly I kinda learnt that its prolly for the best if u just show up to ur friends house whenever u want. My polish buddy did that alot and it was much more natural that way lowkey. We got a loneliness crisis and we dont need extra barriers to friendship lol

[@yohanbeck8172]

Deeper dive on punctuality. It goes deeper than just being on time. It also has to do with Your words are your honor type of thing and a trust based society - therefore personal space, stoic demeanor, silence and timing, being punctual are kind of wrapped in the same material.

[@retro_wanderluster9962]

Coming there next week. I have been to the other Nordic nations, and having been there, you would really have to piss someone off as they're a naturally reserved people like me. I like how the public transportation is QUIET. Finland loves their coffee like I do. I'll be with a group though not my preferred way but hey it's paid for haha. I love hockey and I won't wear my Swedish hockey stuff I'm not that dumb. I'm going to see NHL games there. I wanted to catch local games but they're all away. I would love to live there may I ask how you were able to do that? I have wanted to live in Europe/Nordics for a long time but don't have a lot of skills. I talked to a girl from Eastern Europe in Ireland years back she lived in Sweden, and she told me they're "so cold" and I said "nah just a reserved area and country."

[@lassejuhani7994]

7:01 That German touristic thing. In 70ties in Finland came these what we call Hermann Baggytrouser that eat for to person in breakfast table, and stuff some more in their pockets. Not in nowadays .

[@maccifyme]

I'm Swedish, but my dad grew up in Finland so I take much pride in the fact that I'm 50/50. I honestly think that if you are somewhat aware of what the cultures are like, and how people generally are (and what the stereotypes are), you'd get a pretty good idea of who I am as a person just by knowing I'm half Swedish, half Finnish.

[@pm2069]

You are the quiet guy som tycker att diskutera mycket? ;)

[@stasacab]

Sauna is a place for relaxing. If you are like David Goggins that wants to use it to exercise in hot conditions, then, please, do it alone. I am also against controversial topics in sauna. I am all about controversial topics outside sauna, but sauna is for winding down. There is a sauna in Tampere, where speaking is limited. Even though I am not a nationalist of any sort, I am not fan of Sweden. There are many things that are better in Sweden, but Sweden lacks the taste. Maximize pissing everyone off: loudly praise Sweden in sauna.

[@villekuronen6242]

nah praise sweden at some local grill after bar hours and see how fast someone swings at you

[@venkkooo]

Tbh controversial topics in the sauna are really common in private saunas.

[@juhalahdenoja2245]

I'm a loud Finn and I've definitely been asked to speak more quietly on at least one occasion. It sucks to realize that just by talking naturally I'm making people feel uncomfortable.

[@robertwoodpa6463]

Move to New York where they will consider you a quiet person.

[@hanataba1291]

Yeah, I really understand the planning and surprise visit too, it's just dislocating for your scheduele

[@sparksi2519]

About the winter war: Finland did not win that war. Finland was forced to sign a treaty that cost us more land and population than was originally demanded by USSR resulting in Finland siding with the third reich as a part of their upcoming invasion (operation barbarossa). This is known as the continuation war.

[@venkkooo]

The soviets also didn't succeed in their goals. Soviets lost so many men and equipment, and didn't capture helsinki which was one of their main goals.

[@sparksi2519]

@ゆめ Just a thought experiment: I am robbing you. I demand you give me 100 euros from your pocket. You decline. I start beating you up. You reach your pocket and hand over 150 euros. Did you win the fight? I see your point, but strictly historically speaking it's just factually wrong.

[@Nohtyc87]

"And if you´re a german tourist etc..." Got me! :DD

[@puskamuha9000]

Good video thanks

[@woltersworld]

Kiitos!

[@grigorirazumovski1012]

Actually a fun story about saunas and the separating men and women. That happened in water parks and so on when i was a kid. Like 2005. In some places you can still see that the steam saunas for example will have a barrier made in between, that is so women and men are in diffrent "rooms". Before that that was not the case, at all. And the old school style is in many places "private mostly", still to go together.

[@rrocketman]

Very interesting 🙂

[@theHaba99]

i dont think we finns would judge anyone if they wear a tovel in sauna, its just that we can see that you are a tourist if you do, not that its a bad thing, but being naked in sauna is just so normal here so its just kinda funny if you make it to be weird. when it comes to comparing our country to sweden id say we dont really care, for us sweden is kind of a brother country its just a little brotherly taunting and competitiveness but mostly its pretty much just about joking about our swedish friends. but its a different thing with russia, you will definetly get bad looks if you somehow say that finland is a part of russia in anyway.

[@andeeharry]

Yeah, I saw something recently about Finland holding off Russia long ago and I thought aftr all this time, it would be fine now, so thanks for the heads up on that.

[@Aurinkohelmi]

Well 1945 is somewhat recent history, considering here is also people holding bad feelings towards Sweden and that separation was 1809.

[@janko6608]

And recent events have raised the topic heavily back to table.

[@janko6608]

There is a lot of people whose grandparents have been killed or forced to leave home to CCCP area. So it is not yet just some old history,

[@mantelikukkapenkki2368]

We have fought with Russia for a 1000 years now and we're still here.

[@andeeharry]

@@mantelikukkapenkki2368 Thanks for commenting

[@hannelerantanen760]

He basically described me.. LOL The line jumpers part!

[@kenstclair453]

Finland is great......Loved the miles and miles of forests. Friendly people too.

[@markwarren8980]

👏 Good job

[@bigolpancake9136]

Much love, Mark!

[@woltersworld]

Kiitos!

[@qillaquu9135]

As a Finn, I have to say that this is the best "Don't do this in Finland"-video I have ever seen! Really spot on. We are like that :D Thank you :)

[@britishknight1788]

3:47 this applies, just anywhere in world, not just finland. Primarily with unfamiliar people, aka strangers. In my POV. (Point of view), With friends tho, that's a different story.

[@no8592]

You should also research about "Great Wrath" and what happened then

[@mikeh2772]

Spot on sir.

[@TheRedhatsociety]

Sweden occupied Finland for 500 years, they have no reason to talk nicely of us. We have been horrible neighbors in the past. Hope time will heal eventually. I love all the nordic countries, I feel at home even when I'm not :)

[@jukhei6]

Wrong. Finland was part of Sweden. Never occupied by Sweden.

[@matswinberg5045]

@@jukhei6 Yes, you are correct, Finland was an integral part of the Swedish realm with representation in the parliament. Finns took part in elections of Swedish kings from 1362. Sadly many Swedes are totally ignorant of their own history as well as the history of neighbouring countries. Some episodes that show this (First one I heard, the latter I witnessed): 1) A Swede in Finland talks with a Finn who says "That happened during Gustav III's reign" Swede: "What, do you also had a king named Gustav III?" 2) In the early 90's when Estonia was newly independent, I took a boat trip to Talinn. I joined a bus tour together with other Swedes. The Estoninan guide spoke perfect Swedish BTW. At one stop she spoke about serfdom. Question from a Swede:" When was serfdom abolished in Sweden ?`"

[@formatique_arschloch]

Generally speaking Finns love Sweden and Swedes. Our closest friend and ally. There is some rivalry, but I think it's with good spirit.

[@villekuronen6242]

@@matswinberg5045 '' integral part of the Swedish realm'' with this you mean useful meatshield against russia?

[@muumipappa2502]

​@@jukhei6 Finland being part of Sweden doesn't mean anything. Swedes conquered the Finnish tribes either by compliance or by force. Eric's chronicle talks about a war against häme people. Some make a claim that the war didn't really happen. The claim of the Finnish tribes all submitting peacefully to the Swedish rule sounds incomprehensibly naive. Finnish tribes were known for being aggressive and ready for battle, even against the vikings and Novgorod. When Swedes came to modern day Finland, Finnish tribes lost their power to govern themselves, Swedes forced us to Christianity, Swedes made Swedish the official language on govermental and educational/upper-class level, brought people to colonize the coast and outlawed Finns traditions as heresy, like rune singing in the western Finland in 1600's. Today we Finns have lost our roots unlike Sami people, who still have their traditions somewhat alive or still known. The current Finnish culture and society is a copy of Swedish culture and society mixed with unique influences from our struggles during the Swedish and the Russian rule.

[@ranchan6650]

Out of these the line jumpers are what annoy us the most. Lines are there for a reason!

[@Topper-gf8xl]

If you have a chance, go to Ekbert's for a Budapest roll, so delicious. It's the only country I've ever seen it.

[@andrewevans5041]

I am saving up to do my first international trip in a few years to visit a friend that lives in Sweden. Is there any airlines that you would recommend that I choose for my flights

[@b.v.nielsen8714]

Scandinavian Airlines (SAS).

[@justcommentator]

What a nice guy with a pinch of good humor

[@leewest356]

Question: I was brought up with the term Swede-Finn, in that my grandparents came from the area of Vaasa and spoke Swedish, and I would say they self-identified as ethnically Swedish. How do the two groups, native Finnish speakers and native Swedish speakers relate to one another?

[@klaivu]

They're considered finns that speak swedish well. Monolingual swedish finns are rare, I haven't met one at least. I can't say there's a strong feeling from finns that they're a separate group at all.

[@Atomisti]

In the Bothnia area (Vasa - with one a in Swedish- being the biggest city there) the Swedish speaking population has had stronger ties to Sweden compared to other Swedish speakers. Nevertheless, they don't consider themselves ethnic Swedes. The term "Finland Swedes" is a bit unfortunate in that sense. It was made up during the language strife in the late 19th century. Before that there were just Finns, finnar. Even if you talked perfect Swedish and rose to the top of the establishment in Sweden, people in Stockholm were likely to consider you something like a poor cousin from the backwoods.

[@BHEESM]

You are best. From India 🙏

[@peldridge2627]

My heritage is equal parts Swedish, Finnish, Scots, and a few others mixed in. After watching this video - I think my nature and personality is 100% Finnish! I can identify with almost all these behaviors, and it is so validating! All my life I've had criticism for some of these traits and here to learn that it is Finnish culture. Is that inheritable? I mean, truly, are these preferences for quiet, nature, etc, learned culture or genetic inheritance? I wasn't going to watch this at first and now I feel validated for being ME! 😃

[@Sockcucker96]

Well.... We kinda know that Sweden's better in a lotta ways, but we act like we don't. And yes we love them anyway.

[@blackcoffeebeans6100]

Not quite true. World economic Forum conference in Switzerland Davos ranked Finland the best country 2019. Finland is on the top almost in every category. So....?

[@Sockcucker96]

@@blackcoffeebeans6100 no.

[@sampohonkala4195]

We follow carefully how the Swedes are doing it and then copy it, correcting any minor mistakes there might be. The results have been good.

[@timoterava7108]

And in a lot of ways Finland is better. One should also always remember, that 1) Sweden is twice as big as Finland, 2) Finland is more Northern with harsher climate and 3) because of the unfavorable geography Finland has been in the middle of wars and been devastated dozens of times, while Sweden has remained safe and protected - thanks to the Finns.

[@kolliiktt4394]

Hello i am from finland and i agree with this message

[@PeterApps]

I hope to go to Finland in January or February travelling far enough North to see the Northern lights. In other countries, I've found trying to learn a few words of the language is a great ice-breaker especially in a bar. I also explain I'm English and I want a beer I can't get back home. I'm just wondering how an approach like that would work in Finland.

[@joechang8696]

I was advised that Oct-Mar is good for Northern Lights, i.e., you can go in Oct-Nov, or Mar. I went to Tromso in Jan some years ago, not super cold in Tromso, but the mountains was -20C? had to wear exposure suit (provided) for outdoor tours.

[@wandapebble4992]

Craft beers and small local breweries are really booming in Finland right now, so you've chosen a great time and reason for your visit! 😁

[@CarlXVIGustafBernadotte420]

I think you will be very welcome

[@lilyofthevalley3059]

For me, the surprise visits and personal space thing depend on the person doing them. A stranger or someone I'm not very close to? No surprise visits and you better keep your distance. Friends or family? You could practically sit on me and I probably would not mind also surprise visits are okay. This however could be just my thing so better not assume things.

[@Snowshowslow]

Who dóes like it when people show up two hours early unannounced? But I did not know about the Sweden rivalry, interesting :)

[@TheLazyFinn]

Actually it's kind of a city/ modern times thing. In the countryside it was fairly common to just visit your neighbor, relatives, friends randomly and because of that people used to bake basically every day to have something to offer with coffee, sadly it's not too common anymore.

[@Snowshowslow]

@@TheLazyFinn Yeah that tracks, but those were also the times when at least one partner worked at home (doing the household) and people didn't have so many clubs and other appointments. Very different times.

[@TheLazyFinn]

@@Snowshowslow Yea,people were at home more often back then