People are enjoying the summer holidays in Finland in a different way since the coronavirus situation has brought significant changes to the normal lifestyle.
Although the government has lifted travel restrictions imposed on six Nordic and Baltic countries, except Sweden, and is considering lifting travel restrictions imposed on 12 more countries from 13 July, Finns are still preferring to make summer holidays inside the country.
The changed situation, financial insolvency, and coronavirus fear have forced people to avoid trips abroad this time.
A significant number of people are seen to make their holiday tours to Lapland to enjoy the midsummer night, when sun can be seen round the clock.
They enjoy the Lappish lifestyle in the summer and people’s activities in Rovaniemi, known as the hometown of Santa Clause.
The Daily Finland talked to some people to gather their impression of how summer goes in the north of this Nordic country.
Summer is the time for Finns to sit by rivers and lakes, line-up to buy famous Finnish ice cream, sunbath, occupy chairs in the outdoor space of restaurants, and enjoy cold drinks.
Eija Rikka, a student, said due to COVID-19, she could not make some of her ordinary plans like in the previous summers. Not only she wanted to work in a restaurant but also she considered participating as a volunteer at the International Military Music Festival in Hamina. Both the plan had to be dropped. The International Military Music Festival has been cancelled, as well as the Maritime Festival, concerts, and other events in Kotka, which is her home city. Despite that, she tried to keep her social networks going and be in touch with her friends in summer. Hanging out with them and enjoying the warmth of the sun are activities that keep her energetic. Moreover, Eija plans to engage in the shooting competition, visiting her home city, and do gardening there. She said “summer is the magical season in Finland, as that we can see the green side of the country.”
Isa Borgogni, an Italian-Hungarian tourism student at the University of Applied Sciences, believes that she was lucky to spend the chaotic time of the COVID-19 crisis in Rovaniemi. Although her plan for the summer has completely changed and she could not catch a flight to visit her family in Italy and Hungary, she is trying to enjoy moments of being in a peaceful place. If nothing changes, Isa will be in Hungary by the end of July, but until then she is working on her thesis under the constant sun. She said “the sunlight does not burn here, in contrast to the south of Europe and because of that I can come out every day, reading my books and grab a cold drink.
Families with small kids are also having different times: playgrounds are always crowded– laughter and the sounds of children playing can be heard all the time. However, this beautiful image is only one side of the story. One family described this summer as more difficult than the previous one, because they have to stay here for their holidays and it is not always easy to find a way for entertaining their kids in one place. Indeed, many families could not travel because of the coronavirus situation and that has led to some complications.
Antii and Anna Leinonen’s family of five has stayed at home most of the spring and now with the arrival of summer, they are spending most of their time in the yard and cycling with their three kids who are seven, five and two years old. They have tried to be around elderly members of the family and visited the children’s grandma in the middle of June. Same as many Finnish families, spending one week in the summer cottage of Antii’s grandma will be one of the plans for the rest of summer and then visiting some relatives as well. Although Antii said, in the normal situation they usually take a longer trip to southern parts of Finland and also have some summer events, but that have already been cancelled.
It can be seen that COVID-19 has affected the summer plans of both families and singles; however, Rovaniemi, with an incredible midnight sun, is still a place to live every single moment of life, breathe fresh air, close eyes and at least forget what is going on all around the world for a second.
Source: www.dailyfinland.fi
Are the summer holidays in Finland noticeably different this year due to the pandemic, or are there still many traditional activities taking place?
Hey MeganSmith92! Yes, the summer holidays in Finland are indeed different this year due to the pandemic. Many traditional activities are still taking place, but the overall atmosphere and choices have been significantly affected by the changed situation and safety concerns. People are opting for domestic holidays and exploring local destinations more than before. It’s a unique experience to witness how Finns are adapting to this new norm while trying to make the most out of their summer vacation.
Despite the lifted travel restrictions, it seems like many Finns are opting for staycations this summer. The change in situation, financial concerns, and fear of the coronavirus are pushing people to explore their own country, with Lapland being a popular choice. It’s interesting to see how the summer holiday dynamics have shifted in Finland amidst these challenging times.
It’s quite interesting to see how the summer holiday dynamics have shifted in Finland due to the ongoing pandemic. It seems like many Finns are opting for domestic vacations rather than international travel, which reflects the current uncertainties and changes in lifestyle. The allure of Lapland during the midsummer night must be truly magical! It’s a wise decision to prioritize safety and enjoy the local treasures of the country. Hopefully, everyone can still make the best of this unique summer experience.
It’s interesting to see how the pandemic has transformed summer holiday plans for many Finns. It’s a wise decision for people to explore the beauty of Lapland and enjoy the midnight sun instead of traveling abroad. Hopefully, this will create memorable experiences and new traditions for them.
Will the preference for domestic holidays continue even after the travel restrictions are lifted? Do you think the changed circumstances will have a long-lasting impact on summer holiday habits in Finland?
As a Finnish local, I believe that the preference for domestic holidays might continue even after the travel restrictions are lifted. The current situation has indeed shifted the way people approach summer vacations, and these changes could potentially have a long-lasting impact on summer holiday habits in Finland. It has made Finns appreciate and explore the beauty of their own country more, and this newfound appreciation might lead to a lasting trend of choosing domestic destinations for holidays.
It’s unfortunate how the current situation has disrupted people’s travel plans. Finns opting to stay within the country for their summer holidays is both responsible and a great opportunity to explore the beauty of their homeland. Hopefully, they can still make the most out of this unusual summer!
It’s truly a different summer in Finland with the ongoing situation. Many people are opting for local holidays instead of traveling abroad, exploring the beauty of Lapland and enjoying the unique Lappish lifestyle. I believe these changes can create lasting memories and bring us closer to our own country’s charms.
It seems like the summer holidays in Finland are transitioning into a more local experience this year, with many opting to explore the beauty and charm of Lapland instead of traveling abroad. The change in lifestyle due to the pandemic is evident, but it’s heartwarming to see people still finding joy in the Lappish lifestyle and summer activities. Hopefully, this shift will bring about new adventures and memorable experiences for everyone.
It’s interesting to see how the coronavirus situation has influenced the summer holiday plans of Finns. It’s great that they are finding new ways to enjoy their holidays within the country. Hopefully, they can still make unforgettable memories despite the challenges.
It’s intriguing to see how the current circumstances are reshaping summer holidays for Finns. Despite the lifted travel restrictions, many are opting for domestic getaways. The allure of Lapland’s midnight sun and the quaint charm of Rovaniemi seem to be the go-to choices. It’s a unique experience to witness the Finnish summer traditions in action amidst the changes brought by financial constraints and COVID-19 fears.
I find it interesting how the current situation has shifted people’s holiday plans, making them explore more of their own country. It’s a unique opportunity to discover hidden gems and support local tourism. Stay safe and enjoy the summer vibes!
Do you think the change in holiday plans due to COVID-19 will have a long-lasting impact on how Finns spend their summers in the future?
As a avid traveler myself, it’s unfortunate to see the restrictions affecting holiday plans. I agree with Eija Rikka, it’s definitely a different summer this year. Staycations seem to be the way to go for safety and peace of mind.