10 fun facts we learned in Helsinki

Knowing next to nothing about this Nordic country, we found ourselves spending a few days in the capital due to a connecting flight routing. It’s great when you have no expectations about a destination – surprises are the spice of life! Here are 10 fun facts we learned about Helsinki:

1. Finland used to be ruled by Sweden, then Russia, before gaining independence. Fun fact – they also supported Nazi Germany during WWII….whoops!
2. The city has a huge bunny problem. With thousands of these cute creatures overrunning the city, local politicians and newspapers mention the problem as often as possible.

3. Very little happens in Finland (see # 2)

4. Normally, Finns are a quiet and reserved people who follow the rules and seem somewhat cold to outsiders.
5. Finns like to drink… a lot. When drinking, # 4 is totally invalidated. In fact, take everything I wrote and reverse it.
6. Finns will use anything as a urinal. After a night of heavy boozing, yellow streams flow throughout the city.
7. Signs are indecipherable… seriously, don’t even try.

8.The general public not only tolerates Death Metal but embrace it as the prevailing musical genre.
9. Saunas are an integral part of the culture. Many enjoy a nice cold beer while taking a break from the heat.

10– Helsinki is actually a really cool place to visit. Many, many thanks to our wonderful Couchsurfing hosts, Jad and Marika, for giving us the insider’s scoop on their city.