Discovering Finland: A Gay Journey Through the Happiest Country in the World
Experience Finland with Barry and Teraj
PHOTO BY BARRY HOY
Finland is a land of enchanting natural landscapes, friendly people, and a vibrant culture. For the sixth year in a row, Finland has been named the happiest country in the world, according to the World Happiness Report. Since first being nominated for the prestigious title, the secret to Finnish happiness has sparked worldwide interest and discussion.
Hello, Helsinki
According to the Finns themselves, the key to their happiness lies in four fundamental elements: nature, lifestyle, food, and sustainability. These pillars form the foundation of their well-being and contribute to their overall sense of contentment, and I just had to find out what the buzz is all about for myself! We will journey through Finland, exploring its cities, parks, and cultural traditions, and discover what makes it such a special and unique destination.
Tradition and LGBTQ+ Pride
PHOTO BY BARRY HOY
The capital city of Helsinki is a perfect example of Finland's charm and vibrant culture. It is a bustling metropolis, yet retains a sense of tranquility and serenity. Helsinki is a perfect blend of old and new, with its stunning architecture and modern amenities. Visitors can spend hours strolling through the streets, admiring the city's landmarks, such as the Helsinki Cathedral, which sits atop a hill and offers panoramic views of the city. In addition to its natural beauty, Finland (and particularly Helsinki) is also known for its progressive attitudes towards LGBTQ+ rights. The city is home to several LGBTQ+ bars, clubs, and events, including the Helsinki Pride festival, which is one of the largest pride events in the Nordic region.
Moomins and More
PHOTO BY BARRY HOY
In Finland, it’s impossible not to notice the locals’ love of Moomins, a series of cartoons and books created by queer artist Tove Jansson. Jansson was an ambitious painter, illustrator, and writer who always defied societal expectations, embracing relationships with both men and women. I didn’t know much about the Moomins myself, but it quickly became clear how beloved these stories are to the community.
During our Helsinki gay walk with Yoo-hoo! Tours (@youhootours), guided by Juho Rautio, we learned that many Moomins are gender-neutral and the stories often parallel the struggles of the LGBTQ+ community. Yoo-hoo! Tour is part of of the We Speak Gay Community that was found by Hannu Medina, a pioneer in LGBTQ+ Tourism in Finland.
Turku
PHOTO BY BARRY HOY
While Helsinki is the most popular destination in Finland, there is much more to explore beyond the city limits. The city of Turku, located in southwestern Finland, is a great destination for visitors hoping to get a glimpse into Finnish history and culture. Turku is the oldest city in the country and was the capital for over 700 years. Visitors can explore the Turku Castle, which dates back to the 13th century and is one of the largest surviving medieval castles in the Nordic region. They can also visit the Turku Cathedral, which was completed in the 14th century and is an iconic landmark of the city. Want something more romantic? The river walk along the Aura River is beautiful and the colorful buildings reflecting in the shimmering water is nothing short of magical.
Get Back to Nature
PHOTO BY BARRY HOY
Finland is obviously a land of breathtaking natural beauty. It is home to over 188,000 lakes and more than 70% of its land is covered in forests. Finland's natural beauty is best experienced through its national parks, such as the Nuuksio National Park, which is located just 30 kilometers from Helsinki. Visitors can hike through the forested trails, take a dip in one of the park's many lakes, and enjoy the peace and quiet of the wilderness. One of the most unique experiences that Finland offers is the opportunity to stay in a glass igloo and watch the Northern Lights from the comfort of your bed. The Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, located in the Lapland region of Finland, is one of the most popular places to experience this phenomenon. Visitors can also go dog-sledding, snowmobiling, and even stay in a traditional Finnish log cabin!
Old World Charm and Traditions
As I traveled through Finland, I knew I couldn't leave without experiencing one of its most beloved traditions - the Finnish sauna. The sauna is an essential part of Finnish culture, offering numerous health benefits and a unique cultural experience. To give you a sense of the scale and importance, Finland has a population of 5.5 million and there are over 3 million saunas! Stepping onto Helsingin Saunalautta, the Helsinki sauna raft, I was captivated by its unique concept and immediately drawn to the serene archipelago views around Helsinki's largest island, Laajasalo. The cozy warmth inside the saunas and the invigorating plunge into the surrounding waters of the Baltic Sea offered a refreshing and unforgettable experience in a tranquil setting.
Romance and Memories
PHOTO BY BARRY HOY
And, of course, Tom of Finland!
PHOTO BY BARRY HOY
Finland Celebrates Country’s Gay Icon with New Exhibit
Just last month, the Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma recognized the artist, Touko Laaksonen, better known as Tom of Finland, for the first time through a bold exhibition highlighting his illustrations. Stepping into Bold Journey, I was immediately struck by the revolutionary nature of his drawings. In a time when homosexuality was criminalized and fetishism stigmatized as a disease, his depictions of joyful gay men embracing their sexuality were nothing short of groundbreaking. I honestly wasn’t too familiar with the artist before this exhibit but I am familiar with his work even as a gay closeted Asian growing up in Canada. Bold Journey shows many pieces that became the fabric of gay culture. Tom of Finland mastered the concept of the thirst trap long before social media came into the picture. This popular exhibit spans six decades of work, and will be open to the public through October of this year.
