Live like a Finn
Take this fun test to find out how Finnish you are on your Levi holiday and learn more about local customs!
1. It's a dark winter morning, –20 °C. What do you wear?
A) A hoodie and sneakers.
B) A padded jacket, hat and gloves.
C) A woolen base layer, a mid-layer, a padded jacket and trousers, a reflective vest and a headlamp.
2. You're going for a walk and notice a ski trail. What do you do?
A) I walk on the ski trail; the surface is nice and firm.
B) I walk next to the ski trail.
C) I stay off the ski trail and choose a different route.
3. Do you walk on snowmobile tracks?
A) Yes, they are wide and firm to walk on.
B) Only if I have no other choice.
C) Never – I avoid them for safety reasons.
4. Where do you go sledding or sliding downhill?
A) Wherever I want, even in a parking lot or roundabout.
B) Wherever there’s space, but I make sure I don’t run over anyone.
C) Only on designated sledding hills.
5. Which side of the road do you walk on?
A) Whichever side I want; cars will avoid me.
B) Always on the right-hand side.
C) On the left-hand side, using a safety reflector and a headlamp when it’s dark.
6. You want to see the northern lights. Where do you go?
A) I stop in the middle of a dark road where I can see them best.
B) I go into the forest alone without a light.
C) I go to a northern lights viewing spot and wear a reflector.
7. There’s a nice path leading to someone’s yard. What do you do?
A) I walk into the yard; what a lovely place!
B) I stay by the gate and admire the view.
C) I respect private property and only travel on marked paths and trails.
8. You enjoy a snack in the wilderness. What do you do with the trash?
A) I drop it along the trail; it doesn’t matter, the wind will carry it away.
B) Some of it goes in my backpack; I hide the rest under a tree.
C) I carry it to the nearest trash bin and also pick up other people’s trash when I see it.
9. It’s your first time in a sauna. What do you do?
A) I talk loudly and keep my mobile phone with me.
B) I chat pleasantly and ask for permission before throwing water on the stones.
C) I sit quietly and let the steam do the talking.
10. You want to see reindeer in the wild. What do you do?
A) I sneak up right next to them and take a selfie.
B) I stop the car and shout at them to get them to look at me.
C) I observe them from a distance and avoid disturbing them, or I visit a reindeer farm.
Results – Calculate your score: You get 0 points for every A, one point for every B, and two points for every C answer
0–9 points: eager explorer – with a passion for travelling! Maybe a bit lost from time to time, but no worries. You’re reading this, and that’s already a step towards smarter travel.
10–15 points: wise wanderer – on the right track. You know that you’re not supposed to watch the Northern Lights in the middle of the road or hug a reindeer. You’re on your way to master class!
16–20 points: master of the fells – you're one of us! You get an approving nod from the locals. You know how to get around, dress and act on nature’s terms, leaving only your footprints behind.
