Finnish Rural Culture

Are you a literature enthusiast? Dive into the fascinating world of nature-themed novels and explore the places that inspired bestsellers like Matara, Beasts of the Sea, and Arvejord. Start at the Natural History Museum, where you can see the Steller’s sea cow, a species hunted to extinction in just 27 years. This creature plays a central role in Beasts of the Sea (Elolliset), a novel that tackles pressing contemporary issues like the disappearance of nature, which affects us all. In the Seurasaari area, immerse yourself in the adventurous spirit of Matara by Matias Riikonen. Meanwhile, in Vantaa’s Isosuo, sense the power of the swamp and the deep connection Finns have with nature – passed down through generations – which is central to Maria Turtschaninoff’s Arvejord (Suomaa).