Exploring Nordic Living, Sustainability In Helsinki

Strolling through Finland’s capital city, it is easy to see why the country has been named the world’s happiest nation for eight years running.

Helsinki embodies the core values of a Nordic society that prioritises work-life balance, equality and a high quality of life. 

This writer was in Helsinki to attend the ‘Climate Solutions from Finland’ programme from Oct 5-10, together with nine other journalists from Brazil, Chile, China, France, Kosovo, India, Mexico, Saudi Arabia and United States. 

Hosted by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, the programme aimed to showcase Finland’s wide range of climate innovations to the media as the country is known as a frontrunner in the circular economy.

The writer together with fellow journalists in the ‘Climate Solutions from Finland’ programme.

Helsinki, a city that balances urban culture and nature and is safe for visitors to explore even if travelling alone, is surprisingly calm for a capital, with a population of around 660,000 out of Finland’s total population of 5.65 million. The streets are not very crowded and I noticed many people walking, given how easily the city can be navigated on foot or by public transport such as trams, the metro system and trains.

During my stay, I took the train from the airport to the city centre, a journey of just 30 minutes, and also rode on a tram while sightseeing, which was convenient and offered seamless connectivity across the city.

The city features wide streets and heritage-rich architecture, complemented by leafy parks and urban forests that bring nature into daily life.

I also loved how even simple things like being able to drink tap water reflect Helsinki’s high quality of life, thanks to its abundant natural water sources, strict government regulations and advanced water treatment systems. But its efficient public transport and high quality of life are not overnight accomplishments – they are the outcome of long-term planning and a national commitment to sustainability and well-being.

SUSTAINABILITY AS A WAY OF LIFE

Finland is a global leader in the circular economy and from my observations, eco-consciousness and sustainable practices are deeply embedded in the lifestyles and mindsets of the Finnish people.

Even at my hotel, there were no single-use plastic bags. Some public toilets even provide reusable towels, while recycling bins are available everywhere, making it easy for everyone to participate in eco-friendly practices.

A tram in Helsinki, offering seamless connectivity across the city.

As part of the climate solutions programme I attended, I had the opportunity to visit Ainoa, a shopping centre in Helsinki, and learned about the beverage return system, which is a deposit-return scheme that uses a small, refundable deposit to incentivise consumers to return their empty plastic and glass bottles for recycling.

I noticed many Finns bringing bundles of plastic bottles for recycling – a simple yet powerful reminder of how deeply environmental consciousness runs in Finland, a nation that has truly set the bar high in the fight against climate change.

I also had the opportunity to visit Viikki School and Aalto University, where education plays a central role in advancing environmental awareness. 

At Viikki School, children are taught the principles of sustainability from as young as five, learning how their everyday actions can impact the planet. At Aalto University, journalists also met a local graduate who had launched a Finnish startup called Reverlast, transforming old wind turbine blades into floating docks. This innovative approach not only gives new life to industrial waste but also demonstrates how Finnish education nurtures creative solutions for real-world environmental challenges.

Overall, sustainability is not just a policy in Finland but a way of life, visible in the simple routines of daily living, such as sorting waste, returning bottles for recycling and making conscious efforts to reduce plastic use.

CULTURE, HERITAGE, URBAN LIFE

Helsinki also offers a mix of cultural, historical and natural attractions. Among its iconic buildings are Senate Square, known for its neoclassical architecture; and the nearby Helsinki Cathedral.

From the steps of the cathedral, I could see the Government Palace, home to the Prime Minister’s Office and several other key ministries including the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, and the Ministry of  Environment.

The writer at Suomenlinna Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Another impressive place to visit is the Oodi Library, which is far from a typical library. It offers group work facilities, including a recording studio, game rooms, DJ and karaoke studios, as well as 3D printers and sewing machines.

On the top floor, there is a citizens’ balcony, where people can enjoy coffee; and a children’s section complete with a playground. When I visited, rows of strollers were neatly lined up, a clear sign that many parents had brought their babies and toddlers to this open, welcoming library.

In the heart of the city is the Old Market Hall, which gave me an opportunity to try traditional Finnish cuisine such as reindeer and salmon soup. At the nearby Market Square, there are a lot of stalls selling fresh seafood, local crafts and souvenirs. Not far from there stands the Presidential Palace, often used for official ceremonies.

From Market Square, I continued to the ferry terminal to catch a 15-minute ride to Suomenlinna Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site spanning six islands. Built over three centuries ago, the fortress is now a popular tourist destination and home to around 800 people.

SAUNA

Saunas are an essential part of culture in Finland, with almost every household having one. A sauna is a small, heated room, often wood-lined, that is used for therapeutic purposes like relaxation and sweating out toxins.

Finns often use it as a place to relax and connect with family and friends, as well as to slow down, enjoy simplicity and embrace the balance between heat, cold and nature – a reflection of the broader Finnish philosophy of integrating well-being and nature into everyday life.

The writer sitting in a sauna float, created by a local graduate who successfully transformed old wind turbine blades into floating docks.

I had an unforgettable sauna experience at Uunisaari Sauna, a traditional Finnish sauna located on a small island just outside of southern Helsinki, equipped with both electric and wood-burning saunas.

I tried both and loved the wood-burning sauna, which felt more refreshing and was filled with the comforting aroma of burning wood.

After the sauna, I was encouraged to jump into the icy Baltic Sea, a common practice among Finns. The heat of the sauna followed by a plunge into freezing water was an exhilarating rush. This Finnish tradition is both refreshing and surprisingly good for the body and mind, perfectly reflecting the Finnish way of embracing balance in daily life.

My time in Helsinki offered more than just scenic views or innovative climate solutions. It revealed a society built on trust, awareness and thoughtful living.

As Malaysia continues its journey towards becoming a greener and more liveable nation, there is much to learn from Helsinki’s example of how thoughtful urban planning, public trust and respect for nature can coexist in harmony.

Teaching children about the environment and social responsibility from a young age helps them grow into adults who make a positive difference in their communities and for the country.