Sisu in Finland: Discovering the Finnish Art of Resilience

In the top five of the World Happiness Index, Scandinavia has earned a reputation for holding the key to personal fulfilment. Lifestyle concepts like hygge, lagom, and friluftsliv continue to inspire those searching for a happier, cosier, and more balanced life. Strangely, Finland—the happiest nation in the world—has been less vocal when it comes to sharing its wisdom. Finns who favour a quieter appreciation of the good things in life, have a few unique philosophies up their sleeve. The most notable is sisu, the art of maintaining dignity in the face of adversity. Although the concept was not formally defined until the 20th century, it dates back centuries. It is safe to say that sisu in Finland has profoundly shaped the national identity.

Sisu is often described as Finland’s social glue—a shared pride in the nation’s inner strength. It means persevering in the pursuit of a new lease on life. A triumphant recovery in a hockey game, Finland’s resilience during the Russian invasion, or overcoming a toxic relationship all exemplify sisu in Finland. The word’s versatility highlights that sisu is not limited to a single kind of challenge—physical, psychological, or social. Instead, it embodies the belief that we can choose how to respond and, in doing so, shape the outcome. Sisu does not dictate a particular reaction but rather reinforces the idea that there is always a way forward.

Actively seeking sisu-style challenges on personal travels may not appeal to everyone. However, drawing inspiration from Finnish stories and stepping outside our comfort zones can offer a deeper understanding of this unique concept. Who knows? You might even find yourself drawing strength from these experiences.

Sisu in Finland: Experiences to Inspire You

Dog-sledding and the Spirit of Sisu

Challenges often expose us to the unknown, demanding quick adaptation to situations that may feel overwhelming. Finland’s frozen wilderness, combined with a pack of eager huskies and an overnight stay in the wild, certainly ticks these boxes. You’ll be joined by an experienced guide with plenty of sisu to share. This is a learning journey, where safety comes first, but you will also be confronted with moments of self-reliance and discovery. Perhaps this experience will inspire you to embrace other challenges with a renewed perspective?

Ice Swimming: A True Test of Sisu in Finland

The tradition of plunging into an icy lake after a sauna is a sacred ritual in Finnish culture. An elbow-thick layer of ice is merely a minor obstacle in this sisu-building outdoor exercise. This surprisingly invigorating dip can be experienced at many wilderness retreats. When it comes to ice swimming, it’s essential to know your limits—only then can you push them. We recommend treating the sauna dip as an exploratory experience you can build upon. Some of our favourite spots for a sauna swim include Kopikartano near Lake Inari and Kakslauttanen, located on the Kakslauttanen River.

Hiking and Snowshoeing: Embracing Sisu in Nature

Finland’s trails are open to everyone—provided you leave nothing but footprints. The right to roam, including foraging for nature’s treasures like berries and mushrooms, is deeply rooted in Finnish culture.

At the dawn of the 20th century, when Finland sought to define its identity under Russian rule, the ability to enjoy the outdoors—regardless of the temperature—emerged as a common theme. Certainly, a bit of sisu is required, as heavy snowfall and icy winds can deter those unfamiliar with Finland’s moody yet strikingly beautiful landscapes. Slow travel activities such as hiking, Nordic skiing, and snowshoeing remain popular Finnish pastimes. Step into these traditions and discover the joy of outdoor adventure in almost any weather. Whether or not you embrace Finland’s famous saying—”There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing”—is up to you.

Koli National Park, the birthplace of Finland’s artistic self-expression, is an excellent place to explore on foot, whether in hiking boots or snowshoes. Get in touch for a tailored adventure.

Cycle Touring: Discovering Everyday Sisu in Finland

Like any self-propelled journey, cycling allows travellers to engage more deeply with their surroundings. History, nature, and local stories become more tangible, and you may even stumble upon real-life examples of sisu in Finland through the people you meet. The focus is on finding inspiration, not just physical endurance.

For those looking to embrace sisu on two wheels, we recommend the Archipelago Trail, which winds through Turku’s island-studded coastline. This route takes you to remote islands, where you’ll gain insight into the slow way of life on the Baltic Sea. Adaptability and problem-solving come naturally to islanders, who often spend winter with little contact with the outside world.