It’s hard to believe it’s already been a year since I packed my bags and moved to Helsinki from Belgium. Time has flown, and now feels like the right moment to reflect on my first year here.

It’s a reminder of everything that’s happened and all the things I’m grateful for. I hope this writing becomes something I can look back on with fondness in the years to come. And, being only human, I can’t help but make a few comparisons to my experiences living in other countries before.

Living in Helsinki: A Year in Review

1. A Public Transportation Dream

Helsinki might be a bustling capital, but it feels wonderfully connected. It’s easy to get around, whether I’m hopping on public transport or just walking. I can even move from one shopping center to another in the city center through tunnels. A great way to avoid snowy, icy, or wet streets in winter or rainy days any time of the year.

Back in Ghent, Belgium, I often found myself frustrated with the buses and trams. They’d either arrive late, too early, or sometimes not at all. Despite my best efforts to plan with apps like De Lijn or Google Maps, I ended up walking more often than not, mostly because it was faster!

Here in Helsinki, I’ve experienced none of that hassle. Public transportation is punctual, reliable, and efficient. Even though I live almost 8 km from the city center, I can explore with ease, more so than I could in Ghent, where I lived only 2 km away from the heart of the city. Bus/metro/tram stops are thoughtfully placed, making every journey feel effortless.

2. Nature Around Every Corner

One of the first things I noticed about Helsinki (or Finland in general) is how close nature feels, no matter where you are. From sprawling parks to serene islands, green spaces are always within reach.

Each season offers its own unique charm. Spring and summer invite endless walks under lush, green canopies, while autumn transforms the city with its golden hues. Even winter, with its snowy days and crisp air, has a certain magic. All you need is a good coat, a pair of gloves, and a warm cup of coffee to embrace it fully.

Looking back, I realize how much I’ve experienced in nature during my first year here. Running through the nearby arboretum? Check! Spotting hares, foxes, squirrels, and even a fawn? Check! Watching the annual release of cows to pasture? Check! Foraging for mushrooms? Check! Observing planetary alignments? Check!

Wow, writing the “checklist” has really reminded me of all the moments that made this year unforgettable.

3. A Museum Card Worth Every Penny

If you’re a museum lover, the Museum Card is a game-changer. For the cost of about four or five single-entry tickets, you get access to over 300 museums across the country.

On days when it’s too cold for outdoor adventures, museums become my go-to. They’re a great way to pass the time with an economical and enriching experience. When I’ve traveled to other Finnish cities, visiting local museums has been a highlight, letting me make the most of my yearly subscription. It’s such a clever way to encourage cultural exploration and learning.

4. Redefining European Stereotypes

Having lived in Sweden and Belgium and traveled through parts of Europe, I came to Finland with certain expectations. But Helsinki has surprised me in ways I didn’t anticipate.

When it comes to design, all this time I used to think Europe prioritized function over form. However, Finnish brands like Iittala, Marimekko, Putinki, and many more brands blend practicality with charm, thoughtfulness, and a hint of playfulness. Their designs bring both joy and comfort into everyday life. Something that I rarely find in European brands. I can find these in supermarkets, and it’s an eye-pleasing experience during daily grocery shopping to see cute items designed with practicality in mind.

I also assumed work-life balance meant sacrificing convenience, like 24/7 grocery stores, just like what I experienced in Sweden and Belgium. But Helsinki’s large supermarkets manage to stay open around the clock, offering everything from groceries to electronics, without compromising their employees’ well-being (at least, I hope not! Right?).

5. A City That Never Gets Boring

If you’re worried about running out of things to do in Helsinki, rest assured, the city is bursting with activities, from weekly events to seasonal festivals.

Even if you’re on a tight budget or don’t have the time to travel far, there’s always something exciting happening close by. Every weekend feels like a fresh opportunity to explore, and I still have a long list of places waiting to be discovered. Helsinki makes it easy to keep life engaging without straining your wallet.

6. Bidet Sprayers in (Most) Finnish Toilet

At last but not least, the best thing about Finland, compared to other European or Western countries, is that most of their toilets have bidet sprayers. As an Asian, this discovery boosted me so much joy! It’s such a small thing, but it made a big difference. I didn’t have to rely on my trusty portable bidet, which has been my constant travel companion. Honestly, I still can’t understand how people manage with just toilet paper for, well, that.

Read the discussion about it in reddit.

How Living in Helsinki Has Changed Me

1. Falling for Coffee

Before moving to Finland, I wasn’t much of a coffee drinker. But in a country where coffee is practically a national pastime and the second-largest country in the world for per capita coffee consumption, it was only a matter of time before I joined in.

It all started with a quest for babka, my favorite bread. I stumbled upon a coffee shop that once sold it, only to find out they didn’t anymore. I stayed for the coffee anyway, and what a discovery it was! That little detour sparked a love for coffee that only grew stronger. Now, I’ve got my own Aeropress and buy beans from that same shop. Finnish coffee culture has truly converted me! Proof of this can be seen in most of my book review post thumbnails, where my iPad is often accompanied by a cup of coffee.

2. Appreciating Nature in New Ways

Living here has deepened my connection to nature (read more about how I falling in love to nature in Three Countries, Three Lessons: How Living Abroad Changed Me). Whether it’s the wildlife I encounter on walks or the breathtaking night skies, Helsinki has shown me how much joy can be found outdoors.

As my appreciation for the outdoors deepens, I’ve started exploring it further by reading more books about nature. My real-life experiences and close interactions with nature make these books feel more relatable, deepening my connection to the world. This growing sense of belonging inspires me to care for the Earth more thoughtfully.

3. Falling Back in Love with Pen and Paper

Spending time in cafes around Helsinki, I noticed something fascinating. Many locals, even the youth, still write on paper. It’s not just an occasional sight. I can sense that it’s a part of their everyday routines (read more about this in Old Habit, New Joy: Back to Handwriting).

From shared family calendars hanging in homes to notebooks for jotting down thoughts, writing on paper is a tradition that’s alive and well here. These calendars and notebooks are easy to find in bookstores, specialty paper shops like paperikauppa (which literally means “paper shop”), or even in supermarkets.

Inspired by this, I decided to give it a try. There’s something uniquely satisfying about putting pen to paper, whether it’s brainstorming ideas or simply organizing my thoughts. Writing feels more intentional, almost therapeutic, and I’ve grown to truly enjoy it. It’s a small habit, but one that’s added a meaningful touch to my everyday life.

4. Loving the Little Details of Tableware

Growing up, I never paid much attention to tableware or home accessories. As long as they worked, I was happy. But Finland changed that.

Finnish brands have taught me to see beauty in everyday objects. Their designs are timeless, thoughtful, and full of character. Over time, I’ve collected a variety of bowls and mugs from these brands. I’m not sure if it’s because I’m getting older and my hobbies are starting to resemble those of mature people, or if Finland just has a sense of style that suits with me. Either way, I’m delighted with the charm and quality I’ve discovered in Finnish products!

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This post seems to focus mostly on positive experiences. I’m not entirely sure if these were genuinely great moments (which I feel they were) or if I simply lowered my expectations to avoid disappointment, especially since my experiences in other countries weren’t exactly smooth sailing. Or maybe because it’s only a year’s worth of experiences after all.

It is also important to note that this experiences reflect my personal experience. I’ve come across various testimonies in discussions on different platforms, spanning everything from the best moments to the toughest challenges, highlighting just how varied life here can be.

Well, I feel deep gratitude for all the discoveries this past year. Life, as always, is a mix of ups and downs. Like anyone, I can only hope that the challenges ahead will be manageable and that more wonderful moments are waiting just around the corner.