10 Tiny Things That Annoy Finns

Some of the most popular questions I get are "What are the things that make Finnish people annoyed? Are there any cultural faux pas I should avoid when in Finland?"

These questions inspired me to make this list for you: 10 tiny things that annoy Finns (even if they don't say so!) ⬇️

00:50 Follow the sauna rules
01:20 Don't use your words lightly
01:32 Be mindful of your surroundings
01:57 Respect personal space
02:29 Know your geography
02:44 Don't relocate Santa
02:56 Mind your own wallet, but...
03:26 Be careful with criticism
03:57 No coffee left, send help!
04:16 Avoid crowds at any cost
04:36 Bonus

I love discovering cultural differences and nuances, so it was sooo much fun to round up this list for you.

What was the biggest surprise for you? I would love to know that in the comments!

[Torby]

When social distancing started, the Finns said, "Two meters? Must we stand so close together?"

[robmccaw]

The first time that I visited Suomi I was on a bus to Turku when I really noticed that; everyone sat solely in each row. A middle aged woman who had been drinking got on and tried to sit next to everyone who sent her on her way. She worked her way around the bus until she sat next to me and spoke in Finnish. I apologised that I didn’t speak Finnish and she replied “then we shall converse in English.” Being a typical Kiwi and loving the chance to talk with someone from another country we had a great chat (she was heading home from a florist conference). Everyone else looked very disapprovingly at us. However she said something that still resonates with me. We were discussing the forest and she said “that is the wealth of Finland and the soul of Finland.” It summed Suomi up nicely for me.
However NEVER believe that the Finns are not friendly as the opposite is true; they just don’t wear their hearts on their sleeves.
Think of it this way:
The Americans will say “I’ll take you to the best goddam thing you’ve ever seen!”
Us Kiwis will say “I’ll take you somewhere really nice.”
A Finn will just take you somewhere and if you like it they will smile gently and if you don’t react they will simply take you somewhere else.

[davehenderson]

In 2017 we travelled around much of Finland by train. It was so peaceful & quiet that I still think back to those trips we took... moving at 220 km per hour and sipping coffee in total serenity. The entire three weeks we were there were absolutely fantastic.

[elzaarmuray]

My wife is from Finland thanks for this video, now I understand why she is always angry …
😂😂😂

[Brakballe]

As from Norway. I say 8 of ten is the same here @HerFinland. We know yours are a more "mix" than "us" Scandinavians but belong to the same North and is HIGHLY respected. All in all, Scandinavia and Finland shares 90% and will stand by and help each other anytime. :)

[lynnescherr]

Oh, my gosh! My paternal grandfather came to Canada from Finland, and I've always been told I am just like my dad. My Finnish roots must run deep since every one of those things is the same for me! Especially the coffee! Kiitos!

[kiltyswitchkronikles]

We love Finland. We visited Helsinki on a cruise, and intend to go back to enjoy more of your beautiful country. We are Canadian. Many similarities.

[Hassoon_]

The social distancing thing has always annoyed me like when someone sat next to me when they could be seated elsewhere and most of these things i feel the same about..
Guess I’ve always been secretly Finnish

[wxwxwx]

My Mummi died two weeks ago and she instilled in me such a love for Suomi. I love learning about my Finnish roots

[kajtekmccranck]

I want to move to Finland in near future and I find your chanell very helpful! Well - when you mentioned Finnish care about the silence (the most beautiful sound) I already fell in love with this country ♥️

[jenniferbishop-jenkins]

I loved this video! I visited your beautiful Helsinki when I was in college in 1979. I loved this list of cultural annoyances. I was a history and geography teacher. I believe that it is true what we say - that "Geography Is the Mother of History" especially with this list. Because your population is small, the personal space issue really seems a very natural consequence. Everyone gets and wants a lot of their own space.

[kevinheisey]

Or "10 reasons I enjoy visiting Finland" 😄

[Cuccos]

When worked on a cruise ship I was able to see a little bit of Helsinki. I just loved how different from other big cities, no crowd anywhere, almost. Architecture also was very cozy, nice. As a Hungarian I can say after watching some of your videos, that we two nations maybe really related somewhat, we have so many similarties. :)

[pobelix]

I suppose I'm a Finn.
Yet born, raised and stuck in (northern) Germany. I miss Finland and my finnish friends in Helsinki, Tampere and Oulu. <3

[-.-]

I’m in the US, I can say yes to almost all of these. Small elevators. The older I get, give me quiet. Large family. I finally get to live alone. Me and my cat. Personal space! Build the sauna first, then the house. My grandparents came over in the late 1800’s. Boy, it’s so nice that someone understands me.😂 Finnish was my mother’s first language. Thank you.😊

[Jessamineann]

Whoa, you just reminded me… I had a Finnish babysitter when I was very little. I was a noisy kid and she always said to me “talk is cheap, but silence is rich.” I haven’t thought of that in a long time.

I’m still noisy as an adult, though.😅

[SoyMungbean-jydh]

I love the point about keeping silent in public places, in apartment, and keeping distance between each other in public places, and avoiding crowds. Because i am also like that myself

[sergpags]

As a foreigner here in Finland, these things that you have mentioned are important to adopt to the Finnish way of life better. Kiitos.

[ariadnagilrubio]

I would fit so well in Finnish society. Most of the things you listed are parts of my own personality. In Spain we are definitely not bothered by a stranger sitting next to us in the bus, but i personally find it annoying, among other examples.
I get the feeling that I should've been born in Finland as I keep watching your videos!
Edit: And yes, it is true that we complain about Spain a lot, and hate on it a bunch, but if someone else foes it we get annoyed

[evawidyasari]

I agree with the point about criticism XD I feel annoyed if someone criticize about the country where I am from or where I live, but I myself can criticize it :D Great video!