Your nose can become, in this precise case, your best asset to land this atypical job abroad. Indeed! In Finland, the organization Visit Turku Archipelago is seeking a person with sufficiently clear nostrils to sniff out the pleasant scents of the Turku archipelago, which still comprises 20,000 islands. On the Saaristo site, literally “archipelago” in Finnish, the Nordic country explains being convinced that this region offers “the best smells in the world”.
“We now need a ‘Nose’ to snif f them and formalize this observation”, one can read in the press release, which shares a detailed job description and a promotional video presented by actor Lambert Wilson. “This is a genuine job, with a real contract and real pay. The only thing you need to bring is your nose”, it is stated. Jokesters, please refrain!
What missions?
The most serious and open-minded “noses” can apply for this five-to-seven-day mission scheduled for spring 2027, in May or June. It will be paid 2,000 euros gross, plus the statutory paid vacation allowance. Travel and accommodation will be covered by the local authorities. The work consists of traversing the islands guided solely by one’s sense of smell, exploring their natural scents: sea air, pine forests, damp rocks, wild herbs, bread fresh from the oven, blueberries from Pargas, or steam from the saunas of Rymättylä. Everything must be olfactively scrutinized.
The candidate will be required to document their experiences using photos and videos to first prove that the Turku Archipelago is the destination “that smells the best in the world”, but also to entice travelers to explore it. These contents will be used by Visit Turku Archipelago on social networks and other communication channels.
What profile are they seeking?
No degree from a perfumery school is required to apply. The ideal profile should be curious enough to “put their nose where others haven’t put theirs”, a lover of the finer things in life and comfortable discussing them on camera. The advertisement states that candidates must be at least 18 years old, authorized to work in Finland at the time of application and in May-June of the following year, and equipped with suitable gear for taking photos and videos, such as a smartphone.
Their presence on social media will also be taken into account in the selection.
To try your luck, you must publish a short video on a social network, Instagram or TikTok. The candidate should begin by introducing themselves, then pick an object, smell it, and explain what they perceive. “Show us your technique, because it matters. Tag @saaristo_finland, use the hashtag #SaaristoNoseJob and make sure your account is public so that we can see your video”, the announcement asks. Applications must be submitted before October 25, 2026 at 23:59 Finnish time or 22:59 French time. The name of the chosen “Nose” will be announced on November 17.
Finnish Minister of Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen on Monday urged EU member states to stop issuing tourist visas to Russians until Moscow ends the war in Ukraine.
She calls on the European Commission to “adopt stricter guidelines regarding the processing of visa applications by Russian citizens” and to “introduce the necessary amendments to EU legislation to implement a ban on tourist visas” in a declaration published by her ministry.
Finland seeks to broaden restrictions to other categories of Russians
“The aggression war waged by Russia against Ukraine is now in its fifth year. It is not normal for Russians to be able to travel to Europe to enjoy its lifestyle and freedoms, while their country bombs Ukrainians’ homes”, added Mrs Valtonen in this statement.
She also urged member states to join a letter addressed to the European Commission that, in addition to the ban on tourist visas, also advocates “Schengen visas for the inner circle of President Vladimir Putin, visa restrictions for Russian athletes, as well as (…) Russian fighters, former or present, to be decided by EU member states this summer”.
Finland – which shares 1,340 kilometres of border with Russia – has already ceased issuing visas to Russians for non-essential travel in 2022.
In September, the EU’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, said that the European Union should strengthen measures against the Kremlin, notably by re-examining the issuance of tourist visas, to counter Moscow’s “hybrid attacks”.
The country of Ms. Kallas, Estonia, has pushed for an EU-wide visa ban targeting Russian veterans of the war in Ukraine, a move supported by the Baltic and Nordic states.
In June, a group of European countries urged the EU to crack down on tourist visas for Russians in a joint letter.
More than 470,000 Schengen tourist visas were issued to Russian citizens in 2025, many of them multi-entry, according to this letter.
Exploring Finland, a country of vast natural expanses, where each season brings its own slate of unique activities. Whether you’re a winter sports enthusiast, a lover of Scandinavian design, or curious to discover the local culture, Finland offers a range of experiences tailored to the climatic and seasonal opportunities. Learn how to maximize your stay with planning adapted to the different times of the year. What to do in Finland? Here is a detailed guide to discovering activities and outings across the seasons.
1. Finnish winter: Northern Lights and Lapland activities
Winter in Finland transforms the country into a magical corner of Northern Europe, where snow-covered landscapes stretch to the horizon under a unique polar light display. In Lapland, around the town of Rovaniemi, nature-focused areas across Finland take on a spectacular dimension, especially in national parks such as Pallas-Yllästunturi or near Levi Fell.
Long nights favor aurora watching, while days are marked by snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and campfires in the heart of a forest frozen in time. The thermometer can drop very low, but the tourism infrastructure ensures comfortable conditions, making winter a premier destination for an extraordinary weekend, blending iconic sights with immersion in a stunning natural environment.
2. Spring in Finland: awakening nature and hiking
In spring, Finland reveals another facet of its landscapes, shaped by melting snow and the gradual return of life to rivers and forests. In the northeast of the country, the Oulanka River, whose flow carves spectacular gorges, becomes a reference point for hikers and photographers. National parks offer some of the best things to do in Finland: walking along the water’s edge, observing wildlife, and sharing a picnic against the backdrop of rejuvenated scenery. Tourist spots remain relatively uncrowded, making spring a perfect time to explore Finland with a more intimate atmosphere, conducive to a peaceful and structured discovery of the country.
3. Summer under the midnight sun: festivals and water activities
Finland’s summer is inseparable from white nights and endless sunsets, turning lake and coastal landscapes into living paintings. In the capital, architecture lovers appreciate the diversity of styles, while the islands of the Turku archipelago offer a string of tourist sites reachable by ferry. Further south, the Bengtskär lighthouse stands as a magical place facing the sea, ideal for admiring the subtle evening light. Canoeing, swimming, and simple meals based on local dairy products are part of the summer routine, making summer a favored season for travelers from around the world seeking a destination that blends nature, culture, and a relaxed way of life.
4. Autumn in Finland: vibrant colors and traditions
Autumn in Finland marks a strong visual and cultural transition, as forests don rich hues and religious sites and historic towns settle into a calmer rhythm. In Porvoo, the Porvoo River brushes past iconic wooden houses, while the characteristic wooden churches and the medieval cathedral attract visitors interested in religious and architectural heritage. This season is ideal for architecture and tradition enthusiasts who encounter tourist spots without overwhelming crowds. Autumn thus forms a coherent period for exploring Finland’s locales, balancing cultural heritage, local gastronomy, and changing landscapes within a setting conducive to an enriching weekend.
5. Finnish saunas: a timeless experience
Finally, regardless of the season, the Finnish sauna remains a central hub of social and cultural life, deeply rooted in the country’s identity. Found both in towns and deep in nature, often by a river or a lake, it ranks among the best things to experience during a stay. After the heat, some people join the cold water or simply enjoy the silence, facing the endless expanse of nature. This ritual, sometimes followed by a simple meal or a moment of sharing, embodies a balanced relationship with the body and the environment. The sauna is not merely equipment: it is a perfect place to understand Finland, its relationship to time, to the seasons, and to its most authentic places.
Finland is a destination rich in contrasts, where each season reveals unique treasures to discover. From the snow-covered vastness of Lapland to the bright nights of summer, through the vivid colors of autumn and the awakening of nature in spring, your stay in Finland will be an opportunity to experience varied and authentic moments. Plan your trip with seasonality in mind to fully enjoy what the country has to offer, both naturally and culturally.
What to do in Finland in winter? A season ripe for wonder and active exploration
Winter in Finland offers an exceptional setting for unique experiences. From the first snowfall, the country becomes a vast playground where dog sledding, snowshoeing, and snowmobile safaris shape the days. Beyond sports, the magic also occurs in Lapland villages, meeting Santa Claus, or during nocturnal observations of the northern lights. Traditional saunas, pillars of Finnish culture, allow for relaxation and immersion in local life. In winter, tourism in Finland becomes a lesson in nature and silence, combined with a deeply rooted Nordic lifestyle.
What to do in Finland with children? A country designed for family travel
Traveling in Finland with children proves particularly smooth thanks to child-friendly infrastructure and a range of activities designed for families. In Lapland, visiting the Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi is a must, as are dog sled rides and encounters with reindeer. Farther south, interactive museums like Heureka in Vantaa or the Moominvalley Centre in Tampere combine learning with entertainment. In both summer and winter, Finland’s accessible and safe nature lets youngsters thrive outdoors among lakes, forests, and wooden cabins. Finland thus emerges as a destination that is soothing, educational, and exotic for families.
What to do in Finland in the evening? Between quiet nature, lively culture and Nordic relaxation
While Finnish evenings may seem calm, they carry a vibe unique to the Scandinavian pace. In cities like Helsinki or Turku, the cultural life takes the lead with concerts, exhibitions, or screenings in arthouse cinemas. In rural areas and in Lapland, the evening becomes a time for renewal: aurora watching, a dip in icy water followed by a traditional sauna, or a meal around a wood fire. Finns place great importance on the evening’s privacy, making it a moment for contemplation and reconnection with the elements. In Finland, night does not mean withdrawal, but an inner experience.
This article was written with the help of artificial intelligence, then corrected, expanded and validated by the editors of the newsroom.
What if summer holidays became a real quest for fortune? In Finnish Lapland, a tourist resort is offering visitors the chance to search for a gold ingot valued at 20,000 euros. For more than two months, participants will have to follow a series of clues scattered across the landscapes of the Far North. An initiative aimed as much at delighting treasure hunters as at shedding light on a facet of the region that remains little known.
A Hidden Treasure at the Heart of Lapland
Known for its snowy winters, its Northern Lights, and its association with Santa Claus, Finnish Lapland seeks to attract visitors during the summer season. To achieve this, Levi ski resort, located in the north of the country, has devised a large treasure hunt called “Midnight Sun Hunt”, literally “Chase of the Midnight Sun”.
The event will kick off on June 18 at Levi’s tourist information center. Participants will need to register there and collect a first clue before setting off onto the region’s trails. The subsequent stages will lead them to explore various natural sites, points of interest and local attractions, in the hope of locating the valuable prize.
To maintain the suspense, new clues will be published throughout the summer. These will progressively narrow the search area until the reveal of the final clue, scheduled for August 22. At stake: a gold ingot worth 20,000 euros. The organizers note that it could be discovered as early as the first clues, so waiting for the end of the treasure hunt to win the big prize is not strictly necessary.
Located above the Arctic Circle, Levi is among Finland’s most frequented winter sports destinations. But once the snow disappears, the terrain takes on a radically different face. For several weeks, the Midnight Sun phenomenon provides nearly constant light, creating unique conditions for outdoor activities.
Showcasing a Summer Still Largely Unknown
Through this treasure hunt, local tourism players are primarily aiming to promote the summer season. According to Satu Pesonen, CEO of Visit Levi, this period remains largely underestimated by travelers. “Levi is mostly known for its winter, but Nordic summer remains unknown to many people”, she said in a Visit Levi press release.
The official believes that the Lapland landscapes reveal a completely different personality. “We want to give travelers a new reason to visit Levi when the sun never sets and the hillside landscape reveals a face entirely different from itself”, she added.
This strategy is part of a broader trend observed in several European resorts traditionally dependent on winter tourism. Faced with evolving tourist practices and the uncertainty linked to snow cover, many of them are now developing summer activities. In Levi, visitors can thus hike, mountain bike, paraglide, or raft. The treasure hunt thus complements this offering, delivering an immersive experience through the region’s landscapes.
The operation is organized in partnership with Agnico Eagle Finland, a gold-mining company based in Kittilä, and Levi Ski Resort. The organizers also emphasize environmental respect: participants must stay within authorized zones and preserve natural spaces. They also note that it will not be necessary to dig or damage the terrain in order to hope to lay hands on the famous gold ingot.
