Finnish coffee culture explained

Finns really love their coffee, kahvi. It’s poured everywhere, at almost any time of day, whether you’re in a city café, an office, a lakeside cottage, or the wilderness in Lapland. Coffee is usually paired with something sweet and shared in good company. It may sound like the Swedish fika, but Finland’s kahvitauko – the beloved coffee break – has its own distinct character. It’s often less ceremonious than fika, but deeply woven into everyday life.

Here’s everything you need to know about Finnish coffee culture.

Finland’s love affair with coffee began in the 18th century, when the drink first arrived. At first, it was a luxury reserved for the wealthy, but by the 20th century, coffee had become a daily ritual across society. Not even bans or wartime rationing could break the habit. During the 1940s, Finns brewed substitutes from barley and rye until real beans returned after the war years. 

Today, Finns drink on average four cups a day, the highest per capita consumption in the world. Finnish law even guarantees employees a coffee break. If you’re ever invited to a Finnish home, chances are the first question will be: "Would you like some coffee?" 

The most popular coffee in Finland is filter coffee, suodatinkahvi. If you walk into a Finnish café and ask for a coffee, filter coffee is what you'll be served. Finns often prefer lighter roasts over darker ones. You can add milk (maito) or sugar (sokeri) unless you like it black. The most common vegan milk alternative is oat milk (kauramaito).

Filter coffee is available everywhere, but for specialty brews and espresso-based drinks, head to a café (kahvila). In bigger cities, you’ll find trendy cafes with passionate baristas ready to cater for all your coffee needs. There are also unique local roasteries, like Lehmus Roastery in Lappeenranta, and Helsingin Kahvipaahtimo, Kaffa Roastery and the sustainable ROST Roastery in Helsinki – just to mention a few.

Perhaps even more than coffee, Finns love the outdoors, and no forest trip is complete without a coffee thermos. For a truly special experience, try traditional pot coffee made over an open fire, nokipannukahvit. This kind of campfire coffee is often found in the northern parts of Finland and is best served from a traditional cup, kuksa.

In Finland, coffee is best enjoyed with something sweet. Pullakahvit means coffee with a sugar-topped bun or a Finnish cinnamon roll (korvapuusti). It's a must-try, sweet ritual for everyone no matter if you're Finnish or simply visiting.

A sweet treat can also be a munkki (Finnish doughnut), mustikkapiirakka (bilberry pie), or perhaps simply a piece of excellent Finnish chocolate, like Fazer. Many cafés in Finland take pride in their freshly baked goodies, and you’ll surely find something you fancy.

For special occasions, it’s time for kakkukahvit (coffee with cake). Coffee and cake are served at birthdays, weddings, and other celebrations. Strawberry cake with whipped cream is a true classic, especially in the summer.

Cafés are everywhere in Finland, ranging from traditional coffee houses to modern hangouts.

In Finnish towns, people gather at marketplaces not just to buy fresh produce but also to visit a torikahvila – typically a coffee tent serving simple, hot coffee and pastries. In fact, you’ll find coffee tents at almost every public event, from political rallies to sporting tournaments. Another special stop is a latukahvila – literally a “café by the ski tracks” – often found in popular outdoor recreation areas.

In the summer, if you see a sign for a kesäkahvila, stop by. These cafés are pop-ups open during the summer months, and they’re usually something special, like a coffee house in an old manor.

Finns love their coffee and like to serve it too! Here's a hand-picked selection of one-of-a-kind coffee experiences from north to south from various Finnish service providers.

Below you'll find more coffee and dessert inspired stories from Finland.