The world’s “happiest country” is offering singles from around the globe a chance to meet someone special over candlelit dinners, Finnish delicacies and a unique four-day travel experience.
Finland is putting a romantic twist on culinary tourism, inviting 16 single travelers from around the world to take part in a blind-dating experience designed to bring people together through food.
Organized by Visit Finland, the experience is part of the second phase of its Have Some Finnish campaign, which aims to introduce international visitors to Finnish cuisine, culture and lifestyle.
Two exclusive dinner events, each featuring eight participants, will take place in Helsinki and Tampere between February 9 and 19.
In Helsinki, guests will enjoy a tasting menu prepared by Adele Kinnunen, head chef at Café Savoy. In Tampere, chef Henry Tikkanen will create a special menu for the occasion.
The four-day culinary journey will also include exclusive group dining experiences featuring Finland’s official tasting menus, launched earlier this year.
A Taste of Finland — and Possibly Romance
Finnish cuisine offers a distinctive approach to dining, built around seasonal ingredients and the country’s natural surroundings. Local specialties include wild-caught fish, game, foraged berries and mushrooms.
According to Visit Finland, the initiative is designed for food-loving travelers seeking experiences beyond Europe’s traditional culinary destinations.
“Finnish food is a direct expression of our famously happy way of life: a way of connecting to place, to season, and to the people around you,” said Heli Jimenez, senior director of international marketing at Business Finland.
“Food brings Finns together, and now we are inviting travellers to join us in a truly one-of-a-kind way.”
The campaign also highlights traditions such as sauna-related food culture and foraging, offering participants an opportunity to discover the stories and customs behind Finnish cuisine.
How to Apply
The experience is open to single applicants from around the world. To enter, candidates must submit a short video answering one question:
What would you serve on a dinner date, and why?
Applications close at 10 a.m. on November 10, 2026, with the selected participants set to be announced on December 1, 2026.
Whether the trip leads to romance, a new appreciation for Finnish food or simply an unforgettable travel experience, Visit Finland hopes participants will leave with a lasting connection to the country.
As Jimenez put it, visitors to the world’s happiest country may find love “with each other, with Finnish food or with their new favourite travel destination.”
