🏒 A fan's guide to Finland: hockey, rallies and marathons without the chaos
In Finland, sport isn't just about the stands, it's in people's hearts.
Here, kids skate before they can walk, adults run marathons for fun, and the sound of rally engines in Jyväskylä is almost a cultural norm.
If you're after a bit of a sporting buzz, you won't find a noisy crowd here, just a warm, friendly and respectful atmosphere.
Finnish fans know how to support their own team, but they do it with good humour and in a restrained way.
Here's a full guide on hockey, Rally Finland, marathons, rules, life hacks, tickets, weather and honest observations.
🏒 Hockey in Finland: how to buy tickets and what you need to know
Finland is one of the strongest hockey nations in the world.
Legendary clubs play in the Liiga: HIFK, Tappara, Ilves, Kärpät, TPS.
Where to watch the games
● Helsinki — Helsinki Ice Hall / Bolt Arena (HIFK)
● Tampere – Nokia Arena (Tappara & Ilves)
● Oulu — Oulun Energia Areena (Kärpät)
● Turku — Gatorade Centre (TPS)
A pleasant surprise: Finnish arenas are almost always cosy and modern.
Tickets
● Buy in advance, as top derbies sell out quickly.
● Prices: €12–45 depending on the match and section.
● E-tickets are standardised — they are scanned quickly and there are few queues.
Behaviour
● Finns don't swear — their fan culture is clean and friendly.
● There are lots of children in the arena — this is normal.
● Alcohol is sold, but no one gets rowdy.
Moving on to the next sport —
a different sound, a different speed, different emotions.
🚗 Rally Finland: Europe's premier rally event
Jyväskylä is the capital of rallying.
Every August, thousands of fans gather here, and the city is transformed into a dense stream of adrenaline, dust, the smell of petrol and pure happiness.
What is Rally Finland?
● A stage of the FIA World Rally Championship
● The legendary "Finnish jumps" — long jumps
● speeds that make the pine trees shake
Where to watch
● Häkkinen's Corner — the point where cars literally fly
● Ruuhimäki Jump — the most famous jump
● Harju Stage — a special urban section in the very centre of Jyväskylä
Tickets
● Price: €25–80
● VIP areas — €140–300
● Remote parking: allow extra time
● Clothing: waterproof, windproof, comfortable — dust is guaranteed
Let's move on to running — the most Finnish sport after ice hockey.
🏃♂️ City marathons Finland Style
Finns run all the time: in winter on the snow, in summer on the waterfront, in spring in the forest.
Marathons are a celebration, not a race for records.
Top marathons in the country
● Helsinki Marathon / Helsinki City Running Day
● Oulu Marathon
● Tampere Marathon
● Turku City Run
● Naantali–Turku Summer Run
● Midnight Run Helsinki — a legendary night-time race in August
Features of Finnish races
● Perfect organisation
● Water and isotonic drinks every 3–4 km
● Lots of volunteers
● Crowds of supporters, but without excessive noise
● Clean tracks and respect for every runner
🎒 Useful tips and life hacks for supporters
💡 1. Bring a thermos
Finns always drink coffee. And often at sporting events.
💡 2. Do not wear the opposing club's colours
The fan culture is relaxed, but respect is sacred.
💡 3. Dress warmly and wear waterproof clothing at rallies
The weather can change in 15 minutes.
💡 4. Arrive early for marathons
Roads are closed, so the route may be longer than expected.
💡 5. Only buy tickets from official websites
Finland does not like the grey market.
💡 6. Arrive at least 20 minutes early for hockey games
Finns are punctual, there are no queues, but you need to go through security.
💡 7. Helsinki and Tampere have great fan food
Hot dogs, korvapuusti, coffee, ribs... everything is hot and fresh.
Table: Which event to choose
Finland is a place where sport is not just a spectator sport, but a way of life.
Hockey is for the heart, rallying is for the adrenaline, marathons are for the soul.
There is always a sense of respect here: for athletes, spectators, nature, order, and the moment itself.
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FAQ
If it's a derby or a match between top clubs, tickets sell out in 1–3 days. For regular games, you can buy tickets on the day of the match, but the good seats will be gone.
A thermos, a waterproof jacket, trekking shoes, a seat cushion, gloves, dust goggles and a power bank. The weather and dust are the two main surprises.
The organisers run shuttles, but they fill up quickly. Without a car, it's more difficult. It's better to book accommodation nearby or use a taxi in advance.
The Oulu Marathon and Turku City Run are the "easiest" in terms of terrain. The Midnight Run is not competitive, but atmospheric, and is suitable for everyone.
Usually not. There are cafes and kiosks in the arena. Small bottles of water are allowed if the cap is removed.
Hockey is moderately priced, from €12 to €45.
Marathons cost €40–90.
Rally Finland — €25 to €80.
The most expensive items are accommodation and transport.
Yes, but without professional equipment. Drones are prohibited at rallies almost everywhere.
Of course. There are lots of children at hockey games, there are family zones at marathons, and children are allowed at rallies, but ear protection is required.
Helsinki, Tampere, Oulu and Jyväskylä are the best. Good transport, convenient venues, plenty of accommodation.
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