Forget swiping on dating apps. Finland has a better idea for singles seeking adventure: a fully funded, four-day trip to experience its unique food culture, winter magic, and maybe even a spark of romance. Here's what you need to know.
A Culinary Trip with a Romantic Twist
Visit Finland, the
country's tourism board, is inviting 16 single adults from around the world on an unforgettable journey in February 2027. The initiative, called the 'Finnish Dinner Date', is designed to introduce international visitors to Finland's burgeoning food scene. Winners will be divided into two groups of eight. One group will explore the seaside capital of Helsinki, while the other will visit Tampere, a vibrant city in Finland's Lakeland region known as the 'sauna capital of the world'. The trip, taking place between February 9 and 19, 2027, is more than just a vacation. While romance isn't guaranteed, the experience is built around creating meaningful connections through shared meals and cultural exploration.
What's Included in the Experience?
This is an all-expenses-paid adventure. Visit Finland will cover round-trip international flights, private-room accommodation, all meals, and a fully hosted itinerary of activities for the four-day trip. Participants can expect a schedule packed with cultural and culinary experiences, including outdoor activities, sightseeing, and traditional Finnish sauna visits. The main event of the trip is a special group dinner. Each group of eight international guests will be joined by two local Finnish singles for a candlelit meal. The dinners will feature official regional tasting menus created by some of Finland's most celebrated chefs, offering an authentic taste of the local cuisine.
How to Apply for This Once-in-a-Lifetime Trip
The application process is open to singles aged 18 and older from anywhere in the world, as long as they are not residents of Finland. There is a two-step process to apply. First, applicants must record a short video in English answering the question: 'What would you serve on a dinner date, and why?'. This video must then be posted publicly on Instagram or TikTok, or as a public or unlisted video on YouTube, using the hashtag #FinnishDinnerDate and tagging the appropriate Visit Finland account. The second step is to complete the official online application form on the Visit Finland website and include the link to your video submission. The deadline is incredibly tight: applications close on November 10, 2026, at 11:59 AM Finnish time (EET).
The Inspiration and the Goal
The campaign was inspired by a charming local trend called 'sinkkukori', or 'single basket'. In some Finnish supermarkets, shoppers can use a pink basket to signal that they are single and open to meeting new people. Visit Finland adapted this quiet, organic way of making connections into an international tourism campaign. The primary goal is to showcase Finland's food culture, which is often described as Europe's last undiscovered cuisine. By bringing people together over food, the initiative aims to create a memorable and authentic introduction to Finnish hospitality, traditions, and the flavours that define its regions, from wild fish and berries to foraged mushrooms.
What Happens Next?
After the application window closes on November 10, the selection process begins. The 16 chosen participants will be contacted personally before a public announcement is made on December 1, 2026, via Visit Finland's official Instagram and TikTok channels. Selected winners should be ready to respond quickly to confirm their spot. One fun twist is that participants won't get to choose their destination; they will be assigned to either Helsinki or Tampere, with the location revealed upon confirmation of their selection. It's all part of the surprise and adventure that defines this unique opportunity.
