Finland is offering 16 lucky singles from around the world an all-expenses-paid trip to experience its unique food culture and hospitality. Here’s a look inside the 'Finnish Dinner Date' and how you could be on a plane to Finland in 2027.
What is the Finnish Dinner Date?
Visit Finland,
the country's official tourism board, has launched an initiative called 'Finnish Dinner Date'. The campaign will select 16 single adults for a free, four-day hosted trip to Finland between February 9 and 19, 2027. The goal is to introduce international visitors to Finland's burgeoning food scene and unique culture. The experience is not a formal matchmaking service, but rather a chance for people to connect over shared meals and cultural activities. The inspiration partly comes from a local trend called 'sinkkukori', where single Finns carry pink baskets in supermarkets to show they are open to meeting new people. The campaign builds on the success of previous efforts to showcase Finnish life, offering a unique blend of travel, food, and social connection.
The All-Expenses-Paid Itinerary
Winners of the Finnish Dinner Date will have nearly all their expenses covered. Visit Finland is providing return flights, accommodation in a private room, all meals, and a fully hosted itinerary of activities. The 16 participants will be split into two groups of eight. One group will travel to Helsinki, the vibrant seaside capital, while the other will visit Tampere, a city in the picturesque Lakeland region. The four-day itinerary is packed with culinary and cultural experiences, including sightseeing, outdoor excursions, and traditional Finnish saunas. The highlight of the trip is a group dinner where the international guests will be joined by local Finnish singles.
A Culinary Journey with Top Chefs
Food is the heart of this experience. The group dinners will feature special tasting menus developed by some of Finland's most acclaimed chefs. In Helsinki, the menu will be crafted by Adele Kinnunen, head chef at Café Savoy and a former MasterChef Professionals contestant. In Tampere, the culinary experience will be overseen by Henry Tikkanen of the restaurant Gösta, who has represented Finland at the prestigious Bocuse d'Or international culinary competition. The dishes will highlight traditional Finnish ingredients like wild fish, berries, and foraged mushrooms, showcasing the deep connection between the country's cuisine and its natural landscape.
Who is Eligible to Apply?
The application is open to single adults aged 18 and older from around the world. The only major restriction is that applicants cannot be citizens or residents of Finland. Applications must be submitted individually, as joint or couple applications will not be accepted. Since the program will be conducted entirely in English, applicants must be comfortable communicating in the language. Visit Finland has stated they are actively looking to create a diverse group of winners from various countries, backgrounds, and age groups. While the trip is free, winners should be prepared to handle any necessary visa and travel insurance requirements on their own.
How to Craft Your Application
The application is a two step process. First, candidates must create a short video in English answering the question 'What would you serve on a dinner date, and why?'. This video should be posted to Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube using the hashtag #FinnishDinnerDate and tagging Visit Finland's official account. Your social media profile must be public for Instagram and TikTok entries, though YouTube videos can be unlisted. After posting the video, applicants must complete the official online application form on the Visit Finland website and include a link to their video submission. A judging panel will evaluate entries based on creativity, authenticity, and the personal nature of the response. The deadline for applications is November 10, 2026, at 11:59 a.m. Finnish time.
