Forget swiping left and right. This February, finding a connection could involve a flight to Helsinki. Visit Finland is playing cupid with a new global campaign, offering sixteen singles a chance to experience romance in a winter wonderland.
An Invitation to a Finnish Date
In a novel
approach to tourism, Finland is offering an all-expenses-paid trip to sixteen single people from around the globe. The 'Finnish Dinner Date' initiative, organised by the country's tourism board, Visit Finland, aims to introduce visitors to its overlooked culinary scene and unique culture. The campaign will fly the winners to Finland for a four-day experience between February 9th and 19th, 2027. The trip is not a reality TV show but rather an authentic cultural immersion designed to foster genuine connections through shared experiences. The idea was partly inspired by a local trend called 'sinkkukori', where shoppers use pink baskets to signal they are single and open to meeting new people.
What the Winter Trip Entails
Winners will be split into two groups of eight and sent to either the vibrant capital, Helsinki, or the city of Tampere in Finland's beautiful Lakeland region—a surprise twist, as participants won't know their destination until they are selected. The hosted itinerary includes classic Finnish winter activities like sightseeing and sauna visits. The main event is a group dinner date where the eight international guests will be joined by two local Finnish singles. These special dinners will feature tasting menus crafted by renowned chefs, showcasing Finland's official regional dishes and ingredients like wild fish, berries, and foraged mushrooms.
More Than Just a Free Meal
While the prospect of romance is a charming hook, Visit Finland emphasizes that the programme is not a formal matchmaking service. The goal is to connect people—to Finland's nature, its food, and each other—in a relaxed and authentic setting. Heli Jimenez, a senior director at Business Finland, noted that the initiative is a way to share the Finnish way of life, where food is a means of connecting to a place and the people around you. The campaign aims to create lasting memories, whether winners fall in love with a person, the food, or the country itself.
How to Apply for Your Spot
The application is open to single adults aged 18 and over from anywhere in the world, as long as they are not Finnish residents. The process involves two steps. First, applicants must create a short video in English answering the question: 'What would you serve on a dinner date, and why?'. This video must be posted publicly on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube with the hashtag #FinnishDinnerDate, tagging Visit Finland's official account. For those who prefer privacy, an unlisted YouTube link is also an option. After posting, candidates must complete the application form on the official Finnish Dinner Date website and include the link to their video.
Deadlines and Details
Aspiring travellers should act quickly, as the application deadline is Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at 11:59 AM Finnish time (EET). The sixteen winners will be contacted personally before a public announcement on Visit Finland's Instagram and TikTok channels on December 1, 2026. The prize is comprehensive, covering roundtrip flights, accommodation in a private room, and all scheduled meals and activities for the fourday trip. Winners will only be responsible for their own travel insurance, visa arrangements, and personal spending money.
