Forget swiping right. Finland is offering a once-in-a-lifetime, all-expenses-paid trip for single adults to experience its culture and cuisine. Here’s what the 'Finnish Dinner Date' is all about and how you can apply for this unique adventure.
What is the Finnish Dinner Date?
The 'Finnish
Dinner Date' is a tourism campaign organised by Visit Finland, the country's official tourism board. It’s an invitation for 16 single adults from around the world to win a free, four-day trip to Finland in February 2027. The goal is to showcase Finland’s unique food culture, hospitality, and natural beauty. The experience combines travel, sightseeing, and culinary activities, with the main event being a group dinner where international guests will dine with a few local Finnish singles. While the name hints at romance, the organisers emphasise that it's about connection and cultural exchange through shared meals, not a formal matchmaking service. The idea is inspired by a playful Finnish phenomenon called 'sinkkukori' or 'single basket', where shoppers can use a pink basket to signal they are single and open to conversation.
Who is Eligible to Apply?
The application is open to almost anyone, with a few key conditions. Applicants must be single, at least 18 years old, and must not be citizens or residents of Finland. The campaign is looking for a diverse group of people from different countries, backgrounds, and age groups. Applications are for individuals only, so you can't apply as a pair or group. Finally, because the application video and the trip itself will be conducted in English, comfort with the language is a must.
What Does the All-Expenses-Paid Trip Include?
Visit Finland is covering nearly all costs for the 16 selected winners. This includes round-trip flights from your home country to Finland, all accommodation in a private room, meals, and a fully hosted itinerary of activities for the four-day trip. The trips are scheduled to take place between February 9 and 19, 2027. Winners will be split into two groups of eight. One group will travel to Helsinki, Finland's vibrant seaside capital, while the other will visit Tampere, a city known for its sauna culture and surrounding forests in the Lakeland region. However, you can't choose your destination; it will be a surprise revealed upon confirmation. Each group's itinerary will feature sightseeing, outdoor activities, and cultural experiences like a traditional Finnish sauna, culminating in the special group dinner.
How to Apply Before the Deadline
The application process is a twond step challenge with a very tight deadline. Applications close on November 10, 2026, at 11:59 a.m. Finnish time (EET). First, you need to record a short video in English answering the question: 'What would you serve on a dinner date, and why?' Second, you must post this video on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube using the hashtag #FinnishDinnerDate and tag Visit Finland's official account (@ourfinland on Instagram, @visitfinland.com on TikTok, or @VisitFinland on YouTube). While Instagram and TikTok profiles must be public for the entry to be seen, you can upload your video to YouTube as 'unlisted' if you prefer more privacy. After posting, you must complete the official application form on the campaign's website and include the link to your video.
Selection and What Happens Next
A panel of judges will review the applications, looking for creativity, authenticity, and a personal response to the video question. The 16 winners will be contacted personally before a public announcement is made on December 1, 2026, via Visit Finland's Instagram and TikTok channels. Successful applicants need to be quick to respond; the rules state they must confirm their place within 48 hours of the announcement, or the spot may be offered to someone else. So, if you decide to apply, keep a close eye on your inbox and social media notifications around that date. This is more than just a free holiday; it's a chance to immerse yourself in the culture of the world's happiest country and connect with new people through the universal language of food.
