Finland, frequently named the world's happiest country, is extending a unique invitation. Forget typical tourist trails; this is a chance for a free, four-day journey centered on food, culture, and connection.
What Is the Finnish Dinner Date?
The 'Finnish Dinner Date' is a special travel
campaign created by Visit Finland, the country's official tourism board. The initiative will bring 16 selected single adults from around the globe to Finland for an all-expenses-paid, four-day cultural and culinary tour in February 2027. The trip's main event is a group dinner that brings international guests together with local Finnish singles. This isn't a formal matchmaking service, but rather a relaxed and authentic way to experience Finnish hospitality and cuisine. The goal is to introduce visitors to Finland's food scene, which is deeply connected to nature and local traditions like foraging for berries and mushrooms. The idea was partly inspired by a local trend where shoppers use special baskets to signal they are single and open to meeting new people.
What the Hosted Journey Includes
The prize is a comprehensive, all-expenses-paid package. Visit Finland will cover round-trip flights from an international airport near your home to Finland. Upon arrival, winners will receive accommodation in a private room for the duration of the four-day trip, which runs between February 9 and 19, 2027. All scheduled meals and a full itinerary of organised activities are also included. These activities will feature cultural experiences, sightseeing, outdoor excursions, and traditional Finnish saunas. The culinary highlight will be a group dinner featuring a tasting menu from a top Finnish chef. Participants should note that they are responsible for their own travel insurance and any visa-related costs.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
The application is open to people from all over the world. The main criteria are that you must be single and at least 18 years of age. Finnish citizens and residents are not eligible to apply for this international campaign. All applications must be submitted individually. Visit Finland has stated it is looking for a diverse group of participants from different countries, age groups, and backgrounds who are genuinely interested in food, travel, and cultural discovery. As the program is conducted in English, applicants should be comfortable communicating in the language. The key qualities sought are authenticity, creativity, and a personal connection to the application question.
The Two_Step Application Process
Applying for the Finnish Dinner Date is a two_part process, and the deadline is fast approaching. Applications close on November 10, 2026, at 11:59 a.m. Finnish time (EET). First, you must create and post 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 the official Visit Finland account (@ourfinland on Instagram, @visitfinland.com on TikTok, or @VisitFinland on YouTube). While Instagram and TikTok posts must be public, YouTube videos can be set to 'unlisted'. The second step is to complete the official online application form on the Visit Finland website and include the link to your video. The 16 winners will be contacted directly and announced publicly on December 1, 2026.
An Adventure in Helsinki or Tampere
The 16 winners will be split into two groups of eight. One group will travel to Finland's vibrant capital, Helsinki, while the other will explore Tampere, a city in the heart of Finland's Lakeland region. Participants will not be able to choose their destination; Visit Finland will assign each winner to a city. In Helsinki, the special dinner menu will be crafted by Chef Adele Kinnunen of Café Savoy. In the Tampere region, the menu comes from Chef Henry Tikkanen of the restaurant Gösta. Both cities offer a unique glimpse into Finnish life, from Helsinki's seaside charm to Tampere's surrounding natural beauty, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all participants.
