Finland is offering a unique, all-expenses-paid trip for 16 single adults from around the world. This is your chance for a cultural deep-dive, complete with local cuisine and new connections. Here is what you need to know about the trip.
What is the Finnish Dinner Date?
Visit Finland,
the country's official tourism board, has launched an initiative called the 'Finnish Dinner Date'. It's an all-expenses-paid, four-day trip for 16 single individuals from across the globe, scheduled for February 2027. The campaign aims to introduce international visitors to Finland's burgeoning food scene and unique culture. The experience will take place in two of Finland’s most vibrant locations: the capital city of Helsinki and the city of Tampere, located in the scenic Lakeland region. Eight winners will be assigned to each city for a curated itinerary of cultural and culinary activities. While it's called a 'dinner date', it's important to note this is not a formal matchmaking service. The purpose is to foster connections through shared experiences, culminating in a group dinner where international guests will dine with local Finnish singles.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
The application is open to individuals from all over the world. There are a few key requirements. Applicants must be single and at least 18 years old. They cannot be citizens or residents of Finland. All applications must be submitted individually, and candidates should be comfortable communicating in English, as that will be the language of the program. Visit Finland has also stated it aims to select a diverse group of participants from different countries, age groups, and backgrounds.
What Does the Trip Include?
This is a fully funded experience. Visit Finland will cover the costs of round-trip international flights to Finland. Once there, winners will receive free accommodation in a private room for the four-day duration of the trip. The package also includes all scheduled meals and a full, hosted itinerary of activities. These activities are designed to offer a genuine taste of Finnish life and will include things like outdoor excursions, sightseeing, and traditional sauna visits. The main event is a special group dinner featuring a tasting menu from one of Finland's top chefs.
The Application Process Explained
The application is a two step process, and the deadline is fast approaching: November 10, 2026, at 11:59 a.m. Finnish time. First, applicants must record a short video in English answering the question: 'What would you serve on a dinner date, and why?'. Second, this video must be published on a public Instagram or TikTok account, or as an unlisted video on YouTube. The post must include the hashtag #FinnishDinnerDate and tag Visit Finland’s official account (@ourfinland on Instagram, @visitfinland.com on TikTok, or @VisitFinland on YouTube). After posting the video, applicants must complete the official online application form, making sure to include a link to their video submission.
A Cultural Exchange, Not a Romance Guarantee
The inspiration for the 'Finnish Dinner Date' comes from a local trend called 'sinkkukori', or 'single basket', where shoppers use specially coloured baskets to show they are single and open to being approached. While the campaign's branding is playful and romantic, its core purpose is cultural and culinary promotion. The main dinner event will see each group of eight international guests joined by two local Finnish singles for a shared meal, not a series of one on one dates. It's an opportunity to connect with Finns and other international travellers in a relaxed, friendly setting. This initiative follows other successful campaigns by Visit Finland, such as 'Rent a Finn' and the 'Masterclass of Happiness', which have focused on sharing the Finnish lifestyle with the world.
