13 Traditional Summer Foods in Finland You Need to Try

Traditional summer foods in Finland may start with berries and sauna snacks, but there’s so much more to explore, from hearty outdoor meals to fresh seasonal delicacies that define the Finnish summer experience

Even though berries and sauna snacks (looking at you, grilled sausage) are amazing and basically summer classics here, trust me, there’s so much more waiting for you beyond those familiar bites! Finnish summer food is this whole vibe, fresh, simple, and full of surprises that really capture the magic of the season.

Also, let me just say, summer food in Finland is hands down my absolute favorite. Like, almost as good as Christmas food. And if you know anything about Finnish Christmas, you know that’s a massive compliment, because both seasons are something we look forward to all year long.

So, if you’re planning a trip to Finland during summertime, here’s a little heads-up: forget Burger King and all the usual fast-food stops you might be tempted to make. Instead, get ready to dive into some seriously fresh, local flavors that will totally blow your taste buds away—and maybe even change what you think about Finnish food altogether.

Ready to see what’s on the menu? Let’s dive in and explore the delicious side of Finnish summer together.

New potatoes

Ahhh, Finnish summer doesn’t officially start until you’ve had your first plate of buttery new potatoes, fresh dill, and maybe a sprinkle of sea salt. It’s the simplest dish but somehow one of the best. Trust me, we wait all year for this.

In our family we eat new potatoes with a huge chunk with butter. I know it might sound weird, but it’s the best thing ever!

Grilled sausage

If you haven’t grilled sausages by a lake in summer, can you even say you’ve experienced Finland? It’s basically a national pastime. Bonus points if you serve it with mustard (or ketchup like I secretly do) and eat it straight off a fork, just like many Finns do

Pickled herring

This one’s for the adventurous eaters! Pickled herring is a true Finnish summer classic, especially during Midsummer. It’s salty, tangy, and best enjoyed with buttery new potatoes. My mom is obsessed! She always says, ‘I could live on pickled herring and new potatoes for lunch and be perfectly happy.’

Fresh berries

Finnish berries just hit different. Raspberries, bilberries, cloudberries, and the juiciest strawberries you’ll ever taste. You’ll spot locals filling their buckets in the forest or buying them from little roadside stands and bustling city markets.

Summer vegetable soup

This creamy veggie soup is basically summer comfort in a bowl. Made with seasonal vegetables like carrots, peas, potatoes, and fresh herbs. It’s light but cozy, and one of those traditional dishes that tastes like childhood for many Finns. (though I’ll admit… I have never been a fan 😅)

Fresh peas

Honestly, fresh peas are the underrated snack of Finnish summer. You’ll find people walking around markets and festivals just popping open the pods and munching away. So simple but so nostalgic for anyone who grew up here.

Muurinpohjalettu (thin campfire pancakes)

These thin, crispy pancakes are the ultimate campfire treat. Cooked on a big griddle over open fire, usually topped with fresh berries, jam, or sugar. They’re kind of a big deal at summer cottages and outdoor gatherings and yes, you’ll want seconds (or thirds).

Crayfish

Crayfish parties, or rapujuhlat, are a whole thing in Finland. Picture: big outdoor tables, funny hats, lots of snaps (both the drink and the music kind), and piles of bright red crayfish. It’s messy, delicious, and an absolute must if you’re visiting in late summer.

Perch

Perch is one of Finland’s favorite freshwater fish and it’s often pan-fried to golden perfection during summer. If you get the chance to catch and cook it yourself by a lake, do it. There’s nothing better than a fish that went from water to plate in under an hour.

Mushrooms

Late summer and early autumn is mushroom season, and foraging is practically a national sport. Chanterelles (kantarelli) are the prize find, golden, delicious, and often fried up in butter or added to creamy sauces. Even if you don’t pick them yourself, you’ll see them everywhere on menus.

Herbs

Fresh herbs like dill, chives, and parsley are everywhere in Finnish summer cooking. They bring that extra pop of freshness to everything from potatoes to fish to soups. If you’re cooking at a cottage, you’ll probably end up snipping them straight from the garden.

Blueberry pie

Blueberry pie is like the queen of Finnish summer desserts. Made with juicy wild blueberries (which grow everywhere here), it’s usually served with vanilla sauce or ice cream. You’ll find it at every summer café, market, and family gathering. Pure heaven.

Strawberry cake

If summer in Finland had a flavor, it would be fresh strawberries. And turning them into a pie? Perfection. Juicy, sweet, and light. Finnish strawberry pie is one of those simple joys that just feels like sunshine on a plate.

Finnish summer is short but oh, it’s sweet and honestly, the food is a big reason why. From fresh berries you can eat by the handful to sausages straight off the grill, these dishes just taste like summer here.

So if you ever find yourself in Finland during the sunny season, make sure you try at least a few of these. It’s the most delicious way to experience Finnish summer.