Meet the Finns in their Homes

Cozy Finland offers tourists the opportunity to meet with Finns in their homes for coffee, dinner, and socialization.

© Lisa Sabol-Sikorski

Cozy Finnish Dinner Table, Lisa Sabol-Sikorski
I talk with Kirsti Sergejeff, proprietor of Cozy Finland, about why home visits are a rewarding way to go beyond the popular tourist sites and get to know the Finns.

Q: How did you get the idea to start Cozy Finland?

A: I have traveled and seen tourist sights all over the world. On a trip to Gambia, I was in a five star hotel, but daily life was somewhere else. I thought it would be interesting to see real life, to see how people live and to discuss things, but it is hard to get to know people when you are a tourist. I first thought about starting this business four years ago, but I buried it in my mind as a "mission impossible." But, the more I thought about it, the more I thought I could do it.

Q: How do you find people who want to bring visitors into their home?

A: I have been very lucky because I have received plenty of media coverage. People contacted me and told me that they are interested in working with me. I have almost 150 hosts. One family even invited (former Italian Prime Minister Silvio) Berlusconi, who recently criticized Finnish culture and people!

Q: What types of Finnish people are interesting in hosting visitors?

A: I personally meet families who are interested in hosting visitors. People need to speak a foreign language very well. Many speak English and many speak other languages. My hosts are usually interested in cross cultural things. I check to see how many people can fit in their homes and to ensure that their homes are up to health and cleanliness standards.

Q: How do match visitors with hosts?

A: The language is important. Some people requests singles, couples, or families with children. Also, distance is a factor. Most hosts are in Helsinki, but I have some in Tampere, Turku, Kuopio, and Jyväskylä.

Q: What is your most popular activity?

A: Dinners and Sunday lunch. I will be offering more services, like a "Cozy Ladies Evening," where Finnish and foreign women can meet and socialize and "Bring Your Own Wine Evening" in a Finnish home. I have many more ideas, too. But, I do not want to be a dating service for foreign men to meet Finnish women.

Q: Do people get paid to host visitors?

A: Hosts are paid to cover the costs of the visit.

Contact kirsti.sergejeff@cosyfinland.com if you are interested in arranging a home visit on your next trip to Finland. Kirsti will email you a quote tailored to your request, but prices normally start around 57 euro.


The copyright of the article Meet the Finns in their Homes in Finland Travel is owned by Lisa Sabol-Sikorski. Permission to republish Meet the Finns in their Homes in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.





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