Allergies – A Finnish Springtime Essential 

Vol 27 Issue 25 17.04.2025 

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Everyone knows Finland is famous for clean air, calm lakes… and allergies? Yep. While the nature is stunning, it also brings along a whole army of allergens. And once you live here long enough, chances are—at some point—you’ll sneeze your way through spring. 

So, what kinds of allergies are we dealing with here? 

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Allergies in Finland: More Common Than You Think 

In Finland, allergies are no joke. They’re everywhere, and they come in many forms: 

• Food allergies – gluten (gluteeni), milk protein (maitoproteiini), and lactose (laktoosi) intolerance are super common. 

• Animal allergies – like to cats, dogs, or even horses. 

• Dust & mold allergies – especially when homes are tightly closed up all winter. 

• Pollen allergies – the main character of Finnish spring.

Spring Allergies: Meet the Main Villains 

Ah, spring! Sunshine, blossoms, birds singing… and pollen attacking from every angle. 

Here are the top pollen culprits in Finnish spring: 

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1. Birch (koivu) – Probably the most notorious one. Birch pollen peaks in late April to May, and it’s basically everywhere. 

2. Hazel (pähkinäpensas) – Comes early, just when you thought winter was still safe. 

3. Dandelions (voikukka) – Not the biggest allergen, but when they explode across the landscape and the wind picks up, expect a golden cloud of fluff invading your balcony, your windowsills… and your lungs. 

The thing is, sometimes you won’t even see the pollen—but your body will definitely feel it: sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose, or even just feeling super tired for “no reason.” 

Image credit: Dreamstime, Allergies Infographic Symptoms & Prevention
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So, What Can We Actually Do? 

Good news: Finland has been dealing with allergies forever, so help is available. 

Here are a few smart ways to survive allergy season: 

• Check pollen forecasts – Use the Yle Weather App or Finnish Meteorological Institute (Ilmatieteen laitos) to check “pölytysennuste.” 

• Physical protection – Sunglasses, keeping windows closed, washing your face and hair after being outside. 

• Over-the-counter meds – Antihistamines like Cetirizin, Loratadin or Aerius are sold at local Apteekki without prescription. 

• Nasal sprays & eye drops – Available too, and they work wonders if you react strongly. 

• See a doctor – If symptoms get worse, book an appointment at a health center for stronger treatment or allergy tests. 

Image credit: Dreamstime, Allergies Infographic Symptoms & Prevention
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A Final Thought 

Living in Finland means learning to coexist with nature—and sometimes, nature makes us sneeze. But with a little planning, a few meds, and maybe a stylish pair of sunglasses, spring can still be beautiful. 

So next time you’re outside and feel that itchy nose coming on… just smile, sneeze politely, and remember: you’re not alone!