Just outside Helsinki, a show at the Gallen-Kallela Museum ties together Finnish epic poetry, local storytelling in many languages, and rarely seen artworks by a famous painter.

We asked the pros for recommendations about contemporary Finnish authors. Here they are, each with a book title to get you started.

You can no longer use your driving licence to prove your identity when collecting a new passport or identity card. Only a passport or an ID card can be used for proof of identity.

Finland is number one in the newest Good Country Index, which seeks to measure “what each country on earth contributes to the good of humanity.” We talk to the index’s creator, Simon Anholt, about what it means to be “goodest.”

Full of illuminated surprises, the annual Lux Helsinki light festival uses coloured beams to transform some of the city’s best loved buildings and streets in early January. You can see them in our photos without braving the cold.