For the majority of the world’s population -30° C (-22°F) is a depth of coldness hardly imaginable, but during Finnish winters it can be a fact of life. I come from a part of the United States (Oregon) with mountains and snowy winters, but have rarely if ever been outside in such low degrees. It is a peculiar feeling and otherwise familiar objects and surroundings take on unexpected characteristics.

First of all, you have to take your winter clothing layering to a whole new level; 3 pairs of socks, 2 pairs of pants, 2 pairs of gloves – you cannot have too many layers in this weather. Any exposed skin stings and becomes numb in minutes. Locks of hair, eyelashes and beards become covered in frost. Upon taking your hand out of its glove to blow your ever-dripping nose, you don’t feel the cold, but rather an intense burning sensation after only 30 seconds. Your nostrils freeze with every inhale and defrost with every exhale.

On extremely cold days a fog hangs in the air while the sky is crystal clear, no clouds to insulate. And after a few weeks of sub-zero temperatures the lakes freeze. The city of Jyväskylä put out a notice in early January once the lakes were safe to walk on and residents promptly started traversing from shore to shore by ski, skate, bicycle and foot. The snow was cleared from a section of the lake to reveal the ice beneath for ice skating.

In Finland, the winter is a special time for sports and activities like those mentioned above, but additionally ice hole fishing and swimming. After steaming in a hot sauna, one can dip into the chilly water through a hole in the ice. It is said that the water below the ice is warmer than the air, though this knowledge doesn’t help much when you’re about to plunge in.

It is important to note that it is not -30°C every day in the winter in Finland. -30°C is a pretty low temperature even for Finns, but society keep functioning, children usually go to school, shops are open and people can be seen walking in the streets. It is my observation that while us newly arrived foreigners fearfully venture outside, wondering if it is possible for our eyelids to freeze shut, the locals and more seasoned residents just put on the appropriate layers and get on with life. If you are like me and are not sure what appropriate layers means, check out this helpful video.

Even the pigeons in downtown Jyväskylä figured out a clever way to stay warm by huddling in front of this warm air vent outside a department store! If you ever find yourself in -30°C, enjoy this unique experience and try to stay warm too!