Viikonloput

Viikonloput refer to the two days at the end of the week in Finland: lauantai (Saturday) and sunnuntai (Sunday). The term is the plural form of viikonloppu, meaning the weekend. In Finnish work and leisure culture, weekends are traditionally a period for rest from work and for leisure activities. The two-day rest period became common during the 20th century as working hours were standardized. Today many people work five days a week, typically Monday through Friday, leaving Saturdays and Sundays free, though some occupations and service sectors operate on weekends.

Common weekend activities include time with family and friends, outdoor recreation, sports, hobbies, and domestic tasks such as cleaning or shopping. The sauna is a widely practiced element of Finnish weekend culture, often used as a social and relaxation ritual.

Retail and public services: Shops and government offices often have reduced hours on Sundays, and some are closed on Sundays or public holidays; however, urban areas tend to have Sunday opening hours. In contemporary Finland, weekend plans vary with age, location, and season; summers may feature longer outdoor activities, and winters may focus on indoor pastimes or skiing.

The concept of viikonloput is cultural rather than legal; laws regulate working hours and rest days, but the exact observance of weekends can differ by employer, municipality, and personal preference. See also viikonloppu, the singular form.