Clear News | Wednesday 5.8.2026

Border tourists. Alko opening hours. Donkey shortage. Weather.

Eastern border tourists

First, news from the eastern border.

Finland’s eastern border is of interest to tourists.

Tourists visit the border, even though it has been closed since December 2023.

The border was closed when Russia began allowing asylum seekers to cross it into Finland.

Several tourists still visit the border crossings in southeastern Finland every week.

American Jason Blom visited Vaalimaa in July. He was surprised to find that the border between Finland and Russia is actually completely closed.

Since the road to the border is closed, tourists visit the fences and then leave.

Alko opening hours

Then news about Alko stores.

Alko plans to expand its Sunday opening hours.

The change to the Alcohol Act came into effect at the beginning of July. Since then, Alko stores have been able to open on Sundays as well.

Alko has a total of approximately 360 stores. 35 of them are now also open on Sundays.

Alko plans to expand Sunday opening hours to new stores.

Alko says that customers have received good feedback about being open on Sundays.

Donkey shortage

Finally, the topic is donkeys.

There is a shortage of donkeys in Finland.

The new animal welfare law states that donkeys must be accompanied by a fellow animal of their own species, i.e. another donkey.

Until now, donkeys have often had a pony or horse as a companion. However, research shows that donkeys and horses cannot fully understand each other. That is why donkeys need a donkey companion.

Dozens of donkey owners now want to buy another donkey. That’s why there is a shortage of donkeys in Finland.

Thursday’s weather

Still a weather forecast.

On Thursday, the weather will be rainy in most parts of the country and there may be thunderstorms.

The wind is gusty in the southern and central parts of the country.

Temperatures will remain below 20 degrees in parts of the country.