Finland has been in the grip of an intense cold snap over the past few days, with temperatures ranging from -20 to -35 degrees Celsius depending on where you are in the country.

While most of Tuesday morning's papers, including Helsingin Sanomat, report on spot prices for electricity hitting a new record high for this winter as demand surges, Ilta-Sanomat takes to the streets of the capital to hear what tourists think of the inclement conditions.

Chinese honeymooners Ziyi Yao and Biyu Wang tell IS they have enjoyed sampling Finnish food, but not so much the weather.

"Now it’s too cold," Wang said, as temperatures hit -20 in downtown Helsinki.

Same goes for Tanya Lopez and Ana Raminez, who travelled from Málaga, Spain, to experience winter in Finland, and they are certainly getting what they came for.

"The views are amazing," Lopez said, as she recounted their husky sled ride through Lapland's forests before their arrival in Helsinki.

Lastly, Londoners Claire Walls and Matthew Snow enjoyed walking on the sea ice just off Helsinki's market square — despite the cold.

"But this is nice. We don’t have anything like this at home, so for us, this really is a winter wonderland," Walls told IS.

The forecast for Tuesday suggests more of the same, with temperatures across the country hovering between -15 and -20 degrees Celsius.

Lavrov: Finland not welcome as mediator

Tabloid Iltalehti meanwhile reports on comments made by Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov, carried by the pro-Kremlin daily Izvestia.

According to Lavrov, Finland has lost its status as an honest broker in international diplomatic negotiations because of its decision to join Nato in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

IL writes that Lavrov repeated his oft-heard criticisms of Finland — that the Nordic nation is "short-sighted" and has aligned itself with the West’s "Russophobic" policies.

Because of this, he says, the Kremlin will never accept Finland as a mediator in any future negotiations over ending the war in Ukraine.

Iltalehti further notes that Izvestia has twisted the words of Finland’s former Prime Minister Mari Kiviniemi (Centre), implying she told a Czech news website that Finland should strive to restore relations with Russia.

Not so, IL states. Kiviniemi spoke in general terms about the importance of diplomacy.

"In typical Kremlin propaganda fashion, Izvestia has selected parts of the interview that support its own narrative of Finland’s supposed regret," the tabloid writes.

No women allowed

Tampere-based daily Aamulehti takes a rare peek behind the doors of the city's men's-only club, the Tampere Trade Association (Tampereen Kauppaseura).

Obtaining membership is not easy, and not for all.

People with ponytails or body piercings are not welcome, but those with a right-wing ideology and "good reputation" most certainly are.

"And, of course," Aamulehti notes, "you have to be a man".

Although a spokesperson for the club, which was established in 1886, tells the paper that the rules have been relaxed significantly over the years, many people in Tampere do wonder what exactly goes on behind its closed doors.

"The more suspicious townspeople have thought the club was a place for scheming and plotting, where the 'old boys’ network' pulls the strings and important decisions are made outside official processes," AL writes.

Amid the self-service bar, small library and billiard table, Aamulehti's reporter spots a women's restroom. In a men only club?

"This space is also rented out to outsiders," board member Pekka Pohjoismäki explains.

OK. But what about the elephant here in this tastefully-decorated room? This is 2026 Finland after all, a country that has long prided itself as a model of gender equality. How does that sit with an all-male club in the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant cities?

Club chair Kari Koskinen notes that members have been polled on the issue, and there appears to be no appetite for admitting women members.

"It’s somehow more relaxed and free. If women were present, everyone’s demeanour would change somewhat, but for some, it would change a lot," Koskinen says.

"I also believe the dynamics of member events would change radically if women were present," he added.