Same same but different
- The Hülber family moved from Hungary to Uusikaupunki when the twins, Vera and Edit, were just six months old. Now, as the sisters approach adulthood this summer, they feel they have grown up in an almost perfect environment.
Do you know what Vera and Edit Hülber have in common with lichen? They both thrive in Uusikaupunki.
“This might sound like a bit of a lichen story,” Edit laughs, “but lichen only grows where the air quality is good. So basically, that tells you Uusikaupunki has clean air.”
Edit is the red-haired twin who always keeps her hair tied up. Vera, on the other hand, just as consistently lets hers flow freely. At first glance, it’s hard to tell them apart, though if you look closely, even their eyeglass frames are slightly different.
“We do have another pair that’s exactly the same,” Vera adds with a laugh.
Vera is the more outgoing of the two, while Edit is more introverted. Edit is more athletic, whereas Vera leans slightly more toward music. Vera tends to hold firmly to her opinions, while Edit is more willing to give in.
“We do argue quite a bit,” Edit admits, “but we rarely get truly upset with each other. If we do, we spend an hour apart, and then I go to Vera to make peace.”
Despite their differences, they share far more in common. Both value equality and education, and both are interested in pursuing studies related to sustainable development.
Even though being twins is a great strength, both Vera and Edit occasionally long for time on their own. Traveling independently, in particular, has broadened their perspectives.
“It’s wonderful to be a twin,” Vera says, “but when we’re together, people don’t always dare to approach us. We look alike and often speak Hungarian with each other. When you travel alone, you get to meet people and experience places as yourself—it’s refreshing.”
The sisters are currently finishing their second year at Uusikaupunki Upper Secondary School. Even though their schedules are getting increasingly busy, they say it has been a relaxed and enjoyable place to study.
“Our school is lovely! And the Wintteri building is really impressive too,” they say in unison.
“And our ‘Olds’ celebration was amazing—everything is always done so beautifully here, with the traditional town square dance and all.”
In just over a year, they will graduate and step into student life. The mathematically gifted sisters already have clear plans for the future: their goal is to gain admission to Aalto University through certificate-based selection, where their older sister Lili is already studying.
Vera dreams of studying biomaterials, while Edit is fascinated by the energy sector.
“In our family, our mother works in chemistry and our father in physics. Lili studies automation and robotics,” they laugh. “So I guess engineering runs in the family.”
Musical talent is also abundant in the family. Edit plays the piano and Vera the flute. They perform in different ensembles, but often play together as well.
A few years ago, Vera placed third in the national Young Flautist competition.
“At the time, I wondered if I wanted to turn music into a career,” she says, “but I realized I enjoy it too much—I don’t want it to become something I have to do.”
Although both sisters are excited about the future, they know they will miss their home in Uusikaupunki. The city’s warm and cozy atmosphere has provided an ideal place to grow up.
“Everything is so close here,” Edit says. “You don’t have to wait for rides—you can walk or cycle anywhere really quickly.”
“And the small town center is so charming,” Vera adds. “The wooden houses, the harbour, the sea…”
There’s also no shortage of activities for children and young people.
“There’s everything here—swimming hall, ice rink, ski tunnel, frisbee golf…” they list. “And music is really well supported too, with great opportunities for hobbies.”
Finally, Vera and Edit say, almost in unison, what matters most:
“There are such nice people here!”
And really—what more is there to add?
The “Olds” dancing 2026 (video)