Why Helsinki in the middle of winter? Because my two most important rules of travel were in sync - go where you know someone who is local and embrace what is the most true to the area. Who does winter better than the Finns, who have a sauna in every apartment building, if not actual apartment. Not going to lie, it is cold beyond cold so dress accordingly! Helsinki downtown can be covered quickly, but take time to enjoy the food, the shops and the saunas. January is the time to go!
 |
| Crisp Nights on the Water |
The Essentials:
1) Finnair is lovely with easy connections all over Europe - bus from airport is best option to town. Plan your winter schedule ahead - sun sets around 3pm and rises at around 9am.
 |
| Like landing in space |
2) Restaurants- Strindberg was incredibly cozy and served all the local food which is a lot of meat (reindeer), potatoes, seafood (arctic char, shrimp), Karelian pastry with rice, lingonberry sauce. Ask the locals, they will proudly suggest good options.
3) Don't forget the cinnamon rolls at the very quaint Regatta Cafe by the Sibelius.
 |
| Cinnamon Roll heaven |
 |
| Sibelius Monument |
4) Hotels - Kamp Hotel is rustic and quaint. Great spot for lunch and to warm up.
5) Shopping- there are amazing home decor stores all over Finland, Nugat was my favorite. Great fur and wool products. Stockmann is a great go-to department store.
 |
| Shopping in Downtown Helsinki |
6) Summer is amazing as well I am told, with ferries to Stockholm and Tallinn, Estonia. Can't wait to go back and visit for that.
7) Lovely markets and coffee shops as Finns consume some of the most coffee globally.
Comments
Post a Comment