30 Oct Winter vs Summer: The Best Experiences In Helsinki
With Winter fast approaching the northern hemisphere (and our love for Helsinki still as strong as the day we left it), we thought we’d do a fun comparison of things to do in the Winter months vs the Summer months. In case you were considering a quick break there this Winter (or you’re already scoping out locations for your Summer break in 2019), fear not – we have some of the best experiences outlined right here.
So sit back, take a big sip out of that Moomin mug you hold dear to you, and let’s get into it:
Winter vs Summer – The Best Experiences In Helsinki
Let’s begin with the chilly months…
Ice Dips and Warm Saunas – What To Do In Winter
Saunas are a HUGE part of Finnish tradition. Finland has over 3 million saunas (which is even more impressive when you know that there’s only 5 million people in the whole country). You can easily have a sauna evening in your apartment block or house (#funfact most homes in Helsinki are built to include saunas), or you can visit one of the many public saunas available. There are great wood-heated saunas, like Sauna Arla, Kulttuurisauna, Kotiharjun sauna, but our vote for best sauna in Helsinki has to go to Löyly, located right on the water of the bay. Löyly has two separate rooms, each heated by large stoves, and there’s a restaurant, terrace, bar, (and perfect access to the frozen coast in the winter). A highlight for us was definitely taking a dip in the icy sea, and then running back to the sauna to warm up, so make that number one on your list of things to do in Winter.
Enjoy A Winter Wonderland by Snowshoe – What To Do In Winter
Nuuksio National Park is a very short distance from the Finnish capital (around 40km or so), so of course it needs a mention here, as who wouldn’t want to enjoy nature’s beauty during this time?! Frosted tree tips, white hills, and the rarely spotted flying squirrel are some of the beautiful sights you can enjoy while the light lasts. There’s also no better way to experience the park, than with snowshoes. We rented some during our visit and cannot recommend the activity enough. Remember to pack some extra batteries for your camera though, as extended time in the cold temperatures will definitely wear your tech out (and you’ll definitely want to capture that amazing Winter light).
Catch A Boat Across the Frozen Sea – What To Do In Winter
If you’re looking for an adventurous way to explore Helsinki, why not travel across the frozen sea to the Fortress of Suomenlinna. The ice doesn’t affect the ferries (they can break it on their own without icebreakers), so you’ll get a chance to travel across frozen waters (this alone will make a fabulous InstaStory), and then enjoy a calming walk through the peaceful island, known for its colourful wooden houses.
…Or Just Walk On The Sea Yourself – What To Do In Winter
If you come during the coldest time (normally during February) you may get the chance to walk on the sea itself (the ocean beside the Helsinki neighbourhood of Ullanlinna, for example, becomes a Winter playground for the Finns). Please be careful though – talk to locals and find out first if the waters are thick enough before you venture out and end up (unintentionally) in the frozen waters (with no more sauna nearby).
Tuck Into Some Gin – What To Do In Winter
Finns are world-renowned for their love of alcohol, and more recently, artisan gin drinks have taken the Scandinavian nation by storm, so it’ll be difficult not to try some during your visit. One of the most popular is the Original Finnish Long Drink – a gin and grapefruit soda invented for the 1952 Olympic Games (held in Helsinki, of course). If gin is not your thing, you can try some of the other local brews (all of this is a ploy to keep you warm, of course) like “Lonkero”, a sweet, premixed alcoholic beverage that tastes like lemonade, or “Salmiakki”, with hints of licorice (although a lot saltier and stronger than sambuca, so be careful).
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bpbvel8Bro8/?taken-by=originallongdrink
Now for the Summer months…
Kayak At Midnight – What To Do In Summer
Why not take advantage of the looooong days, and take a kayak tour at midnight…because you can. You’ll meet your guide at 9pm and be back by 1am. Besides exploring the archipelago by kayak, the tour will include a stop off to make a fire and enjoy some sandwiches and sausages (the Scandinavian way, of course – sausage on a stick, placed in the fire). Summer bliss.
Visit the Amos Rex Museum – What To Do In Summer
If for no other reason than to photograph this quirky (and beautiful) building, Amos Rex should be on your must-see list. It is a new, private museum (it only opened in August 2018) and hosts everything from the most experimental, contemporary art, to 20th-century Modernism and ancient culture collections. It’s open everyday (except Tuesday) and consists of various underground exhibition spaces, the old Lasipalatsi (glass palace), and its Bio Rex cinema, which will host several film festivals (as well as regular film screenings on weekends).
Cruise the Islands – What To Do In Summer
You cannot afford to miss out on a sightseeing boat cruise of Helsinki’s islands. You’ll journey next to all 330 islands in the city’s archipelago, (hopefully) under a clear blue sky, passing many sail boats and other aquatic sites. Each island offers something different – from old military buildings on some, to long, sandy beaches with rich fishing grounds on others. Bring the camera along, keep one hand on the boat, and enjoy the fresh sea breeze and proverbial wind in your hair.
Go Photograph Squirrels and Foxes, a la Konsta Punkka – What To Do In Summer
One of our favourite nature photographers, aka squirrel whisperer, @kpunkka was born and bred in Helsinki. It is no wonder then, that one of the best locations to practice your animal photography, is right here in his playground – Seurasaari Island, just 5km from the city centre, and the place he started photographing squirrels. The Open-Air Museum on the island is only open in the Summertime, and offers the perfect display of traditional Finnish way of life. The island has a restaurant, a cafe, several kiosks, and a beach, so there’s plenty to do once you’ve captured your best squirrel shot too.
Hike (Or Cycle) the Art Walk Along Lake Tuusula – What To Do In Summer
Lake Tuusula alone will have many activities for you – swimming, fishing, sailing, or kayaking…but why not venture around this beautiful body of water and visit the Tuusula Art Walk, to experience the “golden age of Finnish art”, brought to life in the many house museums along the way. Lake Tuusula’s natural beauty attracted many Finnish masters of art, music, and literature to the area, so if it’s creative inspiration you’re after, this might just be the perfect (tranquil) escape.
*Bonus* All-Year-Round Experience
No matter what time of year you visit, if you’d like to get a quick, thrilling, and immersive tour of Helsinki, get yourself tickets to the Flying Cinema Tour of Helsinki. It’s a wild ride, and you’ll get to see an aerial view of the best sites in the city.
After enjoying the Finnish capital for just one week earlier this year (and making a bold statement that we’d be moving there) we can definitely say that Helsinki is one of the best places to be in the world. Whether you will be visiting just for a holiday (like us) or if you decide to stay for a while (um, like we want to) you’ll need to find housing for rent in Helsinki – just make sure you research the areas first, so that you’re close to your chosen experiences and it’s easy to explore the city.
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