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Mar 15, 2023 · You’re traveling to Helsinki in winter? Fantastic! I’ve compiled here my local’s tips about visiting Helsinki during the winter months. Helsinki is packed with wonderful, dare I say, heavenly, things to do in the winter. I’ll show you some of the coolest things around the city.
- 15+ Iconic & Adorable Helsinki Cafes By Neighborhood
Ullanlinna-Punavuori-Hietalahti area is stunning and most...
- Winter Beauty Essentials
On an average winter day, most younger Finnish ladies wear...
- Finnish Sauna Etiquette
Yup! There are three different saunas you can waltz your way...
- 15+ Iconic & Adorable Helsinki Cafes By Neighborhood
- Weather in Helsinki in Winter
- Christmas Markets
- Ice Skating
- Suomenlinna Fortress
- Sauna
- Take in The Architecture at Senate Square
- Old Market Hall
- Lux Helsinki
- Visit The Churches
- Nuuksio National Park
There’s no denying the fact that winters in Helsinki are cold. Between November and February, the average temperatures are -7 to 1 degree Celsius (19-39 Fahrenheit). So, it may come as a shock to you, that many of the Helsinki winter activities involve getting outdoors! As the saying goes, there is no bad weather, just bad clothing. So wrap up in l...
Putting it out there. I love traditional outdoor Christmas Markets: the cosy huts selling handcrafts on snow lined streets, the fairy-lights dancing in the sky, sharing smiles with rosy cheeked people, and, of course, wrapping my cold fingers around a hot mug of chocolate or glögi (mulled wine). The main Christmas markets are in Senate Square. Thes...
Is there anything more synonymous with winter holiday activities than going ice skating? Making memories, arm in arm with a loved one gliding around the rink, or giggling at how hard it is to stay upright! There are dozens of artificial ice rinks and fields to choose from in Helskini in winter, some of which are even free of charge! If skating isn’...
Just a 15 minute ferry ride from market square, atop 6 islands, sits the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Suomenlinna Fortress. Works began on this mighty maritime fortress in 1748. Sights to visit while roaming the fortress include King’s Gate, the great courtyard, the Prisoner-of-war camp memorial, and the Suomenlinna Church. You can also wander rou...
Saunas are an institution in Finland. In fact, did you know that Finland has approximately 3.3 million saunas? That is over 0.6 saunas per person! With this is mind, it would be almost a sin to stay in Helsinki in winter without visiting one. Your options range from traditional public bathing houses such as Kotiharjun Sauna to a more hands on, chop...
For a taste of neoclassical architecture, go for a stroll around Senate Square. This area, which forms the oldest part of central Helsinki, has some incredible buildings. The four main buildings on the square, the Helsinki Church, the Palace of the Council of State, the national library, and the main university building, were designed by architect ...
If you’re looking for some indoor Helsinki winter activities, and you’re keen to try some local food, head to the Old Market Hall. This traditional undercover market has been in operation since 1889, and has a vibrant and cheery atmosphere. Perfect for warming up on a winter’s day. Inside you will find merchants selling a variety of delicious ingre...
One of the best Helsinki winter activities is seeing the city magically lit up during the Lux festival. This festival of lights transforms the city for a few days in early January each year, bringing hope in the midwinter darkness. Featuring both national and international artists, exhibitions span across the whole city. While each year is differen...
One great way to get a feel for a city and its history is through visiting the churches. And boy, does Helsinki have some architecturally unique churches! If you’ve been to Senate Square, it’s impossible to miss the impressive Helsinki Cathedral. However, that’s not all Helsinki has to offer. My recommendations would be the underground rock church,...
If you’re coming to Helsinki for that winter wonderland feel, take a day out to the picturesque Nuuksio National Park. Just 30km from Helsinki, you can immerse yourself in snow covered pines while wandering one of the 2-8km trails. Hire snowshoes and go on an adventure, walk across a frozen lake, or try your hand at a spot of ice-fishing. To really...
Jul 5, 2024 · From blankets of snow under the low winter sun to hot traditional saunas and decadent hot chocolate, Helsinki is a wonderful option for winter travel, away from the busy crowds of other European capital cities searching for winter bliss.
- Olivia Ellis
- Walk Around Frozen Suomenlinna. There are several islands off the coast of Helsinki, including many where locals have their summer homes. In summer, these islands are probably at their best – people often spend the entire season there, enjoying nature and time with friends and family.
- Take a Helicopter Tour. During his first winter visit to Helsinki, Nick had the chance to take a helicopter tour over the city. You can imagine how envious I was, right?
- Have Sauna Followed by Ice Swimming. If you have a Finnish friend or you’ve ever visited, you’ll be familiar with the country’s obsession with sauna – second only to their love for coffee.
- Wander the Christmas Market. Are you visiting Helsinki in December and you’re a Christmas market lover? You’re in for a treat – there’s a super cute market in Helsinki!
- Go Ice Skating in Helsinki. One of the best things to do in winter is to go ice skating! And, youʻll find plenty of places to go ice skating in Helsinki.
- Drink Coffee in the World Coffee Capital. The Finns really do drink more coffee than any other nation and it is said that they drink up to 8-9 cups of coffee… per day!
- Try Floating in a Survival Suit. It is only a 1.5-hour activity and it is one of Helsinkiʻs best-rated! You basically get to pretend youʻre on an Arctic adventure and put on a thick floating suit!
- Enjoying Helsinkiʻs Best Hot Chocolate. Finns are famous for their coffee drinking but did you know that they make a mean hot chocolate too? Donʻt worry, we already covered coffee in the guide (I couldn’t leave that out) but you’ll find plenty of delicious cups of cocoa in the city and it is imperative to give one a go!
Jan 23, 2024 · While Finland’s capital is an exciting city all year round, winter in Helsinki is a magical time. It’s cold, of course, but so long as you are prepared, it can be one of the best times to visit. Crowds are fewer, prices are lower, and the Helsinki winter scenery is a dream.
Oct 17, 2023 · 1. City & Suomenlinna Guided Tour (Helsinki’s UNESCO site!) 2. Helsinki Architecture Tour (the best of the city’s design!) 3. Helsinki Card (free public transit and museum entry!) 🛏️ Best Helsinki Hotels. 1. Hotel St. George Helsinki (lovely design hotel with lots of art!) 2. Scandic Simonkenttä (mid-range Nordic chain hotel) 3.
Top 10 Best Luxury Hotels Helsinki Winter. 5 Star Small Luxury Hotels.
