A Fresh Perspective on Travel Every Day
Helsinki has served as Finland’s capital since the early 1800s, and its design was influenced by Russian architectural styles reminiscent of a miniature St. Petersburg. The city is rich in remarkable architecture, creating a lively urban environment that retains a small-town charm.
Established in the mid-16th century, Helsinki is a city that uniquely combines both historical and contemporary elements.
Helsinki, the capital of Finland, was established in the 16th century, but the city as it exists today predominantly developed in the 1800s. This transformation was largely influenced by the Russians, who designed Helsinki in a manner reminiscent of St. Petersburg, characterized by its wide avenues and neoclassical mansions.
Following our ascent to Pulpit Rock, we arrived at theScandic City Hotel Stavangeraround 1:30 am, feeling invigorated although fatigued. Consequently, I was quickly enveloped in slumber.
Although Helsinki wasn’t exactly at the top of my bucket list, fate took me there, and I’m incredibly grateful for it. It is one of the most serene places I’ve visited; I found it remarkably clean and felt very safe there. Join me as we explore the best free activities in Helsinki during the winter season.
Recently, I noted that the Nordic countries were scarcely represented in our content, prompting a swift need for correction. Consequently, I composed an extensive article detailing the Nordic nations, ultimately resulting in a series of posts categorized into three distinct parts. Each segment has been structured based on the neighboring countries up north. Thus, we commence our Nordic Expeditions with an exploration of Helsinki!
Helsinki is a captivating city with an intriguing history, impressive architecture, innovative design, and fantastic food. Light and airy in the summer and a snowy wonderland in winter, Finland’s capital can be enjoyed year-round.
Spending time in Helsinki’s relaxed wine bars, steamy saunas, cheap and cheerful restaurants, and inspiring art galleries are just some of the top tips for coping with the city’s notorious ‘Brrr!’ factor. Unless you’re brave enough for an icy Baltic Sea dip that is…
It’s Friday at 8pm and, somewhere in the Baltic Sea, a ferry is sailing through icy waters. There is a party aboard: pints of beer are being slung in an on-board pub where people are enjoying contemporary hits played by a two-man band. Adults are relaxing with cans of something boozy, indulging in arcade games, or simply sipping beverages in the Arctic wind on an open-air deck.
Explore enchanting day trips from Helsinki, Finland, including:
Of the five Nordic countries, Finland might be the least familiar to travelers. While hordes have descended upon the Scandinavian capitals of Oslo, Stockholm, and Copenhagen — and Iceland’s Reykjavik, of course — Helsinki remains an under-the-radar gem. This small capital city is one of the most alluring destinations in Northern Europe, offering a plethora of attractions from historic UNESCO sites to design museums to beautiful parks, alongside the kindness of local Finns and the warmth of their famous saunas.