After an adventure in Tromsø, a sojourn in Helsinki was needed. The vibrant capital of Finland is characterised by ornate neoclassical architecture amidst Alvar Aalto’s modernist constructions. Art Nouveau fans will salivate at the sight of Jugendstil buildings and nature lovers will appreciate the vast amount of green space the city has to offer. In the midst of winter, Helsinki is transformed into a winter wonderland. Take care when walking through the snow and ice. Although gravel is spread onto roads and paths to improve traction, it can still be very slippery.
“Nobody in their right mind would come to Helsinki in November. Except you, you badass. Welcome.”
Finnish Tourism board, 2016
Winter can be cold beyond comprehension, so pack wisely. We spent 4 days in Helsinki and could easily return for a longer stay in this badass city! Our apartment was based in the Töölö district, a quieter part of town. Helsinki is highly walkable, though in winter you may opt to catch a taxi or tram if weather conditions are unfavourable. Tram 2/3 offers a pleasant sightseeing route through the inner-city and is commonly used by locals. Planning a short visit to Helsinki in winter? Awesome! Looking for ideas and inspiration? Check out our favourite activities below.
Wander around the Töölö district
Take a leisurely stroll through Töölönlahti Bay and admire the frozen landscape.
Along the way, check out Finlandia Hall. The building overlooks Töölö Lake and Hesperia Park. This architectural icon is constructed of granite, marble and copper and serves as an events centre seating around 1700 guests. Its modern structure is complemented by nearby buildings: House of Music (Musiikitalo), Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art, Finnish National Parliament and the Finnish National Opera and Ballet.
Spot the gigantic set of organ-like pipes at Sibelius Park which pay tribute to Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. This large steel structure is known as the Sibelius Monument and was sculpted by Finnish artist Eila Hiltune in 1967.
Finnish National Parliament 
Finnish National Opera and Ballet 
Sibelius Monument
After a stroll through the cold, snow-covered park, head to amazing Cafe Regatta for some hot Glögi and korvapuusti (refer to Finnish food). The cafe is quaint, cosy and very thematic.
Visit the islands
In winter, Helsinki’s archipelago of approximately 330 islands is covered in a fairytale dusting of snow. Island hopping is popular in the summer, though most islands are inaccessible during winter. Cruising past the islands affords a quick glimpse of a beautiful wintry landscape. Spend a day wandering around Suomenlinna or jog through Kuusisaari, Lehtisaari, and Kaskisaari if you’re keen to do a bit of exercise.
Valkosaari island (pavilion + yacht club)
Explore Suomenlinna Sea Fortress
The UNESCO World Heritage site was constructed in the 18th century and served to defend Sweden, Russia and eventually Finland. Finland declared independence from Russia in 1917. Today, the retired fortress grants the opportunity to wander through maritime fortifications, tunnels, museums and shipyards spread across 6 islands over 210 hectares of land. It is currently inhabited by about 800 people who help to preserve the site. The fortress is a short 15 minute ferry ride (HSL Ferry) from Market Square.
You should allow a couple hours to walk to King’s Gate and back to the ferry terminal. The walk is not difficult but there is plenty to see along the way, with some amazing photo opportunities.
There are also some great cafes that serve delicious pastries, soups and great coffee. After snowfall, the fortress looks incredibly picturesque – perfect for photographers! Check out my Visual Diary of Suomenlinna.
Observe proceedings at iconic places of worship (and remember to be respectful):
Temppeliaukio Church (Rock Church) – a modern Lutheran church designed by the Suomalainen brothers which is built into solid granite bedrock. The copper dome ceiling is crafted 13m high and is surrounded by a circular skylight allowing sunlight to emanate into all crevices of the church.
Uspenski Cathedral – an Orthodox cathedral designed by Aleksey Gornostayev overlooking the city. Golden cupolas and redbrick highlight the Russian influence on this structure, which was built prior to Finnish independence.
Helsinki Cathedral – a Lutheran cathedral designed by Carl Ludvig Engel overlooking Senate Square. Can you spot the 12 Apostles nestled on the cathedral’s roof, guarding the city?
Temppeliaukio Church 
Uspenski Cathedral 
Helsinki Cathedral
Circumnavigate Senate Square
The square and its surrounds represent the old town of Helsinki. The Neoclassical backdrop of Helsinki Cathedral, Government Place, University of Helsinki and the National Library of Finland provide an ideal location for events and exhibitions.
Get festive at the Christmas markets
In December, Senate Square is filled with over 120 stalls offering handcrafted ornaments and toys, colourful paper lanterns, food and hot delicious Glögi! And if you love the Yuletide festivities as much as I do, be sure to visit Aleksanterinkatu – ‘The Christmas Street’ illuminated by glittering lights adorning decorated shop windows.
Senate Square
Learn about Finnish history at The National Museum of Finland
Museums are perfect for rainy days. The National Museum of Finland provides an impressive collection of artefacts with detailed descriptions. The museum is set up in a way that allows you to learn about the historical significance in a chronological order. Plus there are plenty of interactive experiences to engage the unlikely museum-goer.
Savour some Finnish food
There are plenty of culinary cuisines on offer in the city. As always, we aim to try the local delicacies. Be sure to reserve a table as Finns tend to eat earlier during the winter months and restaurants can be fully booked from as early as 4pm! When querying the locals about food recommendations, we received suggestions to avoid traditional Finnish dishes and try the local Italian, Indian or French restaurants instead. Granted, Finnish food doesn’t garner the best reviews, however we were determined to at least try some of the local specialties. Below is a list worth trying!
- Karjalanpiirakka – aka Karelian pies. Small pies filled with carrots, mashed potatoes or rice porridge. Don’t forget to smear some egg butter on top. These were super popular at the Christmas markets.
- Glögi – hot spiced wine with a sprinkling of slivered almonds and raisins (a Christmas fav!).
- Korvapuusti – cinnamon buns of deliciousness. Perfect with a morning coffee or Glögi on a cold, winter afternoon.
- Voisilmäpulla – buttery buns with cardamom sprinkled with sugar.
- Mustikkapiirakka – blueberry pie, what more is there to say?!
- Silli ja piimäkastike – potatoes with herring/fish roe. Typically served with butter, salt and dill.
- Poronkäristys – sauteed reindeer.
- Ruisleipä – a dense rye bread. Näkkileipä is the crispbread version, similar to Norwegian flatbrød. Both go well topped with avocado and smoked salmon.
- Leipäjuusto or Juustoleipä – cheese bread, great with cloudberry jam.
Warm up at the sauna
Finns love their saunas, so it’s not surprising that cars are easily outnumbered by the wooden steam boxes. Löyly is an eco-friendly wood-heated sauna that it powered purely by solar and wind energy. Yoga classes are offered and there is a restaurant overlooking the water which creates an idyllic city retreat. Taking a dip into the cold waters is optional, of course. Be aware of proper sauna-etiquette.
Shop at Stockmann’s
I am not a not a huge fan of shopping, however it’s worth visiting Stockmann – Scandinavia’s largest department store. The range of coats available is remarkable, especially compared to what is available back in my hometown (where temperatures rarely drop below 8°C). And shopping is great for days where your activities are stymied by inclement weather.
Final tip: Check out MyHelsinki if you’re planning a trip. There are so many excellent experiences, even in winter! And I really appreciate that Finland is committed towards sustainability:
“Respect – Treasure – Enjoy – Love”
Let that be your mantra wherever you may wander. Have you visited Helsinki or other parts of Finland? Or are you a local with insider tips? Planning a trip? I would love to hear from you! 🙂
