Helsinki, the frozen city
I was been in Helsinki last January, and in spite of what the people say, which is the most discouraged month because the temperatures are far below zero, but I highly recommend it.
You will enjoy the real Finnish winter, the silence of the forests and all you will see the beauty of so many things that I will show you!
Helsinki, info & main attractions
Obviously, Helsinki is famous for its climate, cold winters and mild summers, in the winter sun rises at 9:30-10.00 a.m and sets at 15:30 p.m, while in summer it even sets at midnight. Here are the main attractions:
First steps in this city will surely lead you to this symbol of Helsinki, its elegance stands out in the Senate Square, a large public space that is characterized by its extraordinary examples of neoclassical architecture.
The square is overlooked by the headquarters of the University of Helsinki, the National Library and the Government Palace.
Helsinki Cathedral is a popular attraction in the downtown Kruununhaka district, and is about 20 kilometers away from Helsinki-Vantaa Airport.
USPENSKI CATHEDRAL
Is a real gem, the beauty of which is already clearly visible from a distance.
The beauty of this cathedral continues in the peace of the green that surrounds it, projected towards the horizon of the overlooking center of Helsinki.
NATIONAL LIBRARY OF FINLAND
The National Library of Finland is a cultural icon and renowned landmark of Helsinki.
Its architecture is incredible, its walls are completely covered with unique mosaics with shelves that contain ancient books from hundreds of years ago describing the city and its history.
Mosaics of National Library of Finland
HUVILAKATU
This neighborhood in the center of Helsinki is easily accessible, it is only a 20-minute walk from the Helsinki Cathedral and 8 minutes by taxi, its peculiarity is due to its unique pastel-colored design houses, it is one of the most photographed neighborhoods in the city.
Huvilakatu pastel colour houses
SEURASAARI
You can reach this small island via a bridge that can be traveled on foot and it is about 15 minutes by taxi from the center of Helsinki, here you can meet many different animals such as deer, squirrels and hares.
In addition, there is also an open-air museum where you can visit many Finnish-style wooden cabins.
Seurasaari wood cabin
SUOMENLINNA
Another island in the Helsinki archipelago that can only be reached by ferry departing from Kauppatori, will arrive in about 10 minutes. Inside the island there is a market, a museum, some cafeterias and a restaurant.
Suomenllinna diner
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Liesjärvi National Park
The Liesjärvi National Park Is the oldest forest in Finland, during the winter you can take a day trip with transport and lunch included where you have the opportunity to see this magical snow-caved forest, a real winter paradise.
The guide will also show you all the traces left by the various animals that inhabit the forest and will make you feel some of their verses, such as that of the characteristic woodpecker.
During lunch you will eat a traditional Finnish dish that may vary depending on the season, such as salmon and juniper berry soup, roasted sausages and their typical toasted rye bread Inside a cabin with the fire burning and overlooking a beautiful frozen lake.
The temperature in the winter months reaches up to -20 degrees that with a thermos you can throw boiling water into the air making it evaporate, your guide will also lend you the necessary clothing to withstand these harsh temperatures such as boots, socks and technical pants.
Winter Wonderland forest
Frozen lake in Liesjärvi
Snowy forest in Liesjärvi 
Main trail of Liesjärvi
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Through the Baltic Sea with “TALLINK” by “ECKERO LINE” from Helsinki to Tallinn
It was amazing to book an authentic Baltic cruise from Helsinki to Tallinn via the “Eckero Line” ship operated by “TALLINK”.
As soon as you get on board you will find yourself in a real cruise ship with all the services and a staff ready to fulfill your requests.
During the ship trip from Helsinki and Tallinn you will be able to see the various forms that the Baltic Sea takes and beautiful Nordic views.
Hall of the cruise 
Lounge of cruise 
Baltic frozen shapes
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When is the best time to go to Helsinki?
I would recommend visiting Helsinki all year round, the coldest months are those that go from december to march, but in my opinion it is in these months that you will most enjoy the beauties of the capital.
Remember that the sun rises at 9:30/10.00 am and there will be a few hours of light because then it will set at 15:30 pm, while in spring and summer when all the snow will have melted, you will have less problems in reaching the places on foot and the temperature will be more pleasant.
The hours of light will be many since the sun will set at 00.00.
In short, whatever period you visit Helsinki, it will certainly not disappoint you!.
Hut in the forest of Liesjärvi
Preparing a traditional Finnish lunch
Huvilakatu neighborhood Where and what to eat in Helsinki
In Helsinki there are many traditional Finnish restaurants and especially specialised in Lappish cuisine, the most famous are reindeer meat with potato purees in blueberry sauce and smoked salmon soup with juniper berries.
The prices, as in all of Helsinki, are quite high, eating the reindeer will cost you about € 30 per person, the cheaper is the traditional salmon soup that you can eat with more or less € 20/25 per person.
If you might want to eat the bear or moose, the prices go up further, from 65 to 75€ per person, as few restaurants in Helsinki serve this type of meat.
Two of the best restaurants where you can eat reindeer and excellent salmon, but also many other types of excellent meat such as their beef and pork, are Ravintola Lappi and Konstan Molja, as soon as you enter a real and authentic Finnish atmosphere will be created!
Another very particular place to eat great street food and also buy some souvenirs is the Old Market Hall.
In here you will find all kinds of Finnish food, especially the catch of the day such as herring, cod, salmon and many other fish that the Baltic Sea offers, both fresh and canned.
You can also buy souvenirs for your family to taste, such as moose snacks and the famous bear salami, of course, I keep saying, the prices will not be cheap at all!
Old Market Hall
Old Market Hall tipic restaurants
Finnish specialities to sale
Konstan Molja restaurant
Typical dishes of Konstan Molja
Konstan Molja menù
Finnish salmon soup in Liesjarvi
Lappi Ravintola restaurant
Sautéed reindeer with potatoes purées and blueberry berries in Lappi Ravintola
The true and authentic Finnish Sauna, a morning at “Allas Sea Pool”
One of the basic things to do when visiting Finland is definitely the sauna!
I was unsured about which sauna to choose since there are really many in Helsinki and for all portfolios, in fact, sauna in Finland for the most part, being a fundamental element and an integral part of the Finnish tradition, is within everyone's reach!
There are some outdoors, indoors, near the lakes and near the sea, I chose the Allas Sea Pool!
What characterises the Allas Sea Pool, apart from its location in one of the most beautiful areas of Helsinki, that is in the Kauppatori, is above all the view that you can enjoy while doing the sauna, the whole structure overlooks the Baltic Sea, the city and its Ferris wheel!
The indoor sauna room is made entirely of wood also composed of a large mirror overlooking the Baltic and switches next to you where you can adjust the temperature.
The outdoor area consists of a large pool heated to 27 degrees that stays open all year round, so you can warm up well in the indoor sauna and then go outside at a sub-zero temperature and finally jump into the water of the heated pool, nothing better huh?
The prices are 22€ per person, whether you choose in the morning or in the afternoon, tickets can only be bought on site.
As soon as you buy the ticket you will be given a bracelet that will allow you to enter the indoor area and the pool, also able to open and close your personal locker where you can put all your belongings.
As soon as you finish your sauna you will feel like new, completely regenerated!
Entire view of the city and the Baltic Sea
Entry ID Bracelet
Benefits of the Finnish sauna
Internal area of the Allas Sea Pool
View of the Baltic Sea from the internal area
Allas Sea Pool Refreshment Area
Outdoor heated swimming poolWhat to pack?
In Helsinki the temperatures in winter are really cold and many degrees below zero, I have been there in January, which is the coldest month together in December, the temperature reached -20 degrees.
Consequently I brought many heavy and especially INSULATING garments, such as padded sweatshirts, heavy reinforced jacket, socks, wool or cashmere sweaters and sweaters, cardigan or cap, reinforced boots and snow gloves.
You can also bring scarves or shawls if necessary, anything that can make you warm, is absolutely essential.
Skydiving in Helsinki
Among all the things there is to do in Helsinki, away from niche tourism, there is definitely skydiving!
I made my flight at the 'Fooni Skydiving', it was incredible, it's not a real 15.000 ft dive like what I did in the Algarve, but it's a 'tunnel skydiving'.
'Tunnel skydiving' is carried out in a 'Wind tunnel' that moves and blows the air vertically, just as if you were doing a real skydiving.
The base price of the flight of € 72.90 also includes a video that the staff will record through the cameras around the tunnel.
Picture of my tunnel skydivingSearch for the cheapest flight to Helsinki!
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