In Finland there is a real sauna culture and there are over 3 million public sauna facilities in Finland on their 5 million inhabitants. If you want to sauna in a brand-new facility in cool design, you should go to Löyly, the whole area is on 1800 sqm with two terraces where you can also have something to eat in the restaurant. From here you have access to a swim in the sea too! If you are short on time and if you would like to go carousel and sauna, we have a happy message for you, because you can do both in a combination. In the Ferris wheel, one of the gondolas has been converted into a small sauna, with a fantastic view!
There are many nice and interesting museums in the city, and if you are particularly interested in art and design you should visit the Helsinki Art Museum which has over 9000 works of art – but not all of them are in the museum but you will actually find many of their collections in different places in the city. The Espoo Museum of Modern Art has an impressive collection of contemporary art and design, both Finnish and international. The design museum is also well worth a visit and it’s located in Tove Jansson’s old school. There are about 75,000 art objects, 40,000 sketches and close to 100,000 photographs. In other words, it will take a little time to look through everything.
If you are looking to shop some Finnish design objects for all the art and design you have seen at the museum, we recommend that you look for Marimekko’s outlet and Ittala Arabia Store, which is also an outlet. In the Design Quarter of Helsinki you will find many nice shops selling handmade items that you will not find anywhere else. If there is a little more left in the travel budget, you can find even more at the flea market Hietalahti where you will find even more crafts and of course a lot of second hand. Have you replenished the caffeine supply properly maybe there is energy for a fun night out too? You’ll find everything from jazz bars and rock bars, to nightclubs with electronic music. Did you know that Helsinki has the biggest gay bar in all of Scandinavia? DTM has three bars, two dance floors and is open until 5 in the morning!
A sauna is a great way to unwind and relax, both for body and soul. But it can also be nice to unwind in nature. One third of Helsinki consists of parks and green areas so you always have close to nature’s calming effect. The alp park consists of ponds, fountains, mountainous areas and from the terrace you get a fantastic view. In Tölöviken you will find hundreds of plant species, lots of birds and even a winter garden. Helsinki has an amazing archipelago that you do not want to miss. Take the boat out to Sveaborg, Rönnskär or Stora Räntan which has many fine plant varieties. Have a cup of coffee at Cafe Regatta by the water on Hummelviken where you get paid for a refill. In all other places in the city you have to pay for a refill, but at Regatta they have turned the tables!
