Finland celebrated its 100th year of independence from Russia on December 6th 2017 and brought to a climax a year of celebrations. The Novel Traveller Michelle Jackson gives her top ten reasons to visit our European neighbour who has a very special inhabitant, who is especially interesting at this time of year!
- Soak up the culture in Helsinki. Those of a certain vintage will be familiar with the thundering opening credits of ITV’s current affairs program ‘This Week’ which ran through the TV sets of homes up to the 1990’s. But not everyone realises that the revelling tune is part of the Karelia Suite by the Finnish composer Sibelius. In fact Sibelius is such a hero in Finland that he has his own park with a spectacular memorial designed by Finnish artist Eila Hiltunentitled Passio Musicae. The monument weighs over 24 tonnes and consists of 600 steel pipes and a bust of the composer.
- Get familiar with a Jopo. A bicycle is one of the best ways to explore any city and these bicycles are a big part of Helsinki and Finnish culture and have been around since 1965. But be warned, a Jopo doesn’t have brakes so to stop you must pedal backwards. You can’t leave them lying around either as they have a tendency to grow legs as they are valued at several hundred euros. Taking a tour means getting your bearings with https://www.heltours.com/ a three hour tour is €60
- Warm up in Löyly Sauna
Warm up on Helsinki waterfront at Löyly with a choice of a smoke sauna or traditional sauna and large terrace with views to the city and the sea. Built with a commitment to sustainable and green construction it’s customary to follow your sauna with a dip in the icy Baltic sea – if you’re feeling brave! A two-hour booking for the sauna costs 19 euros and includes a towel, seat cover as well as soap and shampoo.
- Stroll through Helsinki’s design district
Located in the centre of Helsinki, the Design District Helsinki is an area full of design and antique shops, fashion stores, museums, art galleries, restaurants and showrooms. Here you can find the most interesting names, classics, trend-setters and so much more. It´s a cluster of creative businesses and it’s a neighbourhood association that offers residents and visitors shopping, dining, accommodation and experiences. The Design District comprises over 200 members.
- Soak up the history at Suomenlinna Fortress and Unesco World Heritage Site. Also the site of one of the first mutinys against Russia in 1906 attempting to bring about Finnish independence but it only lasted four days. During the First World War this was known as part of Peter the Great’s Fortress. With the Russian Revolution and Finland’s independence, Viapori was taken over by the newly founded Finnish government in 1918 and renamed Suomenlinna (‘Castle of Finland’).
- Finland, like all Scandanavian countries is expensive so get The Helsinki City card for about €46 The Helsinki Card has been designed to make your sightseeing experience even easier. The Helsinki Card is your all-in-one ticket into over 25 attraction and tours in Helsinki – and includes free transportation to get around the city with ease. The Helsinki Card includes free entry to top attractions such as a Panorama Sightseeing Bus Tour and Suomenlinna Fortress Island, as well as discounted entry to the SkyWheel and SEALIFE Helsinki. https://www.helsinkicard.com/
- Soak up the white nights in one of Finland’s National Parks next summer. Nightless night is best experienced at the arctic circle – legend has it if you cross the circle at midsummer on the night of a full moon with a rabbits foot in one hand and clover in the other you will be given the strength of a wolverine – it might be difficult to see the full moon however with no night!
- Go see the Northern Lights this winter. Stay at the Arctic Snow Hotel and snow igloos open from November 20th – March 31st 2018 and enjoy spectacular views as you sleep beneath the stars under an electrically heated glass roof. http://arcticsnowhotel.fi/northern-lights-glass-igloos-rovaniemi-lapland-finland/
- Get into the festive spirit at St Thomas MarketHelsinki’s St Thomas Market, situated in Senate Square in the heart of Finland’s capital, is made up of 120 stalls and inspired by Finnish traditions. Experience the Christmas spirit and browse the gifts, food and drink outlets that line the streets while enjoying the traditional Christmas drink, Glögi, made from spiced wine with a pinch of almonds, raisins, and whenever possible, a splash of vodka.
- Visit Santa.
Since the new Millennium Santa Claus has been welcoming children and adults to his year round home Rovenimi in Northern Finland. It was about the time of Finish independence that the secret of the inhabitants at Ear Mountain escaped. The Arctic Circle Cabin was constructed in 1950 and one of the first visitors was Eleanor Roosevelt, widow of the US president. Stepped in history and set on the Arctic Circle, it’s also the perfect location for Santa Claus to welcome visitors and it’s not just the little ones who can enjoy a winter wonderland adventure.
