Finland 🇫🇮
Helsinki
Tips
- For public transport, you need Zone C to travel between Helsinki city centre and the airport. I purchased the ABC zone for 3 days in Helsinki.
- I found it difficult to understand the announcements of stations in Finnish (I don’t know how to listen for “Asemapäällikönkatu”). Follow your location with Google Maps or else you may miss your stop!
- Suomenlinna is interesting if you’re especially passionate about fortresses, but I wouldn’t say it’s a priority to visit.
Attractions
One of my most unforgettable places. I went here both nights of my stay in Helsinki. Mixed-gender, clothing-optional, complimentary public sauna right next to the Baltic Sea for cold plunges. Very hippy; everyone can contribute by splitting wood, fetching water, stoking the stove, or playing music (they have a piano!!). I truly believe this was infinitely more memorable than any fancy sauna I could’ve been to.
There used to be three saunas (facing away from the waterfront: left at 80C, middle at 120C, right at 100C), but recent reviews suggest there’s now only two. Tips:
- Work your way up the temperatures. It was quite the experience to do 120C squished in a cabin with friendly locals, but I ended up burning my ears as I didn’t have a protective cap like them.
- Bring your own water or beer, towel to cover up when outside, and lock if you want to use a locker. I left my stuff in the open, never had a problem.
- Be careful of slipping on the floors, but also careful of grabbing the railings. They can be scalding hot, especially near the stove.
- Surprisingly, being close to the opposite end of the stove is the hottest part, as the steam flows directly onto your head.
Beautiful library, good place to chill.
Finnish cultural icon. They’re technically trolls, not hippos, but very cute regardless.
Fantastic modern art museum with sculptures, graphite sketches, and interactive experiences. Admission for under 30 is 5€, regular admission of 20€ would’ve easily been worth it.
A free and interesting museum for those interested in censorship, freedom of speech, misinformation, and propaganda.
Food
Incredible hidden gem for trying delicious Finnish food at affordable prices (entrees for 15€). Found in the downstairs area of this grocery market in The Bistro section.
Cozy atmosphere, excellent pesto pasta.
Restaurant chain. Huge portions of shawarma for reasonable prices.
