Helsinki, Finland
15 essential things to see and do in Helsinki this winter
Discover Helsinki’s Winter Wonderland
Helsinki in winter is like stepping into a frosty fairytale, with snow-dusted streets, glowing lights and cosy cafés inviting you to warm up. Winter activities here are a mix of classic and unique Finnish experiences: try a traditional sauna followed by a brisk ice plunge, a ritual both invigorating and deeply rooted in Finland’s cultural heritage. For a lighter adventure, glide on an outdoor ice rink, or explore the charming Christmas markets that fill the air with the scent of spiced glögi (mulled wine) and gingerbread. If you crave tranquillity, the city’s museums offer a warm escape with intriguing exhibitions set in stunning architectural spaces. Winter makes Helsinki’s magic all the more irresistible.
Top photography courtesy of Emilia Hoisko and Helsinki Partners
01
Dip into ice swimming and sauna culture
In Helsinki, the age-old Finnish tradition of combining sauna with an icy plunge – often called avanto or ice-hole swimming – offers an experience that’s as invigorating as it is unique. Rooted in centuries-old practices, this ritual sees locals warming up in a sauna, then plunging into freezing waters, often cut right through the ice along the Baltic Sea coast. Sites like Kulttuurisauna, an eco-friendly space by the architect Tuomas Toivonen and Löyly, a modern wooden marvel, provide scenic spots where Helsinki locals and visitors alike can try this bracing ritual. Practised mainly during winter, this combination is thought to improve circulation, mental clarity and provide an unforgettable rush of endorphins, especially as temperatures drop
Read the article on Helsinki’s top public saunas.
Photography courtesy of Mika Ruusunen, Helsinki Partners and Lonna Sauna
02
Visit the Christmas Market at Senate Square
The Helsinki Christmas Market at Senate Square, Finland’s largest and oldest, transforms the city into a festive wonderland each December. Running through most of December, the market offers nearly 100 stalls of Finnish artisans, gourmet treats and unique Christmas gifts. Set against the backdrop of the grand Helsinki Cathedral, designed by Carl Ludwig Engel in the 19th century, the market invites you to savour local delicacies such as reindeer sausages and hot glögi (mulled wine). A vintage wooden carousel in the heart of the square captures the holiday spirit for children and adults alike
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Photography courtesy of Kim Öhman and Helsinki Partners
03
Go ice skating at Ice Park
Helsinki’s Ice Park (Jääpuisto), located right next to the Central Railway Station, is a winter highlight in the city’s vibrant core. Open from December to March, it’s the go-to spot for locals and visitors seeking a classic Finnish ice-skating experience with a view of Helsinki’s beautiful historical architecture. The rink offers rentals, making it easy regardless of you being a beginner or a seasoned skater to take a spin. You can also warm up with hot chocolate or coffee from the cosy rink-side café while enjoying winter lights and live DJ sessions on certain nights. The Ice Park even hosts ice hockey games and family-friendly events, providing helmets and small sleds for added safety. Skating at Ice Park has become a winter tradition and community fun in the brisk winter air.
Photography courtesy of Helsinki Partners
04
See Helsinki’s Lux light show
Each January, Helsinki’s Lux light festival transforms the city into a mesmerising gallery of light installations, offering residents and visitors a bright escape from the winter darkness. The festival showcases over 20 installations from local and international artists across the city. The event’s installations span notable sites such as the Helsinki Cathedral and Hietaniemi Cemetery, with illuminated art bringing these iconic locations to life in new, imaginative ways. Follow a curated trail or explore freely, with plenty of nearby cafés offering warm drinks and Finnish treats along the way. The event draws around half a million spectators annually and is free to attend, providing an accessible and memorable cultural experience.
Photography courtesy of Helsinki Partners
05
Discover snow-covered Suomenlinna fortress
A visit to Suomenlinna fortress in winter feels like stepping into a serene, snow-covered world frozen in time. Located just off Helsinki’s coast, this UNESCO World Heritage site dates back to the 18th century, originally built by Swedish forces as a defensive stronghold. In winter, the fortress’s stone walls, historic buildings and quiet trails become cloaked in a blanket of snow, offering a peaceful escape from the city. Though some of the fortress’s summer attractions close for the season, the Suomenlinna Museum remains open, providing insights into the island’s fascinating history. Ferries run year-round, departing from Market Square and cutting through the icy waters to reach the island. Once there you can enjoy panoramic views over the frozen sea, visit cosy cafés like Café Vanille for a warming drink, or explore the fortress’s scenic pathways with fewer crowds. Need some expert guidance? Join the hour-long Suomenlinna walking tour.
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Photography courtesy of Dorit Salutskij and Helsinki Partners
06
Wander through Uspenski Cathedral
Towering above the Katajanokka district, Helsinki’s Uspenski Cathedral is a masterpiece of Russian-Byzantine architecture and the largest Orthodox church in Western Europe. Completed in 1868 and designed by Russian architect Alexey Gornostayev, this cathedral is a striking example of Russian influence in Finland, once part of the Russian Empire. Its 13 golden domes symbolise Christ and the Apostles, while the red brick and intricate iconostasis inside speak to its ornate heritage. The cathedral attracts not only for its spiritual significance but also for its panoramic views over Helsinki’s harbour and Senate Square.
Photography courtesy of Helsinki Partners
07
Sip coffee at Helsinki’s best cafés
Helsinki’s coffee culture truly is a blend of rich tradition and contemporary tastes. In the heart of the city, cafés range from historic spots with origins tracing back over a century to modern coffee roasteries that emphasise sustainable, small-batch brews. Many cafés are found in beautifully preserved historical buildings, offering views of the city’s iconic landmarks, making them ideal for soaking in Helsinki’s architectural charm while sipping on carefully crafted espresso or filter coffee. Regardless of how and where, the Finns take their coffee seriously, shown in the statistics about them being the largest consumer of coffee per capita in the world. The city also prides itself on artisanal roasteries that often offer workshops for curious coffee lovers and seasonal beans with unique flavour profiles.
Read the article on the best specialty coffee shops in Helsinki.
Photography courtesy of El Fant and Adante
08
Stroll through festive Esplanade Park
Esplanade Park, or Espa as locals call it, is a magical stroll in Helsinki’s festive season. Designed in the early 19th century, this park has long served as the city’s social promenade, lined with iconic statues and historic architecture. During December, Esplanade Park transforms into a festive haven as part of Helsinki’s Christmas celebrations. The St. Thomas Christmas Market fills the park with over 120 stalls featuring handmade gifts, Finnish crafts and seasonal treats like spiced mulled wine and plum pastries. Wander under twinkling lights, enjoy live performances and shop for unique gifts amid the festive cheer.
Photography courtesy of Jussi Hellsten and Helsinki Partners
09
Visit Oodi, Helsinki’s central library
During winter, Helsinki’s Oodi Central Library transforms into a bustling hub of cosy activities, welcoming visitors with special programming suited to the colder season. One unique winter feature is the interactive children’s section on the third floor, where young visitors can enjoy the Fairytale Wall, which uses touch technology to create immersive storytelling and music experiences. The library also hosts winter events like storytime sessions, themed family days and concerts – all free of charge
Photography courtesy of Tuomas Uusheimo
10
Hit a Helsinki bistro
Helsinki’s bistros offer a delightful blend of Nordic flavours, European influences and a general dedication to locally sourced ingredients. Many of these bistros draw from Helsinki’s rich culinary heritage, rooted in traditional Finnish ingredients paired with inventive, modern cooking techniques. Set in cosy, intimate spaces, you can expect everything from seasonally changing menus to carefully curated wines and artisanal touches that reflect Finland’s natural bounty. Stroll through the city’s charming neighbourhoods, where some bistros boast chef’s tables, allowing you a front-row seat to the preparation of their meals. Others, located within Helsinki’s popular markets, offer a more casual vibe but still showcase quality local ingredients.
Read the article on the top Helsinki bistros for every palate.
Photography courtesy of Bistro Gina
11
Explore Helsinki’s premier art museums
Helsinki’s art museums offer an inspiring journey through Finnish and international art and architecture. The city’s galleries showcase everything from Finland’s Golden Age masterpieces to cutting-edge installations that capture the energy of contemporary art. When visiting, you can meander through grand halls filled with 19th-century Nordic art, then shift to dynamic spaces featuring immersive digital displays and bold sculptures. Many of these museums are centrally located, with easy access and occasional free days, making them perfect for spontaneous exploration. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or just curious, Helsinki’s vibrant art scene invites you to experience a blend of tradition, innovation and Nordic elegance
Read the article on Helsinki’s best art museums.
Photography courtesy of Amos Rex
12
Visit Seurasaari open-air museum
Seurasaari Open-Air Museum, located on a small, serene island just outside Helsinki, invites you to experience rural Finnish life from centuries past. Established in 1909, this museum is filled with carefully relocated cottages, manors and farm buildings that showcase Finnish life from the 18th to early 20th centuries. Open from mid-May to mid-September, it’s a seasonal gem where visitors can wander through gardens, see traditional crafts and even attend midsummer bonfires. The island itself is a public park open year-round, perfect for a quiet nature walk or a wintertime ski, even when the museum buildings are closed
Photography courtesy of Jesper Ceder and Helsinki Partners
13
Check out the cosy Punavuori neighbourhood
The Punavuori neighbourhood in Helsinki is a charming blend of Helsinki’s creative energy and rich history. Known for its distinctive bohemian vibe, Punavuori is part of Helsinki’s famous Design District and brims with small boutiques, art galleries and cosy cafés tucked into its historic streets. Once a working-class area, it has transformed into a lively, artistic hub, popular with designers, locals and visitors alike. Exploring Punavuori is perfect year-round. In winter, its warm cafés and design shops offer a cosy escape from the cold.
Read the article on the best spots in Helsinki’s Punavuori neighbourhood.
Photography courtesy of The Rook and Lokal Gallery
14
Shop the leading fashion boutiques
Helsinki’s fashion boutiques offer any fashion enthusiast an exciting mix of classic Nordic design and modern innovation, making the city an unmissable destination for fashion lovers. As part of the city’s Design District, many boutiques embody Helsinki’s sustainable and minimalist aesthetic, showcasing high-quality garments and accessories that range from chic everyday wear to bold, avant-garde pieces. This is a place where local designers thrive; brands often incorporate traditional Finnish elements with contemporary twists which often manifests itself by a blend of function and understated elegance.
Read the article on the leading fashion stores and boutiques in Helsinki.
Photography courtesy of Vimma and Nomen Nescio
15
Relax at a Helsinki spa
In Helsinki, spa culture is a journey into Finnish traditions of relaxation, wellness and nature-inspired rituals. Picture stepping into a tranquil Nordic setting where natural materials and soft lighting instantly calm the senses. Begin with a traditional Finnish sauna, then plunge into icy waters, a brisk contrast that revives body and spirit. Many spas offer unique experiences, from eucalyptus-scented steam rooms to heated stone divans and serene lounges where herbal teas and Nordic snacks await. Whether located in historic buildings or modern sanctuaries, Helsinki’s spas provide a full sensory escape. Some even include glass-roofed atriums that fill the space with gentle, natural light, merging indoors with the outdoors.
Photography courtesy of Hotel St. George
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