An original city break this February, we have the chance to spend 5 days in Helsinki with the program Museum, frozen sea, secret bar and getaway to the lakes.
Table of Contents
Day 1 : Tram, Harbor and Speakeasy in Helsinki
First good surprise, it only takes 30 minutes by train to come from the airport by train. It’s super quiet, clean and you arrive at Helsinki Central Station. A few minutes for the keys to our AirBnB left by our host in a small store at the station but organized as a concierge service.
We jump on the tram in front of the station and 15 minutes later, we discover our apartment in a very art deco building.
First evening with the magic of this city under the snow with its port stuck in the ice.
To warm up we go in search of this secret bar, the XXX, we just have the name of the street. No sign, it’s a treasure hunt, you have to find the entrance then pick up an old telephone to ask to be accepted! Inside it’s super cozy, the cocktails are delicious and photos are prohibited to keep the magic.
Day 2 : Design Museum and Sauna
By visiting the Design Museum we discover the origins of Fiskars scissors and the Angry Birds game, plus some iconic pieces of Finnish design.
A second very interesting exhibition on the search for natural colors for fibers and fabrics from kiwi, avocado…
It’s a must to try the sauna to fully understand Finnish culture, this one, the Lovly, is by the sea which allows you to soak in it (water at 1 degree!!!) between two sessions.
Day 3 : Driving Escape to Lakes, Porvoo Village and Skiing in Lahti
The only rays of sunshine during our short week change the “grey” perception of this city. We collect our car from Europcar and head to the village of Porvoo. It’s magical to see the river completely frozen and these houses with their many colors standing out against the absolute white.
It’s zero degrees so we deserve a stop at the patisserie for hot chocolate and sweets.
Then direction Lahli, for these famous ski jumps (unfortunately empty): very impressive to imagine the skiers flying above the stadium.
We continue towards the north because the road continues through the lakes, the water is caught by the ice on each side and we are trapped by the shoulder… car stuck in 1 meter of snow and impossible to get out despite 4 studded tires. Luckily a lovely Finn stops instantly and gets us out of there with his 4×4 and a strap.
Day 4 : Amos Rex museum and a lunch at the Harbor Market
This museum, the Amos Rex, is also worth a visit for its very art deco architecture, the exhibition is buried and it is about the artist Bill Viola who composes hypnotic infographics. You have to take your time in this very dark atmosphere of staying 10/15 minutes in front of a slowly unfolding work.
to take a look at the museum : Amos Rex
Lunch at the market next to the Baltic Sea completely covered by ice, the seagulls are sitting on the ice cubes…
Late afternoon visit to this very original church carved into the rock.
Day 5 : The snowplow train at the airport
The weather is nice but the track can be slippery, we witness a well-paced ballet: it’s super professional!
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