A Yogis Dream in Helsinki
You know that feeling, when you finally settled into a routine and you know exactly what is happening and when. If you're anything like me you also thrive in structure and order, where you can see the what is happening in the next 24h.
It took some time for me to get this routine nailed especially when abroad. …
Your one day adventure in Helsinki starts naturally with a cup of coffee. Finns are known for drinking the most coffee in Europe, and as the famous Finnish saying goes, when abroad do as the local would (“maassa maan tavalla”). If you can make coffee at your accommodation then try Juhla Mokka, my favourite one that is! The light roast specifically has a chocolate tint of softness in its taste. Of course, you should also not miss the opportunity to try the local porridge, it’s the most typical Finnish breakfast.
Then starts your day in the nature and head to the national park Nuuksio for a hike. I recommend to do a walking tour in Nuuksio with a guide because it’s a big forest and you want to get to know the best of it whilst there. Also, you may prefer to not wander around worried about meeting wolfs along the way. The Finnish forest offers a lot of wildlife, and whilst the animals mostly stay away from human paths, there has been occasions when they wandered off and ended up on the wrong path.
After your lovely hike you probably want to refuel a bit so head into the city to the Old City Hall. Not only is it a city treasure of history but it also has some of the best local foods to offer. When you have gotten yourself a bit food and hopefully a cup of coffee too, it’s time to concur the city. You are now in the very heart of Helsinki and can easily walk to see the following absolutely must see landmarks.
Helsinki Cathedral
Uspenski Cathedral
The President Castle
The National Library
Stockmann
What is a trip if you don’t to do any shopping at all right? For your shopping, even if it’s just to get your hands on the local chocolate, Fazer’s blue, head to the city treasure Stockmann. This is truly a historical mall and has been part in shaping the city and the Finnish culture. Locals have grown custom to meeting up under Stockmann’s clock outside the main entrance. Stockmann has a rich history dating back centuries and thus rooted deeply in the locals values, it is kind of the “coming home” place of the whole city.
As the evening starts to gloom, the highlights just keep on getting better. Now it’s time for yoga at one of Rootshelsinki’s yoga studios. You can buy a one time entry to join their classes. Whenever I am in Helsinki this is a must and I have not deviated from it since I found this cozy and calming yoga studio, my favourite being Töölö. They have 3 studios in Helsinki all together so pick and choose your favourite. In their Vallila studio they also offer a cozy coffee shop.
I can imagine that after your yoga session you are slowly but surely starting to crave food. If you did your yoga at Vallila studio, then grab a quick bite here before you head out for dinner to Löyly. There is only one more stop before dinner, one that you surely don’t want to miss. That is the experience of Finnish Sauna. Like Kai (the Finnish feel good music band) sings in their “Bara Bada Bastu” song, sauna is a place to forget about any worries present. Get a Sauna pass in advance from Löyly’s webiste and have a great Finnish Sauna experience. As the restaurant is located directly at the sea, a dip into the sea is always possible, regardless of the season.
To end your day, have a lovely meal at Löyly in front of the fire place or gazing over the calming sea, that opens up right in front of you when seated at a window table. When you do dine here, make sure you have a table booked in advance as the locals also like the place and it’s often quite full. The menu of Löyly varies, but if you get the chance go with a fish dish. This is local and, trust me, you won’t get fish like that anywhere else.
This would complete a perfect day in Helsinki filled with a lot of local treasures as well as nature fun, but of course there is much more to do as well. I listed some of my other recommendations here below.
Activity list
If you do end up heading to Helsinki, I would love to hear what you experienced there, always feel free to reach out and share with me.
Big hugs, Natty
