If you’re headed up to see Santa Claus at the North Pole this holiday season, you’ll likely fly into the Finnish capital. Helsinki blends world-class design, impressive architecture and a distinctive dining and drinking scene with the jaw-dropping natural surroundings of the Baltic’s lakes and islands. Explore the city center on foot to discover rich history and charming stone alleyways in the snow, or venture further afield on public transport to its islands – where you can dip in ice cold water to the light of a midnight sun.

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We start downtown at the Oodi Library – all Finnish libraries tend to be state-of-the-art affairs, let alone this brand new edifice featuring groundbreaking design. The cost of the renovation was 98 Million Euros and took 4 years to complete. It is a great way to experience the Finnish approach to communal casual education – and there is also a Sauna (You will find a sauna pretty much everywhere in Finland – one can even watch Ice Hockey games from the sauna in the Hockey arena hall.)

…all Finnish libraries tend to be state-of-the-art affairs, let alone this brand new edifice featuring groundbreaking design

Next we head to Suomenlinna Island. Helsinki features numerous islands, representing a preferred summer pastime for Finns, each with unique character and its own set of attractions or activities. Suomenlinna is an all-time favorite, and a short trip from ‘Centrum’ – the ferry ride costs the same as a bus ride. A great spot to walk around, see old castles, and soak up the summer. Two other options are Pihlajasaari, and Korkeasaari Zoo on the eponymous island. 

Suomenlinna Island… a great spot to walk around, see old castles, and soak up the summer

Don’t forget to taste the local delicacies: your first stop should be KauppaTori, an outdoor waterfront market featuring fresh products and handcrafts, where Lohikeitto, a creamy salmon soup is a must-have. Salmiakki is candy you must taste but propably won’t like – its an acquired taste, but possibly the most Finnish of all sweets. Korvapuusti, the famous cinnamon roll, is served hot and glazed at Cafe Esplanad.