Sailing From Stockholm to Helsinki
As I boarded a ship for an overnight cruise from Stockholm to Helsinki, I was thrilled to explore Finland’s vibrant capital city. Known for its abundance of saunas, stunning landscapes, and unique charm, Helsinki promised an unforgettable experience.
Once aboard, I couldn’t resist indulging in a quintessential Finnish experience—a sauna on the ship itself. The soothing heat and calming ambiance relaxed both body and soul.
Exploring Helsinki on Foot
Eager to soak in the city’s atmosphere, I embarked on a mile-long hike to my hotel. Once there, I discovered a delightful surprise in my room: a massage chair!
The next day, I calculated my walking to be over seven miles, allowing me to fully appreciate the sights and sounds of Helsinki. By the time I returned, I was definitely ready to put that massage chair to its full advantage!
A Church Carved Into Rock
Helsinki’s close proximity to water was evident throughout my journey, and some tap water in the city is sourced directly from nature. One of my most memorable stops was the unique Temppeliaukion Church, a church carved directly into solid rock.
I was fortunate enough to witness a practice concert while there, and I was captivated by the incredible acoustics that filled the space. The combination of the music and the unusual surroundings made the experience particularly memorable.
Another highlight was ascending the Olympic Tower, originally built for the 1952 Olympics, which offered panoramic views of the city.
Discovering Finnish Food
As a foodie, I had to visit Helsinki’s vibrant waterfront food market.
Strolling through the market, I was met with an array of tantalizing flavors. While fish dominated many of the stalls, I also discovered hidden gems such as handmade organic cheeses and small-batch dairy products that showcased the country’s culinary craftsmanship.
It was a great way to get a taste of Finland while experiencing the lively atmosphere of the waterfront.
A City That Lets You Be Yourself
What struck me the most about Helsinki was its relaxed and laid-back atmosphere.
People seemed to effortlessly push the boundaries of fashion and style, expressing their individuality with confidence. The city exuded an aura of acceptance, where everyone seemed free to be themselves without judgment or scrutiny.
With my camera in hand, I couldn’t resist capturing the vibrant spirit of Helsinki. From the charming streets to the fashion-forward locals, I attempted to capture the character and vibe of the city.
The Finnish Experience
My time in Helsinki was filled with invigorating saunas—over one million saunas are in the country—scenic walks, architectural marvels, and a taste of Finnish culinary delights.
The city’s relaxed vibe and welcoming atmosphere left a lasting impression. Helsinki, with its blend of tradition and contemporary charm, proved to be an unforgettable destination.
Where I Stayed
Radisson Blu Royal Hotel
In Helsinki, I stayed at the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, centrally located in the Kamppi district, just a short walk from Helsinki Central Station and close to shopping, restaurants, and many of the city’s attractions. The location made it an excellent base for exploring Helsinki on foot and using the city’s convenient public transportation.
The hotel offered comfortable Nordic-style rooms, an on-site restaurant and bar, breakfast buffet, fitness facilities, and a traditional Finnish sauna. But what really stood out to me was something I certainly wasn’t expecting to find in a hotel room—a massage chair!
After spending the day exploring Helsinki, being able to sit down and let the massage chair go to work was a pretty fantastic surprise. It was one of those unusual hotel amenities that I still remember long after forgetting many of the standard features found in hotel rooms.
Helsinki looks like a cool city. It looks like you’re having a great trip.