Exploring HELSINKI, Finland: A Winter Holiday
Arriving at the Scandic Grand Central
After a long journey, I arrived at my hotel, the stunning Scandic Grand Central, located right next to the Grand Central Station. The hotel boasts a charming ambiance and provides a perfect base for exploring Helsinki.
Suomenlinna: A Fortress Island
Equipped with a 24-hour pass, which covers both trains and ferries, I embarked on a scenic journey to Suomenlinna. The ferry to Suomenlinna was included in this pass, saving me the trouble of purchasing a separate ticket. This island, built on six different islands, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991. Surprisingly, around 800 people reside there year-round.
Unexpected Adventures on the Islands
As I explored Suomenlinna, I stumbled upon a delightful surprise. A hill to slide! Without hesitation, I decided to give it a go, hoping to avoid any unexpected encounters with trees. It turned out to be a fun and free activity, providing an opportunity to create lasting memories. The islands are adorned with charming pathways, allowing visitors to traverse between them. Although I wasn't entirely sure which island I was on at that moment, I knew that eventually, I would find my way.
Return to Central Helsinki and Glögi
As the sun began to set, around 3:49 p.m., it was time for me to head back to Central Helsinki. Before departing, I couldn't resist trying glögi, a traditional Christmas drink akin to mulled wine at the Christmas Market in the Senate Square. Sipping on this warm and aromatic beverage, I soaked in the festive atmosphere of Helsinki.
Take some time to also visit the Senate.
The famous Cafe Regatta
We made our way to Cafe Regatta, a renowned establishment in Helsinki. The cafe, originally built in 1887, served as a fishnet storage facility for the family who constructed it. In 1952, it transformed into a cafe and has since become a year-round destination. Here, you can indulge in delicious sausages grilled over an open fire, along with delightful hot chocolates and mouthwatering cinnamon buns. The experience was nothing short of incredible, earning a perfect 10/10 rating from our group.
Adventurous Dip in the Baltic Sea
Feeling adventurous, we decided to take a leap into the Baltic Sea. Despite the snowy and windy conditions, we braved the cold and plunged into the freezing waters. The "Löyly" experience, involving pouring water onto hot stones, added an extra element of authenticity to our sauna adventure. It was truly an unforgettable experience, and even though it was painful, we couldn't help but consider doing it again!
Walking Tour of Helsinki
Farewell to Helsinki
As our Helsinki adventure came to an end, we bid farewell to this captivating city.
Thank you for joining me on this Helsinki adventure. Stay tuned for more travel experiences.
Until next time, fellow wanderers!
Watch the full adventure on YouTube below ⤵️
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