When pondering our summer holiday destination, Helsinki seemed like a delightful option. After all, it was new to us! Many of our acquaintances were puzzled, as Brits usually visit Finland during Christmas to see the snow and Santa Claus.
But let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages.
Helsinki has a milder climate and a quieter environment than many other European capital cities. In Southern Europe, August can be too hot for active holidaymakers and families, and the influx of tourists can be overwhelming.
Another plus for us was that we had never been to Finland before, and we got affordable direct flights from Gatwick with Norwegian with convenient schedules.
Of course, holidays in Helsinki are more expensive than, for example, in Spain, but this was fine for our short trip. We managed to avoid major events, and hotel prices were surprisingly reasonable.
We spent a lovely three-day active holiday in Helsinki, and here’s a brief overview of our experiences.
Sights in Helsinki
We stayed at the Marski Hotel, which is right in the heart of the city, making it easy to walk around.
On the first day, we headed to Esplanade Park, which felt like the city’s heart โ lined beautifully with shops and cafes.
At the end of the park stands the historic Kappeli restaurant, and nearby is the Market Square, from which you can catch archipelago cruises.
The Market Square offers a stunning sea view, and the kids were thrilled to see the large cruise ships on both sides of the harbour heading to Sweden overnight.
One of our highlights was Allas Sea Pool, though it was a bit pricey. The kids loved swimming, especially in the 27-degree pool, which was their favourite.
However, the saunas were quite cramped, and the changing facilities were too small for the number of people present. Even though we brought our own towels, we noticed that towel rental was quite expensive, at โฌ8.50 each.
The next day, we visited the stunning Oodi Library, whose architecture and spacious interiors made a big impression. There was plenty for the kids to do, and our youngest could have spent the whole day there playing.
Temppeliaukio Church was next on our list, and its impressive architecture (the church is carved into the rock, hence the nickname Rock Church) and peaceful atmosphere offered a moment of respite.
On the third day, we spent time at Helsinki Zoo, where we enjoyed the beautiful sea views and nature trails โ the bears were an absolute favourite! The tickets were quite pricey for a family, at โฌ27 per adult and โฌ18 per child, but it was worth it.
Finally, we visited Suomenlinna, the perfect spot for a peaceful walk in a historical setting and to enjoy the stunning sea views.
Suomenlinna is wonderful in sunny weather, but appropriate clothing is necessary on windy and rainy days, as it is an island just off the coast of Helsinki.
We were at the tip of the island when the ferries to Sweden passed by. The ferries cruised so close to the old fortress walls that you could almost touch them!
The island is free to visit, and the ferry fare is inexpensive.
Food Experiences in Finland
Salmiakki was interesting, salty, and bitter-tasting candy, but not our favourite (Finns seem to love it, as there are so many candies in the supermarkets, and you can even have Salmiakki ice cream).
The salmon soup was creamy and mild, and the kids liked it, too. The blueberry pie with vanilla sauce was our favourite.
Getting Around the City
Getting around Helsinki was easy with a 3-day AB ticket. It covered buses, trams, metro, and ferries.
We moved around freely, and public transport worked smoothly. You can easily find ticket machines to pay your trip, if you don’t have a day pass (recommended!).
A Day Trip to Fiskars Village
While in Helsinki, we decided to rent a car and take a day trip to Fiskars Village. The drive there took under an hour and a half, and an early departure ensured easy parking.
The beautiful surroundings of Fiskars, the river, and the old buildings created a peaceful atmosphere.
The kids enjoyed the playground, and we explored the local shops.
..and cafes.
And, of course, the mountain biker in our family rented a mountain bike to explore the easy forest trails nearby. There are no Alpine-style hills here, but a lot of forests!
We had lunch at Restaurant Kuparipaja by the river.
This Fiskars article gave us a tip on swimming at a nearby lake (Flacksjo). A refreshing swim was the perfect end to a successful day in Fiskars.
On the way back, we drove on small rural roads and took a walk in the lovely estate park (Mustio Manor).
In Finland, summer daylight lasts long; even though it was August, the sun still shone at nine in the evening!
Bottom Line
Our summer holiday in Helsinki and Fiskars Village perfectly blended city life and countryside calm.
In Helsinki, we experienced exciting sights and historical charm, while in Fiskars, we enjoyed the beauty of nature and a peaceful atmosphere.
Our trip was filled with unforgettable moments, and we warmly recommend Finland as a summer travel destination. There’s room to breathe and time to enjoy. We recommend everyone visit the Finnish forest!
August was a great time to go, as the weather was nice (though it can vary a lot, we heard), and there weren’t too many tourist crowds.
