Finland’s capital Helsinki is beautiful all year round and although it attracts more visitors during the summer months, winter breaks to this Nordic city are an absolute delight.
Below are my suggestions for making the most of this winter wonderland.
Market Square (Kauppatori)
Start with a walk around the market square and admire the harbour views over the Baltic Sea. There may not be as many market stalls as in the warmer months but you can still find souvenirs ranging from traditional wooden cups to handicrafts and reindeer rugs. If you’re feeling cold then pop inside one of the heated orange tents for a warming cup of coffee or mug of hot chocolate.
Old Market Hall
Located to one side of the market square stands the old market hall which opened in 1889. Its traditional wooden stalls offer Finnish delicacies including fish, reindeer, cheese, breads and pastries. There are numerous cosy cafes serving lunch and snacks so it’s easy to be spoilt for choice.
Senate Square
Situated to the rear of the market square stands the neo-classical Senate Square designed by Carl Ludvig Engel. Dominating the square is Helsinki Cathedral, of the Finnish Lutheran Church. This distinctive landmark features a tall green dome surrounded by four smaller domes. Admission is free with a voluntary donation of €5 suggested.
The National Library of Finland
On the west side of the square you will find the national library which is divided into two principal buildings, its large halls all being connected to each other. After leaving bags and coats in the cloakroom lockers step into the splendid Cuppola Hall, connected to two ornate side rooms, the North Hall and the South Hall which are both now used as reading rooms. The columns are coated with stucco marble and each hall has its own colour scheme. The three halls form a unique suite of rooms in Finnish architectural history, an academic temple devoted to literature.
City centre coastal walk
From the old market hall follow the promenade in the direction of Kaivopuisto Park. Wander along the scenic shoreline where there are stunning views across to Suomenlinna and out to the archipelago. Continue past the Olympia Terminal from where you can take overnight ferries to Stockholm.
After walking for approximately 30 minutes you will reach Cafe Ursula, a popular cafe favoured by locals. It’s located in a beautiful setting with an attractive interior and large outside terrace with rugs to snuggle under in winter.
There’s a wide range of food on offer with a reasonably priced lunchtime buffet. For a change of scene, return to the centre through the beautiful Kaivopuisto Park or catch a tram back from Olympia Terminal.
Suomenlinna Sea Fortress
Take the Suomenlinna ferry from the Market Square (the regular HSL transport ticket includes this service). The journey takes just 12 minutes to reach the Suomenlinna fortress. Sit out on the top deck of the ferry as the views are beautiful especially in winter when the boats cut through the frozen sea.
The island was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites as a unique example of the military architecture of its era. Suomenlinna is a bastion fortress with an irregular shape and a unique history in serving the defence of three realms, Sweden, Russia and Finland. On reaching the island, pick up a map from the tourist office located in the pink building to your left and depending on time, plan a route around the fortress taking in the King’s Gate, The Great Courtyard, Suomenlinna Church and the Docks. Enjoy dramatic cliff top views and breathe in the fresh Nordic air as you explore the island. Before leaving, enjoy a cup of coffee and a bite to eat in one of the island’s inviting cafes or restaurants.
Lauttasaari Island
Lauttasaari is an idyllic island to the west of Helsinki connected by road bridges and more recently by the metro. It’s a haven of tranquility with its many nature trails, yacht harbours, and beaches.
The walking path around the island is 6.7 km in length or for a more leisurely stroll I suggest taking the metro to Lauttasaari station, following signposts to the sea and continuing as far as Koivusaari station. On the way you will pass the gorgeous wooden Cafe Paseo which blends in with its surroundings beautifully. Indoors, there’s a cosy fireplace to sit around and enjoy a drink plus a shady terrace with pretty coastal views through the trees. The menu includes a wide range of hot meals, cakes and pastries.
Shopping
No city break should be complete without devoting an hour or two to shopping. Leading Finnish design brands to look for are Marimekko, Arabia, Iittala, Pentik and Finlayson which all have stores on and around the Esplanade. These products can also be found in the upscale Stockmann department store on Mannerheimintie which also features an extensive food hall in its basement where you can buy Paulig coffee, Fazer chocolate and much more.
Arabia District
Just north of the centre of Helsinki and at the terminus of the No. 6 and 8 trams lies the Arabia district which has much of interest to occupy several hours. Starting off by the tram terminus is the Iittala and Arabia design centre where you can browse the latest ranges from these iconic Finnish glass and ceramic manufacturers in room layouts and on table settings. The Arabia factory was founded in 1873 and at one time was the largest porcelain factory in Europe.
Before leaving, take the lift to the 9th floor to look inside the Design Museum. This showcases the products of the Arabia ceramics factory and Iittala glassworks from 1873 to the present day. Products are displayed in a timeline indicating the years when specific items were manufactured and it is interesting to view how designs have evolved over time (admission free).
Leaving the building, a flight of steps leads down towards the sea where you can enjoy a stroll along the tranquil waterfront towards the old town rapids.
Continue as far as the old town rapids on the Vantaa river and if time allows cross the bridge to the Museum of Technology which occupies the site of the old waterworks and is spread over several buildings.
Seurasaari Island
Take Bus 24 from Kamppi bus station which terminates at Seurasaari. The island is home to an open air museum (closed in winter) but visitors to the island can still walk around viewing the collection of Finnish cottages, farmsteads and old manor houses from the exterior.
The island is approached by an ornate wooden bridge and you can walk around the scenic coastal path in about an hour. Keep a look out for red squirrels which are often seen scurrying through the trees. There’s a cafe/restaurant plus several kiosks where you can buy hot drinks and pastries.
Vuosaari
Take the metro to Helsinki’s eastern suburb Vuosaari in just 20 minutes from the city centre. Leaving the metro station, walk through the Columbus shopping mall before strolling down the tree lined avenue towards the sea approximately 1 km away.
This seaside area of Vuosaari is known as Aurinkolahti (Sunny Bay) and here you will find a lovely wide sandy beach stretching for 700 metres, making it a perfect spot for a dip in the sea on a warm, sunny day.
In winter you are more likely to spot people ice swimming or fishing through small holes drilled through the ice. Continue to the end of the promenade and pop into the delightful Kahvila Kampela for coffee, cakes or a bowl of creamy salmon soup.
I think you will agree that Helsinki is a perfect destination for a winter break. In face, it’s one of my favourite cities year round.
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Love Travelling Blog 
Helsinki is a glorious city, although I have never visited it! This is the conclusion I have come to after reading this post. I would enjoy walking and soaking up the beautiful scenery and interesting sights. This would be followed by a hot chocolate in one of the many appealing cafés. However, I would give the ice swimming a miss!
Without fail, you provide us with a detailed travel blog, full of helpful information. Thanks, Marion!
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Thanks so much for your kind words June. Hopefully sometime you’ll make it over to Helsinki as it’s so beautiful.
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What a wonderful guide to Helsinki in the winter! The post highlights some great places to explore, from the historic Market Square to the picturesque Lauttasaari Island. It’s clear that Helsinki has so much to offer, even during the colder months
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Thanks for your interest in this post on Helsinki. I hope you get to visit sometime.
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Some stunning scenery and architecture, Marion. Winter cities on coastlines such as that need to embrace it in all seasons. That being said, I’m not a fan of swimming, let alone ice swimming. Thanks for sharing. Allan
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No, ice swimming wouldn’t be for me either Allan but I do rather like a traditional Finnish sauna. Thanks so much for your comments. Marion
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I only had a few hours in Helsinki, and I went in the summer, but seeing how there’s so much to do has convinced me to also try to go in the wintertime! Looks like a lot of fun when you went!
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Wrapped up warmly Helsinki is gorgeous for a winter break Rebecca, especially so if the sun is shining. Hope you get to return sometime.
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Aw this brought back very happy memories of our own winter trip to Helsinki – I remember the ferry breaking through the ice on the way to Suomenlinna, it was truly magical.
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Thanks for taking the time to comment Hannah, Helsinki is gorgeous all year round and especially so in winter.
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You show that the city can be visited with interest in winter, I was there in summer it was very different. I think I’ll go back in summer, if only to enjoy the long days.
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Both summer and winter in Helsinki are very pleasant and of course the days are very long during the summer months.
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Loved the scenes but you didn’t convince me to go ice swimming 🙂
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Spending a winter break in Helsinki is lively but ice swimming isn’t for me either Ian, I much prefer a sauna! Thanks for your welcome thoughts.
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We visited Helsinki such an amazing site Marion. Thanks for sharing these snowy images .Helsinki Square was a very interesting site. Thanks Anita
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This post makes me want to travel to Finland, and in the winter too! It looks like a winter wonderland! I am impressed with the ice swimming too, I heard it is healthy to go for a cold plunge.
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Thanks so much for your interest in this post on my winter visit to Helsinki. I adore visiting Finland whatever the time of year as you are always close to the sea and forests. Taking a sauna then going for an ice swim is said to be very healthy. I love Finnish saunas but couldn’t bring myself to try ice swimming though. Hope your weekend is going well and you get to visit Finland one day.
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I read that Finland has a lot of islands, looks like quite a few are reachable from Helsinki. Vuosaari and the fort look like a great short trips from the city. Seeing the fort made me realize I don’t know just about Finland’s history. I love your picture of the archipelago. Maggie
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Thanks for your interest in this post on Helsinki. I’ve spent a lot of time in Finland over the years and never tire of its beauty whatever the time of year.
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Helsinki looks very interesting. I am going to put it on my list to visit soon!
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Thanks for your interest Nancy. Helsinki is beautiful whatever the time of year and I do hope you get to visit sometime soon! Have a good weekend. Marion
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This is a wonderful Helsinki travelogue, Marion. It just goes to show that winter travel can be as fun and exciting as summer travel. No ice swimming for me, but the beach in Vuosaari looks inviting!
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If you get sun and snow and you’re wrapped up warmly, winter travel can be lovely. I adore visiting Helsinki as there are so many beautiful seaside walks (and cosy cafes). I wouldn’t go ice swimming either, the idea sends shivers down my spine but Finnish saunas, yes please! Thanks so much for commenting and have a good weekend.
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Incredible tour of beautiful Helsinki! I love that icy coastline! But someone swimming in that icy water is made of stronger stuff than I am. What a treat to follow along with you today on this visit- more and more Finland is on my list 🙂 Have a great weekend Marion!
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Thanks so much for your kind words and interest Meg. Helsinki is beautiful year round because of its proximity to the sea and nature. We were so lucky to experience sun and snow but like you I’d draw the line at ice swimming. The Finns are definitely made of stiffer stuff! I’m with them for their saunas though! Have a great weekend. Marion.
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I would definitely chose the sauna over the ice swimming 🙂 A sauna in winter just sounds brilliant!
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They definitely are!
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Winter destinations are so underrated. Old Market Hall looks charming, as well as the other highlights. Thanks for reminding us of the magic of Helsinki.
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Thank you so much for your kind words. Helsinki is beautiful year round and can be delightful in winter especially on a sunny day.
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There sure is a lot to do! I never think to travel in the winter because I don’t really like the cold, but then there aren’t so many crowds which is a big bonus.
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Travelling in winter can be beautiful if you are lucky enough to get sunshine. I just adore Finland year round with its many lakes, forests and beautiful coastline. Have a great weekend Lyssy!
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It all looks wonderful. Helsinki seems to have a huge amount of open space for a major city, something I always appreciate. Hats off to the ice swimmers, as much as I love a wild swim I think I’d be cheering them on from the shore!
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In Helsinki you are never far from the sea and forests that’s what makes the city so special for me. I’m really into Finnish saunas but like you Idraw the line at ice swimming! Thanks for commenting and have a great weekend. Marion
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Helsinki looks amazing in winter. I have to say that there is something almost magical about seeing the city, covered in ice and snow, shining extra brightly on a sunny but freezing winter’s day. The National Library of Finland caught my eye right away – I could easily spend hours wandering around, taking photos, marvelling at the architecture, and looking at book titles. Thanks for sharing and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Helsinki is absolutely beautiful in winter and with its cosy cafes, it’s perfect for a stroll. The National Library of Finland is exquisite and I hope you are able to visit sometime. Thanks for taking the time to comment Aiva ,M x
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It all looks delightful and hopefully I will get there one day. You did very well fitting in so much outdoors considering the days would have been short.
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Yes, we made sure that we were down for breakfast early as I don’t like to rush breakfasts and Finnish hotels always put on a vast spread. This allowed us plenty of time to explore . Thanks for reading and have a great weekend Gwen.
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Great tips. I’m travelling in June, finally meeting my Finnish friend
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Wonderful, one of my best friends is a Finnish blogger and we’ve met frequently over the last five years. Finns are such lovely people. Can’t wait to read about your trip too!
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I booked the flights the other day, I’m going in June🙂Meeting a Finnish friend there finally but I am already reading your Helsinki suggestions too because I find your posts very useful
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Oh Tanja I’m so pleased for you. You will absolutely love Helsinki and with the long days of midsummer, you’ll have lots of time to explore. I adore Finland so much I try and go twice a year!
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Yes, I’ve noticed that you visit Helsinki often🙂
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A winter wonderland! The walk along the picturesque coastline looks beautiful (but I’m not so sure about the ice swimming 😬). You have some beautiful photos here Marion, especially of Lauttasaari Island. Indeed, Helsinki must be great to explore during the winter – thanks for the tour!
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I’d definitely pass at the ice swimming too Corna but winter coastal walks around Helsinki are gorgeous if you’re wrapped up well. The cafes are lovely too and all give free coffee refills which is even better! Have a great weekend.
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