Espoo snow covered trail

Espoo, Finland – the perfect winter break

Espoo lies close to Helsinki in southern Finland and despite not being as well known as the capital city, it is a lovely place to spend a few days.  The city boundary covers the attractive centres of Tapiola and Matinkylä and the beautiful Nuuksio National Park. Getting there: Arrive into Helsinki Vantaa Airport (flights from …

Continue reading Espoo, Finland – the perfect winter break

Advertisement
Hotel Matts, Matinkyla, Espoo

Hotel Matts, Matinkylä, Espoo, Finland

Hotel Review Location: Hotel Matts is a luxurious 4 star hotel which has been open in Matinkylä, Espoo since early 2021.  The hotel has a metro and bus station just outside the door enabling guests easy access to travel around the scenic Espoo coastal area and into the centre of Helsinki in under 20 minutes. …

Continue reading Hotel Matts, Matinkylä, Espoo, Finland

Helsinki sign in Winter

Helsinki – the perfect winter city break

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 …

Continue reading Helsinki – the perfect winter city break

Silja Line boat, Helsinki

Tallink-Silja Line Day Cruise Helsinki – Stockholm

Whilst staying in Helsinki recently we planned a two day Roundtrip Cruise to Stockholm.  Cruise ferries depart daily at 4.45 p.m. and arrive in Stockholm the next morning enabling visitors to spend a day in the Swedish capital before returning to the ferry for the return voyage. Embarkation  Tallink-Silja Line have two identical cruise ferries …

Continue reading Tallink-Silja Line Day Cruise Helsinki – Stockholm

Swinghill Ski Area, Nuuksio National Park, Finland

Day trip from Helsinki: Nuuksio National Park

Advertisement with Visit Espoo.  Within easy reach of the Finnish capital lies Nuuksio National Park, an area of crystal clear lakes, forests and rugged crags. Getting there by public transport from Helsinki city centre takes just over an hour with a car journey taking around 40 minutes.  We bought Helsinki Day Cards €12 (£10.45) allowing …

Continue reading Day trip from Helsinki: Nuuksio National Park

Tapiola Central Pool, Espoo

Day trip from Helsinki: Tapiola, Espoo

Advertisement with Visit Espoo.  There are so many lovely places to visit in Helsinki and the surrounding area and one of my favourites is to spend a day in neighbouring Tapiola.  With the opening of the western extension of the metro it's now possible to reach Tapiola from the city centre in only 15 minutes.  …

Continue reading Day trip from Helsinki: Tapiola, Espoo

Tallink Megastar

Tallink Megastar: Helsinki – Tallinn

Spending time in the Finnish capital of Helsinki is absolutely lovely and one of my favourite places to visit.   As well as enjoying the city and surrounding area taking a ferry across to Tallinn in Estonia for a day is a very popular excursion as the journey time is only two hours. On our …

Continue reading Tallink Megastar: Helsinki – Tallinn

Helsinki Winter Garden and Palm House

Helsinki – Free things to see and do

In addition to a large selection of world renowned museums, galleries and attractions for which an entrance ticket is required, there are many inexpensive ways to enjoy a short break in Helsinki.  Listed below are my suggestions for some really lovely free things to see and do. Helsinki City Museum - located on the corner of …

Continue reading Helsinki – Free things to see and do

Cafe Kampela, Helsinki

A Guide to Helsinki’s Best Seaside Cafes

Finn's love their coffee, consuming the most per capita in the world.  As you might expect, there's a vibrant coffee culture and to experience the best that Finland has to offer you really need to try an authentic cinnamon bun (korvapuusti).  Versions of these buns have been around since the 18th century and it has …

Continue reading A Guide to Helsinki’s Best Seaside Cafes

Helsinki Market Square and Cathedral

Making the most of the Helsinki Card

A three day Helsinki Card might at first glance seem expensive as it costs €74 but as it covers a wide range of attractions and scenic boat trips that can cost at least €20 each then it's possible to make substantial savings whilst using the card.  It is also valid on public transport including trams, …

Continue reading Making the most of the Helsinki Card