The Kruunuvuorensilta bridge not only stands as Finland’s longest at 1,191 metres across, but also marks a new record for the country’s tallest at 135 metres, beating the highest residential building by one metre. It connects the waterfront residential neighbourhood with the island of Korkeasaari, the district of Laajasalo, and central Helsinki.

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City mayor Daniel Sazonov said: “Kruunuvuorensilta bridge is the new, unique and exciting landmark for Helsinki. A sight that will draw visitors from near and far. The new bridge reshapes how we look at Helsinki. It attaches the areas of Kruunuvuorenranta and Laajasalo in a completely new way to the larger central city area. The bridge reflects our commitment to sustainable solutions and embraces Helsinki’s unique maritime setting.”

Started in 2021 and coming in at a cost of around €326 million, according to official figures, the bridge now cuts the distance between neighbouring city districts by nearly six kilometres, and by 2030, it is predicted to be serving around 23,000 tram trips and 3,750 cycling trips per day. Work on a light rail system is ongoing.

@markhactar #helsinki #finland #suomi #kruunusilta #urban ♬ Eshgam (Love) – Khrystalist

Helsinki is implementing a long-term vision to prioritise public transport, walking and cycling in urban mobility. The majority of journeys in Helsinki are made using sustainable modes: around 41% on foot, 25% by public transport and 11% by bike, while only about 20% are made by car.

With a design life of 200 years, Kruunuvuorensilta aims to boost tram and active mobility for future generations. The bridge’s sustainability credentials can also be seen in a carbon footprint of approximately 129,000 tCO₂e, of which 76% originates from construction and 24% from operation and maintenance over a 50-year period. Emissions have been reduced through the use of low-emission materials and renewable energy sources.

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The structure also features weather-proofing approaches suited to Helsinki’s cold, coastal location, with stay cables that the wind keeps in constant, slight motion, preventing ice formation. Combined with a special coating, it means the bridges can shiver away flakes of ice as they form. Like the best of Finnish design, in a country known for the happiness of its citizens, it combines practicality with a sense of fun and joy, with different colours of LED lighting up at different times of day.

For fans of Finnish architecture, one of the oldest indoor swimming pools in the Nordics re-opened in the capital earlier this year, combining Classicism and Art Deco and offering not just a place to do laps, but a heritage taste of Finland’s sauna culture.

L’article Helsinki inaugurates world’s longest pedestrian bridge capable of shivering away its own ice est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

At a time when the aviation sector remains under pressure from soaring jet fuel prices, rerouted flights and ongoing geopolitical tensions, rail is quietly reasserting itself as a more stable alternative. Travel demand has not disappeared but shifted, with many travellers avoiding routes linked to the Middle East while still looking for ways to move across Europe.

For those heading north, there is an added incentive. Finland has once again ranked as the world’s happiest country, while neighbouring Sweden also sits firmly in the global top tier. This new link effectively allows travellers to experience both in one seamless journey.

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The long-awaited connection hinges on the reopening of the Tornio–Haparanda rail link, on the Finnish-Swedish border. From Tornio, passengers will be able to cross into Haparanda and connect onwards to the wider European rail network for the first time in decades.

The project follows a bilateral agreement confirmed last week, with Finland investing €1.9 million to restore the line. The service is expected to be fully state-financed by the 2030s.

No exact date has yet been confirmed, but the launch is expected in late June, in time for the summer holiday season. Finland’s Minister of Transport and Communications, Lulu Ranne, said, “The goal is to get the train service started during the summer”.

In practical terms, the link will enable a rail journey of roughly 5,000 kilometres, stretching from Kolari in Finnish Lapland to the Algarve in southern Portugal. It would make it the longest continuous rail route in Europe, a major draw for Interrailers.

From https://t.co/xTTbt1eQQQ :
“Anyone want to set a new record?

When Tornio – Haparanda services start this summer, a new longest train journey in EU is possible.
Geodesic 4000km
Kemijärvi – Lagos , surpassing previous best 3855.54km Riksgränsen – Lagos ” pic.twitter.com/DxWZ4j6I8W

— Chris Ogilvie (@Ogilvie_CJ) April 17, 2026

The journey, however, is not for the time-pressed. A full trip between Helsinki and Stockholm by rail will take around 24 hours, compared with roughly 18 hours by ferry or a much shorter flight. Those choosing rail will be trading speed for a slower, more scenic journey.

The reconnection restores the Tornio–Haparanda route, a line that dates back to the early 20th century but fell out of use for passenger traffic in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

To mark the reopening, Haparanda’s historic station is being revamped as the meeting point between the two systems. Finnish operator VR trains will run to Tornio and terminate at Haparanda, where passengers can simply walk through the station building to connect to Swedish Norrtåg services.

From the outset, the main obstacle has been the different track gauge systems used by Finland and Sweden. Sweden uses the standard European 1,435 mm gauge, while Finland, then part of the Russian Empire, adopted the broader 1,524 mm gauge.

A solution was found early on. After the rail bridge over the Torne River opened in 1919, shortly after Finland gained independence, engineers implemented a dual-gauge, four-rail track system. That same approach, updated with modern infrastructure, remains in use today and will support the return of passenger services in 2026.

The reopening will also mark Finland’s first regular international passenger rail connection since services to St. Petersburg were suspended in 2022 following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. According to Ranne, the link is expected to strengthen “security of supply and resilience in times of crisis”, while supporting cross-border mobility for work, study and tourism in the Bothnian Arc region.

Beyond passengers, the route carries clear strategic weight. Rail corridors have historically regained importance in periods of geopolitical tension, offering a more stable channel for goods and connectivity when other routes become uncertain.

L’article Finland rail link to Sweden ends isolation and unlocks Europe’s longest journey est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The Latvian flag carrier is launching new connections to the major winter sports destination of Kuusamo, flying from Berlin, Hamburg, London, Manchester, and Riga. Direct flights from Düsseldorf, Zurich, and Frankfurt to Kuusamo are already on sale, and elsewhere in Finland, inside the Arctic Circle. The airline also flies to Kittilä.

New winter route: Riga – Kuusamo Chase the Northern Lights, wander through snow covered forests, and experience the quiet magic of Lapland.
From December 11, fly direct from Riga to Kuusamo and discover a winter escape that feels truly different: https://t.co/b9MBwYzpdQ pic.twitter.com/rTzE6ceCqe

— airBaltic (@airBaltic) March 24, 2026

Commenting on the reasoning behind the newly expanded offer, Mantas Vrubliauskas, vice president of Network Development at AirBaltic, told Finavia, “Ruka-Kuusamo is a growing winter destination that offers excellent skiing opportunities and a unique northern natural environment. Together with our existing route to Kittilä, these new additions provide our customers in Finland, Latvia, Germany, and the United Kingdom with even more options for planning their winter holidays.”

Welcoming the development, Teemu Ahola, Director of International Operations at Visit Finland, said the “new connections offer an excellent opportunity to make Ruka-Kuusamo’s attractive winter activities and beautiful natural landscapes accessible to an increasing number of European travelers.”

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Named the Outdoor Destination of the Year 2025 at the Scandinavian Outdoor Award Travel, at ITB Berlin last March, the Ruka-Kuusamo region in northeast Finland boasts the Ruka Ski Resort—one of Finland’s largest, with a season from October to May. But with the waterfalls, forests, and canyons of the Oulanka National Park and two others too, it is increasingly a year-round destination, offering prime Northern Lights viewing, in addition to bear watching, canoeing, hiking, ice fishing, snowshoeing, and white-water rafting.

Kuusamo attracts around a million tourists every year on average. The expanded AirBaltic schedule is expected to cater to an extra 11,840 foreign tourists annually. If the connectivity is right, it’s a spot likely to attract not only winter holidaymakers but also those seeking to avoid extreme summer temperatures with “coolcations.”

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Публикация от Ryan Resatka (@ryanresatka)

Citing the collaboration between airBaltic, local businesses, the City of Kuusamo, Finavia and Visit Finland, Juhani Haarma, the CEO of Ruka-Kuusamo Tourist Association, hailed the “business opportunities for local tourism companies” that are anticipated to stem from such “significant tourism investments made in our region.”

The Finnish routes are not the only recently announced network expansion for AirBaltic. The carrier is also launching new routes to Katowice,  Poznan, and Warsaw from Gran Canaria, plus connections to Liège, Ljubljana, and Palanga from Tenerife.

L’article Finnish Lapland air connectivity expands with new AirBaltic routes est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

If once is a charm and three times a pattern, then after nine consecutive wins, the rest of the world might want to start paying attention, and perhaps emulate what makes this Northern European country such a consistently happy place.

The report’s rankings are based on data from over 100,000 individuals in more than 140 countries who were asked to rate the quality of their lives on a scale from 0 to 10.

The findings from World Happiness Report 2026, published today, paint a complex global picture of social media and happiness.

Explore now.

1/2 pic.twitter.com/zZz4HzqYQb

— World Happiness Report (@HappinessRpt) March 19, 2026

Finland has held the top spot since 2018. This year’s top five is broadly similar to last year’s, with one notable, albeit expected change: Costa Rica climbs to fourth place (up from 23^rd in 2022). Iceland ranks second, Denmark third, and Sweden fifth.

So what makes Finland so special?

While GDP and social support remain the strongest predictors of happiness, another pattern stands out: countries that rank highly in altruism also tend to rank highly overall. Donations, volunteering and helping strangers are all strongly associated with higher levels of happiness, a finding that is consistently supported by research.

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Публикация от Travel Tomorrow (@traveltomorrow.eu)

For many Finns, however, the explanation is more intuitive. “I love the fact that Finland is safe and that I can trust the average person here”, Helsinki local Olli Salo told the BBC. “Children walk to school from the age of seven, and you can trust that if someone makes a promise, they will keep it.”

Nature also plays a defining role. ‘”Being able to step outside and reach the sea, a park or a forest for an evening walk within minutes is special”, says Helsinki’s mayor, Daniel Sazonov.

Although taxes are high, the trade-off is high-quality public infrastructure, from transport to education, which removes the ‘everyday stress’ of modern life.

Finland performs strongly across nearly all these indicators. Not only has it secured first place again, but its score has also increased by 0.4 points compared to last year. Of the top ten countries, only Iceland, Costa Rica and Luxembourg have improved their scores, while the others have seen slight declines.

One of the more concerning findings is the decline in happiness among young people in North America (the US is 23^rd) and Europe (the UK is 29^th, France is 35^th, and Portugal is 69^th) over the past fifteen years. This period coincides with the rise of social media, whose use among younger teenagers surged dramatically during the global pandemic. Can all of this be attributed to screens?

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Публикация от Gallup (@gallup)

The report suggests that social media does play a role, particularly among younger users. Heavy use has been linked to an increased number of psychological complaints and lower life satisfaction in all 43 of the countries studied, with the strongest effect observed in Anglo-Celtic countries. Those spending five or more hours online daily, particularly girls, report significantly lower wellbeing, while the highest levels are found among those using it for less than one hour daily.

“We should look at ways to make social media more social again”, says Jan-Emmanuel De Neve, an Oxford professor and co-editor of the report.

Australia has already taken action. The country’s landmark ban on social media for under-16s is being watched closely, and next year’s report could reveal whether this bold policy or Nordic winters hold the key to happier, healthier young people.

L’article Finland remains the world’s happiest country for ninth consecutive year est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Boasting a long-held record as the world’s happiest country, Finland is sometimes known as the “Land of a Thousand Lakes” though in reality it possesses hundreds of thousands of them. Its “Lakeland” region, or Järvi-Suomi, in the central and eastern parts of the territory, is Europe’s largest lake district, extending from just north of Helsinki up towards Kainuu. Every summer Finns flock there to live out the national mantra of nature, space, and silence that is such a vital part of what has made them the happiest nation on Earth for the last eight years running.

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Everyone can learn how to “chill like a Finn” though, and Visit Finland is proposing a complimentary chance to do just that, with a giveaway that could see six lucky pairs of visitors relaxing in country cabins, unwinding in saunas, plunging into crystal waters, staying active with kayaking, rafting, and cycling, and, of course, filling up on Finnish cuisine. The holiday offer is also a roadtrip with a rental car, so that winners can fully explore the Lakeland region.

“An increasing number of international tourists come to Finland searching for the secret to happiness, yet Lakeland is still an undiscovered gem for many,” Heli Jimenez, senior director for international marketing at Business Finland, said, adding: “It’s the region Finns themselves return to when they want to relax truly, and the perfect destination for anyone looking to step away from the noise of everyday life.”

Participants will need to be available to arrive in Helsinki, on 11 June 2026. On 12 June, they will head to Lakeland for seven days “chilling like a Finn,” before travelling back to Helsinki on 17 June where they’ll catch a return to their home country on 18 June, or continue their own itinerary, perhaps enjoying nature and design in the Finnish capital, or undertaking a coffee odyssey.

To seize this opportunity, candidates need to be at least 18 years old at the time of application, and at least one of the pair must possess a valid driver’s licence. Conditions include completing a social media challenge imagining the delights of Finland on TikTok or Instagram. The next step is to fill an application form before 29 March 2026 by 11:59PM (EEST). Winners will be contacted during April 2026.

L’article Visit Finland invites travellers to experience Lakeland with free nature retreats est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Bookable from 5 March 2026 via the Uber app, Uber Aurora is set to operate out of Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland in northern Finland, gateway to the Northern Lights and known as the “official” hometown of Santa Claus. The city also boasts Arktikum, a museum and science centre exploring the Arctic region and the history of Finnish Lapland.

With limited places available on the complimentary service, would-be participants are advised to get their reservation in early, especially given that seeing the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, is now among the most “sought-after travel experiences of the decade,” according to online travel agency eSkyGroup. Bookings for Finland surged by 2,300% in the 2024-2025 season.

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Those lucky enough to confirm an Uber Aurora reservation will be collected from Rovaniemi and enjoy between six and eight hours of Northern Light viewing, accompanied by experts from local tour operator Arctic GM, tasked with finding the best places for their guests to see the phenomenon and capture it on camera.

Arctic GM has described the lights as a “once-in-a-lifetime experience.” Alexander Rytilahti, a manager at the firm, said: “We’re excited to combine our local knowledge with Uber’s platform to give guests the best possible chance to experience the aurora in a comfortable, easy, and safe way.”

Echoing that, Maurits Schönfeld, senior director of Uber Northern Europe, hailed the aurora as “one of the world’s most iconic bucket-list experiences” and said Uber is “proud to help more visitors and locals witness this extraordinary natural phenomenon and experience the Arctic at its most magical.”

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2026 is an exceptionally good year for observing the Northern Lights because it’s a “solar maximum” year, during which the Sun’s 11-year cycle of activity reaches an intense peak. That means an increase in the geomagnetic storms, flares, coronal ejections, and sunspots that are behind the lights we see from Earth. The equinoxes, when the sun crosses the celestial equator, around 20 March and 20 September, will also feed into the spectacle.

Uber recently branched out into its first snowmobile service, coinciding with the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. Uber Snowmobile offers one-hour rides through the Dolomites in the hands of local experts, Snowdreamers.

L’article Uber Aurora launches in Finland with free Northern Lights tours during solar maximum est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

While sauna culture has recently gained international popularity, it has been central to Finnish life for centuries. In Helsinki, this tradition developed into a spa culture in the 19^th century, when the city became known for its seaside baths and health resorts. Yrjönkatu Swimming Hall continues this story as Finland’s first indoor swimming hall designed for year-round bathing, exercise, and relaxation — and today remains one of the city’s best-kept secrets.

Yrjönkatu Swimming Hall is deeply loved by the people of Helsinki. That became clear in the feedback we received during the renovation planning. The message was simple: do not change its soul. Preserve the atmosphere and character that make it so special, says Paavo Arhinmäki, Deputy Mayor for Culture and Leisure of the City of Helsinki.

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Architecture of calm: Nordic Classicism meets Art Deco

Architecturally, Yrjönkatu Swimming Hall represents Nordic Classicism enriched with Art Deco influences. Designed by architect Väinö Vähäkallio and built by contractor Jalo N. Syvähuoko, the building stands apart from Vähäkallio’s more commercial and industrial works through its refined interiors and technically ambitious structure. Constructed within a dense city-centre block on a compact site, the swimming hall was an especially demanding engineering project for its time.

The ground floor houses a large swimming pool, washing facilities, and saunas, forming the hall’s functional core. On the second floor, there are private relaxation booths, and visitors can look down onto the pool from café tables. Here, the experience becomes more spa-like, with several different saunas, including a traditional wood-fired sauna and a steam sauna. A smaller pool and group exercise facilities complete the ensemble.

When it opened, Yrjönkatu Swimming Hall was far more than just a place to swim. In the 1920s and 1930s, visitors could have their shoes polished, clothes pressed, and hair styled before heading directly from the sauna to a dance school or restaurant — a true centre of urban leisure.

Renovation with respect for heritage

Throughout the renovation, the swimming hall was treated as though it were a protected building. The project was carried out in close cooperation with the City of Helsinki’s cultural environment and building conservation experts, with the aim of safeguarding its historical, architectural, and cultural values.

The historic pool hall interiors are of exceptional architectural importance and are also technically unique, with the swimming pools stacked vertically—a rare solution at the time of construction. The renovation focused on preserving the original appearance and proportions of the spaces while improving accessibility and upgrading building services to meet modern standards and environmental goals. In line with public feedback, changes were kept deliberately minimal, with the most visible updates limited to the lifeguards’ control area and the ticket office.

– Yrjönkatu Swimming Hall is not only a sports facility but a nationally significant cultural landmark. Every design decision was carefully weighed to retain original materials, spatial qualities, and details wherever possible — especially the distinctive ceramic tiles dating from the 1920s, says Katri Olli, Project Manager of the Urban Environment Division at the City of Helsinki.

The renovation also introduced a new public artwork commissioned under Helsinki’s Percent for Art principle. Created by photographic artist Noora Sandgren, the work Water Bodies is composed of six glass-printed photographs installed at the entrance of the swimming hall. The piece celebrates water as a life-giving force and highlights the interaction between different organisms. Under the Percent for Art scheme, a portion of the city’s construction and renovation budgets is allocated to new public artworks.

A bathing experience like no other

Yrjönkatu Swimming Hall is unique among Helsinki’s public swimming facilities in offering visitors the option to swim either nude or wearing swimwear, according to personal preference. Swimming days are scheduled separately for women and men, continuing a long-standing tradition.

The two levels of the building offer contrasting but complementary experiences: the ground floor functions as a traditional swimming hall for exercise and laps, while the second floor invites visitors to linger in a more spa-like setting, with private booths, multiple saunas, and a café overlooking the pool. Together, they form a unique and much-loved combination of a public swimming hall and a historic urban spa.

L’article Where sauna meets architecture: Helsinki’s historic Yrjönkatu Swimming Hall reopens est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The European Capital of Culture initiative, launched in 1985, aims to strengthen a shared European cultural space while boosting regional visibility and long-term development. Since its inception, more than 60 cities have held the title. In Oulu’s case, the ambition extends well beyond the city limits, incorporating forests, rivers, and coastlines into the cultural landscape.

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Here are nine standout events worth planning a trip around

The Climate Clock art trail is Oulu2026’s most significant production, featuring seven site-specific works hidden in forests and along seashores that explore ecological resilience. If you’re short on time, head to the urban centrepiece, The Most Valuable Clock in the World. This towering mechanical installation tracks nature’s rhythms through shifting data and light.

On 15 August, experience a Summer Night’s Dinner, set on a kilometre-long table stretching through the city centre to celebrate food as a communal and unifying force. The event pairs a Finland – China-designed tablecloth with a menu rooted in local forest fungi and regional storytelling.

For the first time, a major Fotografiska exhibition arrives in Finland. Curated by Fotografiska Tallinn, PLAY brings together 17 internationally recognised photographers, including Martin Parr, exploring playfulness as a connector across generations and artistic genres.

Earworm, a selection of video works from Finland’s National Gallery, spans several decades and examines the relationship between media art, technology, and sound. Music acts as a narrative thread, highlighting how technological change reshapes memory and perception.

@oulu2026official

OULU – EVEN COOLER THAN YOU THINK 200 tapahtumassa ympäri Oulua yli 250 000 käyntiä, mikä mieletön viikonloppu! 200 events around Oulu & 250 000 visits, what an amazing weekend! Saha Prod

♬ alkuperäinen ääni – OULU2026

Peace is treated as an active, evolving process in Layers in the Peace Machine, an immersive installation where visitors interact through movement and sound. This concept is further explored in Layers of Sharing, a digital project in which participants upload personal memories of conflict and peace, thereby constantly altering the work’s digital landscape.

Indigenous Sámi culture takes centre stage through productions such as Ovllá, a new opera addressing history and resilience, and Eanan giella – Voice of the Land, an exhibition bringing together over 50 artists to explore land relations and sustainability. Concerts and cultural events will also mark 6 February, Sámi National Day.

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Embrace all winter has to offer in this country, repeatedly ranked the world’s happiest. Enjoy the free urban electronic music, light, and art festival with Frozen (28 february), on the frozen sea, or the intricate Snow sculpture festival (11–15 February). Winter sports enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Winter Swimming World Championship, where over 2,000 participants from 45 countries will compete in the icy waters, or the Off-Track Skiing World Championships (6–8 February).

The world-famous Polar Bear Pitching remains a must-see, offering entrepreneurs a literal ‘cold start’ as they pitch their business ideas while submerged in a frozen avanto (ice hole).

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Spring welcomes Via Crucis (3 April), a city-wide Easter production that recreates the trial of Jesus through immersive music, dance, and light shows. This is followed by Leonard Bernstein’s Mass (17–21 April), a genre-defying masterpiece that blends Broadway energy with sacred liturgy, featuring hundreds of local performers.

Additionally, most of these events are family-friendly, and some are specifically designed for children. For example, The Book of Oulu gives children the opportunity to express their vision of the city and its future, and selected Climate Clock projects and Summer Night’s Dinner activities are designed to be inclusive for the family.

L’article Oulu takes centre stage as European Capital of Culture 2026 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The outreach was delivered through a short film featuring Finnish actor Janne Hyytiäinen, who shares the surname Anderson has said she would like to adopt. The City of Helsinki, together with Hyytiäinen, produced the film as a direct address to Anderson. The city also took the unusual step and placed roadside billboards along routes on Vancouver Island, where Anderson currently lives, sending the message even beyond Finland.

In the Vogue Scandinavia interview, Anderson spoke about simplifying her life, embracing a more natural public image and reconnecting with her heritage. She noted that while she would like to change her name, she believed she would not be able to do so. In response, Helsinki has sought to clarify that adopting the surname Hyytiäinen is in fact possible, and that general guidance on the process is publicly available.

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Публикация от Vogue Scandinavia (@voguescandinavia)

“After reading Anderson’s interview in Vogue Scandinavia, we wanted to respond with a warm welcome to Helsinki. Many of the interests she has spoken about publicly, from nature and wellbeing to a simpler everyday rhythm, are also things Helsinki has a great deal to offer,” said Soila Lehkonen, Head of Brand and PR at Helsinki Partners.

In 2025, Finland was ranked the happiest country in the world for the eighth consecutive year, and Helsinki was named the world’s most sustainable destination for the second consecutive year. Now the city frames the invitation as part of its broader approach to wellbeing and everyday quality of life. According to the press release, the city views happiness as something shaped through practical, everyday experiences, a principle reflected in its brand and promotion strategy.

“Anderson’s public comments regarding her Finnish heritage sparked a simple question on our end: if someone publicly expresses a wish to reconnect with their Finnish roots, what would a welcoming, functional city do? For Helsinki, the answer was to send an invitation,” Lehkonen added.

Liisa Kivelä, Chief Communications Officer of the City of Helsinki, said the city would be eager to introduce Anderson to everyday life in the capital if she were to respond. “If Anderson were to respond, we would be delighted to welcome her and to introduce her to everyday life in Helsinki, including Finnish sauna culture. Perhaps even a smoke sauna followed by a cold dip, as a very Helsinki-style way to say welcome,” she commented.

At the centre of the campaign is the short film titled “Operation: Make Pamela a Hyytiäinen,” in which Janne Hyytiäinen explains how the surname could be formally adopted under Finnish law, outlining options such as marriage, adoption or citizenship. Fewer than 1,800 people in Finland share the surname Hyytiäinen, according to Finnish population data, and Hyytiäinen suggests he and Anderson could even be distant relatives.

“I’d love to personally welcome Pamela to Helsinki and show her around the city. Who knows, this open invitation could turn into a meeting of long-lost cousins,” he says.

The city has stressed that the invitation is a one-way gesture and that Anderson is not involved in the campaign. Whether or not she responds, Helsinki says the initiative reflects its broader approach to welcoming those who wish to reconnect with Finnish heritage, highlighting everyday wellbeing and a sense of belonging as central elements of life in the capital.

L’article Helsinki invites Pamela Anderson to visit Finland and reclaim her Finnish family name est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Sauna is an integral part of Finnish culture and a cornerstone of family life. It has long been considered a place for cleansing, reflection and renewal. The joulusauna, or Christmas sauna, is traditionally taken on Christmas Eve morning, a calm and meditative moment before the festivities begin. For centuries, families have gathered in the sauna to cleanse both body and mind, symbolically preparing to welcome peace and goodwill into their homes.

In earlier times, the sauna was regarded as a sacred space, pure, warm and still. It was not only the setting for daily rituals but also for significant life events. On Christmas Eve, the fire would be lit early so that everyone could bathe before dusk. Afterwards, it was common to roll in the snow or step outside to refresh the senses, leaving the sauna clean and quiet for the mythical saunatonttu, the sauna elf, to enjoy.

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Публикация от Travel Tomorrow (@traveltomorrow.eu)

Today, Helsinki’s public saunas carry this timeless tradition into the modern era. Throughout December, the city’s saunas welcome visitors seeking warmth, serenity and a taste of Finnish Christmas culture at its most authentic. Below are seven of the most remarkable saunas to experience in Helsinki this festive season, from architectural landmarks to cosy neighbourhood retreats.

1. Löyly

A striking example of contemporary wooden architecture, Löyly sits proudly on Helsinki’s southern waterfront. The building has become a design icon while remaining faithful to the traditions of Finnish sauna culture. With three wood-heated saunas, including a rare smoke sauna, visitors can enjoy a genuine steam experience followed by an invigorating plunge into the icy Baltic Sea. Few places capture the blend of relaxation and energy that defines the Finnish winter spirit as perfectly as Löyly.

2. Allas Pool

Located beside the Market Square, Allas Pool brings together wellness, leisure and breathtaking sea views. The complex features several saunas, a heated pool and a seawater pool open all year round. Guests can swim while surrounded by views of the city’s skyline and then enjoy a meal or drink by the water. In winter, with the snow falling and the harbour lights twinkling, Allas Pool offers a uniquely atmospheric setting for a sauna and swim.

3. Sauna Hermanni

Step into Helsinki’s past at Sauna Hermanni, a beloved neighbourhood bathhouse that has been welcoming guests since the 1950s. This retro gem offers separate saunas for men and women and retains the relaxed, communal atmosphere of earlier times. Its mellow heat, tiled walls and nostalgic charm make it a favourite among locals who value authenticity and simplicity.

4. Kotiharjun Sauna

In the lively Kallio district stands Kotiharjun Sauna, the oldest wood-heated public sauna in Helsinki. Open since 1928, it remains a true institution of Finnish sauna culture. The red-brick building exudes history and tradition, offering services such as massages and washing ladies, a nod to old Helsinki customs. After your steam, cool off outdoors and soak up the local character of the surrounding neighbourhood.

5. Uusi Sauna

In the modern Jätkäsaari district, Uusi Sauna reinvents the communal sauna as a vibrant urban living room. The venue combines a restaurant and bar with stylish wood-pellet-heated saunas, creating a relaxed atmosphere that encourages conversation and connection. Locals and travellers meet here to enjoy good food, good company and the comforting rhythm of Finnish steam.

6. Furuvik’s Seaside Sauna

For those seeking peace and nature, Furuvik’s Seaside Sauna is a serene escape along Helsinki’s picturesque coastline. With its wood-fired sauna and views over the Baltic, it offers a sense of calm far from the city rush. Visitors can breathe in the crisp winter air, listen to the sound of the waves and feel time slow down. It is the perfect place to restore balance amid the festive season.

7. Lapinlahden Lähde Sauna

Hidden within the historic Lapinlahti hospital park, Lapinlahden Lähde Sauna offers a tranquil, community-centred experience surrounded by trees and sea views. With both mixed and separate sauna sessions, it attracts a diverse crowd seeking a peaceful connection with nature. The nearby Café Lähde adds to the cosy, welcoming atmosphere, an ideal spot for tea and conversation after a relaxing steam.

As Europe prepares for another long winter and the Christmas season draws near, few experiences feel as rejuvenating as stepping from a sauna into the crisp Nordic air and feeling the peace that has defined Finnish life for generations.

L’article Seven saunas to experience the magic of Christmas in Helsinki est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.