Vantaa: Museum City Of Finland

Vantaa: Museum City Of Finland:

Many people say that Finland is the home of winter and every city has its winter attractions so you will never get bored. Blessed with countless attractions and amazing cultural venues, full of historical heritage values that make you dive in the past, medieval cathedrals and deluxe venues, Finland is the place where it’s always fun. So if you are in search of a good vacation and still don’t know where to go, we suggest that you choose Finland and your Scandinavian experience will be totally perfect. Exploring Finnish cities is something that is interesting and funny at the same time; you will be close to Finnish lifestyle and will dive in the hustle and bustle of this fascinating country. Every Finnish city has its unique face and original things to offer its visitors, so do not hesitate visiting the Finnish cities during your visit to “winter land.” Today we are going to enter a city that is famous in Finland especially for its incredible and fabulous museum and if you ask Finns which city to visit, Vantaa will undoubtedly be in the list.

Vantaa along with other cities actually makes up the Helsinki Metropolitan Area and is considered the fourth most heavily populated city in Finland. The country’s largest Airport is also situated here and is called Helsinki-Vantaa Airport.

The first mention about Vantaa was in 1351 but it took the status of city only in 1974 because during its first period and after it was just a part of Greater Helsinki. Nowadays Vantaa is developing minute by minute and offers its visitors so many attractions and majestic places that you will never get bored.

Vantaa Attractions

Countless array of choices are waiting for you in Vantaa as the city boasts of cultural and natural wonders to enjoy. The very popular Vantaa Museum with its fantastic collections houses exhibitions of Modern Finnish Art and many historical pieces from different countries of the world.  In Vantaa City Museum you will get a great opportunity to explore the history of the region that starts many centuries ago and develops up till now.  And if you want to see also Aviation Museum of Finland, it’s  a must to visit Vantaa because there are around 70 civilian and military aircraft on display, as well as other aviation oriented exhibits. The museum includes a collection of almost 9,000 other items, its library lists more than 16,000 books and magazines on aviation. The museum also possesses a large collection of aviation-related photography.

There are also many alluring parks where you can have a rest and organize family-friendly meetings there, just walk in the city and admire the great beauty of the Nature. Visit Vantaa; the museum city of Finland!

Photos credits to 1,2,3

Finland Natural Wonders

Finland Natural Wonders:

Going on holiday is fun and exciting, offering new adventures and enjoyable experiences. But in order for any trip to go smoothly, proper planning is an absolute must. And no matter you are traveling for business, study, vacation, honeymoon or any other occasion, be sure to take the advantage of worldwide travel insurance to avoid the unexpected, dangerous, or tragic. Today, many travel insurance companies also offer travel insurance over 65, giving the elderly the unique opportunity to enjoy and see the world, though they are more likely to have health problems.

In this post we are going to speak about Finland natural wonders, which are bountiful and truly amazing. Forests, seas, islands and snowy mountains are just some of its popular spot attractions that are worth a visit. But what draws more attention among the visitors to this picturesque country is the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) – a breathtaking natural phenomenon, found in few places on Earth. The Northern Lights are best seen in the northern Lapland region – a dreamscape tourist destination with all the ingredients for a successful and unforgettable holiday.

The lights are at their most frequent during late autumn and winter, as well as in early spring. There are many activities to indulge in under the northern lights, including long cross-country trekking, dog sledding (book beforehand), as well as guided snowmobile tours. Be patient as the northern lights love to play hide and seek, and if they do not come to you, do not mind as you can go to them by yourself.

Lake Saimaa is another natural attraction in Eastern Finland, and is considered the fourth largest lake in Europe populated by more than 15,000 islands accessible by boat that stretch almost 200 kilometers. Ideal for a camping holiday, this is where nature lovers can trek and explore the surrounding unspoiled nature, as well as swim, boat, canoe, fish and even horse ride.

This is a spectacularly beautiful destination with stunning natural environment that never fails to amaze and entice. Active both in summer and winter months, Lake Saimaa and its surrounding areas warmly welcome holidaymakers for a memorable vacation. Nearby visitors will find numerous spa hotels, cottages and other holiday resorts waiting to ensure your pleasant and comfortable stay. Be the next to be amazed by the region’s scenic mosaic water, hills and lush forests!

Finland is also home to 35 national parks scattered all over the country, from the northern Lapland Province to the southern Finnish archipelago. Finland’s national parks are extensive nature conservation areas where people can relax and enjoy nature at its most best. There are many hiking routes and nature trails and even camping sites, allowing visitors to stay overnight. Do not miss out the stunning Archipelago National Park in the Finnish archipelago, which is a UNESCO biosphere reserve and a great place to get an ideal what the general scenic landscape is like.

From enjoying the natural richness of Lapland, to seeing amazing formations like anthills in the forests to getting acquainted with Finland’s underwater diversity, you’ll return home with the desire to return again and again!

Photo credits to 1,2,3,4,5,6

Where to Stay in Finland

Where to Stay in Finland:

When thinking about Finland the first thing that comes to your mind is perhaps its saunas and World Rally and Formula 1 champions. But Finland is more than this. It’s Lapland and Santa Claus, ice hockey and skiing, spectacularly beautiful forests and lakes, and coastline dotted with thousands of magnificent islands. But before discovering what this fantastic land of extremes has to offer, it’s well worth to decide where to stay in Finland. Accommodation in Finland is bountiful and ranges from camping sites and hostels to resorts and bungalows to hotels and cottages.

If you are visiting Finland with you family or friends, take advantage of very competitive rates by renting self-catering apartments, hostels, cottages and villas: Finland simply teems with them. Renting a lakeside cottage in Finland is one of the best ways to experience the Nordic summer and the Midnight sun. If it’s pampering you want Finland has no shortage of Wellness Centers and Spa Hotels that are staffed with doctors, nurses and health professionals and boast a wealth of services guaranteed to aid in the rejuvenation of your body, soul and mind alike.

The hotel standard is high in Finland and comes with the ultimate conveniences and top notching service. Most hotels boast a swimming pool, a sauna and even a spa. But do not forget that this kind of hotels will cost no less than 100 Euros per night. From major cities like Helsinki and Oulu to the most remote stretches of Nordic wilderness, all parts of Finland boast their own unique hotel accommodations.

Another way to make your trip interesting, especially during the summer months is to stay on the farm. There are several farms around Finland that offer accommodation equipped with modern facilities to take care of your needs.

But most of all and above all, the most exotic choice of available accommodation in Finland for Lapland visitors is to spend a night in a room or a cozy igloo made entirely of snow and ice.

Here the temperature is between 0°C and -5°C, however, you will be provided with warm and comfy sleeping bags. The best choice of this type of accommodation is the Kemi Snow Hotel, featuring a snow restaurant, where you can dine, as well as snow playground for children and snow chapel ideal for weddings.

Spa Hotel Rantasipi Eden

Whether for a business convention or family holiday, the luxurious Spa Hotel Rantasipi Eden is an ideal choice, offering splendid opportunities for relaxing and enjoying. Located 15 minutes from Tampere center close to Phyasarvi Lake, the hotel has 130 rooms with all the comforts to make your stay a pleasant experience. The newly renovated and expanded spa is where Finland’s longest waterslide is found, a magnificent tropical pool department some 1,500 square meters in size.

The hotel also houses its own restaurant serving a variety of dishes, a spa tub and fitness facility on site, as well as poolside bar, meeting/conference facilities and more. Wireless internet access is available for a surcharge. Keep in mind – it’s easy to let yourself be pampered at Eden.

No matter which kind of accommodation you’ll choose to stay in Finland, be sure to have a nice and awe-inspiring holidays.

Photo credits to 1,2,3,4,5,6

Best Finland Museums

Best Finland Museums:

If you are looking for an active holiday with music festivals, nature experiences like skiing, hiking and boating, city breaks and shopping opportunities to name but a few, Finland is an ideal choice. But Finland is more than this; it is churches and fortresses, amusement parks and gardens, as well as museums and art galleries that are a ‘must’ while visiting Finland. There are around a thousand museums in Finland, of which one-third are professionally run.

Helsinki at the very heart of Finland, boasts over 80 great museums, which are the most popular in Finland, including Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma, National Museum of Finland, Ateneum Art Museum, Design Museum, Museum of Natural History and others. In most museums visitors will find cafes, gift shops and even restaurants, not mentioning the huge variety off exhibits, shows and events for both children and adults. It’s simply impossible to include all Finland museums in one post; however, we have chosen those that in our opinion are the best. Be sure to visit and enjoy the many wonderful works of art that are to be appreciated highly!

National Museum of Finland (Suomen Kansallismuseo)

Welcome to the impressive National Museum of Finland, a fine getaway where you learn all about Finnish life in different periods, from prehistoric times to the present. Looking a bit like a Gothic church with its stonework and tower, the museum was built in the early 20th century (1916) and fully renovated in 2000. The exhibition is truly enormous, so prepare at least three hours or more to fully get acquainted with works in all six parts.

Significant is the Treasure Troves – a collection of coins, orders, medals, silver artifacts and jewelry that will keep your breath away. Also interesting are the Realm, dedicated to the development of Finnish culture from the Middle Ages to the early 1990s, a Land and Its People, which is about Finnish folk culture of the 18th-19th century and the 20th Century showcasing Finland’s international culture and independence. Designed by Herman Gesellius, Armas Lindgren and Eliel Saarinen in national-romantic style, the museum also features an information center, a library, a museum shop and an auditorium.

Finnish National Gallery (Valtion Taidemuseo)

Finnish National Gallery is a cultural institution and the largest art museum organization in Finland that is host to three semiautonomous museums, including the Ateneum Art Museum, the Kiasma (Museum of Contemporary Art) and the Sinebrychoff Art Museum (Museum of Foreign Art), displaying sculpture, painting, print and graphic art.

Ateneum Art Museum is where visitors will find many national treasures, including works by Finland’s golden age and modern masters (Albert Edelfelt, Akseli Gallen-Kallela). Art consists of paintings from the 18th century rococo portraiture to modern day paintings. You will also find sculptures by Van Gogh sure to delight.

The Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma gears itself toward stimulating every sense thanks to its ingenious design and the amazing exhibition. Designed by Steven Holl, the museum was opened in 1998 and showcases the contemporary art collection of the Ginnish National Gallery founded in 1990. With Kiasma there is a hope to confirm that art, architecture and culture come together and are all integral parts of the city and landscape.

Sinebrychoff Art Museum houses an extensive collection of foreign paintings and has a stunning collection of foreign miniatures and porcelain. Located in Bulevardi in a beautiful palace designed by Jean Wik in 1842, the museum offers a place for imagination and the ability to imagine by taking the visitors through different time periods. Do not miss out the Empire room, which is a uniquere-creation that drips with chandeliers and opulence. On the first Wednesday of each month you can visit the museum free of charge.

Photo credits to 1,2,3,4,5,6

Fascinating Castles of Fascinating Finland

Fascinating Castles of Fascinating Finland:

If you are in search of a truly unique cultural experience and want to feel the breath of centuries, here you are; Finland, a great place of fascinating historical heritage, is just what you will definitely appreciate. When you are already done with the huge shopping-centers filled with brands of international designers; wonderful attractions and popular restaurants, where you can taste both Finnish spectacular dishes and international cuisine; luxury hotels embellished with modern and traditional decorations, look no further; leave the hustle and bustle and visit Finnish ancient castles, offering original architectural solutions and decorations.

Olavinlinna Castle

Situated in town Savonlinna, Olavinlinna or St. Olaf’s Castle is the first Finnish castle built in 1475 for use rather than for show and the most northern medieval castle in the world. Conveniently nestled on a rocky island, it served as a protector from the Eastern border of Sweden, pushing away the attacks of the enemies. St. Olaf has one main castle inside, and is surrounded by three tiny towers, though there were five originally. These towers stand as a proof the castle was established after firearms came into use.

The magnificent castle, which serves as one of the most popular attractions of 19th century in Finland, hosts many festivals with the most renowned being the “Savonlinna opera” festival, which is held every July. Note that during the festival you won’t be allowed to visit the central castle if you are not included in a special tour.

The castle offers unbelievable opportunities for organizing glamorous wedding-parties in medieval surroundings, though it can cost an arm and a leg.

Kastelholm Castle

Kastelholm Castle is another well-known tourist-attraction in Finland built for strategic protection and it’s much younger (the construction began in 1384) than St. Olaf’s castle. Kastelholm is sometimes described as “a key to Sweden” because it was the last marine outpost to protect Stockholm. Once the magic castle was situated in a small island surrounded by waters and had a significant role in the history but nowadays, it’s just a nice place to visit and get some information about architectural wonders. There is a special exhibition hall inside the castle where visitors can examine the deep history of this miracle, which has survived many wars and struggles. Dating back to the 14th century, part of the tiny castle has gradually outgrown to ruins, however, it’s still astonishing and alluring.

Tavastehus Castle

Unlike other Finnish castles, Tavastehus, more known as Hama castle, is featured not only with its architectural solutions, but also with its dominant color — red. It has been damaged many times and during the 18th century the amazing building lost its two towers. For some time the castle served as a prison, designed by very famous Finnish architect Carl Ludwig Engel. There is no official document found about when the castle was built exactly. The red brick castle is repaired and now it’s in a good state and serves as a historical heritage to see and enjoy.

The magnificent castles of Finland are so alive that it seems you are back in the 13^th-14^th centuries.

Photos credits to 1,2,3

Finland in December: Best Place to Visit

Finland in December: Best Place to Visit:

Snow on the windows and fire burning brightly… Noisy December is on the doorstep and the enjoyable period of bustle and hustle starts bringing a lot of fun and happiness, promising exciting moments full of the magic of Christmas.

Fascinating Finland is one of the most incredible and amazing countries of Europe and it welcomes its visitors guaranteeing to make their time unforgettable and wonderful. There are several must see places in Finland where you will enjoy your December.

Lapland: Finnish miracle

All “original” Santa Clauses are here, in picturesque Lapland, where pure air and natural peace will give you a really Finnish experience to remember in the whole life. There is a big range of winter activities. Visitors will have an ideal opportunity to enjoy snowboarding, which becomes more and more popular in Lapland. If you are a lover of skiing, look no further and go for downhill skiing; a great extreme for adventurous people.

Not enough? I’m sure ice bathing will be perfect and your breathtaking emotions will accompany you all day round. I believe ice bathing is very useful for health, thus it’s kind of a mix of pleasure and health.

Those who have an adventurous spirit will admire the dog sledding and will hardly forget the great lifelong experience. You can be part of the special tour and if the guards ensure you are able to drive the team of dogs consisting of 5 to 8 dogs, you can enjoy your trip. At night you should enjoy Northern lights, which are best seen in this pure and astonishing piece of the earth. Mysterious lights are at their best in moonless skies, hereby the perfect time to see the Northern lights is the short period of snowy December. There are a lot of other winter attractions in lively Lapland such as fishing, husky safaris and snowmobile safaris to name but a few. Hereby, consider this unforgettable experience and buy tickets to the fairytale of Lapland.

Helsinki: Finnish capital in December

The picturesque and sparkling capital of Finland is very affluent with fabulous tourist attractions, fascinating theaters, wonderful museums, deluxe restaurants with high quality service of both traditional and international cuisine and spectacular gardens. It’s also blessed with winter venues you’ll definitely appreciate. There are countless ice skating places for everyone. Skating is a very cool thing to do in cold winter; you can skate and listen to music, afterwards just take a cup of tea and enjoy your time with friends or family. Sometimes on special days they organize various dance parties where you can meet new people and spend your time on the crystal rink.

Ice swimming is another crazy and funny activity you should try in the Finnish warm capital. If you want to try this, put on special sandals not to freeze in water. Experienced ones swim as much as possible, newbies try to get out from water as soon as they can. Ice swimming improves blood circulation making feel fresh and alive. Don’t worry about the cold, because afterwards you will be offered warm sauna.

In cold winter we all need a warm and friendly place to relax, drink, talk or just meet new people. Bar and café culture in Helsinki is very common and Finns like spending their evenings in different cafes with friends. Numerous parties gather families together to drink hot chocolate and discuss Christmas preparations.

During December, Helsinki embellished with thousands of lights, is preparing for the most magical celebration in the world — Christmas. Take your time and go shopping in Christmas Markets, which offer a range of various Christmas items and gifts. There are very nice labyrinths of tunnels for cars and these tunnels make possible to get under the center from one shopping market to the other without getting cold in snowy or rainy weather.

And lastly, even if you visit Finland in cold December, you will find a BIG piece of warmth and love in this friendly and lovely country, where everyone is happy to welcome you. Finland in December is the place sure to make your time incredible and amazing; you’ll cherish it forever.

Photos credits to 1,2,3,4,5

Enjoying Finnish Cold Winter

Enjoying Finnish Cold Winter:

Winter is the time of Christmas, hot chocolates, fun and happiness, thus everyone wants to spend it in a special way. Amazing Finland is one of the most popular European countries, affluent with various winter activities and attractions. In winter time darkness falls early on this small ice kingdom, where it gets colder with every other today. But the cold can in no way prevent you from enjoying great time in Finland, especially if you truly want to witness its beauty and take advantage of the unimaginable opportunities it offers. Once in Finland in winter, you should be well protected against cold, so make sure you take very warm clothes. What to do in “snow-ful” Finland? Ask lovely Finnish people, they will give you good advice.

1. Start your dark morning with a cup of strong coffee, which will make you fresh all day long. By the way coffee serving is a unique feature of Finnish culture. But if you are fond of tea, shops offer you a range of different teas with various tasty flavors. Tea will keep you warm, at least for the first several minutes of your being out.

2. Haven’t you tried Finnish sauna? Hurry up; it’s a very pleasant thing to do especially in cold winter. There are at least two million saunas there and this number is rising because many families have electric saunas even in their apartments. Finnish people have various types of saunas such as friendship sauna, Christmas sauna, after sport, for the evening or for the special celebrations, to name but a few.

3. Enjoy the snow; the miracle of winter, and make your time joyful and happy with friends or family members. On this land of fantasy, winter time is full of lights and lots of sunshine; winter loving kids and adults can visit adventurous attractions. A good idea is to organize a tea-picnic with friends to make it even more interesting or to go for snowboarding or skiing.

4. Huge shopping centers blessed with Christmas decorations and gifts are waiting for you. Here you can do your shopping and relax at the same time. The prices are not shocking so you can surely afford buying gifts and different items for Christmas. If you are with kids they will get a chance to meet Santa Claus. I believe this will be a very memorable event for them, because if you think what’s one of the dearest wishes of every kid? To meet the kind grandfather, to sit on his knee, to talk to him and ask him a wish. The Santa Claus tale for a second might seem real even to the adults, including you.

5. The evenings in Finland are affluent with various things to do; from skiing in the rinks to gathering with families in a small Finnish cafe to drink hot chocolate and have a warm conversation together. If you are alone, don’t worry, just go to any Finnish cafe; warm and hospitable surroundings will never make you think you are alone in a foreign country.

Full of winter attractions, Finland is always happy to greet you with lots of sunshine and warm atmosphere. So if we put aside all issues related to the cold (which is quite natural in winter) Finland is one of the top places to visit in winter.

Photos credits to 1,2,3,4,5

Most Expensive Restaurants in Helsinki

Most Expensive Restaurants in Helsinki:

The capital of Finland is not only very popular with many family attractions to enjoy, places to visit and relax, marvelous museums and theaters, but is also blessed with expensive restaurants where people are given a chance to taste unique Finnish dishes and International cuisine wonders. You can admire both the typical traditionally decorated restaurants and modern furnished ones. If you are in search of good food, look no further Helsinki popular restaurants always wait for you.

Sasso restaurant

A little Italy in Helsinki, that’s how I’d describe this restaurant. If you are looking for a tranquil and quiet place to enjoy your evening and admire the great beauty of Italian culture and traditions, this restaurant is for you. Sasso offers the best Italian three course meals in Helsinki. If you happen to visit this lively place, also try Italian subtle wines to make your evening really unforgettable.

Kellarikrouvi: best Finnish restaurant

Open from Monday to Friday from 11am to 12am and on Saturday from 4pm to 12am, Kellarikrouvi restaurant is one of the best traditional places in Helsinki. Here you can taste best Finnish delicacies and drinks enjoying your day with family members and friends. This family friendly place with its unique surroundings has separate rooms where people can dine and enjoy their meal. Special Finnish grilled kidneys and reindeer steaks are one of the most popular dishes in the capital. You can also visit the restaurant bar and have a warm conversation in a friendly atmosphere.

Yume: Japanese culture in Helsinki

Yume is a modern and exotic restaurant in Helsinki furnished with original decorations and amazing exclusive flowers. It has a very large dining hall. Japanese unique spices and delicious food are served here and if you are in search of a truly Asian experience in modern surroundings, here you are, Yume is an ideal place, which is an absolute mix of Japanese and Finnish traditions. It’s open from Monday to Thursday from 5pm to 11pm and on Friday from 5pm to 12am.

French La Petite Maison restaurant

As any other typical French restaurant, this one also serves delicious food and countless drinks. The chefs and staff are professionals highly trained to make customers’ day amazing. The restaurant has a marvelous collection of wines, so make sure you pick the right one especially if you are planning to have a romantic evening. Astonishing surroundings and friendly atmosphere, tasty French meals and dessert, world-class serving and glaring furniture will take you to french culture world.

Lebanese Farouge restaurant

The only Lebanese restaurant in Helsinki offers you perfect homemade “baklava” in Finland. The spices and herbs used in Lebanese dishes are not only very delicious but also healthy, so here you needn’t worry about your health. The staff of the restaurant is very friendly and well-trained, hereby the best Lebanese food and drinks are guaranteed. You can also taste different flavored teas in this calm piece of western culture. The prices of the main course meals prices range from 20 to 38 Euros. It’s open from Monday to Saturday from 11am to 3pm.

The diversity and the absolutely wide choice of restaurants offering a high class service and tastiest foods can attract a number of people who love eating well and are not scared of trying new dishes. Helsinki gives you the opportunity not only to taste Finnish cuisine but also other “not less interesting” ones. Time to collect money to visit the gorgeous Helsinki restaurants representing various cultures and cuisines. I’m coming Helsinki!!!

Photos credits to 1,2,3,4,5

Magical Seurasaari Island Museum

Magical Seurasaari Island Museum:

Helsinki is one of the most incredible cities of Scandinavia blessed with alluring attractions and green, lively parks, luxurious restaurants offering delicious food and strong drinks (especially Finnish world-known vodka), comfortable and expensive hotels with world-class service and more. The capital of Finland is very noisy always full of lots of tourists, therefore the hustle and bustle sometimes gets on nerves of many people who are in search of tranquility. If you are in Helsinki and already feel tired wishing to isolate from the world, look no further, go to Seurasaari Island Museum.

Seurasaari is a very famous Open-Air Museum located on a green and beautiful island just fifteen minutes by tramway from the city center. It’s a calm and fantastic oasis where you can see many typical Finnish cottages and explore the traditional life of Finnish provinces. The Museum gives a great opportunity to the visitors to admire the breathtaking view of the scene of this fairytale and admire the glaring view of the Nature listening to the warm conversations of squirrels and the happy singing of birds. Seurasaari Museum was founded in 1909 and it represents old Finnish life through wooden buildings coming from 18th to 20th centuries. Nowadays there are over 87 separate buildings at this museum. You can also attend various shopping centers where you can buy Finnish souvenirs and various items. The museum is open from May 15 till September 15. It’s closed in winter.

Karuna church built in 1685 is one of the most renowned churches in Helsinki and it’s mostly known due to original and amazing wedding ceremonies. So if you are planning to organize something unique and perfect for your wedding, here you are. The banquet hall of the church decorated and furnished both in antique and modern styles, a big chandelier blessed with thousands of lights and the world-class service will definitely satisfy you.

Nordic Walking is recommended to everyone who visits this place; it will bring you closer to the Nature. There are special tours each offering different hours for Nordic Walking: from 2 hours to 3 or more. The prices vary — they start at 39 euros for adults and at 5 euros for kids. During your walking you can have a cup of coffee at Cafe Angelina.

If you ask Finnish people where to go to feel a real Finland and take a piece of this wonderful country, they will surely recommend you Seurasaari Museum, because here everything is Finnish. We wish you a productive tour in this open-air museum and hope you will enjoy your being there to your heart’s content!

Photos credits to 1,2,3,4

Three Best Summer Cafes of Helsinki

Three Best Summer Cafes of Helsinki:

Helsinki is amazing especially at summertime when the green parks are open and you can organize a picnic with friends, visit different open-air museums and theaters and just enjoy the Finnish sun. It’s never too hot in Helsinki, so you can hang out all day long, visit cafes and bars exploring the amazing culture of Finland and feel the soul of the Finnish people. There are really a lot of summer cafes and bars where you can have a rest and taste delicious traditional cuisine and drinks.

Cafe Ekberg

It’s worth mentioning that one of the oldest Helsinki cafes Cafe Ekberg has become the favorite place of many inhabitants and tourists. Established in 1852 it presents unique and old Finnish culture. The cafe is very stylish and well-designed; you can taste yummy pastries and cakes here. The cafe is full of old ladies enjoying their morning coffee and teens having breakfast or lunch.

Many people love Ekberg because it’s close to various attractions. Other than that, the staff is always smiling and that creates a warmer atmosphere. Ekberg has an outdoor cafe from where you can follow the hustle and bustle of the Helsinki summer. Ekberg has also a small shop where they offer gourmet food. The cafe is closed at summer weekends, so you have to look for another place on those days.

Cafe Carusel

Cafe Carusel is situated in Kaivopuisto Park and is one of the most popular venues in Helsinki. This is also a much visited place because of the breathtaking sea scenery. The evenings here become spectacular and exotic because you can take a sit at a small table with candles and admire the incredible sea view. At summertime Carusel offers its visitors live blues on Thursday evenings. Carusel is more like a bar and here the food is served in Spanish style, and most importantly, the prices will not shock you.

Cafe Summer Edge

Cafe Summer Edge is located in the inner yard of the Bock House and the City hall. The cafe offers homemade cakes and different flavored teas and coffees. It’s an ideal place for morning breakfasts or afternoon talks.

Make your summer awesome and unforgettable visiting one of the most beautiful cities of Scandinavia. Helsinki will warmly welcome you offering countless opportunities to enjoy every minute of your stay. Bonnee Voyage to Helsinki!

Photos credits to 1,2,3,4,5

How to Get Most out of Your Travelling in Finland

How to Get Most out of Your Travelling in Finland:

You’ve worked hard all year and it’s high time to kick back and enjoy your well-earned vacation! : ) And no matter you are jetting off to a dreamscape island in the Caribbean or planning a trip within your country, the first thing that comes to mind is ‘how to get the very most out of your way away.’ In this post I will provide some ideas how to behave in Finland – one of Europe’s best-kept secrets, not to miss any great attraction.

Guided Tours in Finland

To see as much as possible and to get the most out of this magical getaway, the best way is to make use of a guided tour in Finland. Available in Finnish, Swedish, English, German and Russian, Finland guided tours and natural expeditions will take you very close to both natural and man-made wonders of the country, making your vacation an intriguing and awe-inspiring adventure.

From Polar Safari Adventure (6 days/5nights), where you’ll have the unique opportunity for an icebreaker cruise, to the thrilling Magic of Lapland (4 days/3 nights), where you’ll visit Lapland’s main attractions in their winter coats and be amazed by the kaleidoscopic Aurora Borealis, to Scenes of the North (14 days/ 13 nights), promising splendid scenery and dynamic capital cities, you’ll experience the ultimate in terms of sightseeing, fun and relaxation. In a nutshell, guided tours in Finland are sure to set your imagination running. The maximum recommended group is 25.

Car Driving in Finland

If you are more of an independent sightseer, then renting a car (with car insurance, of course,) is the perfect way to accomplish your own version of Finland travel. In case you insurance is expired, you can also take advantage of buying renew car insurance online.

Compared to downtown Manhattan, driving in Finland is truly a stress-free, relaxing and enjoyable experience with much to offer the visitors. The only thing you should do is to get the country’s map and abide by Finland’s law of driving. The three things you must have with you are: your driving license, vehicle registration document and certificate of motor insurance.

Driving in Finland in winter months can be hazardous and icy road conditions are common. Snow tyres are a legal requirement between December to February and engine heaters are strongly recommended. The most interesting thing about driving in Finland is that you’ll see a variety of wild animals on your way, like deer, fox, rabbits, moose, etc. Remember! If you hit an elk or deer in Finland make sure to report it to the police.

Vacation during Off-Peak Periods

Taking a travel vacation during the busy times of the year would cost you a lot of money. To keep the costs down, and to avoid crowds, plan a vacation during the off-peak season. Cheaper airfare and accommodation, more cultural events and fun – this really sounds fantastic. Cheap flights to Finland are easily found during the winter months when the darkness looms earlier in the day. But as far as tourist attractions in Finland cover a wide range of interests, you’ll definitely enjoy a memorable holiday.

Photo credits to 1,2,3,4,5