Top five experiences in winter Helsinki

Glistening with lights and covered in calming darkness, Helsinki offers plenty of interesting activities during the coldest months of the year.

The greater Helsinki area offers a variety of saunas at various price points and for all types of users. Nestled in the Merihaka area, Kulttuurisauna only welcomes visitors in pairs or small groups but offers a unique way to get into the steam of things. With separate sides for men and women, it’s a nice way to enjoy the art of sauna. Nearby Kuusijärvi, located on the border of Helsinki and Vantaa, offers visitors the chance to visit smoke saunas. In between dips in the nearby lake, Kuusijärvi makes for a wonderfully relaxing and highly authentic sauna visit. Finally, Sompasauna, located in the former industrial area of Verkkosaari, is as humble as saunas get. Built by volunteers, this is a 24/7 self-service establishment. If you’re looking for luxury, this is not the sauna for you. But for those who want an authentic sauna experience, it’s the perfect spot to try.

Starting the first weekend of December, the Finnish holiday calendar is jam-packed with smaller celebrations leading up to the main event, Christmas Eve. While the cultural and religious composition of Helsinki is highly varied and extremely tolerant, Christmas Markets are a favourite winter activity for Finns of all beliefs – and not just because of treats like freshly-baked buns and mulled wine! Christmas Markets are a place to come together and spend time with loved ones while browsing unique handicrafts, homemade jams and Finnish design items. Tuomaan markkinat, the big Christmas market, is held in Market Square for four weeks each year. This long-running favourite features about 100 small and independent artisans, crafters and food vendors lined up by the iconic Havis Amanda statue. Fiskars Christmas Market, held at the traditional handicraft village Fiskars, a one hour drive from Helsinki, offers two events in one fantastic package: the Christmas-themed Maan Maut food event and a local handcrafts market.

Helsinki’s proximity to nature makes it the perfect destination for wintry outdoor activities! Lace up your ice skates and glide across one of the many ice rinks scattered across the city. Helsinki takes pride in setting up and maintaining a variety of artificial ice rinks, free for public use – bring your own skates and let the fun begin! If you're without skates but still eager for a fun session on the ice, you can, for instance, head to the Brahe Sports Field ice rink in the vibrant Kallio district, which also offers rental equipment.

Come winter, Helsinki also turns into a great cross-country skiing destination. The beloved Finnish pastime activity takes centre stage, with approximately 200 kilometres of groomed trails winding through the city. From Central Park (Keskuspuisto) to almost all corners of Helsinki, the trails offer charming routes for skiers of all levels and provide a scenic way to explore the urban winter wonderland.

For the latest information on nearby ice rinks and cross-country skiing trails, you can check the Ulkoliikunta Outdoor Exercise Map. And, as always, make sure to dress appropriately to enjoy your wintry outdoor activities to the fullest!

Board a hovercraft for an unforgettable experience through the archipelago. This safe yet thrilling jaunt to the frozen coast offers visitors a once-in-a-lifetime experience to see another side of the Helsinki region. Wearing survival suits, guests are transported over ice and deep snow into the archipelago. Enjoy a barbecue lunch over an open fire and experience what it’s like to float on ice drafts while you stay safe, warm and dry.

Helsinki’s annual light arts festival, Lux, happens during the coldest months of the year, making it a wonderful excuse for locals and visitors alike to get outside. This festival attracts more than 500,000 visitors each year to see a range of works from both domestic and international artists light up the city’s winter nights. Through its popular Light Challenge, Lux Helsinki also encourages local residents and businesses to light up their home or building and share the joy of light. After a walk around the festival site, warm up with hot chocolate topped with whipped cream at Café Engel, located opposite the cathedral in the city centre. For those willing to walk the extra kilometre, neighbourhood café, bakery and bistro Way welcomes visitors to pop in for wine and other delicious treats in the heart of Kallio. Make sure to try seasonal delights like fresh-baked buns and mulled wine with raisins and almonds!