Finland

My journey to Finland took me to the land of hot saunas and cold plunges, through a capital city with a mix of historic buildings and modern architecture, then onto the Baltic Sea, with a breathtaking view of hundreds of islands.

GETTING THERE

Most visitors arrive in Finland at the main international airport in Helsinki HEL on direct flights from the USA, Asia, and Europe. Some travelers also come by ferry from Sweden and Estonia.

The airport was clean and efficient, and there was a fascinating glass elevator that went deep, deep, deep underground, via a massive white cement shaft. At the bottom was the train system, which carried people into the capital city and elsewhere.

AMAZING EXCURSIONS

Helsinki Cathedral was in the heart of the waterfront city and it was one its most famous landmarks. The stunning white church had several domes of copper with gold embellishments. Not far away was an old market hall and the long seaside area which had many marinas packed with sailboats and yachts, and busy ports with massive cruise ships.

Finland was known for its soothing saunas, many were private but there were plenty of public saunas too. The stunning Loyly Helsinki public sauna sat on the waterfront, offering a traditional wood burning smoke sauna, and afterwards there was a ladder into the frigid Baltic Sea for a cold plunge. There was also sauna dining available, the outdoor tables and chair offered a panoramic view overlooking the water.

I took a boat ride into the Gulf of Finland, and the archipelago which surrounded Helsinki. The Fortress Soumenlinna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built in the 1700s over several islands. But there were hundreds of other islands, some just clusters of rocks, some had houses, others had trees, beaches and little shacks for people to visit.

My favorite food was smoked moose sausages, made with old Finnish tradition, it was packed with flavor and spices, and it was filling! Also there were fabulous colorful dessert of all kinds!

I met many people heading to Lapland to hike and explore. The area was also a favorite spot in winter for dog sledding, snowmobiling, and chasing the northern lights. I’ll plan a return trip in winter sometime.

My travel to Finland was brief, but still great to experience the beautiful islands, the rejuvenating hot sauna, and the cool Baltic Sea.