A bit of an odd question: we will be in Helsinki this summer for one day on a cruise ship. I just learned that one person in our party is half Finnish and we will be in Helsinki on her birthday. Her husband and I would love to find a unique activity or experience for us to do (there are 6 of us in total) to celebrate her birthday AND celebrate her Finnish heritage. Museums are out as she does not like them. Any suggestions? Google has been a bit of a bust for ideas. TIA!
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
8661 posts
Yeah, no museums adds a level of difficulty. I suppose going for a sauna would be very Finnish, but since they are textile free, that may be getting to know your travel companions maybe too well.
I would maybe look at some type of walking tour that focuses on history, or some type of class, crafts or cooking. Combining that with a nice lunch at a traditional restaurant should fill the day.
Posted by
Virginia, USA
6152 posts
I’d probably take her to a nice bakery/cafe with outdoor seating and get coffee and a Finnish pastry. It has been 10 years since I visited Helsinki, so I can’t suggest a good bakery, but google will probably point you to one.
You could also buy her some Fazer chocolates. In addition to their regular chocolate bars, I am a big fan of Fazermints and Dumle. I bought some at the Fazer Cafe in Helsinki, but you can get them all over.
https://www.fazer.fi/fazer-cafe/kahvilat/karl-fazer-cafe/
Posted by
Uppsala, Sweden
7584 posts
If you're looking for a unique activity that is very Finnish, then the obvious answer is a visit to a sauna. If there are six of you in total, you can rent a private sauna. My suggestion would be a sauna raft so you can combine with a swim. And while you traditionally are nude in the sauna, if you rent one you set the rules.