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
8712 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
6195 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
7679 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.
Posted by
Bellingham, WA
1137 posts
Can you find out more about your friend's family and possibly arrange to visit the town where her ancestors came from?
Posted by
Isle of Skye, Scotland
1479 posts
As you are visiting on a cruise, perhaps something in the city centre? The Old Market hall is on the waterfront in the city centre and is a lovely place to visit. There are Finnish food and drink stalls, but also cafes, so you could wander the market taking in the sights and smells of the wonderful products and then treat your friend to lunch there?
Alternatively there is a wonderful bookshop designed by Alvar Alto - a very famous Finnish designer, with lots of English Language books and also a great cafe. It's iconic Finnish design and the food is good too! It's located just off Esplanadi, which is the main pedestrian promenading space which links the waterfront to the commercial/shopping area, and which would make for a nice stroll.