I have the opportunity to attend a conference in March at Rovanievi, just south of the Arctic Circle. Obviously I will have to fly into Helsinki first. My question is, would it be worth spending a day or two in Helsinki on the way to or from? It will be cold, I realize that, but is it a good tourist destination given the weather that time of year?
Posted by
Portland, OR, USA
47 posts
I assume you mean Rovaniemi? I've visited it before, and it's a pretty city.
Definitely visit Helsinki. There are some great sights, such as the Rock Church (Temppeliaukio). I remember really like the Uspenski Cathedral as well. I'm pretty sure the professional ice hockey league will still be playing in March if that's interesting to you. Jokerit is the Helsinki team. Plus there will be plenty of art museums and concerts to go to. You might be able to do some outdoor ice skating as well.
I was an exchange student to Finland while in high school and actually visited Rovaniemi in December! I also spent some time in Helsinki in pretty much every season. Expect the weather to be rather gray and cold, and so bring layers and a warm jacket (that way you'll be happy if its sunny). Bring shoes with good traction for the times you walk outside. The village I stayed in was about halfway between Oulu and Jyvaskyla (so farther south than Rovaniemi and quite a bit farther north than Helsinki), and there was snow through March. It even snowed at least a few times in April and it took most of the month of April for the snow to melt.
One of my favorite foods in Finland was karjalanpiirakka (Karelian Pasties). It sort of a rye shell with creamy rice inside. It is also important to have coffee and pulla at least once while you're there. (Pulla is a "sweet" bread flavored with cardamon. Its not as sweet as something like American banana bread, but its sweet to the Finns).
Posted by
OP
Seattle, USA
990 posts
Thanks, you're right, it's Rovaniemi--slipped typing fingers! Apparently the Finnish government is subsidizing this conference because that area is economically depressed that time of year--tourists visit around Christmas for Santa activities and in summer for outdoorsy activities. I think I will try to eke out a couple of days in Helsinki on the way there. If nothing else, I will acclimatize there a bit and maybe try out a few Finnish phrases.