Day 1 : Arrival in Helsinki
Helsinki airport is like a resort. We had missed our connecting flight from New York the day before and arrived in Helsinki a day late. We were, admittedly, tired and frustrated. As we got out of the aircraft, the sights and sounds of Helsinki airport hit us like a refreshing wave of Chance perfume combined with a hydrating face mist. (Almost teenager daughter, so very in tune with skincare routines). The designer stores, the amount of natural light, no signs of actual queues somehow, Immigration was a breeze and our pickup to the hotel was already waiting. Hassle free.
We checked in to Hotel Lilla Roberts. Right in the middle of Helsinki and walking distance from everywhere. Helsinki is a small, very walkable city. We had the 2-bedroom suite which was excellent with the two kids. Since we had already lost a day, we freshened up quickly, and set out to explore the city.
First stop, the Esplanadi. An esplanade and urban park in downtown Helsinki, is well known as a popular walking area. Designed by the architect Carl Ludwig Engel, the park was originally opened in 1818. Centered in the park is a statue of Johan Ludvig Runeberg, the national poet of Finland, by his son Walter Runeberg. Runeberg is depicted aged around of 55, dressed in a priest’s coat. His right hand is on his chest, as if he would deliver a speech.
By the foot of the pedestal there is a young woman wrapped in bearskin, symbolising Maiden of Finland. She is holding a laurel wreath and an inscription with the words of three verses of the Finnish national anthem in Runeberg’s native language Swedish.
Our land, our land, our Fatherland!
Ring out, dear word, oh sound!
No rising hill, or mountain grand,
No sloping dale, no northern strand,
There is, more loved, to be found,
Than this — our fathers’ ground.
Oh land, the thousand lakes’ own land,
Of faith, and lay, and glee,
Where life’s main sea gave us a strand,
Our fore-time’s land, our future’s land,
Shy of thy poorness, never be,
Be calm, be glad, be free!
Thy blossom, hidden now from sight,
Shall burst its bud ere long.
Lo! from our love, shall rise aright,
Thy sun, thy hope, thy joy, thy light,
And higher, once, more full and strong,
Shall ring Our Country’s song.
(Trans. from Swedish by Anna Krook, 1904)
The eastern end of the park houses the Kappeli restaurant, which opened in 1867. In front of the restaurant is an outdoor stage, which hosts numerous live music performances.
We then made our way to Senate Square. Senate Square serves as a symbol of Helsinki’s history, showcasing Carl Ludvig Engel’s architecture and representing the political, religious, scientific, and commercial powers in the center of Helsinki. The square is surrounded by notable buildings such as the Helsinki Cathedral, the Government Palace, and the main building of the University of Helsinki, each with its own historical and architectural value. Today, Senate Square is a vibrant cultural hub, hosting various art events, concerts, and exhibitions enhancing its status as a major tourist attraction. The site aspires to be designated as a World Heritage Site, reflecting its importance and the collective desire to preserve its cultural and historical legacy for future generations.
Helsinki Cathedral in Senate Square is a prominent example of neoclassical architecture, designed by Carl Ludvig Engel and later altered by Ernst Lohrmann, featuring a Greek cross plan and a distinctive green dome surrounded by four smaller domes. Originally built as a tribute to Tsar Nicolas I, it has stood as a symbol of Helsinki since its inauguration in 1852. It was constructed on the site of the older Ulrika Eleonora Church and has served various functions, including a parish church and a cathedral after Helsinki became the capital of Finland. As one of Helsinki’s most visited tourist attractions, the cathedral also plays a role in community events, hosting regular services, weddings, and exhibitions.
To the west of the cathedral is the National Library of Finland which is entrusted with preserving Finland’s cultural heritage, including all printed and audiovisual materials produced in Finland or for Finnish distribution. As a legal deposit library, it receives copies of all Finnish publications, which are then distributed to its national collection and reserve collections of five other university libraries. It maintains the Finnish Web Archive, ensuring the preservation of materials published on the Internet.
Standing tall and visible from the water’s edge in Helsinki is the Uspenski Cathedral, situated in a park designed by the City of Helsinki’s first city gardener, Svante Olsson. Kanavapuisto Park was completed in the early 20th century and has a total area of 2,400 m² and it is part of a nationally notable built cultural environment. When it came to park planning, Olsson considered it important to include characteristically different types of areas in his parks so as to offer varying views and surprises to visitors. He also put a great deal of emphasis on the landscapes viewable from the park and having many different species of plants. The stairs in Kanavapuisto lead to Uspenski Cathedral, the main church of the Orthodox Parish of Helsinki and the Orthodox Church of Finland. The park’s vegetation is largely original and sensitive, so we ask that you please stay on the marked pedestrian routes and respect the spirit of the park.
The Uspenski Cathedral is the main cathedral of the Orthodox Church of Finland, dedicated to the Dormition of the Theotokos. It stands as a symbol of the Greek Orthodox or Eastern Orthodox presence in Northern Europe. Designed by Russian architect Aleksey Gornostayev, the cathedral was constructed using 700,000 bricks from the Bomarsund Fortress. The cathedral continues to be a testament to the historical ties between Finland and Russia.
We walked back to the hotel via Market Square at the edge of the water, a hub for farmers’ markets, and as you grab a bite to eat, a perfect place to watch people and boats.
Helsinki is the capital and most populous city of Finland, known for being a significant center for politics, education, finance, culture, and research. It’s situated on the Gulf of Finland’s shore, making it a major port city and the world’s northernmost metropolitan area with over one million inhabitants. Helsinki has hosted notable events like the 1952 Summer Olympics and was named the World Design Capital in 2012, highlighting its cultural and design significance. The city is bilingual with Finnish and Swedish as official languages, and it has a diverse population with 18% speaking languages other than Finnish or Swedish.
Remember, Helsinki is less about ticking off sights and more about creating memorable experiences. So go ahead, immerse yourself in the local culture, enjoy the saunas, and discover the hidden gems of this cool city. Shop in the local markets, try the Finnish food, go to a sauna, listen to performances in the cathedrals, take the tram and do a lot of walking!
We could have tried Finnish food on day 1 but we succumbed to comfort food in Restaurant Monal. This restaurant is a few mins walk from Hotel Lilla Roberts (Address: Restaurant Monal Indian Cuisine, Monal Indian cuisine, Annankatu 4, 00120 Helsinki, Finland). The North Indian food was delicious and the service was excellent.
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Day 2 : Flight to Ivalo, Lapland and Stay in Glass Igloo
Our day started with a superb breakfast at the Lilla Roberts Hotel. Food spread over many counters, smiling hosts and comfortable seating. We did hunt for Finnish food and found some traditional pastry that we loved. Originally these traditional pastries, or pirogs, come from the Finnish region of Karelia and are eaten throughout the country, as well as in neighboring Estonia and northern Russia. Known as karjalanpiirakka in Finnish, the original pastries have the Traditional Specialty Guaranteed (TSG) status in Europe. Today, the most familiar version of Karelian pie that we also serve here at Krog Roba is called rice pastry. It has a thin wringled crust with a filling of rice. Butter, often mixed with chopped- up boiled egg (i.e., “egg-butter” or munavoi), is spread over the hot pastries before eating. Delicious!
We headed back to Helsinki airport to catch our flight to Ivalo. A village in the northern part of Finland, it is now officially the northern most we’ve ever been on earth. 68.608 degrees north to be exact. We transferred from Ivalo airport to Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, a 30 minute ride. A privately owned resort, the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, is an all-inclusive property where the charm of glass igloos and pine-tree lined snowy landscapes has a certain rizz that actually validates the innumerable Instagram photos and videos. We checked in, got assigned our igloo for the night, and were offered help to carry our luggage or we could do it the Finnish way, dragging it on our own in sleds. Luggage or kids, sleds is best.
It was the end of March, and we had taken our chance to catch glimpses of the last plasma that was being aimed at us from the sun and showing up as the Northern Lights. The temperatures were still close to zero or below freezing, but the stillness in the air, made it easy for us Windy City folks to adjust easily. The igloos are the cutest. Not necessarily the most spacious for the space snob in me, but when in the Arctic Circle, cuteness and access to the open sky is preferred. We had the large igloo, which did have an attached bathroom, thus saving us a walk to the common areas. The igloo easily fit 4 single beds and did come equipped with an alarm for the Northern Lights. The alarm was wired to wake us up anytime there was visible solar activity.
We grabbed a quick bite at the attached restaurant and headed to the planetarium. A 30 minute show about the Northern Lights was very educational and only made us cross our fingers and say our prayers even more as the evening approached. The resort also a wonderful art gallery and store and is definitely worth checking out. We found the knitwear the best things to get.
We walked the many trails that run through the resort, winding through pine forests and reindeer farms. The sun began to set, and it signaled it was time for us to start winding down, and what better way to do that than to head to the sauna.
In Finland, saunas are more than just a relaxing pastime; they are deeply ingrained in the national culture and psyche. With an estimated three million saunas for a population of 5.5 million, saunas are ubiquitous in Finland. They can be found in homes, city apartments, country cottages, and even in big companies and state institutions. The president and prime minister each have their own saunas. Finnish saunas are typically heated by wood, either in a stove with a chimney or in a smoke sauna (the original and preferred type). In a smoke sauna, the door is closed after the wood has burned down, allowing the embers to heat the sauna to the proper temperature.
Basic Etiquette: When entering a sauna, the basic etiquette is straightforward:
Undress: Shed all your clothes (don’t be shy!).
Shower: It’s polite to shower before entering.
Enjoy: Stay as long as you feel comfortable, and return to the sauna multiple times if desired.
Löyly: Throw water on the hot stones to create steam (called löyly in Finnish), increasing the feeling of heat and making you sweat.
Cool Down: After the sauna, you can jump into a lake, roll in the snow, or simply take a refreshing shower.
Community and Peace: Saunas are not just about physical cleansing; they also provide mental relaxation. Finnish people embrace saunas as sacred spaces where they cleanse both their bodies and minds. It’s a place to find community and inner peace. The Finnish sauna was inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists, recognizing its significance in Finnish and Estonian culture. So, if you ever find yourself in Finland, don’t hesitate to say “yes” to a sauna invitation. It’s not just about heat; it’s about connecting with the heart of Finnish tradition and understanding the mindset of your hosts.
Dinner was back at the restaurant at the resort. Dinner does need reservations so make sure you make them when you check in. The menu is set, a four-course meal, and they are very accommodative of all dietary restrictions and allergies. There is also Indian vegetarian and non-vegetarian dish on the menu.
First Sighting!
While we were munching down on our appetizers, the alarm went off and everyone rushed outside. It was hardly 9 pm and still very early but as fortune would have it the skies were clear, and filled with solar activity. The eyes take a while getting adjusted to the low light, but the activity can clearly be seen with the naked eye, the waves, the silhouettes, the dances of the lights, streaking across the sky. The colors you see in the photos, the greens, reds etc. are not brightly visible to human eye, the rods and cones capabilities with the brain interfering isn’t the best but keep your cameras ready. The sensors in them are dumb mechanics. They capture all the light and you can bring it out later in post-processing.
We really hit the jackpot with our experience. Our night in the Arctic Circle and the show didn’t stop. Till about 2 am, the lights kept showboating across the sky. Set against the forests and the igloos, the sky glimmered and shimmered and we caught it all, interspersed with short bouts of naps. When we woke up in the morning finally, the resort was abuzz with last night’s experiences. That was all everyone was speaking about, deservedly so.
Read all about the Northern Lights in my dedicated post. https://www.karthikrajaphotography.com/Worldgalleries/Finland/Finland-NorthernLights
Day 3: Stay in Arctic Resort Log Cabin & Snowmobile
ride in Resort
The day started again with a sumptuous breakfast at the resort. For our second night at the resort, we decided to move to the traditional Finnish log cabin. It comes with amenities like a kitchenette and a private sauna in the log cabin. Our first activity was a snowmobile ride. I’d never ridden one before and it was great to get that experience. The best way to see the fell landscape in Lapland is by taking off with a snowmobile. We headed into the wilderness with a bit of adrenaline and got immediately immersed into arctic nature. We didn’t spot any wildlife, probably scared from the roar of the engines, but being able to weave through the landscape in a machine that somehow packed immense horsepower and an ice skater’s agility was fun.
Lunch is not included in the all-inclusive price, but the restaurant has lots of grab and go options. We rested the rest of the afternoon, while the kids went sledding and exploring. The log cabin had just the perfect amount of coziness for us to pick up a book (obviously we were doom scrolling social media) and relax. Weather is always unpredictable and it started to snow very heavily so we couldn’t do much more outside.
We slowed down our pace, went back to the sauna, let our body and mind rejuvenate and even though we didn’t get lucky with the lights, we enjoyed our dinner and rest.
Day 4: Reindeer ride in resort, Mystic Road Trip to Rovaniemi & Northern Light in Rovaniemi
Activity number two. Reindeer ride. Reindeer hold a special place in Finnish Lapland, intertwined with the indigenous Sámi culture. Most reindeer are born in May or early June, coinciding with the warmest and greenest time of year in Finnish Lapland. Unlike humans, reindeer are born ready for action. Within hours of birth, a newborn reindeer is standing and moving, weighing around 5 kilograms. Their primary focus? Food! For the first summer, mother’s milk is crucial for their rapid growth. These little ones also sport a special fur and fat that keeps them warm during the early days of summer.
Within a week, they’re already nibbling on vegetation, and their antlers start growing. Remarkably, reindeer antlers are the fastest-growing bones globally, growing up to 2 centimeters per day during summer. Interestingly, female reindeer are the only female deer in the world that grow antlers. After giving birth, they shed their antlers, which grow back surprisingly quickly! Summer is all about eating and growing for reindeer. Their bodies even adjust their sleep patterns to take advantage of the Midnight Sun, allowing them to graze ’round the clock. Lapland is classic reindeer territory and unlike other parts of Scandinavia, any EU citizen can own and herd reindeer in Finland as long as they meet some strict requirements.
The activity includes a photo opportunity with reindeer before it’s time to sit comfortably in the sledge under warm blankets and head into the wilderness.
The pace is calm and the guests can relax, breath in the fresh air and listen to the soundscape of the arctic wilderness. The plop-plop of the reindeer feet can get hypnotic and the slow moving landscapes drag you deeper into the wonderland of the Arctic circle. Though we didn’t get our reindeer to fly, we did enjoy our time in the farm and our interaction feeding them and learning more about them.
We bid farewell to our resort and headed south on the mystic road trip to Rovaniemi. We stopped for lunch, 20 minutes from the resort at Ravintola Wanha Waskoolimie in Tankavaara (Address:Tankavaarantie 31, 99695 Sodankylä, Finland) and enjoyed our 2-course meal, and again surprisingly, had Indian Chole (chick pea curry) courtesy of a Nepali chef. This area used to be part of an old gold mining area.
The drive was miles of forests. Finland is more than 80% forest cover and the drive through Lapand, was proof enough.
We checked in to Scandic Pohjanhovi (Address: Pohjanpuistikko 2, 96200 Rovaniemi, Finland). The hotel is being renovated and is one of 2-3 tourist hotels in town. Pick the newly renovated wing. The bunk beds in our room was perfect for the kids.
Whether you prefer winter wonder or the glow of the midnight sun, Rovaniemi has something for everyone. Consider husky safaris, snowmobile tours, and visits to reindeer farms. Rovaniemi isn’t just about nature and attractions; it’s also about the warmth of its people. The Finnish spirit embraces authenticity, creativity, and constant presence. Everyone we met embodied the Finnish spirit.
The main sights in town were the Kemijoki River bank, and the Lumberjack’s Candle Bridge that crossed it. We could picture the town and its streets during Christmas, bustling with activity. We explored “Main Street” Rovaniemi before heading to our dinner reservation at Restaurant YUCA. This restaurant is few mins walk from the Scandic Pohjanhovi (Address: Rovakatu 21, 96200 Rovaniemi, Finland). We all love Mexican food, and even though we were on the opposite corner of the world, somehow the flavors had been transported to this small town Finland.
Second time lucky!!
Our pick up for the Northern Lights Hunting Tour pre-booked with Beyond Arctic was a few mins walk from Scandic Pohjanhovi. Juho and Annika’s journey around the world brought them together in Lapland, where Annika is originally from. They established Beyond Arctic in Rovaniemi in June 2016. Concentrating on photography tours and small-group adventures helped them become the leading tour operator in the area. We had downloaded the northern lights app and we were actively tracking the radar on our weather app. We did not have any hope as there was an expansive cloud cover for almost 100 kms around us and the probability of seeing anything was less than 10%.
This is where Beyond Arctic’s experience helped. They knew the region well enough; they understood the science and their passion to give the guests the best experience really gave them a leg up. They drove us for miles north of our hotel, found clearings in the forest, and waited patiently for the skies to clear. After almost 90 minutes of driving, we saw the blue of the sky. Our hearts jumped with hope. We parked the car and waited. The probability increased to 30%. And then we saw it. The sky began to dance once more. The lights weaved all around us. For a few minutes it dazzled between the trees. Then it shifted to all above us. Then it darted between the stars. The show was incredible. By the time we got back to the hotel it was almost 3 am. We were not tired. We were in exhilaration.
Read all about the Northern Lights in my dedicated post. https://www.karthikrajaphotography.com/Worldgalleries/Finland/Finland-NorthernLights
Day 5 : An adventure day in Santa Claus village
Rovaniemi proudly holds the title of the Official Hometown of Santa Claus. Here, you can immerse yourself in the Christmas spirit by visiting Santa’s village, sending postcards from his post office, and even meeting the man himself face-to-face. It’s a dream come true for anyone who loves Santa Claus! It was a toss up in our family. I think I probably love Santa the most!
We headed to the Santa Claus Village which is a self-sustaining town by itself as one would expect. While Rovaniemi is just south of the Arctic Circle, Santa’s home is the first stop right as you cross the arctic latitude. Our first activity was a Husky Ride.
Siberian Husky is a medium-sized working dog breed that originated in Northeast Asia. The original purpose of the breed was to work as a draught animal in the arctic areas. For example hunters, seal hunters, fishermen, the post, police and border guards have used dog teams in their work. Nowadays they are mainly used as safari dogs for tourists and also as ordinary domestic dogs.
The Husky Park has been part of Santa Claus Village for several decades. It has belonged to the current owner since 2011. The sled dogs living in here are all pure-bred Siberian Huskies. The Park was founded by Matti Taponen in 1995. He was highly respected in husky circles and participated actively both in club activities and, for example, in huskies’ performance trainings. Matti sold Husky Park to Reijo Jääskeläinen in 1998. Reijo is also successful and respected in the husky field, and they both have been leading characters in training and managing huskies in Finland. The Husky Park dogs are still pretty much based on Reijo’s line called the Polar Speed, which has been complemented along the years with other, also imported Siberian Huskies.
The ride through more Finnish forests was different this time. Neither did we control the engine, nor did we casually stroll at the pace of a reindeer. Instead, imagine combining the two. We were being raced through the snow, dragged by huskies at full throttle. After the ride we visited the farm, and got to interact with the huskies.
We ate lunch at the Golden Bowl restaurant in the village. Again, we continued by both the meticulous planning by our tour agents and the hospitality of the hosts. Our table was reserved for us, they knew our allergies, and they had alternate options ready for us. It was surreal, sitting in Santa Claus’s home, and eating a samosa. The number of Indian tourists has certainly increased and it was clearly their impact is considerable.
We went to the tourist center and got our official Arctic Circle Certificates. It was our first time within the circle.
Santa Claus
It was time. We joined the queue to meet the man himself. Our eight year old was nervous and excited at the same time. She understands that the mall Santa’s are workers helping to support Santa’s mission but the opportunity to meet the real Santa was something she never expected. As we entered his room, and as he beckoned us to sit and casually whispered, “Come closer, I won’t bite.”, the expression on her face was worth it all. We took our photos and then she said she had a question for him. He obliged. She asked, “Can I have powers so I can help the whole world?” She meant super powers. But without missing a beat, Santa told her that she already has the power. Each one of us have it in us to change the world and help it. He spoke with such poise and affection and immense wisdom, that I could feel his presence. Kindness is a virtue and he certainly had it.
We left his home, caught in self reflection, and went to the Post Office. We sent postcards to friends and family and then sent a few to ourselves. The joy of seeing it weeks later with a stamp from the official Santa Claus Village was exciting.
We spent the rest of the time sledding, and exploring the village, including Mrs.Claus’s home. We did look for some souvenir knives but I carelessly lacerated my palm and thus brought what was a great day to a bloody halt. Thankfully the store had all the first aid needed (must be happening more than necessary) and I was ok. Edit after many weeks: A stitch would have helped that day but back in Chicago it was too late and what should have been a week of healing has turned into 3 weeks!
We headed back to Rovaniemi and, with my hand heavily bandaged, still managed to hit a few parks and sledding hills. One of the most fun parks is the Angry Birds park. When Angry Birds was released on 10 December 2009, few people could guess how the world would go crazy about this game made by a Finnish company. There had already been Finnish successes like Max Payne, but Angry Birds now launched a golden age for the Finnish game industry, with Clash of Clans later becoming its brightest star. There were multiple reenactments of the birds and the pigs and we had fun seeing the simple pleasure, a neighborhood park brings to kids. Sledding hills or mounds are also everywhere. There are free sleds lying about and everyone is welcome to borrow them.
Dinner was at the Gustav Kitchen & Bar, a fine dining restaurant that served us wonderful wine, and wonderful food too. They were happy to substitute for meat, and allergy ingredients. Their bread was a delicacy by itself.
On their website it says, Mr. Gustav is a gentle grandfather, whose beard tickles as he hugs. He never says no for angling with his grandchildren and encourages them for yet another pancake. Gustav had a soul of a wanderer already way before travelling became somewhat fashionable. His voyages have made him quite a storyteller, and from the travels he always returned with a chest full of recipes. The passing days have not faded Gustav’s curiosity for globetrotting, even if made him more composed. A delightful drink, scrumptious food and beloved people around are what truly matters to Gustav. Therefore, he joyfully puts great effort into creating delicacies to his pals, generated with decades of uncompromising experience. Our experience matched his words.
Day 6: Back in Helsinki and historic town of Porvoo
We took the early morning flight from Rovaniemi to Helsinki. We loved our stay in Hotel Lilla Roberts so much earlier in the week that we had rebooked ourselves for one more day in the same hotel. It also made it easy for us to leave luggage in their storage, and take only what we needed to the Lapland. After checking in, we decided to explore the Saturday Market.
It was a beautiful day and the market was the perfect place to try some local delicacies along with some trinkets for memories. It was also nice to see the city spring into action with warming temperatures.
Since we had missed our day trip to Tallinn, and it was too short a time to do that in half a day we decided to explore the historic town of Porvoo. It is only 45 minutes from Helsinki.
Porvoo Old Town is a popular tourist destination, known for its well-preserved 18th- and 19th-century buildings, and the 15th-century Porvoo Cathedral. The Old Town and the Porvoonjoki River Valley are recognized as, together, one of the National landscapes of Finland. Old wooden warehouses alongside the Porvoo River is one of the famous sights of town.
Kuninkaantie, the King’s Road, leading from Turku to Vyborg, used to take travelers over the Old Bridge to Porvoo. A fantastic view of the riverside warehouses, the Cathedral, and the picturesque Old Porvoo opens from the bridge. Porvoo is one of the best places to stroll, sip coffee or wine and do some very boutique shopping. We bought a wonderful cushion cover from a photographer turned designer. All the store fronts are super cute.
Porvoo parish most likely has its origins in the late 13th century. The oldest part of the present grey stone church dates back to the late 13th or early 14th century. In the early 15th century, the church was rebuilt and enlarged. During its history the church has experienced difficult times; it has been burned and robbed in 1508, 1571, 1590 and 1708. Porvoo cathedral is nowadays Porvoo’s Finnish-speaking parish’ central place of worship and at the same time the main church of Porvoo’s Swedish-speaking parish and the Swedish Diocese. People gather in the church for religious services, along with concerts and other events. Porvoo cathedral is also especially popular for marriage and a popular tourist attraction where tens of thousands of tourists visit every year.
We returned from Porvoo and after looking up reviews for various restaurants, we decided to head to Via Tribunali, a pizza joint right next to the Helsinki Cathedral. We were not disappointed. The burrata and the pizza were one of the best we’ve ever eaten. Their homemade minced garlic has forever left an impression on my taste buds. If they had sold it, I would have bought a few bottles but unfortunately it is their secret sauce.
Day 7: Quick stop at the Design Museum and head back home
Our flight back to Chicago was only in the afternoon, so we decided to spend the last morning in the Design Museum, after a relaxed breakfast at the hotel OfCourse. The Design Museum began in 1873 as the Arts and Crafts model collection, which was established in connection with a new School of Applied Arts. The operations started in temporary premises in the laboratory building of the Department of Chemistry at the University of Helsinki. The School of Applied Arts and the museum collection received their own premises in “The House of Arts”, completed in 1888. During its almost 150 years, the operations of the Design Museum have undergone many changes. Nowadays, the museum organizes around seven exhibitions each year, in addition to which there is the permanent collections exhibition. The active program of events consists of, among other things, discussion forums, lectures, workshops, and cooperation with schools.
The museum’s collection illustrates the history and development of the Finnish arts and crafts industry. It consists of 75.000 objects, 45.000 drawings, 125.000 photos as well as a designer register with information on 1,000 designers. It was our favorite spot in Helsinki. The Finnish are well known for their designs – Nokia, Fiskars, Marimekko, furniture, Angry Birds, so many famous products. the museum is setup so well, 2 floors that will inspire anyone to pause and appreciate form, function and beauty. If you must go to one museum go to this one.
We returned back to Chicago, with a lot of check marks of things we’ve always dreamed of seeing and doing and also a whole new appreciation for contentment.
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Finland, the happiest country on earth
Finland consistently holds the title of happiest nation on earth. In the week that we spent there, there was always a part of me that was searching for the reasons behind that. But before I go to the reasons, let me tell you what I observed. Not once did I see or even deduct a hint of frustration from any single Finnish person I met. Hotel receptionists (numerous requests from a family of four with young kids), Restaurant workers (numerous allergy considerations), Taxi drivers (non-stop curiosity questions), airline staff, shop vendors, strangers on the street, friends we made on the trip, no one. Every question, every conversation felt like genuine kindness and straightforward answers. We all felt like, they were truly happy, not just content.
So what gives them the content? What do humans need? There is no perfect answer, but Finland’s model does prove to be in the right direction. With a little help from AI, here are my thoughts.
- Strong Social Safety Net: Finland invests significantly in social protection programs, including health care, pensions, and unemployment services. This is the most basic of needs. When we don’t need to worry about healthcare and education – it is taken care of by the government for every citizen, it automatically provides a safety net that allows a human to flourish beyond the basic necessities.
- Gender Equality: Finland is one of the most gender-equal societies globally. Women hold prominent positions in politics, and the country has a long history of advocating for women’s rights. In 1906, Finland became one of the first countries to grant women the right to vote. Every citizen is equal. There was no arbitrary division of labor, it was skill based.
- Family-Friendly Policies and Resources: Finland offers generous parental leave, supporting both biological and adoptive parents. Every small town, neighborhood had resources for families. Parks, sledding areas, free sleds, activities. On one of our late night Aurora hunting trips, the tour operator paid special attention to us, since we had our kids tow along. He made sure the kids were comfortable even if it meant inconveniencing others. But no one complained. The family came first.
- Connection to Nature: Finns cherish their close relationship with nature. The country’s pristine landscapes, outdoor activities, and appreciation for the natural world contribute to their happiness. The Finns also do everything to ensure that the tourists, visitors to their country feel connected with nature. It is easy to find a trail, take a husky ride, or just lounge by the forests. In a fast paced world, even a few minutes of lung space can help.
- Down-to-Earth Lifestyle: Finns value simplicity, authenticity, and a grounded lifestyle. In all our curious questions and conversations, we never heard them talk about money. We heard lifestyle, we heard about needs and wants but it was personal. There was no chasing, rat race or keeping up with the Joneses.
- Fresh Food Culture: Finland emphasizes fresh, locally sourced ingredients in its cuisine. The food in Europe is generally way better than the US but somehow everything we tasted in Finland was fresher and easier on the stomach. It was flavor filled and nourishing. Good food, fresh cooked food, less packaged, processed food, all contributes to a healthy lifestyle and I do believe good food can turn any sour mood around.
- Sustainable Living: Finland prioritizes sustainability, promoting eco-friendly practices and environmental consciousness. They are also so design forward that even boarding areas in airports brought joy and not a sense of panic.
So, if we can ensure that no one has to choose between healthcare and food on the table, education and rent payments, everyone can learn a skill, a trade, a subject, have access to local, fresh food, find personal goals for contentment, maybe it will translate into kindness, appreciation for everything and everyone and lead to happiness. Just maybe we all give it a good Finnish try.
Tour Information
Our tour was planned and organized by Jee Travels. www.jeetravels.com. @jeetravels on Instagram. They did a wonderful job, ensuring all our preferences were accounted for. From hotel rooms with comfortable space for four, to food allergies noted at every lunch and dinner reservation and to the activities of liking for each family member. They were very easy to work with, extremely professional and super responsive. We had a contact in Finland and also an expert in each location to offer advice. The transportation was on time every pickup, the vehicles were clean and private where asked for and most of the drivers were also semi-guides. Throughout our trip, we kept bumping into other families who were also on a tour organized by Jee Travels and no one had complaints. Would highly recommend them.
Karthik Raja 