I’m in the eastern reaches of Finland, in the Lakeland region that includes scenic Lake Saimaa, which has 14,000 islands and more shoreline than all of France. As the sun sinks slowly into the surrounding forest, I slink on to a “floating sauna,” a mini houseboat specially designed for a … Read more
>When it’s January in Helsinki, the night can seem endless. And what’s the one thing that people are needing more of in the dead of winter in northern Europe? Light, of course! And once again they’re going to get it. From Wednesday January 6 to Sunday January 10, the eighth … Read more
Sure, you know that Sweden hit it big in the design world with IKEA, but did you know that Finland staked a claim, too? In fact, there’s even a Design District in Helsinki. In December 2014, UNESCO awarded Helsinki the title of “City of Design,” in addition to the status it … Read more
We’ve been fascinated with LUX Helsinki since we got wind of it two years ago. I mean, who doesn’t like light shows? And the idea of making something brighter when it’s too dark is just plain common sense. We set our stage on the dark wintry streets and avenues of … Read more
A smörgåsbord is a type of Scandinavian meal with a wide variety of hot and cold dishes served buffet style. What could be better than to accompany it with a cruise on the Baltic Sea to a smörgåsbord of Scandinavian islands? We recently did just that on Celebrity Cruise’s Constellation … Read more
There’s something about snow that makes a really cold winter a little easier to bear. For everyone who craves a walk in a chilly winter wonderland and maybe even a good snowball fight, here are some frosty destinations to visit before springtime. Telluride, Colorado – Best Skiing Few places … Read more
Northern Finland is one of only a few places to catch the famous Northern Lights, which earns our vote as perhaps the best natural light show on Earth. If you can’t trek above the Arctic Circle to experience this mystical phenomenon, don’t fret. Just park yourself in Helsinki for a … Read more
Traveling to the world’s top destinations for design – whether that means architecture, fashion, or even food – means more than just stopping by the local art museum. Here’s our guide to the finest of all things travel in the cities where ‘design’ is always spelled with a capital D. … Read more
While listening to the sexy, trancey c.d. compilation, from Dark to Light, the Musical Journey of Klaus K, it all slowly trickled back through my mind – the sights, sounds and special moments the Klaus K Hotel provided in my short stay in Helsinki, Finland. I felt like a local … Read more
Gather round, all running aficionados, because the Helsinki Marathon in Finland isn’t your average 42,195-meter race. On Saturday, August 18, the Helsinki Marathon’s course takes you running along the Baltic Sea and through the most beautiful and historical parts of Helsinki. The route is considered one of the most … Read more
Finland’s flag may be blue and white, but during one week in summer, Helsinki proudly displays a more colorful spectrum for Pride, Helsinki. The biggest GLBT event in Finland and one of Helsinki’s biggest week long affairs, it has become an increasingly popular party in northern Europe. In the … Read more
Hotel key? Check. Wallet? Check. Helsinki Card? … The Helsinki Card is a 2×4 inch survival kit to any visitor spending time in the Finnish capital. In addition to unlimited travel via metro, bus, tram, train and ferry to every nook and cranny in Helsinki, the card, valid for … Read more
Art is a reflection of the world around us, how we live in different environments and interact with many kinds of people. If you live in a busy city, perhaps you know how what I’m talking about. It’s hard enough to stop and smell the roses, let alone stop … Read more
A lilting riff on a grand piano greets the lucky guests that enter the temple of design and culinary excellence that is Savoy. Clearly a place where deals are made and hearts are won, Savoy is one of those experiences that’s talked about. Perched on the 8th floor of … Read more
When it was announced in 2009 that Helsinki was a finalist in the third Design Capital of the World competition, the only surprise was that it hadn’t been selected to receive this distinction sooner. The honor, bestowed on a city committed to design as a tool for social, cultural and … Read more