So far, 2017 has been a banner year for Finland, that top-of-the-globe locale that lies—at least part of it—within the Arctic Circle. Sports Illustrated flew supermodels Hailey Clauson and Bojana Krsmanovic there to pose with the reindeer and huskies for its annual swimsuit issue. Bachelor Nick Viall hopped from hut to igloo during his fantasy-suite dates, eventually choosing his fiancée-to-be in a decked-out Lapland lodge. National Geographic and Lonely Planet both wrote the Nordic nation in on their annual “where to go in 2017” lists, each crediting the country’s 100th anniversary as the reason behind the roster of new restaurant and hotel openings that are keeping it in the news this year. And Finland has recently been named the world’s safest place to travel.
Finland’s pristine—and in some places, untouched—natural beauty is the perfect counterpart to its cosmopolitan capital city of Helsinki, which has something to offer every season of the year. But in the summer, the city comes out of its winter slumber with a slew of festivals and markets, and endless (it’s quite literally endless, as June and July see the sun rise around 4 a.m. and stay up until around 11 p.m.) sunny days. Here’s what you should do if you’re planning a trek to the Land of the Midnight Sun.
See It Through SaunasIt would be a mistake to think that the Finnish connection with the sauna is a thing of the past. It’s still very much a part of daily life, and it’s fair to say that it’s even been experiencing a bit of a renaissance as of late due to a few buzzy new openings. One of the newest comes by way of Anu Puustinen and Ville Hara of local architecture firm Avanto. They’re responsible for the cutting-edge design of Löyly, a public sauna fronting the Baltic Sea—a prime location considering the Finns’ affinity for taking a polar dip in the dead of winter. In the summer, the structure’s massive outdoor terrace is the place to try a taste of Napue gin—it took home the prize in the gin and tonic category at the International Wine & Spirit Competition.
See It Through DesignA somewhat stark and simple aesthetic is the hallmark of Scandinavian design, and there’s no better place to source goods abroad than in this Finnish capital. Helsinki’s Design District is easy to manage—it’s roughly 25 streets with 200-some spots—and you can pick up a free map in nearly any of the shops. Lokal is a fantastic starting point; the front is a rotating art exhibit and the back serves as a concept store and coffee shop. In the Arabianranta neighborhood, a location known for its high concentration of art and design destinations, the newly opened Iittala & Arabia Design Centre brings together two of Finland’s most iconic brands. There’s a café, museums showcasing the brands’ historic designs, a shop to purchase some of the newer housewares, and a Design Lab where artists and students can hone their craft.
See It Through NatureTo get a feel for Lapland, you needn’t go far. Nuuksio National Park, just a 20-minute drive outside of the city, brings nature to Helsinki. All year round there’s a wealth of ways to breathe some fresh air: snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, hiking, fishing, climbing, berry and mushroom picking. Nearby on the shores of Lake Pitkäjärvi, the Finnish Nature Centre Haltia is a good place to start. Its structure is an attraction in itself: It’s made entirely of wood, and heated and cooled solely by the sun and earth.
See It Through MarketsHelsinki’s most famous, Market Square, is open every weekday (plus weekends in summer) and its vendors hawk everything from food to flowers. Its location on the South Harbor at the end of Esplanade Park makes for a particularly scenic stop. One of the coolest things about this place is the annual Baltic Herring Market each October, which has been going since 1743. The fishermen working on the Baltic Sea bring their salted herring to market, as well as a selection of herring marinades, like rowan berries and red pepper. The Old Market Hall is another must-stop shop to sample local cuisine, as well as Hakaniemi Market Hall, which has a good selection of homemade goods and handicrafts.
Eat ItThe city’s foodie scene has taken off in recent years, with some big-name chefs and publications taking note. There are four restaurants with Michelin stars, as well as places that are doing unique and thoughtful local dishes. Sandro is a fantastic lunch spot that serves North African and Middle Eastern flavors using all the local produce it can. Finnjävel is a new Finnish restaurant that, in addition to using Finnish ingredients, prepares the dishes using traditional Finnish cooking methods—the open kitchen provides a sous chef–style view. One of the most famous and upscale restaurants in Helsinki is Chef & Sommelier. Expect hardcore Nordic ingredients—like beetroot, reindeer, and cloudberries—and each dish to be paired with precision.
Drink ItHelsinki’s nightlife scene proves that Finns know how to party. Trillby & Chadwick is an amazing little speakeasy doing some pretty inventive things behind the bar—and outside of it. It’s located down an alley, and to get in, you first have to pick up a phone and ask. A slot in the door opens if you’re approved. Its sister property, Liberty or Death is in the city’s Design District. It’s slightly less undercover, but its dark speakeasy scene feels intimate and casual. Holiday is a beautiful, laid-back space decorated in palm fronds and pastels, and like its name suggests, you feel like you’re on holiday. Technically you’re located on an island—there are 300-some islands around Helsinki—but this one, Katajanokka, is accessed via a footbridge off Market Square. A21 uses a lot of local ingredients—like Finnish berries or bark from birch trees—and has an extensive gin and tonic library. And, fun fact: Did you know that Finland has the largest coffee consumption per capita in the world? You can get it anywhere, at any time of the day. Kallio is a new up-and-coming district with lots of great boutique shops, local restaurants, and coffee shops. It’s off the main tourist strip and still relatively under the radar. Good Life Coffee is one of the more loved coffee joints in the area, but Kaffa Roastery is great, too.
Book ItRight down in the city center, Klaus K is a design-forward boutique hotel that makes it easy to hit up Helsinki’s Design District on foot. Hotel Haven’s waterfront locale affords stellar views of Helsinki’s harbor, and while it has just 77 rooms, it’s one of the more luxurious options in the city. Hotel Kämp, the grande dame of Helsinki stays, is elegant, over-the-top, and a gold mine for Finnish upper-crust history. Inside Hotel Lilla Roberts, a warm blend of Nordic and Art Deco creates a fine welcome, and an extra perk is the fact that the property has a fantastic bar on the premises, Lilla E.