Helsinki in Winter: Best Places to Visit and Things to Do
Are you looking for the best places to visit and things to do in Helsinki in the winter? You’re in luck! This article has all the answers.
There’s something for everyone, from the festive Christmas markets to outdoor activities, shopping, restaurants, and sightseeing.
So, bundle up and get ready to explore Helsinki in all its winter glory!
1. Christmas Market
You’ll love the festive atmosphere of Helsinki’s Christmas market!
Helsinki Christmas Market (Tuomaan Markkinat) is open at Senate Square from December 1 to December 22.
It is the oldest outdoor Christmas market in Helsinki. Visiting the market has become a tradition for many locals, and over 300,000 people visit the market each year.
You can find unique gifts and eating experiences, but most of all, a beautiful, warm, and relaxed Christmas atmosphere.
In the heart of the market, there is a beloved old-time carousel.
The food court invites you to enjoy and savor all the flavors of Christmas (like mulled wine).
Admission to the Market is free.
Read more about Christmas Markets in Helsinki.
2. Lux Helsinki Light Festival
The Lux Helsinki Light Festival is an annual event that transforms Helsinki’s cityscape into a stunning display of light art.
Held in early January, the festival brightens the winter nights. It offers a captivating and immersive experience for locals and visitors alike.
The streets during the festival might be crowded. In some years, the temperature has dropped to -20 degrees during the festival, but the streets have still been full of people.
3. Ice Skating
Helsinki is a city that loves ice skating. There are many ice rinks where locals go to skate.
For visitors, the best spots are where you can rent skates. Here are two places with skate rental services.
Tapiola Ice Park
Tapiola Ice Park is in the middle of the Tapiola garden city district.
Here, you’ll find an artificial ice rink. It includes a large field and a 330-meter-long skating track. Using the rink is free.
It’s open every day from 10 am to 9 pm, weather permitting, but there’s a maintenance break from 2 to 3 pm when the field is closed.
There’s also a changing room and a café offering skate rentals, depending on the weather.
You can quickly get to Tapiola by metro from Helsinki with an AB zone ticket.
- Tapiola Ice Park
- Location: Google Maps
Brahenkenttä
Brahe Sports Field offers free public ice skating in the winter.
Thanks to cooling pipes, the ice stays solid regardless of the weather.
There’s a café right by the rink where you can rent skates during opening hours.
The ice skating area is split into two: one for skating with hockey sticks and another for skating without.
Tram lines 3 and 9 will take you from the city center to there.
- Cafe
- Opening Times
- Location: Google Maps
Ice Rink in the City Center
Helsinki’s city center used to have an ice rink next to the railway station. However, it was closed as its infrastructure began to deteriorate.
A new skating rink will be available close to the central railway station in Kaisaniemipuisto Park by 2026 when the park renovation is complete.
3. Outdoor Activities
Winter in the Finnish capital is unique, offering plenty of activities to enjoy in the cold weather.
Take a walk around the city and admire the snow-covered streets and parks.
Cafe Regatta (Merikannontie 8, Helsinki) is a great spot to visit, even in winter.
For a more adventurous experience, why not try snowshoeing or skiing in the nearby forests? Only a short trip from the Helsinki metropolitan area, Nuuksio National Park is optimal for winter outdoor activities.
4. Sauna
Sauna-going is deeply ingrained in Finnish culture, and it’s considered a holistic wellness activity. The warmth of the sauna contrasts beautifully with the winter chill, providing relaxation for both the body and mind.
Experiencing a sauna in Helsinki during the winter is a quintessential and uniquely Finnish activity.
Helsinki is home to numerous traditional Finnish saunas.
The most accessible places to visit in the winter are Allas Sea Pool and Löyly. Both are located by the sea and offer access to ice swimming or winter dips.
5. Shopping
After exploring the outdoors and admiring the winter views, why not take a break and enjoy some shopping in Helsinki? The city has a range of shopping malls to choose from.
For a modern shopping center experience, the massive Mall of Tripla offers a selection of famous brands and plenty of restaurants. Kamppi Shopping Center, on the other hand, is right in the city center for easy access.
If you’re looking for something more unique, the Hakaniemi Market Hall is the place to be. Here you can find various local products, from handcrafted jewelry to fresh fish and local delicacies.
For a more traditional shopping experience, visit the Kauppatori Market Square, which has operated since the 16th century. Here you can find everything from souvenirs to handmade items from local artisans.
6. Museums
Museums can be great winter warm-up places. Here are two museums in the city center that are big enough to warm you up.
Ateneum Art Museum
Ateneum houses an extensive collection of Finnish art, showcasing works from the 19th century to the present. The museum’s central location makes it an excellent winter warm-up place. Also, its architecture and diverse exhibitions make it a compelling winter destination.
Kiasma – Museum of Contemporary Art
Kiasma is another museum that is right in the heart of the city. It features contemporary Finnish and international art. The striking modern architecture of the museum itself is worth a visit.
7. Restaurants
Once you’re done shopping, take the time to enjoy some of the delicious restaurants Helsinki has to offer. From cozy cafes to traditional Finnish fare, there’s something for everyone.
If you’re in the mood for seafood, head to Restaurant Kappeli, where you can enjoy fresh Baltic herring and salmon.
If you’re looking for something more traditional, Savotta is a local favorite that serves hearty dishes like reindeer, Baltic herring, and mashed potatoes.
Restaurants may be packed as Christmas approaches, with locals having pre-Christmas parties starting in late November (“pikkujoulu”). The tradition of holding these celebrations with friends or colleagues is longstanding in Finland.
During Christmas, it’s a good idea to check the opening times and make a reservation in advance, as only a few restaurants remain open.
Hotels are increasingly offering special Christmas packages. Just so you know, many sell out quickly, so please book in advance for a festive Christmas dinner.
8. Sightseeing
When your appetite is satisfied, why not explore Helsinki’s most popular sights on a hop-on-hop-off tour or on your own using the comprehensive public transport network?
From the iconic Helsinki Cathedral to the grandiose Senate Square, you’ll be able to take in a variety of beautiful buildings and structures.
Stroll around the historic Old Market Hall, where you’ll find fresh, local produce and souvenirs.
Uspenski Cathedral isn’t to be missed, with its colorful onion domes and intricate artwork.
Head to Temppeliaukio Church, an impressive rock church built directly into the bedrock. It hosts concerts for various genres with its awesome acoustics, especially in the weeks leading to Christmas.
Take the ferry to Suomenlinna Sea Fortress and explore its 18th-century walls and tunnels.
For modern architecture, check the Central Library Oodi. It is a popular meeting place for locals, thanks partly to its unique design, which has garnered much attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Too Cold to Visit Helsinki in Winter?
Temperatures can be chilly, but the city is full of activities and sightseeing opportunities.
Helsinki offers cozy cafes, restaurants, and cultural attractions that provide warmth and comfort indoors. Our buildings are also built to stay warm inside, even when it is cold outside.
Finns are experts at navigating winter, and the city is well-equipped to handle the cold. Streets are efficiently cleared, and public transport and car traffic run smoothly, ensuring a comfortable and safe experience for visitors.
How cold does it get in Helsinki in winter?
Temperatures typically range from -5 to 0 degrees Celsius (23 to 32 degrees Fahrenheit) during the day and -10 to -5 degrees Celsius (14 to 23 degrees Fahrenheit) at night.
Extreme cold snaps may occasionally bring temperatures below -20 degrees Celsius (-4 degrees Fahrenheit).
Helsinki experiences significant snowfall, creating a picturesque winter landscape. January and February are the snowiest months.
The influence of climate change affects the city much like it does everywhere else, making temperature predictions more challenging.
Locals are well-prepared for cold winter conditions with appropriate winter clothes, and buildings are well-insulated to keep the cold out.
What Is the Best Way to Get Around Helsinki in Winter?
The best way to get around Helsinki in winter is by public transport.
Buses, trams, and metro are all available and run frequently, even when it is cold and snowy.
Final Thoughts
Helsinki in winter is a beautiful place to explore, and there are plenty of activities to keep you busy! From visiting the bustling Christmas markets to enjoying the outdoors, shopping, sightseeing, and trying out delicious restaurants, there’s something for everyone.
