Impressions of Helsinki (Finland)

Sorry for the lack of updates, but after spending 12 hours in Paris CDG airport last week due to cancelled and delayed flights (we did manage to get the only flight out to London that day), I was too exhausted and stressed for time to post too much while in the UK. Thankfully Helsinki, which was our extended stop-over destination to Hong Kong, knows how to deal with snow way better than most European countries. In fact, London and Paris might want to take a few pointers from Scandinavia when it comes to clearing airport runways and roads, considering they've had more than double the amount of snowfall but never had to cancel a single flight.

Statue of Johan Ludvig Runeberg on Esplanadi surrounded by the Christmas Market.

Two days probably wasn't enough time to see too much of Finland's capital, especially when most of it was covered in snow. Despite the below-freezing temperatures (the average was -10°C, approx. 14°F while I was there), it was still beautiful to wander around and considering Santa supposedly hails from the Finnish Lapland, the atmosphere was definitely very Christmassy. Like it's other Scandinavian counterparts, Finland is known for innovative and cool design, whether it's architecture, fashion or furniture. There are few luxury flagships but plenty of indie designers and sleek modern furniture or home decor stores, making it a great place to source some unique items. I'll probably visit again when it's warmer as it was quite difficult to get an idea of what the city looked like with snowflakes flying horizontally in my face...

The Helsinki Cathedral.

The nearby Government Palace.

The large avenues of Pohjoisesplanadi.

One of the many high street shopping areas.

The Christmassy shopping windows of local department store Stockmann.

Helsinki is one of the few places where the ports, harbors and lakes partially freeze over.

The Uspenski Cathedral

On my way to an indie boutique I sighted this beautiful stone building.

Oh Christmas tree....

The Christmas Market along Esplanadi.

Some of the Christmas Market snacks, including grilled sausages and fish (top), grilled mini sardines (lower left) and almonds covered in cinnamon sugar (lower right).

St. John's Church.

P.S. Thanks for all the lovely comments which I will be getting back to asap. And in case I don't get to post by Friday, I wish you all a Merry Christmas!