Head to Helsinki for Saunas, Sea Breeze & Scandinavian Summer Vibes
Looking for a place to land this summer? While everyone else is sweating in southern Europe, you could be soaking in a seaside sauna, sipping coffee in Esplanadi Park, or ferrying out to Suomenlinna.
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While the rest of Europe was fanning themselves through sweaty crowds in Barcelona and Paris, we headed north. Way north, to Helsinki, Finland.
And if you get the opportunity, GO. Seriously.
Helsinki is a rare summer destination that hits the sweet spot between refreshing, beautiful, culturally rich, and just enough off the typical tourist trail to feel like a real discovery. It’s a great fit for solo travelers, remote workers, and anyone else looking for a more grounded, grown-up way to explore Europe (no hostel bunk beds required).
As an Estonian e-Resident, I run my business through Tallinn, which makes hopping across the Gulf of Finland to Helsinki both easy and appealing.
Operators Tallink Silja, Eckerö Line, and Viking Line offer around a dozen daily departures, with sailings from early morning to late evening and even some overnight options.
Tickets start as low as €8–€17 when booked in advance, and standard fares usually range from €38–€96, with additional costs for cabins, vehicles, or premium seating.
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You can spring for a private room if you're hauling luggage or want to crash, but there’s plenty to do on board with a general ticket. Bars, shops, live music… it’s a bit of a party if you want it to be.
And those views 🤩
You can also catch a ferry from Sweden or Germany. And of course, you can fly directly there. Helsinki Airport (Helsinki-Vantaa, HEL) is located about 20 kilometres (about 12 miles) north of Helsinki city centre, in the city of Vantaa.
The I and P trains run every 5–10 minutes during peak times, from early morning until midnight, and connect the airport directly to Helsinki Central Station in about 27–30 minutes.
However you get there, once you’ve arrived in Helsinki, the city wraps you up in its cool, creative energy. Staying in or near the city center (Kluuvi, Kamppi, Punavuori, Töölö, Kallio) will give you easy access to Helsinki’s main attractions and their excellent public transport.