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.
We stayed at Hotel Lilla Roberts. Tucked into a quiet street in Helsinki’s Design District, it was close to everything we wanted to walk to, but felt like a calm little pocket to retreat to at the end of the day.
The building itself has some history (it was once a power station, then a police station), but now it’s all high ceilings, cozy corners, and quirky design touches that make the space feel fun but grown-up. The beds were genuinely comfortable, the breakfast was solid, and the staff struck that perfect balance of friendly and unfussy.
There’s a Nordic restaurant and a moody little bar on-site, which came in handy when we didn’t feel like venturing out. It’s not flashy, but it’s got personality, and for a mid-range boutique stay in a city known for design, it hit all the right notes.
What We Loved About Helsinki
The city truly comes alive in summer. Locals peel off their coats and fill every available park, patio, and pier. The sunlight lingers late into the evening, sometimes never quite disappearing, and the atmosphere hums with celebration.
At the heart of it all is Kauppatori, the harborside market that’s as much a cultural gathering place as it is an excellent spot for lunch. Grab a plate of fried vendace (tiny local fish) and sit by the water watching ferries drift off toward the horizon.
One of those ferries should take you to Suomenlinna, a UNESCO-listed sea fortress spread across several islands. It’s equal parts history and picnic spot, and makes a perfect half-day trip. Bring snacks, your walking shoes, and a sense of curiosity.
For nature lovers, Helsinki delivers beyond the city streets. Take a guided hike out to Nuuksio National Park, a peaceful expanse of forest, lakes, and trails less than an hour from the city. It’s a welcome contrast to urban life and surprisingly easy to access even without a car.
Back in town, make time for the Kaisaniemi Botanic Garden. It’s a peaceful, green oasis near the city center, ideal for a midday pause.
The outdoor garden is open every day of the year from 9:00 to 20:00, and there is no charge for entry. If you’re into plants (or just appreciate a solid palm house), the greenhouses are worth the €12 entry fee.
For great views, head to the SkyWheel. Sure, it’s a ferris wheel, but it has a sauna cabin. And a champagne bar. Because Helsinki. Go at sunset for panoramic views of the city and its surrounding archipelago.
Speaking of saunas, you absolutely have to have a proper sauna experience while you’re here. This isn’t just a tourist checklist item, it’s a rite of passage. Whether you opt for an old-school public sauna or something more luxe, the heat + cold plunge combo is pure Finnish magic. You’ll feel like a whole new human afterward.
When you’re ready to trade your sauna towel for some architecture, head to Senate Square. It’s the historic and architectural heart of Helsinki, and definitely worth a stop.
The square is surrounded by some of Helsinki’s most iconic neoclassical buildings, all designed by Carl Ludvig Engel, including the Helsinki Cathedral (the city’s most photographed landmark).
Another epic church, if you’re into that, is set atop a hill overlooking the city and harbour.
Uspenski Cathedral is the largest Orthodox church in Western Europe. Its red-brick façade, green domes, and gilded details reflect Russian architectural influence.
The richly decorated interior and panoramic views make it a must-see. Admission is free, and it welcomes around half a million visitors annually.
Then there’s Esplanadi Park, which is kind of like Helsinki’s front porch. Lined with cafes and shops, it’s where you’ll find street musicians, locals catching up over ice cream, and spontaneous open-air performances. Grab a seat, soak it all in, and don’t be surprised if you end up staying longer than planned.
If you’re up for a little time travel, Seurasaari Island is the place. A short bus ride from the city center, this open-air museum showcases traditional Finnish wooden buildings scattered among forest trails and scenic shorelines. In summer, it hosts bonfires, folk dances, and just enough charm to make you forget the rest of the world for a few hours.
If you’re lucky enough to be in town during one of the city’s many festivals, like the Flow Festival or Helsinki Festival, don’t miss them. They’re the heartbeat of the season, with music, art, and performance spilling into every corner of the city.
Last but not least, grab a few hours in Kaivopuisto, a sprawling seaside park that locals adore. Bring a picnic, climb the rocks for views of the Baltic, and just be. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel lucky to have found it.
Working Remotely in Helsinki
If you’re blending work with travel (as many of us do), Helsinki delivers. The Wi-Fi is fast and reliable nearly everywhere, even on public transit and in parks.
Cafes are laptop-friendly, especially places like Paulig Kulma or La Torrefazione, and there’s a growing network of coworking spaces if you need something more structured. Spaces like Wonderland Work and Sofia Helsinki offer day passes, quiet zones, and a solid community vibe.
It's not the cheapest city, but for a month-long stay, it's doable, especially if you grab a short-term apartment or Airbnb outside the city center. We felt safe walking around at all hours, and locals were helpful without being intrusive.
Public transit is excellent, walkability is high, and English is widely spoken. Accessibility is also a win here — from public transportation to major attractions, most places are accommodating for mobility needs.
Final Thoughts
Helsinki is the kind of place that supports the life we talk about here: the midlife version of nomadism that’s rooted in flexibility, wellness, connection, and experience.
It’s easy to navigate solo. It’s calm, clean, and creative. It gives you space to think, work, wander… and then work a little more if you need to.
Want to work from a sunny harbour café and then hike a national park the next day? Helsinki says yes. Want to write your next pitch deck from a park bench in Esplanadi, hit a sauna, and make your own dinner in a rental flat? Also yes.
You don’t have to pick between adventure and comfort here. You can have both.
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