Helsinki: New Year Magic and Nordic Calm

01

After four unforgettable days in Sweden, we made our way to Finland to end our Scandinavian journey in Helsinki and welcome the new year. We had heard that the city offered a festive atmosphere for celebrations, and it felt like the perfect setting to close this chapter of the trip.

​

To get there, we boarded the Silja Symphony, a night cruise ship operated by Tallink Silja Line, which sails between Stockholm and Helsinki. We had read that the experience was a must and booked directly through their website. The ship left Stockholm at 4 PM and arrived in Helsinki the next morning at 10 AM.

​

The journey itself was a highlight. Our A class cabin was cozy and quiet, and the ship felt like a floating hotel. There were restaurants, shops, stylish lounges, and a generous buffet that offered a wide range of Nordic dishes. We enjoyed a bottle of sparkling wine and indulged in the Grande Buffet for dinner and breakfast. The evening show featuring dancers added a touch of magic and made the whole experience feel like a celebration at sea.

​

The total cost was around 350 euros, which included the cabin for two, dinner, breakfast, and drinks. It was a unique and elegant way to transition into the final part of our trip.

Once in Finland, we began with a truly special experience that we found last minute before arriving — a stay at Nuuksio Reindeer Park. About 30 minutes from Helsinki, this quiet retreat is home to eco friendly Igluhut cabins and a herd of reindeer you can see right outside your window. We booked one night in the Pihka Igluhut, a beautiful wooden cabin nestled in the forest. The cost was 385 euros for two people.

​

That night felt like a fairy tale. We fed the reindeer, watched them roam just steps away from our cabin, and enjoyed complete silence in the heart of nature. We ordered an evening snack basket for 75 euros and breakfast the next morning for 55 euros per person. Since there are no shops or restaurants nearby, it is best to bring food or pre order. It really is a place to disconnect and be still.

02

After that peaceful escape, we returned to city life and checked into The Folks Hotel Konepaja in Helsinki. We had booked three nights through Booking.com without breakfast, but decided to add it upon arrival. The total cost with breakfast included came to about 350 euros for two people.

​

We spent the next few days discovering Helsinki’s calm and creative energy. The architecture was a beautiful mix of modern and classical, and the city was easy to explore on foot and by tram using the HSL app. On New Year’s Eve, we had dinner at OR Restaurant and Bar, a fine dining spot with an elegant tasting menu. The meal came to about 150 euros per person with wine pairing, and every dish from starter to dessert was beautifully presented and full of flavor. It was a splurge but a fitting way to close the year.

​

Later that night, we joined the crowd at Kansalaistori Square where a free open air concert was taking place. The atmosphere was festive and lighthearted. Groups of friends were gathered everywhere setting off fireworks. The sky lit up with bursts of color and the crowd celebrated together as midnight arrived. It was simple, spontaneous, and full of joy.

​

We spent the first days of January wandering through a snow covered Helsinki. One of the highlights was a boat trip to Suomenlinna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site just a short ferry ride from the city. The island is peaceful and quiet in winter, with walking trails that lead through stone walls, frozen shorelines, and old military buildings. It was atmospheric and full of stories, and worth the visit even in the cold.

​

Other places we explored included the Temppeliaukio Church, also known as the Rock Church, carved directly into natural stone. We visited the Amos Rex Museum which blended underground art spaces with striking modern design. Each place offered its own mood and helped us understand the creative heart of the city.

03

Finland was by far the most expensive stop on our trip. Between the cruise, our reindeer cabin stay, meals, museum entries, and transportation, we spent over 1200 euros in total. But it was worth every bit. It gave us a peaceful, thoughtful end to our journey and a unique way to ring in the new year.

​

From floating across the Baltic to sleeping among reindeer and wandering through snowy streets, Helsinki offered a calm and magical contrast to the rest of our Scandinavian travels. It is a place where celebration and serenity come together beautifully.