Vappu's ceremony

At 6pm sharp, Havis Amanda statue in Helsinki will be wearing its white cap by university students and all Finns will do the same as the official start of Vappu's celebration. Finns receive that cap called ylioppilaslakki when they graduate from high school. People celebrate Vappu as carnival, wearing all kinds of funny costumes. Students wear their overalls, representing their universities covered of badges gained at parties. There is no age to participate to Vappu. Elderly come with their brownish caps to join the youngsters and families. Another tradition is to buy a balloon. Thousands of people are celebrating in the city center which is car traffic free. Some people will probably drink all night and maybe already go to Kaivopuisto where on May 1st 100.000 people are waited for a giant and friendly picnic. Vappu is celebrated in all Finland, not only in Helsinki.

My tip: phone network will be busy and calling will be impossible. If you are going with a group try to find a way to stay together or have a meeting point in case someone get lost. Don't leave the children unattended.

Tippaleipä and Sima

Finns traditionally eat some Tippyleipä, a deep fried dough covered with sugar which looks like a brain and drink Sima, a sweet non-alcoholic sparkling brew. They are available is all shops only around Vappu.

My tip: add some raisins in the Sima and it will taste better.

Need a costum for Vappu, New Year or a party? Punanaamio has everything your need!

Punanaamio is a shop in Helsinki, Tampere and Turku with all the needed items for the perfect disguise. In its catalogue are hundreds of costums from witches to princesses, from nurses to policemen at affordable prices (from 15€). And of course, you'll find all the needed accessories. The shop also have a large range of wigs and makeup.

Website

Stockholm is not so far from Helsinki (Silja Line)

Many Finns are traveling occasionally from Helsinki or Turku to Stockholm. The Swedish capital is only at 14 hours by ship from the Finnish capital. Passengers can choose between the red boats of Viking Line or the white boats of Silja Line. In this article are presented the twin boats Serenade and Symphony from Silja Line, leaving from Helsinki. Built in 1991, theses 13 floors tall ships are leaving Helsinki harbour (Olympia terminal) everyday at 5pm. Passengers can book single trip or cruise where the boat stay 6 hours in the capitals.The boats offer a large variety of activities such as shows on the promenade and in the Atlantis club, a gambling room, playstation room, a spa, sauna, wellness, playground for children, an Irish pub and a wine bar. Passengers have the possibility to eat at the buffet or in one of the à la Carte restaurants.

Desserts at the Silja dinner buffet

Promenade with shops, restaurants, info desk, an Irish bar, a wine bar and the Atlantis club

Show on the promenade

A-class cabin with window on the sea

Cars and trucks entering the ship

Delicious pork at the restaurant El Kaptan

Moomin characters entertaining the children

Sea food at the restaurant Happy Lobster

My Tip: if you have a permanent address in Finland, subscribe to the frequent traveler benefit program Club One. You will get many discounts on board but also reduced prices for trips. You start with the bronze card and upgrade to silver once you reach 60000 points. Points are collected at each purchase online or on board.

Website

Särkänniemi, the amusement park of Tampere

The wild tornado rollercoaster

Särkänniemi is situated on a penisula on the Näsiselkä lake, at just a kilometer from the city center of Tampere. The park is open during the whole year with a couple of attractions which are always open such as the dolphinarium with its daily show, the aquarium, the planetarium, Sara Hildén's Art Museum or the Näsinneula observation tower. On Saturday 27th of April 2013 it will open its doors with summer opening hours and all the machines working for the pleasure of the visitors. The park also includes an all new Doghill park and the Angry Birds Land for children. In Särkänniemi during summer season, you can't enter the park for free like in Linnanmäki and there are no signle rides. All visitors have to pay 37€.

Log river 

UPDATED ON FEBRUARY 11th 2014: good news for all the visitors! Last season, the park did a survey and ask the opinion of people about the new price policy. Many were complaining that it was too expensive. Why would he have to pay 37€ for just enjoying a cotton candy? And what if you just want to see the dolphin show? Because of all the complains, the park went back to the old system: the entrance is free of charge (not the rides)!

You just have to pay for the rides individually (8-12€) or the all-included bracelet at 37€. Have fun!

If you are coming by car, the parking costs 5€ per day.

View on the park from the tower

Tip1: if you can, buy your ticket in advance and save 2€.

Tip 2: If you just want to do one or 2 rides, it is cheaper to buy rides tickets. But If you want to do more rides, think of what is the cheapest solution for you. The 37€ braclet might be good.

Website

Linnanmäki the amusement park reopens!

From 1pm tomorrow till the end of summer, the amusement park Linnanmäki in Helsinki will entertain little and big kids. The parks offer a wide range of machines for everybody, an aquarium, fun games, snacks and much more. It is a perfect place for families and friends to spend time together. Do not miss the all new "Kyöpelinvuoren hotelli" haunted hotel experience! The entrance ticket costs 37€ for unlimited use during the day. Single rides can be purchases for 7€. If you come during the last 3 hours, your ticket will cost 28€.

Tip 1: you can go there for free and just have a look at the park, playing games or eating an ice cream.

Tip 2: it costs 7€ to extend your ticket for an additional day. This is a great option especially when the waiting time to each machine is long.

Website

Looking to the past: visiting Hietalahti cemetery

Cemetaries are not often coming to our mind while thinking of sightseeing or a place to have a walk a Sunday afternoon. In Finland there are some very old cemeteries which are worth a visit. It is the case of the cemetery of Hietaniemi in Helsinki near the sea. The area is devided into three main parts: the lutherian cemetery, the orthodox cemetery and the muslim cemetery. In the lutherian cemetery under the tall trees are resting Finnish celebrities such as Mannerheim or the architect Alvar Aalto. Near the church are located the graves of the presidents of the republic. If you are lucky, you can also see some squirrels.

Grave of Alvar Aalto

Grave of the artist who created the Sibelius monument

Café Regatta

Open all year round, café Regatta is one of the most famous cafés in Helsinki. Situated next to the Sibelius park, it offers a perfect view on the sea, frozen or not. The building is small but about 10 people can fit in. Some fleece blankets are at your disposal if you feel cold on the terrace. The speciality is of course coffee and "pulla" but you can as well enjoy salty delicacies. You also have the possibility to purchase for 1.80€ a saussage that you can grill outside. All equipment is at your disposal including ketchup and mustard.

Coffee and korvapuusti

Grilling saussages

My tip: In summer time, many birds are begging for food. Don't leave your pastries unattended! Some are fearless, jump on the table and bite in the bread.

Crazy days at Stockmann

Twice a year in Spring and in Automn Stockmann has its Crazy Days with plenty of special offers on about everything including boats and cars. Stockmann is the biggest department store in Finland and the massive sales on brand products are highly appreciated. The food department offers a large variety of high quality products. Every day, different items are in sales. Meat and fish products are the most chased items. It is also a good opportunity to look for low prices on typical Finnish items such as Moomin cups or Iittala glasses. In the street, almost everybody is walking with a yellow bag.

Autumn 2014: 8-12.10.2014

Everybody in the street has a yellow bag

4 days of crazy shopping

Big discounts on women clothing

Even if the shop is crowded, Finns are quiet people and respect each other. They won't scream or push you or take the item you have in your hands if you take the last one. Make sure that you don't overtake the line at the cashier.

People queuing at 7:30am for the plane tickets

Many people are chasing the cheap plane tickets from Helsinki to many destinations in Europe, Amerika and Asia. Every morning before 8 o'clock, people are queuing to get a number and later in the book shop proceed to the booking.

Official website

How to survive the Crazy Days?

Tip 1: Get a copy of the brochure with the offers and make your selection quietly at home. If you don't have time to get it before the Crazy Days start, you can also check the offers online. Note that some products are only available on certain days.

Tip 2: If you wish to purchase a plane ticket, go there minimun 30 minutes in advance. Check the weather the night before and take an umbrella and a rain coat if needed.

Tip 3: Avoid going there at rush hour. Best times are before 12pm and after 6pm.

Tip 4: Don't go there with kids.

Tip 5: Stay calm and don't forget to smile at the cashier.

Happy shopping!

Café Saima - the authentic atmosphere of Savonlinna

In the heart of Savonlinna, few meters from the Olavinlinna castle stands the Café Saima in an old wooden house on Linnankatu. This peaceful café offers a lunch buffet every weekday, salty delicacies as well as sweet pies and cakes. In summer time, you can enjoy your drink on the terrace behind the building. On the first floor, you can visit a design shop which sells a lot of local handicrafts. There is also the possibility to rent the place for celebrations.

My tip: if you order tea from the large variety they propose, you can refill your cup as often as you wish for free.

Website (only in Finnish)

Manga Café in Helsinki

The Japan and manga anime fans have their own café in Helsinki city center. Recenty moved, Café Manga is situated in the Fennia building in Kaisaniemi and offers a large variety tea, coffee or pieces of pies at affordable price. The staff is extremely friendly and regulars come to play, to write stories and to draw sometimes wearing costums. The café also have a shop sector where you will find items from Japan to enrich your collection. You can also order the items online (see the link below the pictures).

Capuccino (3.50€) and deco pocky (1€)

Online shop
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