New landmark in Helsinki: the Finnair Sky Wheel

The Sky Wheel will offer a great view over the harbor

  

[Updated on June 3rd] It was planned for Vappu 2013, then for Vappu 2014, then postponed of two weeks and to a few additional weeks because of delays in the construction, finally the Sky Wheel in Helsinki will open on June 3rd at 7pm. For a very long time, everybody was wondering what will come to the platform of the former Nordic Jet Line in Katajanokka. The Wheel is perfect located next to the southern harbor and can't be missed by the tourists and cruise passengers.

A farm in the middle of Finland's capital

Just about 10km from the city center of Helsinki is located the farm of Fallkulla which has a free entry. Visitors can get familiar with all the domestic farm animals in the parks or in the barn: horses, pigs, rabbits, hens, goats, cattles, sheeps and ducks. In spring, many babies were born and are the main attraction for children. The little café is cosy and the prices are very reasonable.

What you should know about Finnish Easter desserts

On Sunday most of the Finns will end their Easter meals with a sweet touch. Some will eat mämmi, a kind of pudding made from flour and rye malt. And some lucky ones will receive a Fazer Mignon Egg, the second oldest product of the confectionary (1896). Every year, about 2 millions eggs are sold. Of course, other sweet are eaten such as the Orthodox Pasha and other chocolate eggs (e.g Kinder Surprise, Moomin or Angry Birds).

Mämmi

Photo: Flickr.com/Martin Terber

Let's be honest. Mämmi looks horrible. With its dark brown color and grainy texture, many people associate the appearence to cow shit. Finns themselves are sharply divided. You love it or you hate it. But don't give up at first sight! Here are a few tips for eating mämmi.

New tram in Helsinki: energy efficent, silent and more light

Since the beginning of winter, a new tram built by Artic is travelling in the streets of Helsinki. In a recent article published in the Finnish newspaper HelsinkiTimes, the new tram accomplished over 6000km without any problem. Passengers told that they appreciate the new tram that has a low floor. It is easy to access and there are no stairs in the middle of the car like for the oldest models still running.

Cosy and unique café in the heart of Kuopio

Unique and cosy

In a world that is more and more globalized and standadized, it is very refreshing to find places that are unique. Kahvila Kaneli is a tiny café located in the city center for Kuopio, a few meters from the market hall. It is a mix between an antique boutique, handicrafts shop, museum and café. Inside, you forget immediatelly that we are in the 21st century. It is quiet and cosy. The place is well known from locals and can be quite busy around lunch time.

Coffee and laundry, please!

It is always a good idea to take different way while going somewhere. Sometimes, around a corner, in a hidden street with little traffic, you might find a gem.