Espoo edition
Although snow conditions and the presence of the Northern Lights may never be guaranteed in South Finland, you may enjoy the perfect winter holiday here. Just 15-30 minutes from the capital, Helsinki, you will find yourself snowshoeing in Nuuksio National Park, trying arctic kayaking in the frozen Baltic Sea, or falling in love with local art exhibitions and culinary experiences.
Happiness starts with a good night's sleep!
Special Winter Holiday offers
GLO Hotel Sello: offers a special Christmas Eve package, including accommodation, a festive Christmas dinner, and a delicious breakfast for 204€ (between 24.-25.12.) and a special discount on additional nights (between 20.-27.12.)
NOLi Studios: prepared -15% off hotel stays (for stays shorter than 30 days) during December, January, and February with code VISITESPOO15.
Winter Glamping and Unique Accommodation
Haltia Lake Lodge (Boutique Hotel & Glamping): offer -30% off all room categories (till the end of 2024) with a minimum of 2 nights stay (i.e. Fridays to Sundays). Additionally, you can celebrate the Dog-friendly New Year Celebration at the hotel.
Igluhuts in Nuuksio Reindeer Park: welcome visitors to stay all winter long. If you wish to have a special winter stay and perhaps wake up to the reindeer knocking on your window, look no more. You may book this experience also during Christmas week or New Year's Eve.
Winter holiday or Christmas stay in cozy Finnish cottage
Hawkhill Cottage Resort welcomes visitors to enjoy winter stays (including Christmas and New Year's Eve) in its wonderful, fully equipped log cabins located right next to Nuuksio National Park.
Click for more details and pricing
Find your inner Finn
through the Finland Winter Bucket List
1) Sweat worries away in a Finnish sauna
Saunas are a part of Finnish life and a must-experience for anyone visiting Finland. There are different types, with the most common being wood-heated, electric, and smoke saunas. In Espoo, you can find yourself having sauna sessions in Nuuksio National Park, in the Watersport Center Laguuni's sauna floating on the Baltic Sea, on the beach near one of 95 lakes in Espoo and the Baltic Sea, or in heavy-metal Bodom Bar & Sauna.
Psst! If you want to take it a step further, try dipping into the lake or sea or rolling in the snow in wintertime after a sauna!
2) Test local cross-country skiing tracks and Ski Resorts
Although snow conditions may never be guaranteed, Espoo is home to up to 200 km of skiing tracks and skiing resorts, welcoming both total beginners and more professional skiers. The skiing season itself usually starts in November, with the first mix of natural and artificial snow landing on cross-country skiing tracks in the Leppävaara district and Oittaa Recreational Area. Following the opening of ski resorts and thanks to the snow mixture, visitors can enjoy skiing in some areas up to April or even the beginning of May. Equipment rentals, guided tours, and ski school can be found at the destination.
3) Fall in love with Espoo's Museums and spot the (artificial) Northern Lights
Museums that you shouldn't miss on your Finland Bucket List:
Finnish Nature Centre Haltia: showcases beautiful Finnish nature through its exhibitions. Here, you can combine learning (with their amazing nature exhibitions) with exploring (the real nature right next to Nuuksio National Park).
EMMA - Espoo Museum of Modern Art: is home to modern art and inspiring stories. You can stop by for an exhibition visit at your own pace or experience more through guided tours and art workshops.
The Museum of Play - Leikki: is a paradise for children and a nostalgic experience for adults. Within a few hours, you can enjoy exploring exhibitions, playtime for children, and even a cup of coffee at the museum's reception
KAMU - Espoo City Museum: is known for collecting the cultural history of the City of Espoo and its residents. You can visit its five museums (Espoo City Museum, Glims Farmstead Museum, Pentala Archipelago Museum, Villa Museum Villa Rulludd, and Lagstad School Museum) in different parts of Espoo and learn about the city's history and way of life.
4) Meet and greet southernmost located reindeers in Nuuksio National Park
Stereotypes connect Finland with reindeers and yes, reindeers live in Finland, but mainly in northern Finland. However, Espoo is lucky to be home to the southernmost located Nuuksio Reindeer Park. So, if you cannot make it to the north part of Finland to experience the magic, you will get a little taste of Lapland, even just a 30-minute drive from Helsinki Airport - what a place not to miss!
Note: Nuuksio Reindeer Park is open only with limited opening times on weekends (Saturdays-Sundays), with the exception of Thursday, 26.12. If you wish to visit on different dates, you can book a private visit from the Nuuksio Reindeer Park website.
5) Must-try Unique Winter Activities
Espoo is full of exciting activities all year round, but in winter, there are a few things to put on your bucket list that are not your usual choice.
You can try:
- Artic Kayaking
- Ice Curling
- Artic Storm
- Kick-Sledding
- Ice Skating
6) Experience outdoor cooking and picnics, even during winter
It is well-known that Finns find their happiness in enjoying local nature and outdoor activities. Even during cold winter months, you will find locals outdoors enjoying a cup of tea, coffee, sausage, or pancakes made on the open fire. In Espoo, you can enjoy these tasty experiences by booking a guided tour on outdoor cooking, ice fishing, and wine tasting in the woods or by trying out local Michelin chef Ari Ruoho's recipe on an outdoor picnic.
Psst! You can enjoy traditional Finnish Christmas food in local restaurants in November and December. Check out all the Christmas feasts on the Visit Espoo Event Calendar.
Christmas feasts (available between 17.11.-26.12.2024)
Hero Image: Kathrin Deter