Family Adventures During a Snowy Stopover in Helsinki

Experience a whirlwind Family Adventure in Helsinki during our stopover before Lapland! Dive into holiday cheer and explore Finland's rich history and architecture in the country's capital.

Trekking to the Top of the World

We were off on the ultimate winter family adventure to Santa Claus Village in the Finnish Lapland, when our itinerary allowed us a brief 5 hours between our flight to Finland and our our overnight train to Lapland. So of course, we set off on a crazy adventure to explore as much of Helsinki as we could!

It is no small feat traveling to the top of the world! After two long flights and a weather delay, we made it to Helsinki. We arrived in Helsinki a little later than planned due to a delay in Amsterdam, so we had to modify our original plans a little. Once we got our bags, we pulled out our coats and lighter winter gear. It was snowing pretty hard in Helsinki when we arrived, so we put on our boats and the girls wore rain pants over their clothes.

We took the train from the airport to the Helsinki Central Railway station. Signs clearly marked the way from baggage claim to the train. There are kiosks where you can purchase train tickets to the Helsinki Central Railway station (zones A, B, C). It took us a few minutes to make sure we were getting the right one, but once we got use to navigating the train, we became much faster! The ride was about 25 minutes. Once at the station, we stored our luggage in the downstairs lockers. We could fit 3 suitcases in one of the XL lockers. Operating them was really easy, using the kiosk at the front of each row.

Our Family Adventure in Helsinki

With everything securely locked up, we were ready to explore the enchanting city of Helsinki! Given our limited time in this vibrant capital, we decided to take advantage of the convenience of Uber to transport us swiftly to the bustling Senate Square area. This decision allowed us to maximize our exploration time and dive straight into the festive atmosphere that the city had to offer.

Upon arriving at Senate Square, we were immediately greeted by the stunning sight of the iconic Helsinki Cathedral, its majestic white façade contrasting beautifully against the clear blue sky. The square was alive with the spirit of the season, as the Christmas markets were starting, offering an array of delightful stalls filled with handcrafted goods, festive decorations, and an assortment of delicious Finnish treats.

As we walked through the streets, the sun had already gone down and snow was falling steadily. The girls were excited about the snow, pausing every few feet to scoop it up and toss it into the air or at each other. In the north, the sun sets early, giving us about 4 hours of partial "daylight" on average. This was likely the most challenging adjustment for us! It doesn't get completely dark until later, but the twilight made it feel much later than it really was.

We made our way to Uspenskin Katedraali, also known as the Russian Cathedral, a landmark of significant cultural and historical importance. As we approached, the first thing that captured our attention was its stunning architectural design, which is a remarkable example of the Byzantine Revival style. This architectural gem, with its striking red-brick exterior, exuded a sense of grandeur and elegance, making it a prominent feature of the skyline. The intricate details of the façade, adorned with decorative motifs and elegant arches, showcased the craftsmanship that went into its construction. The cathedral is further distinguished by its ornate golden domes, with their distinctive onion shape, not only serve as a symbol of the Russian Orthodox faith but also add to the cathedral's majestic presence. Standing majestically on a hill overlooking the harbor, Uspenskin Katedraali offers a panoramic view of the surrounding area, making it a perfect spot for both reflection and admiration.

Next, we ventured toward the Presidential Palace area, where we were captivated by the elegant surroundings and the historical significance of the buildings. The palace, with its stately presence, served as a reminder of Finland's rich political history, and we took a moment to appreciate the beautiful views of the waterfront that framed this regal site.

We missed our dinner plans, but instead, we had the delightful opportunity to savor some exquisite reindeer dishes at the charming Old Market Hall. This historic venue, known for its vibrant atmosphere and rich culinary offerings, provided a perfect backdrop for our unexpected dining experience. As we entered the hall, the warm and inviting ambiance enveloped us, with the enticing aromas of various dishes wafting through the air. The Old Market Hall is renowned for its focus on local and seasonal ingredients, and the reindeer dishes were a testament to that commitment. We decided to try a selection of specialties, each prepared with care and creativity, showcasing the unique flavors of this traditional Nordic delicacy.

Our exploration continued as we made our way to the National Library of Finland, a true masterpiece of architecture that seamlessly blends classical and modern design elements. The grand entrance, with its impressive columns and intricate detailing, beckoned us inside. Once within, we were awestruck by the vast collection of books and the serene reading spaces that invited visitors to linger a little longer. The library not only serves as a center for knowledge and learning but also as a cultural hub that reflects the intellectual spirit of the Finnish people.

Before long, it was time to make our way back to the Helsinki Central Railway station, as we prepared for our overnight journey aboard the Santa Express train, which would take us to the enchanting city of Rovaniemi, known as the official hometown of Santa Claus.

Overnight Train to Santa Claus Village

I had secured two cozy sleeper cabins aboard the Santa Claus Express that came complete with private restrooms, a feature that added a touch of comfort to our journey. These cabins were located on the upper level of the train, so we did have to transport our luggage up the stairs to our cabins once the train arrived. As we boarded the train, we carefully maneuvered our suitcases into the compact space, tucking them under the bottom bunk to maximize the limited room available. I had thoughtfully packed an overnight bag and clothing for the next day into a carry-on, ensuring that we could access our essentials without having to rummage through our larger bags in the tight quarters of the cabin. The cabins were clean, a testament to the efficient service of the Finnish railway system, and we quickly made ourselves comfortable. The twin-sized bunk beds, while snug, offered a cozy retreat, and I was pleasantly surprised by how well I was able to sleep during the journey. The gentle rocking of the train as it glided through the Finnish countryside was soothing, lulling us into a peaceful slumber as the landscape transformed outside our window from urban settings to vast stretches of snow-covered forests.

Despite the train being affectionately nicknamed the "Santa Express," I noted that it did not feature any overtly Santa-themed interior decorations. Instead, the ambiance was more subdued and practical, focusing on providing a comfortable travel experience rather than a festive atmosphere. However, this did not detract from the overall enjoyment of our trip. The excitement of traveling through the night to reach the magical land of Santa Claus was more than enough to keep our spirits high. In all, the experience aboard the Santa Express was delightful and memorable, filled with the promise of adventure and the joy of travel. I would wholeheartedly recommend this journey to anyone looking to explore the wonders of Finland, especially families seeking a unique way to experience the magic of the holiday season. The combination of a cozy train ride and the anticipation of arriving in Rovaniemi made for an unforgettable experience that we would cherish for years to come.

The Family Verdict

After a long day+ of travel, we were tired, but exhilarated and ready to explore Helsinki. The girls were thrilled by the late November snow, which made our time in Helsinki that much more memorable! Although our adventure in Helsinki was short, it had been a delightful blend of festive cheer, historical exploration, and architectural wonder, leaving us with cherished memories and a deeper appreciation for this beautiful city.

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