Hyvää Juhannusta!

It is Juhannus again! The brightest time of the year. Are you somewhere in the countryside on a cozy summer cottage or rather celebrating with friends in the city? If you decided to stay in town check out the big midsummer party in Vuosaari.

But in any case, have a fantastic Juhannus weekend!

Time for summer vacation

Are you still in Helsinki? Then you will have realized that it got pretty quiet in the city by now. Many will have left the city already to their mökkis where they will spend the next days and weeks.

During July Helsinki is always a much more quiet place. Many small businesses will be on vacation so don't expect your shoemaker, tailor or hairdresser to be open till the beginning of August. Also some restaurants and bars might be closed. But don't worry, all big supermarkets and most popular places in the center stay open the summer through.

Have a nice and hopefully warm Finnish summer!

Hyvää juhannusta!

Today is Midsummer, or Juhannus how it is called in Finland. The name refers to St John, who is also celebrated that day. If you look out the window you will realize that Juhannus is also a flag day. And a very special one even. On Juhannus the flag flies the whole night through till the next day.

Most Finns leave the cities for their Midsummer celebration and go to their mökkis on the countryside. But for those of you that decided to stay in Helsinki there is also lots to do today.

The most traditional way to celebrate Juhannus is to watch a bonfires in the evening. There are two big ones in Helsinki. One is on Seurasaari (you have to pay entrance here and tickets are apparently already sold out) and one on Pihlajasaari (take a ferry from Kaivopuisto or Ruoholahti). There are also cruises offered by several boat companies that bring you close to the bonfires during a normally three hour long boat trip.

Finns love to dance in the summer. So if you like join one of the Midsummer dances e.g. in Linnanmäki, at Kuudes linja and at Club Kaiku. Or why not take a Juhannus sauna?

To find out more about all the options you have today check the Midsummer post on visithelsinki.fi. For more information on Juhannus I also recommend Rusty Snyder's article on thisisFINLAND. More also on visitfinland.com.

Have a great Juhannus!

Hyvää Juhannusta!

Today is Juhannus, the Finnish midsummer. Most people have left the city to spend it with family and friends on their summer cottages.

The city might appear like a ghost town since most places – even bars and pubs – will be closed. But there is still something going on here during Juhannus.

Juhannus tree at Seurasaari

Experience for example the traditional midsummer celebration at Seurasaari where the big Juhannus kokot (fires) are lit. The celebration starts at 18:00 and continues till late at night. The entrance fee is 18 €. Kids under 15 years are free.

Or see the big Juhannus fire further outside on the island of Pihlajasaari. A boat takes you there from next to Café Carusel. The fire is lit at 21:00.

Have a great Juhannus!

Have a nice holiday!

Most of you probably already just have half the day of. Tomorrow the Juhannus weekend begins and with it for most people also the summer vacation.

even the light holders at the Railway Station are on vacation

So wherever you go have a great and relaxing time and in case you stay in or maybe travel to Helsinki during the summer don’t forget to check HelsinkiIn from time to time. 

except for this guy