WFV #8

What might this little vehicle be for? Does a grown-up really fit in there and is it just driven by paddles? Lots of questions! Does anyone know the answers?

Salmiakki Ice Cream

Finns love ice cream, a passion they share with most other people on this planet. But Finns also love Salmiakki (salty licorice), a passion they share with just very few other people on this planet.

And Finns even like combining those two. The result is salmiakki ice cream. You can get it at almost any ice cream parlor in the country. And it’s – let’s say – interesting. If you don’t like salmiakki anyway then keep your hands off it. If you enjoy eating the salmiakki candies then give it a try.

And if you want to see how much the reactions of Finns and other nations on salmiakki ice cream are then watch this advertisement. You will get it even without understanding the language.

Billiard with the Kaurismäkis

The number one place to play billiard in Helsinki is unaccountably Corona Bar. Several billiard tables are available here – one for snookers nine for pool. On the weekend you should be early or otherwise got to wait a bit. Once you have a table you can play as long as you like and pay by time later.

And this place has an interesting history too. 20 years ago it was founded by the world famous Finnish directors Aki and Mika Kaurismäki in the style of a laid back New York street bar.

Prices for drinks are very reasonable here. Check it out and have a fun night! 

Beware of the ticks!

If you are planning on spending some time in the countryside you always face the risk of being bitten by ticks which can in worst case cause the so called Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) virus infection.

A vaccination can protect you from this danger. You can get it either from your doctor or you keep your eyes open for the Punkkibussi (tick bus) driving around the capital area the whole summer through. Without an appointment you can just come there and get the vaccination within a few minutes. It costs 45 € for children and 50 € for adults.

Information on when the bus is in your area and which regions in Finland are most dangerous to get infected with TBE can be found from the official website of Saaristolääkärit.

Makkara over the fire

What about grilling some sausages over the fire today? And if you don’t know where or don’t want to light a fire yourself just come to Café Regatta.

The small and cozy café is one of the best summer places in Helsinki. They have a fire burning all day till late at night and for just 1.80€ you can get a sausage to grill over the flames. Mustard and ketchup are of course also available.

Mölkky – the Finnish summer game

Most Finns spend a big part of their summer at their summer cottages. One of the best things to spend time there in the middle of nowhere is with some fun games. A truly Finnish one is Mölkky.

The outdoor game that was invented just in 1996 rapidly became popular in Finland. The concept is rather easy. With a wooden throwing pin (called “mölkky”) you have to try to hit the other pins marked with the numbers 1 to 12. The winner is who scores exactly 50 points first.

The game can be bought at any toy or department store. But most Finns will have their own set already anyway.

Rock on the Beach

This week Hietaniemenranta turns into one of the hottest music festival areas of the country. On Wednesday, Friday and Saturday amazing acts will rock the big sand beach in the heart of Helsinki at Rock the Beach.

Big names like Green Day, Billy Talent, Stone Sour (Wednesday), Thirty Seconds To Mars, Reckless Love, Haloo Helsinki (Friday), Rammstein, Paramore, Danko Jones (Saturday) and many many more will perform on three stages at the sea.

Tickets are still available.  Have a great time at Rock the Beach!

Yhdessä - Together

Should you spend this weekend in Helsinki then visit the photo exhibition Yhdessä (Together) at the Main Railway Station Helsinki. In the exhibition that is still on display till Sunday photos are shown of people that share a special relationship. They share something – small or big – with each other. Their stories are all very different. Decide for yourself which one you find most impressive and moving.

The exhibition is free and after this weekend can still be seen online till the end of the year.

Juhannus Kokko

The Juhannus Kokko (Midsummer fire) is a very old Finnish tradition. It originates in the Eastern Finland but has over time become popular all over the country. It is lit to scare away bad spirits.

Last night lots of those big fires were lit everywhere in Finland - like on the Helsinki island Pihlajasaari.

Have a nice Juhannus Day!

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!