RED ROLLS all over Helsinki

Maybe you have already seen them. In lots of places all over the city big red ribbon shaped rolls where installed. They look like some kind of sculpture on the first glance. But they are more than that.

Each roll has space for two people to comfortable sit or even more lay down in them. The concept is to bring people together to rest there for a while together and get to know each other. Sitting down you face the one on the other seat. 

The red rolls tie the 200^th birthday of the capital and the World Design Capital, the two major events of this year. And they also connect visitors and locals.

Find a map of all red rolls on the officialwebsite. And if you see one, take a minute and sit down. Maybe you even get to meet someone new.

Rent a kickbike

Sure you can cycle though Helsinki. As you read on HelsinkiIn you can also rent a tandem and cycle in as a team. But there is another possibility – rent a kickbike.

Most people might just remember them from early childhood. But kickbikes are trendy again. And they are fun to use.

If you like to try it come to Narinkka square in front of Kamppi. During the warm summer months there is a pop-up shop where you can get them for 10 € an hour or for 30 € a day.

But not only can you do your own tours. If you like you can attend one of several different guided design tours through the city as part of the World Design Capital. The tours are of course also available in English.

To find out more about kickbiking through Helsinki, check out their website. 

Happy kickbiking!

To everlasting love

You might have seen them elsewhere already. Helsinki also has its love bridge. It connects Kruununhaka and Katajanokka and is just for cyclists and pedestrians.

If you are a couple and want to show your love you can engrave your names in a padlock and attach it to the iron bars. Then you throw the key into the sea. This symbolizes everlasting love.

It’s worth to pay a visit. If you are deeply in love and want to show it to the world, bring a padlock with your names. Otherwise just pass by and take a look at all the ones already attached.

Just jump!

It is already a tradition. Since 2004 Skybreakers puts up Finland’s highest bungy jump at the seaside next to Kaivopuisto. Just a few days ago this year’s season started.

 

For 95 Euros a crane pulls up adrenaline junkies 150 meters above sea level. And you can take that literally because they basket attached to the crane actually hangs above the sea. 

The bungy jump is open till August 12^th. For opening times look up their website.

Suomalainen mansikka

In Finland it always takes a bit longer for the nature to recover from the cold winter. That’s why also all the fruits and vegetables come a bit later here than in most other countries.

In central Europe the time of strawberries might be already over. Here it just started. Meaning that now you can get the really good and sweet ones. And Finnish strawberries (mansikka) are something you really shouldn’t miss.

You should know that in Finland berries are normally sold in liters and not grams. One liter equals around 500 g of strawberries. Confusingly enough bigger packages are then again announced in kilos. During the summer strawberries and other Finnish berries and fruits are sold at almost every corner.