INSIDER TIP
Bridget Ryan, Flight Centre The Palms
Home of the quintessential Scandi-Baltic stopover, I had 24 hours to explore Helsinki. While most Kiwi travellers have been to Paris, London and Rome, far fewer have been to Finland. I had no expectations, which made my stopover that much better.
I learned that when in Finland take a sauna. It’s the most Finnish of pastimes and a cultural practice that dates back centuries.
I went to Loyly, a stylish sauna that embodies modern Finnish design and was built according to sustainable building principles. It occupies a stretch of Helsinki waterfront and is open yearround.
On the Unesco World Heritage List as a unique monument of military architecture, Suomenlinna was a great history lesson. I took a ferry from the Market Square and explored this fortress that served in the defence of three realms, and is only accessible by water.
My last stop was to the small, unassuming but batting well above its weight in terms of cuisine, service and calibre of wines, Kuurna. I found this gem on Meritullinkatu, a quiet side street. The charming restaurant won me over with the personal service that was top class.
To keep things interesting, the menu changes every two weeks. Many of the ingredients Kuurna uses are sourced locally and organically.