SPORTS, SWEAT & SMILES

Puck enthusiasts, unite! Helsinki will co-host the upcoming IIHF World Hockey Championship with Tampere from May 13–29 as Canada defends its gold medal. Speaking of hot rivalries, the Canadians and Finns have split the last two World Hockey Championship finals.

If you’re passionate about outdoor recreation and sustainability, this green city boasts Europe’s most-used rental bike system, including 1,500 kilometres of cycling paths. Inhale the fresh Baltic Sea breeze while riding the 2020completed Inner City Waterfront Trail past landmarks like Alvar Aalto’s Finlandia Hall.

Take a water bus to Pihlajasaari—one of the Helsinki archipelago’s 300-plus islands—for skinny-dipping. Finland’s wellness culture embraces these icy winter plunges.

FUN FACT

Established in 1928, Kotiharjun Sauna offers Helsinki’s classic naked experience. Sweat out your stresses at the city’s oldest public woodfired sauna.