23.12.2019

Fun things to do in Helsinki area at Christmas time 2019

Skiing center Talma in Sipoo is open at Christmas and New Year time every day but not in Dec 24-25th. Photo: LikeFinland.com

 

Even if there is not snow in Southern Finland, you can still do many nice holiday activities also in Helsinki area at Christmas time 2019, and New Year time 2020!

Here we've collected and presenting you our Star Destinations’ activities you can do – before and after enjoying Christmas delicacies, or when thinking what to do on holiday season.

(Star Destinations have been our advertising customers during last 12 months, which we’ve usually tested and explored ourselves. You can find also individual articles some of these places on our site.)

A skiing center Talma Ski in Sipoo, northeast of Helsinki, has been open some weeks, because they have snow canons working when the temperature goes under zero!

Not every slope is open, but open are: front slope, jumpline of the front snowpark, two training slopes and a pop-up snowpark! Also equipment shop, rental and restaurant are open when the center is open.

Opening hours in Dec: Mon-Fri 16-20, Sat-Sun 10-18.
Opening hours at Christmas time (www)

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Rush Helsinki is open every other day but not in Dec 24-25th and Jan 7th. There is no Happy hour on holiday season. Photo: Rush Helsinki

 Rush Helsinki is open every other day but not in Dec 24-25th and Jan 7th. There is no Happy hour on holiday season. Photo: Rush Helsinki

 

We tested and experienced the first trampoline park in the Nordic countries. Trampoline park Rush is located in Pitäjänmäki, Helsinki. So you can reach it by bus or train easily.

It was fun and the kids want to Rush again. There are many various trampoline activities at Rush.

I met and interviewed Rush Helsinki entrepreneur Mikko Vihersalo. “Teenagers between 13-15 years are most likely to drop out of their hobbies, but for example here they can meet each other, spend nice time and have sport too”, says Mikko. 

Our whole article (www)
More about Rush in English and booking (www)

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Miniholiday to the warmth? It's always +32 C in Flamingo both inside and outside water. Photo: Flamingo Spa

Miniholiday to the warmth? It's always +32 C in Flamingo both inside and outside water. Photo: Flamingo Spa

 

Flamingo Spa is one of the biggest and most enjoyable water parks and spas in Finland. It is located in Flamingo Entertainment Center, Vantaa, next to the Shopping Center Jumbo.

There are two sides in Flamingo: a wide waterpark for the whole family with many pools, jacuzzis, water slides, jump tower and a wibit course.

Then there is an adult sauna and treatment center with many saunas and pools for relaxing without noise or hullabaloo. Time for you.

Spa Cafe Deliberi is serving both waterpark and adult spa customers.

Note: “Children that are able to swim on their own and are ower the age of 10 can swim in the waterpark by themselves. Children under 10 yo must have an 18 year old adult with them at all times.”

Read more about Flamingo Spa here (www)

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In Megazone, there is again available Day Pass for 30 € between Dec 23 – Jan 6. Photo: Megazone Helsinki & Vantaa

In Megazone, there is again available Day Pass for 30 € between Dec 23 – Jan 6. Photo: Megazone Helsinki & Vantaa

 

The action is not over. In Flamingo Entertainment Center there are also Megazone and Prison Island adventure activities, best suitable for school kids, teenagers and adults.

Both Megazone laser tag game, and Prison Island riddles to solve, are located under the same customer service, on the 3rd floor of Flamingo.

By the way, there are plenty of free-cost parking places both inside and also outside Flamingo, by Tasetie road.

Last fall we experienced Kid’s Birthday in Megazone and Prison Island. So here you can check the article in Finnish (www), and here more info and booking ("Varaa peli"):

Megazone, Vantaa (www)
Prison Island, Vantaa (www)
Megazone, Helsinki (www)
Prison Island, Helsinki (www)

Megazone & Prison Island in Vantaa and Helsinki are open every day 12pm – 19pm on Christmas holiday, but both are closed on Christmas Eve 24th. Helsinki is also closed on Christmas Day 25th and New Year’s Day Jan 1st.

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Note: Our Star Destinations are offering Present tickets for a Christmas present. Check more info on the websites Megazone, Prison Island, Talma, Rush, Flamingo etc.

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One can also enjoy in the Finnish forest. The picture is from Tuusula - Kerava woods from Sunday Dec 22th. Nordic walking – walking with poles – in the nature is one of my favourites to relax.

The Finnish forest, not depending the season, is worth to experience and calm your mind. Photo: LikeFinland.com

The Finnish forest, not depending the season, is worth to experience and calm your mind. Photo: LikeFinland.com

 


Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2020 - and thank you for reading in 2019!

 

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Text and photos: Henri Elo

LikeFinland.com is a nationwide leisure time media and search service of Finnish destinations. You can like us on Facebook or follow on Twitter and InstagramOur main website in Finnish is KivaaTekemista.fi.

18.11.2019

Destination of the Month: We explored a trampoline park Rush Helsinki - jumps, fun, Birthdays and events!

A trampoline park Rush Helsinki consist of ca. 3 000 square meters hall with activities in Pitäjänmäki, Helsinki. Photo: LikeFinland.com

 

Rush Helsinki was the first trampoline park in the Nordic countries when it was launched in the spring 2016.

Last years it has become the popular indoor park to have fun and sport with a family or friends – not forget Friends’ Birthdays especially for kids, and Rush Park’s own events like Night at Rush for teenagers!

We as a LikeFinland team, 2 kids of school age and 1 adult, visited and experienced Rush Helsinki this autumn. We were positively surprised how many and different kind of trampoline and bounching activities there really are at Rush. 

Fun with family! Freestyle area with normal and wall trampolines, yellow giant tramps and a challenging Slackline! Photo: LikeFinland.com

Fun with family! Freestyle area with normal and wall trampolines, yellow giant tramps and a challenging Slackline! Photo: LikeFinland.com

 

Activities

We were enjoying a wide Freestyle area with tens of trampolines and trampoline streets, also giant trampolines near Dodgeball Arena, and a Foam Pit and jumps to the foams. We had a great time also in Wipeout; the kids were laughing when a supervisor put the speed high when the beam came close to me. :)

It was really sporty or even tough (!) – depending you and your own activity. A trampoline park experience is enjoyable way to keep yourself in good physical condition - and it's time for kids at the same time!

Rush is also suitable for adults without kids, because the trampolines are in good shape, and there are many games and challenges you can play and experiment. One of these (not the easiest!) is a special trampoline where you can jump on your back against the trampoline and then try to “Airwalk”. It may require some practise.

The newest activity at Rush Helsinki, from summer 2019, is a Laser room, where you try to break laser rays with you hands and legs by jumping on trampolines together with another player! Please check more activities, like Slam Dunk, Stunt Jump, Battle Beam, Slackline etc. on the webpages of Rush: www

New on a trampoline: Jump by a scoot! Photo: LikeFinland.com

New on a trampoline: Jump by a scoot! Photo: LikeFinland.com

 

Good to know

When you go the first time to Rush, it is important to watch a safety video, which is continuously playing next to cloakroom boxes. The video takes some minutes and guides you to start. You have to be careful for example with edges of trampolines because they are much harder than the bounhching surface, even if the edges are also padded.

And jumping head first is not allowed at Rush, not even to the Foam Pit.

But the most important thing is that everybody could have fun and get a sport experience of their own level. Kids are also creative when moving with each other. There is friendly personnel at Rush guiding and helping you to bounch.

The people amount, which Rush takes in at the same time is limited up to 140 "bounchers" so that there is space enough for everyone, and also for safety reasons.

It is easy and smart to book a Rush experience in advance here, because the Park could be fully booked especially in weekends.

 

Mikko (left) is an entrepreneur and managing director of Rush, and Shpejtim is responsible of safety and maintenance. Photo: LikeFinland.com

 Mikko (left) is an entrepreneur and managing director of Rush, and Shpejtim is responsible of safety and maintenance. Photo: LikeFinland.com

 

Story of Rush Helsinki and Tips of Mikko

Rush Helsinki was established in 2016. Before that, Mikko Vihersalo, entrepreneur of Rush Finland, had been interested in trampoline parks, when they were growing in popularity in the US and also in Europe, f. ex. in GB.

Mikko was a fighter pilot as his former job, in Lapland Air Command, Rovaniemi. One way to practice back and neck to get used to g-forces for pilots is trampoline training. So Mikko was familiar with trampolines years ago.

Then it was time to make a decision. Helsinki was chosen the best location for the Park by Mikko and another co-owner. Nowadays Mikko is living in Helsinki with his wife and two sons. So the family moved from Finnish Lapland, Rovaniemi, south to Helsinki.

When I met friendly Mikko at Rush, he liked also to show me some activities himself. And then we played a Laser game together. Mikko wants people to have fun and sport at the same time.

Mikko shows in his own park how it works! :) Photo: LikeFinland.com

Mikko shows in his own park how it works! :) Photo: LikeFinland.com

 

“Teenagers between 13-15 years are most likely to drop out of their hobbies, but for example here they can meet each other, spend nice time and have sport too”, says Mikko.

“The most active girls have usually a backround in cheerleading or gymnastics, and they want to do flicks and tricks on trampoline streets. Correspondingly the boys have mainly used to “trampoline in the backyard” -culture, and they want to come here to do same jumps but in better circumstances than backyard - and also in winter time.”

 

Mikko’s tips for a starter:

  • Remember to drink. There are different (non-alcohol) drinks and cans available at Rush and also water, free of charge, or you can take your own plastic drinking bottle with you.
  • Remember to warm up and take the first 15 min easily especially if you’re an adult. 
  • Keep on your own level of skills.
  • Try harder tricks first to the foam pit, but forget them (harder tricks) if you are tired.

 

One of the nice, fresh Birthday rooms at Rush Helsinki. Photo: LikeFinland.com

One of the nice, fresh Birthday rooms at Rush Helsinki. Photo: LikeFinland.com

 

Happenings, Happy Hours and Birthdays

Rush Helsinki is very active to organize many kind of sporty events. Nice music is played all the time, but did you know that every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday between 18pm - 20pm there is a special disco feeling with lights and music at Rush! 

  • Night at Rush (sleeping over night!) for teenagers, next on Friday 22nd October
  • Rush After Dark K18, next on Wednesday 27th October
  • Family Time on Saturdays 9:30am – 12:00am and Sundays 10:30am – 12:00am (lower price)
  • Happy Hours Mon-Fri 1:30pm – 4:00pm
  • Birthday Parties for kids (www).

More prices (www) - and opening hours (www), presented also below. More about happenings also on social media, links below.

 

Easy to access by public transport. Photo: LikeFinland.com 
Easy to access by public transport. Photo: LikeFinland.com

 

CONTACT INFORMATION

Rush Helsinki (webpage and booking)

Valimotie 25
00380 Helsinki, Finland

info(a)rushfinland.fi
+358 400 498 800

Opening hours in autumn 2019: Mon-Fri 13pm - 20pm, Sat 9am - 20pm, Sun 9am - 19pm

Public transport: A-train to Valimo station, close to Rush.
Bus 54's final stop is located close to Rush. The bus lines 322, 37, 321, 321N, 332 have a bus stop by Vihdintie road, near Rush.

Parking place (payment by automat, or Easypark or Parkman), with a park receipt you'll get a discount on your Rush ticket.

 

Rush Helsinki on social media

Facebook (www)
Instagram (www)

 

We had fun in Rush and kids want again! Photo: LikeFinland.com

We had fun in Rush and kids want again! Photo: LikeFinland.com

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Text and photos: Henri Elo

We have chosen Rush Helsinki as the Destination of the Month in November 2019. Rush Helsinki is our Star Destination and media customer. 

LikeFinland.com is a nationwide leisure time media and search service of Finnish destinations. You can like us on Facebook or follow on Twitter and InstagramOur main website in Finnish is KivaaTekemista.fi.

10.09.2019

Kierinki, Saariselkä, Lake Inarijärvi, Repvåg, Hetta, Elves Village - our summer trip with kids to Lapland!

Elves Village in Kittilä is open also in summer time. Photo: LikeFinland.com

 

It was so nice to travel with kids – first to Finnish Lapland, and further on to Lapland in Norway, which is better known as Finnmark county. We were one adult and two kids on the road!

At first we took a train from Helsinki to Rovaniemi with so called CarTrain package of VR, the Finnish railway company. It was important to book the CarTrain package at least two months beforehand, because car-carrior wagons as well as sleeping berths could be easily sold out in the summer high-season.

We were lucky!

 

Our first overnight stop in Lapland was Kierinki Village in Sodankylä wilderness. The picture is from the road Rovaniemi - Kierinki. Photo: LikeFinland.com

Our first overnight stop in Lapland was Kierinki Village in Sodankylä wilderness. The picture is from the road Rovaniemi - Kierinki. Photo: LikeFinland.com 

 

When we arrived in Rovaniemi in the morning of late July - yes we did have a good sleep in train and we were not tired of driving – so first we visited Santa Claus Village, 8 km north of Rovaniemi centre, towards Ivalo. (www)

It was a nice surprise that the Village, with souvenirs and restaurant, was open early in the morning. We enjoyed our own breakfast outside at a nice table between the main road and Santa’s home, in the fresh Lappish air. You can breathe fresh air and enjoy the calmness even if the road is quite close to you!

And we did some shopping in the Santa Claus Gift house too, f.ex. a "T-shirt with map picture" because we forgot our road map on the home table! :)

Well, the sun was shining in Lapland around the clock, and our trip had started!


Kierinki is a very nice village with its own

Kierinki is a very nice village with its own "village shop" in the middle of wilderness. Photo: LikeFinland.com


KIERINKI VILLAGE AND SAARISELKÄ

After the breakfast we headed towards Kierinki, which is an idyllic Lappish village in the middle of Lappish countryside. Kierinki Village is located 120 km north of Rovaniemi and 70 km south-west of Sodankylä centre. Kierinki is a village of Sodankylä municipality. (www)

And not just an ordinary village without services, because there exist a grocery store as well as gas station, bar and a restaurant with daily lunch! The centre of the village is that Kierinki "village shop" – with services and friendliness available, both for tourists and local people.

 

Hietala in Kierinki Village is an attractive old, renewed former farm but nowadays it is for happenings, celebrations and tourists, with a new old-style hotel since 2016. Photo: LikeFinland.com

Hietala in Kierinki Village is an attractive old, renewed former farm but nowadays it is for happenings, celebrations and tourists, with a new old-style hotel since 2016. Photo: LikeFinland.com

 

But that is not all! Up to a hill, just some 200 metres from the shop. there is a new old-style hotel of 12 rooms and a lounge, opened in December 2016. Next to the Hotel Kieringin Majatalo (www) there is an old Hietala main house and other buildings, which are also renovated.

We enjoyed our lunch in a restaurant by the shop, and the breakfast of next morning in Hietala house. Both were delicious and self-made, served by Teija and Ari.

Then we fed also highland cattle in the evening. The cows keep the village beautiful, because they eat the grass and shrubbery.

 

Teija Raaterova and her companion Ari Mikkola are taking of Kierinki Village services. Ari is presenting a new Marttiini stand in the shop. The founder of Marttiini knife factory was born in Kierinki. Photo: LikeFinland.com

Teija Raaterova and her companion Ari Mikkola are taking of Kierinki Village services. Ari is presenting a new Marttiini stand in the shop. The founder of Marttiini knife factory was born in Kierinki. Photo: LikeFinland.com

 

After Kierinki, we traveled further north towards Saariselkä area (Saariselkä Booking - www). The kids tried first time ever fatbikes. Everything in Kiilopää fell area went fine, until Eetu, 8 years, stepped into a tiny pit, which he didn’t see in the forest when leading his bike. So he hurt a bit his heel (foot). The doctor said afterwards, based on X-ray, that it‘ll be fine itself – and so it did. Well, the MTB and hiking routes were in good shape and also marked in Saariselkä.

Finally we managed Niilanpää round, ca. 10 km. Niilanpää is a fell next to Kiilopää fell. However, it was an exciting experience but you cannot take too big challenges in the wilderness, and you have to be prepared! The day was sunny and of course we had something to drink and eat with us, and sun gel also.

The views from Kiilopää slopes were great, and by fatbike – there are many rentals in Saariselkä area – you go faster in the wilderness than by hiking.

 

Eetu on the slope of Niilanpää fell – and the wideness of the Finnish Lapland. Our task was not so easy. Photo: LikeFinland.com

Eetu on the slope of Niilanpää fell – and the wideness of the Finnish Lapland. Our task was not so easy. Photo: LikeFinland.com

 

Mountain biking on the routes of Urho Kekkonen National Park, in Saariselkä area, has become possible since 2017. There has been developed a lot also downhill biking by Saariselkä Ski & Sport Resort (www) on Kaunispää fell, near Saariselkä centre. There has been a chair lift taking bikers – and view-watchers – up to the hill also in summer time this year. This is called Bike Park Saariselkä with the lift, equipment shop, rental services and a café. It is open until September 15th.

The winter season of skiing, fatbiking, Aurora Tobogganing (!) and other activities in Saariselkä will open in the late November.

 

Our team. Saariselkä is nothing without a visit in traditional Kiilopää fell centre or without taste of Kuukkeli fritters in Saariselkä centre! :) Photo: LikeFinland.com

Our team. Saariselkä is nothing without a visit in traditional Kiilopää fell centre or without taste of Kuukkeli fritters in Saariselkä centre! :) Photo: LikeFinland.com

 

After one night in Kierinki Village, we spent next two nights in a camping area by the Lake Inarijärvi, Uruniemi. The views to the lake were great and Eetu managed to fish one perch, which we fried as food for the next day in Norway. 

 

Lake Inarijärvi is one of the biggest lakes in Finland and unique with its steep shapes of shores. Photo in Uruniemi Camping by LikeFinland.com

Lake Inarijärvi is one of the biggest lakes in Finland and unique with its steep shapes of shores. Photo in Uruniemi Camping by LikeFinland.com


TOWARDS THE NORD CAPE

Yes, our trip continued, and we crossed the border of Finland and Norway in Karigasniemi. We headed up to Repvåg. It is a very arctic place, village, approximately on hour before Nord Cape in Finnmark county.

Repvåg Camping was a bit like Uruniemi Camping, but Repvåg was smaller. There were some 5-10 simple, nice cottages in the area, where you cannot see trees anywhere. It really was tundra! But we enjoyed this arctic atmosphere. 

There was also heating in the cottages (if needed), and common cooking facilities as well as toilets in separate buildings. Basic things were working, but not any luxurous. Still it was suitable for us.

For the second night we rented a sauna for an extra fee. Sauna was new and nice but it took a full price for children also. All in all, Repvåg with its wonderful shores and landscape, as well as tiny fishing village under the camp, was a great experience. However there is about an hour way by car to the nearest grocery store in Honningsvåg. Some snacks etc. were for sale in Repvåg Camping reception.

You really have your own space in Finnmark, Norway! Repvåg views before Nord Cape. Photo: LikeFinland.com

You really have your own space in Finnmark, Norway! Repvåg views before Nord Cape. Photo: LikeFinland.com

 

It was weird due to it had been so hot in Finland, and at the same time as we arrived in Norway, also the weather dropped from +25 Celsius degrees to some +8 degrees or lower! You needed to dig warmer clothes out of your bag.

The day when we visited Nord Cape (Nordkapp in Norwegian), was also quite cool and windy. There were much bikers too on the road. And motorcyclists, caravans and campers, besides our sedan. It was a little bit exciting to “dive” by car into a tunnel, first downwards over 3 km and then upwards another 3+ km. We were under the sea gulf!

Nord Cape is a cape on the northern coast of the island of Magerøya in Northern Norway, Nordkapp municipality. (www

 

The Nord Cape - the northernmost point in Europe achievable by car. Photo: LIkeFinland.com

The Nord Cape - the northernmost point in Europe achievable by car. Photo: LikeFinland.com

 

The Nord Cape Hall was impressive with exhibitions, video installations and shops on many floors. The only minus was that the restaurant was not as good or diverse for families as in our Finnish nature centre Haltia, in Espoo. :) There was also parking / entry fee to the area, depending the number of people arrived.


The Nord Cape Hall offers much to see. Photo: LikeFinland.com

The Nord Cape Hall offers much to see. Photo: LikeFinland.com

 

RETURN TRIP

It was time to turn around – start a return trip back to Finland but via another route.

We had enjoyed our time in Norway. The landscape was so beautiful and different with mountains and sea, capes, gulfs and meandering roads on the coast, you could saw from afar. The open spaces and wideness made me feel relaxing. The kids liked to take photos too. 

Even if there were not so much plants or trees, the nature touched in a different way, by views and winds and distances.

We came back via Alta and Kautokeino in Norway, and further on to Hetta in Finland. There was much forest between Alta and Kautokeino, and some river too on the right side and rocks on the left, after Alta.

In Kautokeino you can find the Museum of Sámi culture (www) and Juhls’ Silvergallery (www). The forests continued after Kautokeino towards Hetta. 

Finally we come to Hetta, the centre of wide Enontekiö municipality in north-west Finnish Lapland.

I had heard a nice accommodation, named Hetan Majatalo already years ago when hiking form Hetta to Pallas fells. Other hikers told how lovely it was when they were sleeping the first night there before the hike!

When we came back to Finland, it was also fun when the kids were able to use their mobile phones in the Finnish network more easily! :)

We made an evening walk in Enontekiö centre where we've been earlier too. There is a good playground of the school and a beautiful church with a narrow unique steeple (churh tower) you see from afar.

We spent a night in the older side of Hotel Hetan Majatalo (www), because it was a bit cheaper than new side. We enjoyed sauna in the evening and a very delicious breakfast in the morning in an idyllic room of the old house – with Lappish things and old photos. 

The family company Hetan Majatalo was founded in 1924. So it has been serving travellers and hikers nearly 100 years!

Nearby there is also the Fell Lapland Visitor Centre (www) as well as there was Siida (www) in Inari in the beginning of our trip. So you really get familiarized with Sámi culture in many places, Inari, Kautokeino and Hetta, if you just want.

 

Hotel Hetan Majatalo, reception lounge, Tiina engraving on Eetu's new pen, and our idyllic room in the old part. Photo: LikeFinland.com

Hotel Hetan Majatalo, reception lounge, Tiina engraving on Eetu's new pen, and our idyllic room in the old part. Photo: LikeFinland.com

 

ELVES VILLAGE AND LEVI

One of our exciting days was ahead. We experienced Elves Village (www) in Kittilä, near Levi, some 2 hours south from Hetta towards Rovaniemi.

The Elves Village is one kind of Lappish nature world both for kids and adults. There is also a Lodge Hotel Taivaanvalkeat (www) in the Elves Village. Many destinations in Lapland are located in holiday centres and open in winter time, but Elves Village is in the middle of Lappish countryside, by the free-flowing River Ounasjoki, and it is open both in summer and winter. 

Just two months between the seasons, in May and in October, the Elves are resting. :)

We participated in a Summer trip with the Elf in a Yellow Dress (www). It was exciting because the Elf was also herself interested in plants and mythology of Lapland, and she told of those actively to us. During the 2 hour trip we explored houses of different kind of Elves, Lappish plants and herbs, we fed hens and sheep, made some handwork in the Elves’ School and baked gingerbread in the Gingerbread House.

The gingerbread baking in summer was the kids' favourite!

There will be coming also new experiences to Elves Village, such as Aurora Pyramids, where you can spend night with panorama window up to the sky and admire auroras!

The kids liked Elves Village and we got gingerbreads also with us to enjoy at home. After the trip with the Elf, we enjoyed delicious meat soap for a lunch in the Elves Village main house, where you can find also beautiful souvenirs, gifts and Santa’s office. :)

Elves Village including Elves Hideaway, the most secret place in Lapland. Photo: LikeFinland.com

Elves Village including Elves Hideaway, the most secret place in Lapland. Photo: LikeFinland.com

 

Last day but not the least, before the car train back. In Levi Holiday Centre (www) we relaxed spa and waterpark in Levi Hotel Spa (www). It was fun and happy – swimming, water slides, stepping in hot water and cold water, Jacuzzis, and pools outside in the fresh Lappish air, below the Levi fell.

It is so great that you can feel the holiday from Åland to Lapland also in Finland, even if you are living here. Yes, in the winter time we were enjoying the same kind of spa, Mariebad in Mariehamn, Åland. Do you remember our story in March?


In Finnish Lapland we have very nice and beautiful, slightly sloping fells and wide views up to the horizon, with many nature activities. Photo from Levi slopes by LikeFinland.com

In Finnish Lapland we have very nice and beautiful, slightly sloping fells and wide views up to the horizon, with many nature activities. Photo from Levi slopes by LikeFinland.com

 

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LIKE FINLAND STAR DESTINATIONS IN LAPLAND

Saariselkä Ski & Sport Resort – The Northernmost Ski Resort in Europe. One Centre  two Fells  offer multiple choices for skiers and boarders of all levels from beginners to advanced. Bike Park Saariselkä in summer time. (www  LikeFinland.com)

Saariselkä.com - Saariselkä Booking  Local company where you can make accommodation and activity bookings for the entire northern Lapland. From Saariselkä Booking you can book accommodation, activities, transfers, and catering services for individuals, companies and organizations. (www – LikeFinland.com)

Elves Village – Attractive destination based on stories, fantasy, culture and mythology of Lapland for the whole family in Levi area, Kittilä. Also hotel and restaurant. (www – LikeFinland.com)

Kierinki Village – Idyllic Lappish village in the wilderness of Sodankylä with grocery store, restaurant and hotel & accommodation. (www – LikeFinladn.com)

Guesthouse Lomamaja Pekonen – Accommodation in cosy and clean apartments and cottages in Muonio. (www – LikeFinland.com)

Pörröporo – Reindeer meat store and café in Pello, Western Lapland. Authentic food from forest, fells and lakes. (www – LikeFinland.com)

Check all our Star Destinations at LikeFinland.com

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Text and photos: Henri Elo

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LikeFinland.com is a nationwide leisure time media and search service of Finnish destinations. You can like us on Facebook or follow on Twitter and Instagram. If you want to be a Star Destination, please contact on henri(a)kivaatekemista.fi, 0400 468 174.

Our main website in Finnish is KivaaTekemista.fi.

10.07.2019

Destination of the Month: Heinola is a great place to spend a summer day!

Every traveller on motorway 4 in Finland knows the Tähtiniemi bridge. The bridge is magnificent, but there is so much more in the city of Heinola, when the traveler peeks deeper.

 

M/S Suomen Neito (Päijänne Cruises Hilden) arriving to Heinola. On the right Restaurant RantaCasino. Photo: LikeFinland.com M/S Suomen Neito (Päijänne Cruises Hilden) arriving to Heinola. On the right Restaurant RantaCasino. Photo: LikeFinland.com

 

Heinola is a town of great bridges, ridges, and of course Kymijoki river with its boat rides. Heinola has also a long history, as it has been the center of Kymenkartano County in the 18th century. As a reminder of that time, there is the Aschan's house, one of the Heinola museum sites at Kauppakatu 3, open to the public during the summer season, Tue-Sun 11-16 and Wed 11-18, which is really worth visiting.

Without history, there would have been no such museums and historic cafés in Heinola as there is. In the city, there has been a teacher seminar, as well as a bathing facility, where Russian aristocrats arrived for holidays at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. Of course, you can still take a bath - good places for swimming are for example the Spa beach (Kylpylän uimaranta) in the center, next to the RantaCasino Restaurant, or Kumpeli Spa.

RantaCasino Restaurant, which is a Star Destination at LikeFinland.com, is located in the center of Heinola, by the river of Kymijoki. The restaurant organizes music evenings and serves lunch and even theater menus! RantaCasino has been renewed and expanded in recent years.

From RantaCasino our journey continued to Siltasaari island and Café Kailas, which is named after Uuno Kailas, a famous hymn writer in Finland. Café Kailas is also our Star Destination and arranges numerous summer events! The Siltasaari café building, Café Kailas, is a former sauna, built by Niilo Helander to his wife, approximatily a hundred years ago. The main house, a large villa, was destroyed in Continuation War, but the foundations of the building can also be found in the tiny, idyllic Siltasaari.

 

Café Kailas and its owner Päivi Niemiaho. Delicacies come mainly from local producers. In the picture, delicious ham pie and refreshing lemon ginger ice tea. Photo: LikeFinland.com.

Café Kailas and its owner Päivi Niemiaho. Delicacies come mainly from local producers. In the picture, delicious ham pie and refreshing lemon ginger ice tea. Photo: LikeFinland.com. 

 

One more Star Destination of ours, Harjupaviljonki café, is nowadays a waffle cafe. Originally, the building was a place for resting and staying of the important spa guests. And when a visitor comes to Harjupaviljonki today, there is no wonder why the Russian spa guests wanted to stay here early in the 20th century. Up there, there is no mosquitos and the view down to Jyrängönvirta (part of Kymijoki River) is magnificent. Harjupaviljonki also arranges lovely music nights. Wonderful music evenings are becoming increasingly part of the café's atmosphere!

 

 What a view from Harjupaviljonki terrace! Owner Anne Koski below on right. Photo: Likefinland.com

 What a view from Harjupaviljonki terrace! Owner Anne Koski below on right. Photo: Likefinland.com

 

Finally available - Heinola's travel packages!

One of our Star Destinations in Heinola, magnificent Villa Hulda, is a cozy, spacious accommodation for two families or a group of friends. It is located in a quiet area, about 1 km from the center of Heinola. Pets are also welcome.

The same entrepreneur, Elina Hynninen, who owns Villa Hulda, offers now new travel packages. Heinola Travel has developed a range of affordable travel packages for groups!

For example, Heinola Travel connects visitors to the summer theater with meals, coffee, guided tours as well as accommodation if needed - according to the customer's needs. It is wise that Elina also cooperates with other accommodations. In addition to Villa Hulda, the range includes: Kumpeli Spa, Hotel Valo / Nowene Spa and Cronin's Guesthouse.

 

Villa Hulda is a 4-star accommodation for self-catering guests, breakfast on request. Puistokatu 20, Heinola. Photo: LikeFinland.com

Villa Hulda is a 4-star accommodation for self-catering guests, breakfast on request. Puistokatu 20, Heinola. Photo: LikeFinland.com

 

We are positively surprised that new travel packages make Heinola even more attractive! More about Heinola Travel (www)

 

P.S: When you visit Heinola, don't miss Heinola Art Museum's summer exhibition! It is about Heinola's masters.

"Exhibition of works by artists who portrayed Heinola or lived in the city, from the late 19th century to the 1970s. The exhibition celebrates the 180th anniversary of the city of Heinola."

 

Text: Anne Kinos-Järvinen / Original Finnish text Henri Elo


Contact Information: 

 

Café Kailas (www)
Siltasaari 1, 18100 Heinola
p. +358 (0)44 74 77 001
info(a)kailas.fi

Heinolan Harjupaviljonki (www)
Kauppakatu 30, 18100 Heinola
p. +358 (0)40 5619 522
harjupaviljonki1(a)gmail.com

RantaCasino (www)
Maaherrankatu 2, 18100 Heinola
p. +358 (0)40 192 1027 / 03 718 8666
info(a)rantacasino.fi

Villa Hulda (www)
Puistokatu 20, 18100 Heinola
p. +358 (0)40 726 5582
info(a)villahulda.fi

- More about Heinola destinations and events (www)

- Our article in English of Heinola 2018 (www)

Heinola has been chosen as the Destination of the Month in LikeFinland.com in July 2019. Harjupaviljonki, Café Kailas, RantaCasino and Villa Hulda are Star Destinations and Media Customers to LikeFinland.com.

 

 

26.06.2019

Hop-on, hop-off, and experience the art treasures of Lake Tuusula area!

Suviranta. Picture: VisitTuusulanjarvi.fi

LikeFinland tested the Visit Lake Tuusula bus, which is on traffic for the second summer now.  It  takes guests around the Lake Tuusula four days a week, from Tuesday to Sunday until September 15, 2019.

Lake Tuusula is such a wonderful cultural attraction that really deserves a bus! Just over a hundred years ago, the famous artist community arose in the Lake Tuusula region. Finland's first railway connection from Helsinki to Hämeenlinna in 1862 was one of the reasons, that the artist community broke out right here. With the bus the guests are able to see all the destinations of the region on the same day, and learn more about them, as the friendly chauffeur-guide knows so much stories about the destinations!

Visit Lake Tuusula bus takes guests around the destinations of Lake Tuusula. Picture: LikeFinland.fi

Visit Lake Tuusula bus takes guests around the destinations of Lake Tuusula. Picture: LikeFinland.com

 

We started our trip from Hyrylä, Tuusula, but you can join the hop on - hop off -ride anywhere on the route. We got to enjoy at first the scenic west side of the Lake Tuusula, and our first stop was Sarvikallio, which is also called a ”Little Koli” because of the stunning view there. Sarvikallio is an excellent place for rest, for example, on a bike ride around the lake or as a single hiking destination. The area's nature trails have been renewed this summer, and also stairs are built from the strad to the cliff. Car park is also within walking distance.

Our trip continued to a cozy area in Vanhankylänniemi. There you can find the Pytingin puoti, which is a shop with handicrafts, and a summer café in Vanhankylä Manor, as well as a summer theater show, this summer a screenwriting by Eppu Nuotio and Tiina Brännare, a musical show called ”Love in Ahola”.

Picture: LikeFinland.fi

West side of Tuusulanjärvi, Lake Tuusula. icture: LikeFinland.com

 

On west side of the lake is located also Lassila's farm with its local products and chickens, and the Härmän Rati restaurant focusing on organic products and raw materials. Härmän Rati is a two-tone building, which was originally built in Southern Ostrobothnia in the village of Ojala in Alahärmä in the 1920s.

Then we arrive to the city center of Järvenpää, where we first visit Villa Cooper. It is an impressive timber building designed by architect Lars Sonck. The house was originally built by a doctor, dentist and painter Gösta Enckell and it was originally located beside Ahola near the lake. Later, the house was moved to its present location on Myllytie, Järvenpää, and was owned by the carpet manufacturer Edvard Cooper since 1931. Cooper's wife, Agneta, testamented the building to the city of Järvenpää – but with the condition that it would also be open for the public. Now, a Villa Cooper visitor can admire not only the historic building and its artefacts, but also the numerous handicrafts in the sales exhibition.

Picture: LikeFinland.fi

Villa Cooper in Järvenpää. Picture: LikeFinland.com

 

After Villa Cooper, we visited Järvenpää Art Museum next to the library. Both are located in the same complex as the Järvenpää House, right next to the railway station. And wow, which world opens at the new weather-themed exhibition in there! The downstairs showroom is like a big world. One could not believe it outside the building. 

 

The Art Museum of Järvenpää. Picture:LikeFinland.com

The Art Museum in Järvenpää. Picture: LikeFinland.com

 

After the Art Museum, our trip continued for lunch at the new Gastro Bar Sesonki, opened by Citymarket, led by Matti Jämsen. The salmon served for lunch was delicious, suitable for a summer day and cauliflowers were nice and crunchy.

Sesonki. Picture: LikeFinland.fi

 Sesonki Gastro Bar at Järvenpää. Picture: LikeFinland.com

 

Then back on road, as there are still many destinations to see by Lake Tuusula! We stopped at Ahola in southern Järvenpää, which is a home of writer Juhani Aho and his wife, painter Venny Soldan-Brofeldt. They moved there in 1897.

Just 500 meters from Ainola's stop is the popular Art House of Jean and Aino Sibelius in Ainola and a stone's throw from Ahola, are located Kallio-Kuninkala and Suviranta. Completed in 1901, Suviranta, the artist home of painter Eero Järnefelt, is open to the public this summer with guided tours on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.

 

Next stop was Marin Puoti. It is a lovely gift boutique in the old barn. The product range includes small items for both bathroom, living room and the kitchen.

The last destination of our day is located near to the Marin Puoti, so we can walk there. It is Halosenniemi, the atlier of painter Pekka Halonen.

In Halosenniemi the paintings are on two floors. Guides Emmi Järvi and Tommi Ikonen told us about the Halosenniemi summer exhibition: “The exhibition includes works by women on the golden age of Finnish art (ca. 1890-1910) and works that depict women.”

 

Halosenniemi. Picture: LikeFinland.fi

The Guide Emmi Järvi wellcomes guests to Halosenniemi. Picture: LikeFinland.com

 

On our way back to Hyrylä we learn from the chauffeur more about some destinations we decide to pass this time, like the Battle School, the Lotta Museum, Air Defence Museum and Onnela, where the writer Eino Leino spent a long time. Also Krapihovi and its cosy summer restaurant Mankeli at Krapi, and architecturally unique, well-decorated hotel and restaurant milieu of Gustavelund, witch has also art exhibitions, and ferry cruises to the lake, departing from Gustavelund. They even offer rental kayaks, SUP boards, rowing boats and bicycles.

This day trip to Lake Tuusula was just a surface blow to this versatile destination. The area is worth exploring with time. Good choices for accommodation on the area include Krapi, Gustavelund and Onnela, as well as Härmän Rati and Scandic Hotel Järvenpää. There are also smaller cozy lodges, like Pescator Villas, Villa Tammikko and Bed & Breakfast Pajula.

Picture: LikeFinland.com

House the Lotta Museum, the Finnish Women’s Aid Foundation and the Air Defence Museum are located in Tuusula. Picture: LikeFinland.com

 

Text: Anne Kinos-Järvinen / Original Finnish text Henri Elo

Contact Information

Visit Lake Tuusula
Metallimiehenkatu 2-4
04410 Järvenpää, Finland

Homepage and destinations (www)
Visit Lake Tuusula bus (www)
Facebook (www)
Instagram (www)

p. +358 (0)44 231 0856
info(a)visittuusulanjarvi.fi

Visit Tuusulanjärvi and Visit Lake Tuusula -bus is our Destination of the Month in June. Visit Tuusulanjärvi is a Star Destination and a media customer to KivaaTekemistä.fi / LikeFinland.com.

Fact:

- Ecological way to get to the area is to come by train (from Helsinki or Tampere) to Ainola Station or to Järvenpää station.

- The Lake Tuusula bus hooks passengers aboard the Ainola parking lot at Tue-Sun 10.20, 11.50, 14.20 and 15.50. Similarly, the bus leaves from 10.15, 11.45, 14.15 and 15.45 from Järvenpää railway station. Visit Tuusulanjärvi Map 2019 and guidebooks, both of which have a bus schedule, are available from the area's tourist attractions or can be ordered from Tuusulanjärvi Tourist Information (info (a) visittuusulanjarvi.fi, tel. +358 (0)44 231 0856). A timetable and lots of information about the area can also be found on the homepage. (Visittuusulanjarvi.fi)

 

 

 

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