Summer in Finland I

Summer in Helsinki can look like this.

Brown Lonkero is back

You recently read about the 60^th anniversary of Hartwall’s Lonkero here. But did you also know that the brown Lonkero is back on the market? For the special occasion the mix of brandy and pommac is now produced again. The production was stopped in the 70s but now you have the chance to try it.

For how long is not clear though. So if you are curious, stop by the next Alko and get a bottle. It is of course also sold in the original design of the 50s.

Pizza on the island

This is definately one of the places you have to visit during summer. Skiffer on Liuskaluoto is originally just a gas station for boats. They expanded their service though and opened a bar. Here you don’t just get drinks but can also order pizza or liuska, how they call it.

And believe me, their pizza is amazing. One of the best if not even the best in Helsinki. Check out their menu on their website.

But even though the food is great the best thing about Skiffer is its location. Liuskaluota is an island next to Uunisaari. During the summer you just get there by boat. A small ferry takes you there for 5 € (return ticket). From the terrace you have a great view over Kaivopuisto and Eira and can watch the boats entering and leaving the harbor. On a warm and sunny summer day it is so nice that you don’t even want to leave anymore. And luckily they are open till 22.00 on the weekend. That means that you can stay there till the sun goes down.

This place is a must! Enjoy it!

Outlet for Finnish design

This is the place to be for fans of Finnish design. At the old Arabia factory in Arabia (yes, the area is named after the company) you find outlet stores of the most important and well known Finnish design brands. 

Since iittala, Fiskars, Arabia and Hackmann belong to the same company you can find all their products in the shop right at the entrance of the building. They have quite good offers. Also take a look at the shelf with the second class products. They have small mistakes (that you can barely see) and are reduced dramatically.

If you don’t find anything here, continue to one of the other shops that are in the building. Browse through the Pentik shop. Next to the café in the middle of the center you find a shop where you can take a look at design products from smaller brands.

This place is worth a visit. You also easily get there with public transport with tram line 6 or bus number 71. The center is open every day from 10 and stays open till 20.00 during the week and till 16.00 on the weekend.

Let’s play

There is one really great thing about Finnish pubs. You can always borrow board games there for free. Check it out. In almost every pub you find at least a small selection of games you can play with your friends.

It’s also a good alternative to playing at home and makes you consider also going out more during the week and not just on the weekend. Sitting in an half empty pub and playing a board game with one or two friends is actually a really nice experience.

So next time you check out a new pub go and look for the games. Have fun playing!

A cheap beer after a hard day

You had a hard day at work and would really fancy a beer now? Check out Apollo. It’s not just a nightclub but also has a bar that opens mainly for after work drinks.

In one of the entrances of Forum shopping center in a yard covered by a glass roof you can sit on the terrace no matter what weather it is. 

From 16.00 till 19.00 you can get a big beer or cider or a glass of wine for just 3,50€. That’s a really good price for the center of Helsinki.

The atmosphere is nice and it’s never too crowded. So check it out and enjoy your free afternoon!