Mantan Lakitus

Today Vappu starts with Mantan Lakitus when the Hagis Amanda statue at Kauppatori gets her vappu cap. At 18:00 a group of students will lower the white cap onto the statue as the opening of the Vappu celebration.

You should definitely come there and see this spectacle that gathers a huge audience every year. Who ever has one brings their own white cap to the celebration to put it on and wave it at the time when Hagis Amanda gets hers. 

Remember to be there early (at least 30 min) if you want to get a good spot. And maybe bring an umbrella with you. The weather might not be as good as last week.

Hauskaa vappua!

Relax in front of Stockmann

The Stockmann terrace has been built up and will open during the next days. Here you can buy small snacks and drinks and sit outside right in front of Finland's biggest department store.

Enjoy!

Seurasaarenselkä in April

The sun has been shining almost every day during April so far. The weather is beautiful and some days have been almost summer like with temperatures near 20 degrees.

To see how the view from Seurasaarenselkä changed during one year you can see the pictures of the previous months here.

Microsoft moved in

The characteristic Nokia building at Keilaranta has changed its tenant and is now Microsoft's new home in Finland. Yesterday the new signs were put up. Starting from tomorrow the smart and mobile phone department at Keilaranta will start operating as part of Microsoft. 

Nokia now focuses on their remaining three businesses which are network infrastructure (NSN), location-based services (HERE) and Advanced Technologies. Nokia's Head Office is now based in Karakallio, Espoo.

Welcome back to Linnanmäki!

Today at 13.00 Linnanmäki opens its gates again after the long winter break. As every year there is a new attraction in the park awaiting the guest. The new freefall tower Kingi measures a high of 75 m and drops at a top speed of 23 meters per second. From up there you also have a great view over the city.

The opening of course doesn't go without a big party at 18.00 with live music by JVG. During Mai there will be live program every Friday. And as always the entrance to the park and the shows is for free.

Have fun!

Jazz in Espoo

On the weekend the April Jazz Festival in Espoo reaches its climax. The festival that started already on Tuesday will go into full gear for the last three days.

In five locations in and around Tapiola you can listen to exquisite jazz from around the world. Even Grammy Award winners like Angelique Kidjo who will play on Sunday come to Espoo.

Tickets for the gigs are sold separately and can be bough online or from one of the outlets.

Have a jazzy weekend!

Bonjour à Chofé

There is a new beautiful small café in town. Just a few weeks ago the French art café Chofé has opened its doors in Lönnrotinkatu just around the corner from Vanha Kirkkopuisto.

Chofé is a great place for a coffee break on your way through the city. Choose from their wide coffee selection. Maybe instead of the usual cappuccino try one Cafe Miel (with cinnamon and honey) or a Cafe Bonbon (with sweetened condensed milk) for a change.

And don't miss our on their amazing French pastry as well as the sweet Tunisian delights (hence to the owner's origin). Then sit down in one of the comfy armchairs and enjoy the French tunes from the loudspeaker.

Chofé also has live music though. To find our when check out their Facebook page.

It wouldn't be an art café though without its changing art exhibitions from local artist. You can just take a look or also buy pieces. As well as Finnish design that is on display in the back part of the café.

Check it out and have a great time there!

Herrings at the bridge

The herrings are back at the coast of Helsinki. They come here to mate each year around this time. And this is also the perfect opportunity to catch some of those small delicious fish yourself.

And it's fairly easy. Just get a fishing rod or even just some fishing line, attach a few hooks and throw them into the water. Yes, you don't even need any bait. If you move the rod a little bit you will have your first catch in no time.

One of the best places to go in Helsinki is the bridge between Lauttasaari and Salmisaari. For fishing here in the open sea you don't need a license.

Good luck!

Happy in Helsinki

Happy by Pharrell Williams has inspired people from around the world to make their own video about that song. Stephen Penny is working on a Helsinki version. But he needs your support:

Are you happy? Do you live in or around Helsinki? Do you want to be in a music video? 

If so, we'd like to hear from you! We're creating a #HappyInHelsinki community project and would like both locals and expats to be a part of this project. We'd especially like to hear from you if you have a special talent or skill which you could perform, such as being able to dance. 

Individual participants or groups will need to be able to perform during a continuous 4 minute moving shot. Please see www.24hoursofhappy.com for ideas of what we're after and what you could do. 

If this sounds like you and you'd like to be involved, please contact Steve - stephenrpenny@gmail.com

- UPDATE: The video is ready. You can find it here. -

Ice cream time

The ice cream parlors around Helsinki are back and open again. And the weather is perfect for a cold sweet treat in the sun.

Have a nice Easter Monday!

Hyvää Pääsiäistä!

Have a happy Easter and enjoy the wonderful weather!

Got your Mämmi?

Do you already have some Mämmi in the fridge for Easter? For those of you who don't know what that is, Mämmi is a very dark porridge made from malt, rye, salt, sugar and some orange rind.

Don't let the look and the talks about it scare you away. Not every Mämmi is the same and it can actually be quite good. Also try it in together with either cream, milk or ice cream.

For more information on Mämmi also read this article from Yle News. There you can also find a nice recipe how to pimp your Mämmi.

Enjoy!

Via Crucis

Every year on Good Friday the way of the cross and the crucifixion of Christ is reenacted at Senaatintori on the stairs of the Tuomiokirkko.

After the sun has set actors show the whole story of Jesus' walk to Mount Golgotha. It's quite an event and worth seeing. The scenery with torches and light in front of the big white church is impressive.

The Via Crucis show starts tonight at 9 pm and is of course for free.

Got everything for Easter?

Maybe check your fridge and your cupboards if you still need something for the upcoming weekend. During the Easter holidays most shops and supermarkets are closed. Well, at least on Friday, Sunday and Monday. So there is still a chance on Saturday if you realize you forgot something.

And then there is always still the K-Market inside Kamppi that is open every day of the year and can help you out if you figure out that something is still missing from your shopping list.

Have a wonderful Easter weekend!

Warm Easter ahead

This week already ends on Thursday and according to the weather forecast the long Easter weekend is waiting with some warm temperatures. The thermometer is going to climb up to 15 degrees during the Easter days.

Sounds like a perfect opportunity for a nice Easter walk. Maybe here along Kaivopuisto. Till then have a nice and not too stressy week!

Burgers at Morrison's

Morrison's is considered to be one of the best burger places in Helsinki. And already when entering the restaurant you have the feeling of stepping into an American diner. Red color dominates the interior and simple chairs and tables.

Morrison's has a nice wide variety of tasty burgers. Try e.g. their BBQ Bacon Burger or if you are really hungry the King Kong with two 180g burger patties. But there is also something for vegetarians or fish lovers. You can choose one out of seven different side dishes to come with your burger. They also have great lunch offers.

Morrison's has very decent burgers. Their are worth a try and definitely won't leave you hungry. However they have strong competition in Helsinki and from my point of view you can find even better ones elsewhere (such as Stone's or also Hard Rock Café).

Good Morning, Helsinki!

Hope you all had a great weekend and wish you all a good start into the new week!

Sweet stuff from the US and the UK

Are you a fan of Cadbury's? Or fancy a Pop Tart from time to time? Or maybe some super sweet, unhealthy but delicious Fluff? Yes, there are lots of nice treats from the US and the UK. But where to get them in Helsinki?

Therefore there is Behnford's at Keskuskatu. This small shop has almost everything your heart desires. And not only the sweet stuff. You also get cooking ingredients, sauces as well as teas and sodas here.

Check it out. They are open daily. You can also find their selection online.

Looks like spring

The flowers are blooming and spring is here.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Mämmi beer

Easter time is close. And you can already get into the Easter mood tonight. Instead of the usual why not have a Mämmi beer for a change tonight. Yes, you can make beer from this traditional black rye based Easter dish. And it's quite nice. 

It's called Laitilasta Kievari Mämmi and you can get it e.g. at Stone's at Keskuskatu fresh from the tab. Give it a try!

Two weeks traveling for free

What would you say if you could get a travel card for the whole capital region for two weeks for free? Well, HSL is actually giving them away right now. You just have to be a permanent resident of Helsinki, Espoo, Kauniainen, Vantaa, Kerava or Sipoo and be at least 18 years old to apply for your own free travel card online.

It will be send to you by mail and can be used on bus, metro and tram in the whole HSL area. To get one of them just fill in the form on the HSL website till Sunday. It's as easy as that. The card is worth 79.50 €.

Last chance for the 10 € deals

City's SYÖ viikot are going on in Helsinki again. Till Thursday (April 10) you can still get main dishes all over the city for just 10 Euros. 31 restaurant in Helsinki are participating. Check out their special offers and enjoy some nice food at a reasonable price.

You can find the whole list of restaurants and offers from the official website.

Time for the crazy days

Hullut Päivät are starting again at Stockmann tomorrow. To get the best out of it you should already check their daily changing offers and plan your visit accordingly. Some products might be sold out within a few hours. So it might even make sense to go their before work.

Also if you plan on traveling anyway check out their flight offers. They usually have some good deals and the flights are direct from Helsinki Vantaa with Finnair.

You find the catalog with all offers online.

Beautiful colors in the sky

Now that the gray and dark winter is over wonderful sunsets can be seen again. The sinking sun paints beautiful colors on the sky.

Super Sunday at Stone's

Sunday is normally not really the day to go out. That is why Stone's in Keskuskatu started the Super Sunday. Every Sunday starting from 20.00 selected beers and ciders (all 0.5l and not just the standard stuff but really good micro brewery products) as well as three different shots are just 4 Euros for the rest of the night. On Sundays they close at midnight.

That's a pretty good offer for the center of Helsinki. So if you don't have any plans for tonight maybe give it a try. They also have really good burgers.

Signs of spring

Take a close look and you can already see the first flower buds in the parks and forests. Just a few more days and the first blossoms are here.

Enjoy the sunny spring day!

Chips with dip

The weekend is close. Maybe you are planning on going out tonight. Or maybe you just want to spend a relaxed evening at home and watch a good movie with a big bowl of chips right next to you.

Don't just stick to the plain chips. Enjoy them with those great dips you can get in every Finnish supermarket. They have a wide variety of flavors that taste great with chips or if you like it a big healthier with some veggies. Just mix the powder from the package with a cup of kermaviili (sour cream) and enjoy.

Have a nice weekend!

Avoid wrong parking

Helsinki is not a car city. If you want to get to the center better use bus, metro or tram. If you anyway decide on driving to the city center be prepared for lots of one way streets and expensive parking lots.

If you decide to park on the street be very careful. Getting a ticket is pretty expensive in Helsinki and can range between 60 and 80 Euros depending on where you parked. A bus ticket is quite cheap in comparison. Just on Sundays parking on the streets is free and without risk.

mbar terrace is open

The sun shines warmer and longer every day and the warm time of the year is starting. Now one of the most popular places to go in the center during the summer time opened again - the mbar terrace. And there is something new about it. To be able to even spend the still cold evenings on the terrace it is not equipped with awnings that keep the seating area warm also after the sun is gone. The heat is generated with Ekosäkö (renewable energy).

Check it out and welcome the spring to Helsinki!

Hello April!

Have a nice April 1st and don't let anyone fool you!