15 000 stand up for diversity

After a shocking statement of one of the Finns Party's MPs thousands of people all around Finland gathered for a multicultural Finland. 

photo by Jérémy Huyghe

In Helsinki over 15 000 people came together at Kansalaistori under the slogan "Meillä on unelma!" (we have a dream) to stand up for diversity. They were supported by dozens of political, religious, labor, sports and cultural leaders.

Find more information on yesterday's event at Yle News as well as pictures and videos from Helsingin Sanomat.

Thanks to all who joined and made this possible!

Candy wonderland in Punavuori

If you are into candies and sweets there is one place you should not miss out on. Roobertin Herkku is one of the nicest and at the same time probably one of the oldest candy shops in Helsinki. Martti and his sister run it already in the third generation. 

And here you can get pretty much anything a sweet tooth can wish for. From mixed gummibears, licourice and salmiakki to peanut butter cups, caramel and nougat bars, candy stick and even self made ice cream and soda Roobertin Herkku has something for everyone.

After opening on Iso Roba (which also led to the name) it is now located on Frederikinkatu. Check it out! Not just the selection but also decoration is something special.

Party at the harbor

The weekend is here and it's time to make some plans for the next days if you don't have any so far. If you don't mind about the weather and still want to be outside to enjoy the bright summer nights then you should head to Allas this weekend.

The pop-up terrace right below the Finnair Skywheel is the ideal spot to hang out with a drink in your hand and a wonderful view over the sun slowly setting over the city. And Allas has more to offer. On most nights such as today and tomorrow DJs will take care of the music.

So give it a try if you dare and have a great weekend!

Deep fried heaven

If you have ever been to the Netherlands then you probably got to try their deep fried snacks sold at pretty much any corner. Well, now you can get those delicious treats in Helsinki as well.

Theun "Tomppa" Willems brought them from his home country to Finland. At his stand right next to the Finnair SkyWheel you can now get thick fries with ketchup, frietsauce (quite close to mayonnaise) and onions as well as other Dutch specialties such as also frikandel and even stroopwafels.

Check it out, give it a try and don't worry about the calories ;)

Outdoor music at Espan Lava

Do you already have any plans for this week? The weather should not be too bad. So why not grab an ice cream and sit down on Esplanadi listening to some good music?

Espan Lava right next to Kappeli again has a full program of events for the whole summer. Drop by for some classical Sibelius music, some smooth jazz or wherever else you like.

For all event have a look at their website. Have a great start into the week!

Chill out by the sea

Many restaurants, cafes and bars by the sea pop up during the summer months in Helsinki. Another new one joined this year and opened in Hernesaari.

Hernesaaren Ranta has a slightly different concept from most other places. Much like Allas you can find food and drinks here from several small kiosks that all offer something different.

No matter if you want to have a relaxed glass of wine or spoon some delicious ice cream by the sea you will find what you were looking for here.

There is even a free shuttle connection from the center leaving next to Ateneum at the full hour that gets you straight there. You can otherwise also take bus 14 from Kamppi.

Check it out and have a nice Sunday!

Have a nice weekend!

A nice weekend to all of you! Yes, the weather doesn't look too good right now. But there is a chance for some sunshine again during the weekend.

Don't miss out on the closing ceremony of the Gymnastrada on Saturday!

Enjoy the time off and (despite the weather) the Finnish summer!

15th World Gymnastrada

You have probably realized that the city center is quite packed this week. Especially for July this is quite extraordinary. The reason for that is of course the 15th World Gymnastrada that is taking place here this week.

Athletes from around the world came to Helsinki to compete in various discipilines and of course to celebrate together. And you should of course not miss out on that either.

Visit the competitions, go to some of the many side events arranged around the Gymnastrada and meet people from all over the world. And be sure not to miss the closing ceremony with a festive show and surprise program accompanied by Finnish musi at the Olympic Station taking place on Saturday at 15.00.

A taste of Italian summer

Yes, the weather is not what you would expect from July. But anyway, when the sun comes out a good ball of ice cream can for sure get you into the summer mood.

One excellent place to get some Italian ice cream is the Pappagallo ice cream parlor on Esplanadi. Next to the Swedish theater the small yellow kiosk invites people to enjoy some smooth and delicious ice cream. You should especially give their sorbets a try.

Enjoy and have a good start into the week!

Back with regular posts

Hei everyone!

Crazy, you guys are still there. Even though there hasn’t been anything new here for quite a while. Sorry for the long silence.

But there are good news. HelsinkiIn is back with regular posts now. There won’t be quite as much here as it used to be. So no daily posts. But you can expect something new here at least once or twice a week.

So stay tuned for new post about and from the most beautiful city in the world :)

And of course don’t forget to spread the word that there is new stuff to read here again.