Home and away: How to have a staycation in Helsinki

This post was written in collaboration with Hotels.com, but all views are our own. 

The coronavirus situation has put a temporary hold on international travel, but that doesn’t mean the end of fun holidays. So, while doing our bit to keep ourselves, our loved ones, and the wider community safe, we’re working in collaboration with Hotels.com to bring you our personal guide to the perfect staycation in Helsinki, and the surrounding area.

Enjoy restaurant food in your room at Klaus K Helsinki

All you foodies out there will love the Klaus K Hotel experience package. Covid restrictions means we can’t enjoy the atmosphere of a restaurant for a while, but Klaus K Hotel makes it possible to have delicious food delivered to the comfort of your own stylish hotel room. With the special Staycation package, hungry guests can enjoy a delectable three-course dinner while watching the Helsinki hustle and bustle from a relaxing room. And if you’d like to have a wander through the city, you can grab a Klaus K Breakfast to go and enjoy your food on the move.

Alfresco lunch with Helsinki’s city bears 

We can’t mingle with human friends for a while, but we can still make friends with some cuddly bears. The 10-bear trail gives residents an opportunity to get to know the streets and hotspots of Helsinki while spotting all the bear sculptures the city has to offer. Starting out in the Kaivopuisto park, you’ll see Bertel Nilsson’s 1916 sculpture, “The Fishing Bear.” Over on Abrahaminkatu 15, you’ll see a cute little teddy bear who waves to busy city dwellers. In Lauttasaari, which is famous for its sea pools, islands, beautiful forests, and green meadows, you’ll see the statue of a concrete bear in the yard of Isokari 11. In Lauttasaari, restaurants and cafes are abundant and offer take-out food, so you can spend your day eating amongst the splendour of Nordic nature. 

Lapland lifestyle in a city setting

 A trip to Lapland may be off the cards this season, but Lapland Hotels is bringing Lappish life to you. Based on Bulevardi in Helsinki, the hotel offers holidaymakers the purity of Northern nature and the serenity of Lapland right in their backyard. True to Finnish tradition, most of the rooms in the hotel come with their very own sauna, and some even include a spa space. What’s more, you’ll be treated to a Lapland-inspired breakfast from the Kulta Kitchen & Bar. It is filled with Nordic flavours for a truly authentic experience.    

Take a break from the city

If you’re looking for nature and outdoor fun, then try a staycation in Hanaholmen hotel, Espoo, which serves customers with covid restrictions in mind. If you book the Superior Room, you’ll get a free bottle of champagne, and a small, surprise treat upon entry. What’s more, you get a private sauna session and can enjoy a peaceful swim in a sea-view pool before filling up on a three-course dinner. You’ll probably have the appetite for it, as Espoo is packed with outdoor activities from deep diving, snowy skiing, forest frolicking, and everything in-between. With this package, you’ll enjoy the rustic fun of Finnish nature and the luxury of city comfort all at once. 

Although we are all limited by the current pandemic situation, we’re lucky to live in a nation with wonderful hotels, excellent food, and breathtaking natural views right on our doorstep. So while we can’t fly away yet for our holiday, let’s take the time to get to know everything Helsinki and the surrounding areas have to offer.

Photo credit: Andrew Whitman

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.