Practical things to know before you arrive in Helsinki in winter

Knowing what to expect is half the battle when you are travelling long haul to one of Europe’s coldest capitals. Having arrived in Helsinki three times now – and made a few rookie mistakes along the way – here is the practical guide I wish I had had from the start.

What to expect from Helsinki in winter

Helsinki in winter is not for the faint-hearted – but it absolutely rewards those who come prepared. Temperatures regularly sit between -7°C (19°F) and -15°C (5°F) and the wind chill can push the ‘feels like’ temperature well below that. When I was out exploring the city in December, my weather app at one point read -16°C (3°F) with wind chill – and yes, I could feel every degree of it on my face.

For long-haul travellers coming from Australia, NZ, Asia and parts of the USA, this is a significant climate shift. You are not just crossing time zones; many are moving from a Southern Hemisphere summer into one of the coldest urban environments in Europe. The good news is that Helsinki is a city that knows how to handle winter and so can you – with the right preparation.

Daylight in December is short, typically around six hours. Streets and parks are lit with warm lights to compensate for the darkness and the effect is genuinely magical. It does not feel bleak – it feels atmospheric.

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Getting orientated – connectivity and navigation

One of the first practical things to sort out before you leave home is your mobile data. I used a Holafly eSIM for my international travels and it was a genuine lifesaver – Google Maps is essential when you are navigating a city in a new language in sub-zero temperatures. An unlimited data eSIM covers me well across all of the countries I visit on any one trip.

Helsinki is extremely walkable and well-connected by tram and metro. Public transport is easy to navigate and the city is compact enough that many of the key attractions are within walking distance of each other – though in -15°C (5°F) weather, you will want to plan your route before you step outside.

What to wear – layering for extreme cold

I cannot stress this enough – layering is everything. On my morning run in Helsinki at -7°C (19°F), I wore running tights under bamboo leggings, two pairs of socks (a thin Steigen sport sock and a thin wool pair), a merino base layer, a fleece mid-layer and a Gore-Tex outer jacket and Gore-Tex trail runners, plus a headband and thin gloves. I was warm the entire time.

For the rest of the family, the process of getting dressed took significantly longer than anticipated. My advice – allow at least 20 to 30 extra minutes to get everyone ready when you are wearing that many layers – especially with children.

Once you are outside and moving, you will warm up quickly. The challenge is your face. Invest in a good buff or balaclava for the worst of the wind. When we were near the waterfront during a snow storm, our eyelashes were literally freezing.

Practical tips for long-haul travellers

Getting from Helsinki Airport into the city centre: Arriving in Helsinki Airport is straightforward and well worth knowing before you land. Whether you choose the train, bus or taxi, the journey takes between 30 and 45 minutes depending on your accommodation location and time of day. After a long-haul flight, the last thing you want is to be figuring out public transport in an unfamiliar city in the dark and cold – so reading up before you arrive makes a real difference. We have put together a full guide to getting from Helsinki Airport to the city centre so you can hit the ground running.

Accommodation: Helsinki has a good range of hotels across all price points. For families or longer stays, a self-contained apartment in the city centre works very well and allows you to self-cater – important when you have jetlagged children who need predictable meals.

Jetlag: Coming from a long haul flight, allow at least two days to find your feet before committing to a packed itinerary. We slept in on our second day and ended up having one of the best days of the trip – unplanned and unhurried.

Buses to Porvoo: The long-distance bus to Porvoo departs from Kamppi Bus Station, which is underground at the Kamppi Shopping Centre. Tickets can be bought on board. The journey takes about one hour. Learn more about Porvoo here.

Food: Finland is known for its rye bread and you will find it everywhere. Try Levain Bakery in Helsinki for excellent sourdough and pastries. At the Christmas Market, glögi (mulled wine) and piparkakku (gingerbread) are essential. For an authentic local food experience, the Old Market Hall at the harbour is not to be missed.

Data: Get a Holafly eSIM before you leave home. Unlimited data across Europe takes away a great deal of travel stress.

Trams: Buy your tram and metro tickets via the HSL app before you board. It is straightforward and saves scrambling for change or cards at the stop.

Footwear: Whatever boots you choose, make sure they have grip. Helsinki’s footpaths become icy overnight, particularly near the waterfront and in the Old Town areas. A slip on ice in -10°C (14°F) is not a good start to any trip.

With the right preparation, Helsinki in winter is one of the most rewarding destinations a long-haul traveller can visit. For everything to see and do once you are there, read my guide to the best things to do in Helsinki in winter.

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