The Great Outdoors in Helsinki
Helsinki is a real paradise for outdoors people. You can even take tram to get to some great recreational and natural areas.
Skating
The Ice Park in the Railway Square opened for first time in the winter of 2006. The ice park is conveniently situated in the heart of the city, making it easy for tourists, families and even office workers to enjoy skating. The Ice Park is for skating and special events only – ice hockey is not allowed. Skates are available for rent. Visitors are entertained by a full programme of events that are free of charge for everyone. A café serves warm drinks and snacks. The Ice Park is open from November to March.
Brahen kenttä (Helsinginkatu 23) in the Kallio district is a popular open-air skating rink that plays music and sells warm juice and hot chocolate. Skates are available for rent. Public skating is organised from November to March.
Ice hockey, or “lätkä” as the locals call it, is the national sport of Finland. The Finnish Ice Hockey League season stretches from September to April. Exciting Finnish league matches can be watched at Helsinki Ice Hall and Hartwall Arena.
Cross-country skiing
Cross-country skiing is an important part of the Finnish national identity. Traditionally, skiing was the only way to get around in the winter when there was lots of snow, and the post-war generation still remembers skiing to school. You can enjoy cross-country skiing regardless of your age or size, but it does require a good sense of balance. Perhaps the best side of cross-country skiing is how it lets you discover the breathtakingly beautiful Finnish nature in winter.
The Paloheinä Recreational Centre (Pakilantie 124) is the most popular cross-country skiing centre in Helsinki and is easy to get to by bus or car. The skiing trails are opened as early as December and can be skied on as late as April. Most of the trails are illuminated until late in the evening. There is a rental shop that supplies all the equipment necessary.
Downhill skiing and snowboarding
Downhill skiing and snowboarding are among the most popular winter activities in Finland these days. In terms of the largest number of slopes and highest peaks, the biggest skiing centres are located in Northern Finland. Nevertheless, there are several skiing centres around Helsinki, including
Serena Ski in Espoo and
Talma in Sipoo.
Fore more information about skiing centres, go to
www.ski.fi.
Snowshoe hiking
Snowshoe hiking is an easy and environmentally friendly way to exercise and enjoy the winter scenery. There is no need for special machine-made trails, and you can walk wherever you want regardless of the weather. The snowshoes are also easy to use, as there is no complicated waxing involved and you don’t need any skiing skills.
Snowshoe hiking can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of age or physical condition. You can rent equipment and try out snowshoe hiking on your own for example at the Paloheinä recreational centre (Pakilantie 124).
Arenas for winter sports in Helsinki