A Winter Diary
The Land of Happiness and
Northern Wonders
Finland is a place where simplicity feels luxurious and happiness is woven into everyday life. Even with its long, icy winters, the warmth of the people makes it clear why the country continues to top the list of “the happiest nations in the world.” It isn’t the grandeur of its landmarks that charms you, but the gentle kindness and effortless friendliness you meet along the way.
Helsinki welcomed us with a crisp winter breeze the moment we stepped outside the airport. The nearfreezing air felt more exciting than cold ,like walking straight into the winter we had imagined for years. The city’s calm streets, free from skyscrapers, reveal a blend of historic buildings and contemporary design shaped by European and Russian influences.
The next morning, the city lay under fresh snow, turning rooftops and sidewalks into a soft white canvas. We headed out early to explore, enchanted by the quiet beauty of the scene and the first traces of ice drifting on the Baltic Sea. To warm up, we slipped into Café Engel, a tiny café by the harbor, to sip hot coffee while watching children outside laugh and play in the snow. It was a simple, joyful moment that captured the gentle magic of Finland in winter. For someone who grew up in a tropical city like us, it was hard not to feel a touch of envy for Finland’s effortless winter charm.
We continued toward Senate Square, a winter favorite for both locals and visitors. At the center stands the statue of Emperor Alexander II, with the white Helsinki Cathedral rising gracefully behind it. The neoclassical façade looked even more magical under falling snow, like a scene straight from a winter movie.
Our next stop was the famous Rock Church. From the outside it’s understated, almost hidden. But the inside was a stunning space carved directly from natural bedrock, a remarkable creation by Finnish architects Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen.
Winter travel means short daylight hours, so we made the most of the afternoon with a visit to the Old Market Hall by the harbor. Inside, warm lights and Scandinavian treats filled the cozy aisles. Following local recommendations, we tried Lohikeitto, a comforting bowl of salmon soup served with rye bread. The market was full of new flavors, some instantly delightful, others charmingly unfamiliar but all part of the fun of tasting Finland in winter.
Another highlight of our trip was the Uspenski Cathedral, an Orthodox landmark that reflects Finland’s historic ties with Russia. The first thing that caught our eye was its striking brick-red exterior, contrasted with soft green domes and shimmering golden spires glowing in the sunlight.
The quiet, solemn atmosphere inside the building invited us to slow down and take in the surrounding intricate details. Today, the cathedral is known as the largest Russian Orthodox church in Western Europe. Perched on a hill, it offers sweeping views of Helsinki and sits within easy walking distance of several major city landmarks.
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