Hygge in Helsinki: the essential guide

Used to describe the enjoyment of simple pleasures in lifestyle and interiors, the Danish buzz word “hygge” has been firmly adopted by other countries too.

Hygge, pronounced ‘hoo-gah’ conjurs up images of homecooked meals, cosy nights in and stylish Scandinavian interiors. It’s all about the art of creating comfort in your home and your life.

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Our hygge home-from-home was SATO Hotel Home in Helsinki, in the Nordic country of Finland, stylishly designed and spacious with light and airy interiors.

The clean-lined kitchen, cosy bed recess and colourful living area made it easy for us to soak up hygge living in Helsinki.

SATO Hotel Home is conveniently located in Kristianinkatu – a pleasant area just a short walk from the city centre. We found some Love Locks. ❤️

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Leaving the hygge at home we set out to explore Helsinki and found it to be friendly, vibrant, innovative, warm and welcoming. Helsinki offers heavenly food, inspiring design, charming traditional architecture, an efficiently run transport system and long, warm summer days.

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The food market Kauppatori is a foodies paradise, it’s where we found ‘the best ever’ chicken noodle soup at a cosy soup bar, served with fresh bread and a lovely herb oil dip.

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Brimming with galleries, historical buildings, innovative design shops and beautiful parks, Helsinki exudes style and has an easy-going atmosphere.

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Down at the bustling harbour there are easy connections to destinations near and far. We travelled to Suomenlinna (day trip), Tallin (day trip) and Stockholm (overnight ferry).

Plenty of souvenirs down at the busy Helsinki harbourside.

We loved finding little ladybirds all over the city and surrounding islands.

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The nightlife appeared to be good, but despite spotting a party boat with my name on it I didn’t get to sample the Helsinki night-life on this trip. 😦

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Travelling on public transport in Helsinki is easy with kids – and free if they’re under the age of 7. Most places were within walking distance for us.

Home to 500,000, the impressive architecture of Finland’s compact capital ranges from art nouveau to modern. There’s plenty to be seen around Helsinki’s Design District.

Following a series of fires Berlin architect Carl Ludwig Engel was commissioned to reconstruct Helsinki in a neoclassical style.

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Design District Helsinki includes brands such as Marimekko, Artek and Iittala.

These Design District Helsinki stores showcase the essentials for living a simple, functional and hygge life.

Before you leave, don’t forget to check out the colourful Moomin shop at Helsinki Airport.

We arrived: by plane from Copenhagen, flying with Finnair.

We departed: by Viking Line ferry from Katajonokka, booked through Direct Ferries.

We stayed: SATO Hotel Home. Our rating: 5/5

We travelled: by bus from the airport to the centre of Helsinki followed by a tram ride and a short walk to our accommodation.

Currency: Euro.

Don’t miss: a short ferry ride to the island fortress of Suomenlinna.

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