Inna Pirjetta Lahti is an active traveler, entrepreneur, travel blogger and mother of three sons. She’s responsible for one of the coolest and most amazing trips to Finland we took back in Winter 2015 for NBE Finland.
In her hometown, Helsinki, she moves around with her bike and is a big fan of outdoor activities.
Inna divides her time between her lovely blog Lapsiperheen Matkat, Finnish for trips for families with children, and her business Kohtaamistoimisto Innastus Oy.
Here, she will tell you all her secret paradises in the lovely city of Helsinki. If you have kids or usually travel with your family, this interview is for you.
Inna Pirjetta Lahti put together a list of great family friendly places in Finland’s capital. Are you prepared?
Lauttasaari – the island for happy people
I am so lucky that I live in one of my favorite places in Helsinki. It is called Lauttasaari and it is the island just 10 minutes from Helsinki’s city center. Here you can hire a bike and scroll by the shores of the beautiful island. Visitors can enjoy the amazing mornings or beautiful evenings on the western coast.
There are several locations where you can have a swim in the sea. And make sure not to miss the Coffee Shop Kasinonranta.
The relaxed feeling of Swimming Stadium
Every summer I want to visit the Swimming Stadium in Helsinki. The feeling there is unique and even on very busy days you will enjoy a relaxed and easy atmosphere with music.
This place is a must-see for both for sun-lovers and athletes. You will also have big saunas to warm up in if the weather happens to be cool, as well as a coffee shop with small snacks. It is also a great place to visit with children because they have a big pool for jumping and even a few slides.
Biking route Baana and Cargo Coffee & Kitchen
My new favorite coffee shop/restaurant Cargo Coffee & Kitchen is located perfectly at the beginning of the “Baana”, the newest biking road going through the city center.
This restaurant has been built from old containers and the design is very modern. They have a rooftop terrace where you can enjoy the sun from the early morning until evening.
The breakfast is served at 7.30 and they are open until 22:00. Everything I have tasted there is delicious and the service is very friendly. You can also perfectly work there since they have a good Wi-Fi connection.
Sauna
I am a big sauna fan and when coming to Helsinki you should be sure to visit one of the common saunas. If you are lucky enough you might be invited to the Finnish Sauna Society located in Lauttasaari.
One of my favorite saunas is Yrjönkadun Uimahalli, where you can enjoy the beautiful Jugend architecture and an unusual feeling. They have separate days for men and women, so it is best to go with your friend or even alone. Remember to go to the second floor, where you will get your own old style cabin and will have the real wooden sauna.
No swimming suit is needed, but you may use one while swimming if you feel so. They also have a great cafeteria with some local delicacies.
Explore the Nature around Helsinki
In Helsinki, you are in an urban city but at the same time very close to nature. Take advantage of the nature surrounding you while visiting Helsinki.
Take a bus to the Nuuksio Nationalpark and visit the marvelous nature center Haltia, where you will get all the tips you need for your outdoor adventures in the whole of Finland. There are several nature trails in different levels and the bus takes you there directly from the city center.
You can also take the metro to Vuosaari and book a kayaking trip. The night kayaking trip is an especially amazing experience. Have a look through the following links and find the information you need:
Or you can just jump onto the boats taking you to the islands just in front of Helsinki, like Pihlajasaari or Iso Vasikkasaari in Espoo. On both islands, you will find great beaches for swimming, rocks for sunbathing, and amazing restaurants.
Helsinki is by far one of Fotostrasse’s favorite destinations in the north. A city that glows during winter and bursts into joy, colors and music during summer. You’re never bored when you’re in Helsinki, that’s for sure.
If you’re planning your trip there, please book your hotel here and help us keep up with the good work. And always remember that if you have any questions about Helsinki (or any other city what so ever), ask on us on our Facebook group – a safe harbor for travel lovers and more. And if you want to be featured here, this link will tell you how.
Going Local is a series of interviews that we are doing with people that live and enjoy the cities they live in. You can read more interviews filled with tips here.
