The temperatures have officially dropped well into the negatives, the snow has finally come and winter has truly arrived. While it might be tempting to curl up under a blanket until April, there is a secret to not just surviving, but thriving during a Finnish winter, and that is to get out in it.
In Finland, there is a common saying: “Sää on pukeutumiskysymys” or “there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing”. Here is how to embrace the chill and keep your spirits high this season.
Layer Up: The Finnish Uniform
The key to staying warm is the three-layer rule. This creates pockets of air that act as insulation:
- Base Layer: Moisture-wicking thermal wool (merino is king) to keep sweat away from your skin.
- Middle Layer: A fleece or wool sweater to trap heat.
- Outer Layer: A windproof and waterproof jacket and trousers.
Don’t forget high-quality wool socks, a hat that covers your ears, and insulated mittens (which keep fingers warmer than gloves, as your fingers are able to warm each other).
Get Moving: The Great Outdoors
The Finnish capital region and indeed the rest of Finland is a winter wonderland, and many of the best activities are completely free:
- Cross-Country Skiing: Helsinki and the surrounding areas offer hundreds of kilometers of groomed trails.
- Ice Skating: From the atmosphere of the Brahe Field to the free neighborhood rinks (natural ice) found in almost every district, skating is a perfect way to get your heart rate up.
- The Vitamin D Factor: With limited sunlight, it is essential to keep taking your Vitamin D supplements.Getting outside in the sunlight if there is any is important, but during the shorter days the supplement does the heavy lifting for your immune system. As well as this a short walk during the “blue hour” (e.g. just before the sun rises or sets) helps regulate your circadian rhythm.
The Ultimate Reset: Ice Hole Swimming
For many, the pinnacle of Finnish winter wellness is “avantouinti” or slipping into a hole cut into the ice. While it looks daunting, the “afterglow” can be addictive.
The Benefits
- Psychological: The shock of the cold triggers a massive release of endorphins and dopamine. It acts as a “hard reset” for stress, leaving you feeling calm yet energised.
- Physical: Regular dipping is linked to improved circulation, a boosted immune system, and activated “brown fat,” which helps the body regulate temperature more effectively.
What You Need
You don’t need much, but the right gear makes it safer:
- A Swimsuit
- A Beanie/wool hat: You lose a lot of heat through your head; keep it on while in the water.
- Neoprene Boots/Gloves: These protect your extremities from the stinging cold and prevent you from slipping on the ice. You’ll find these in most sports stores and even larger supermarkets.
- A Warm Robe: For the walk back to the sauna or changing room.
Caution: Never go ice swimming alone. Enter the water slowly, never dive in, and only stay in for a few seconds at first. It’s important to acclimatise! Remember the Finns around you at the ice-hole do this all of the time. You don’t have to compete!
Who Should Avoid It?
While beneficial for most, ice swimming is not appropriate for everyone. If you have a history of heart conditions, high blood pressure, or respiratory issues, consult a doctor first. The sudden cold causes a spike in blood pressure and heart rate that can be dangerous for those with underlying cardiovascular issues.
The Bottom Line: Embrace the Cold
Finns don’t cope with the cold by hiding from it; they cope by making it part of their lifestyle. Whether it’s the quiet glide of skis through a snowy forest or the rush of an icy dip, getting outside is the best way to beat the winter blues.
Stay warm, stay active, and don’t forget your Vitamin D!
Important websites & resources to get you going:
1. The “Golden Link” for Real-Time Conditions
Before you head out, always check this map. It is the most reliable source for seeing which ski tracks and rinks are currently maintained:
- Ulkoliikunta.fi (Outdoor Exercise Map)
- Skiing: Green lines mean the track has been groomed recently.
- Skating: Green icons indicate the ice is frozen and ready for use.
2. Best Free Ice Skating Rinks
Most municipal rinks in Helsinki are free of charge during public skating hours.
- Brahenkenttä (Brahe Field): Located in Kallio, this is a classic spot. It has a great atmosphere and is one of the few places with on-site skate rentals if you don’t have your own.
- Oulunkylä Artificial Ice Field: Recently renovated and one of the largest in Europe. It features a long speed-skating track and is free for public use.
- Tapiola Ice Garden (Espoo): A beautiful 330-meter circular track that winds around a central pool. It’s free, lit up beautifully at night, and usually has music playing.
- Johanneksenkenttä: A “romantic” rink right next to the stunning St. John’s Church in the design district.
3. Top Cross-Country Skiing Trails
Helsinki maintains over 200km of tracks, and they are free to use.
- Paloheinä Ski Centre: The “mecca” of skiing in Helsinki. It has the first-snow track (made with stored ice) and a wide variety of loops from 1.8km to 7.5km.
- Tali Golf Course Tracks: Perfect for beginners because the terrain is flat. It offers a 6.5km loop with wide, open views.
- Herttoniemi Sports Park: Great for those in Eastern Helsinki, offering forested trails and some nice elevation changes.
- Kivikko Ski Hall: If the weather is truly miserable or there isn’t enough snow yet, this indoor hall allows you to ski on perfect snow year-round (note: this one usually has a small entrance fee)
- Tracks is Espoo: Pirttimaki, Oitaa, Olari. https://www.espoo.fi/en/sports-and-nature/outdoor-recreation-routes/ski-tracks
4. Ice Hole Swimming Locations
Many of these are run by local associations and may require a small single-use fee (usually €5-€10) or a membership, but the experience is worth it.
- Allas Sea Pool: Right in the city center. It has a heated pool and a sea-water pool that stays at the temperature of the Baltic (around 1-2°C).
- Löyly: A design-led sauna where you can climb straight from the heat into a hole in the sea ice.
- Sompasauna: The most “authentic” and community-run experience. It is a free, public DIY sauna where you can jump into the sea at your own risk. (Note: No staff, just local enthusiasts!)
Pro Tip: If you are looking for second-hand skates or skis to save money, check Kierrätyskeskus (Recycling Centres) Tori.fi or https://www.helsinginsportti-divari.fi. Finns are constantly upgrading their gear, so you can find great bargains!