I arrived in Heksinki to snow and 0 degrees…and a freezing winter wind. This didn’t stop me heading out for a late afternoon walk.
This morning saw blue sky, but the wind persisted and it was cold. Snow makes a pretty addition to rooftops and monuments.
A large pile of snow in front of the cathedral proved to be a great playground.
I didn’t think there would be any takers for the new outdoor pool in the harbour…
…but I was wrong. I saw some enthusiastic swimmers bobbing along in the water.
I enjoyed some hearty blueberry porridge for breakfast at El Fant and delicious salmon for dinner at Kappeli.
I saw some interesting shop windows.
Farewell Heksinki until next time. That will be February when I’m sure there will be even more snow.
And no leaves on the trees.
The quintessential Finland – so beautiful!
By: sunnydaysinseattle on November 3, 2016
at 4:59 pm
I love Helsinki!
By: Debra Kolkka on November 3, 2016
at 5:03 pm
Enjoy your stopover!
By: Mulino Dominillo on November 3, 2016
at 5:02 pm
I am now at the airport waiting for my plane to Hong Kong, then Brisbane. I always enjoy Helsinki.
By: Debra Kolkka on November 3, 2016
at 5:05 pm
It’s so pretty – we’ve had steady rain in Vancouver but I still love this place – and this morning it’s not raining. We leave here around midnight tonight. I think I could get the hang of this travelling thing:)
By: Jan on November 3, 2016
at 5:08 pm
I was happy to have snow and not rain…much better.
By: Debra Kolkka on November 3, 2016
at 5:11 pm
Are you on your way back to Aussi Land…..Love the snow and winter looking scenes……Counting the months till we return to Lucca….Have been holding close to our hearts prayers for all the Italians and the countryside destroyed in recent weeks by the earthquakes. I read on a post on Slow Travel that Castellluccio on the Piano Grande is “GONE” We have wonderful memories of having lunch there twice after visiting the Piano. See you in March
By: sealights99 on November 3, 2016
at 5:09 pm
Yes, I am heading home. The news of the earthquake damage is just awful. I feel for those who have lost their homes and their towns.
By: Debra Kolkka on November 3, 2016
at 5:12 pm
Great looking salmon. Do you happen to know the temperature of the pool’s water?
By: karenincalabria on November 3, 2016
at 5:16 pm
The heated pool is 27degrees. There is also an unheated pool for the truly brave. There will be a post about the pool on Beautiful Helsinki soon.
By: Debra Kolkka on November 3, 2016
at 5:38 pm
Wow! 27, so I guess the only difficulty is getting in and out of it! Looking forward to the post.
By: karenincalabria on November 3, 2016
at 5:40 pm
If you are dressed for it, a dusting of snow makes for a pretty walk.
By: Karen on November 3, 2016
at 6:10 pm
I have a warm coat and the right shoes.
By: Debra Kolkka on November 4, 2016
at 8:45 am
When we moved from New England to Florida I keep my winter boots and coats for just such times when traveling.
By: Karen on November 4, 2016
at 11:18 am
I have a feeling I would love Finland.
By: The Daily Cure on November 3, 2016
at 6:30 pm
I’m sure you would, it is a beautiful country.
By: Debra Kolkka on November 4, 2016
at 8:45 am
No wonder you love your stop overs in Helsinki – always so different and such a photogenic city.. The food looked delicious too.
By: Dianne CANT on November 3, 2016
at 8:50 pm
The food is great in Helsinki.
By: Debra Kolkka on November 4, 2016
at 8:44 am
Thank you for your wonderful posts, Debbie – we are starting to warm up so Oz will welcome you with breezy spring/summer days! Have a good trip!
Sent from my iPhone
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By: Joy Campbell on November 3, 2016
at 9:13 pm
Thank you for your good wishes. I am hoping it is not too hot at home. I prefer the cold.
By: Debra Kolkka on November 4, 2016
at 8:44 am
Finnland is on my bucket list.
By: Sunnycovechef on November 3, 2016
at 10:23 pm
It should be. The whole country is gorgeous.
By: Debra Kolkka on November 4, 2016
at 8:43 am
Helsinki looks like a beautiful city.
By: Kerry & Jim on November 3, 2016
at 11:03 pm
Helsinki is lovely in all seasons.
By: Debra Kolkka on November 4, 2016
at 8:43 am
Beautiful … but ouch … it looks cold … and I’m not ready for that. 😉 … hope you have a good visit!
By: aFrankAngle on November 4, 2016
at 2:21 am
There is no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothes. All you need is a warm coat, shoes and gloves.
By: Debra Kolkka on November 4, 2016
at 8:42 am
LOL …. now that’s a classic line! 🙂
By: aFrankAngle on November 4, 2016
at 12:41 pm
Great shots! Winter arrived in Helsinki crazy early this year, I was not prepared at all. But at least it is a little bit lighter and brighter with the snow now.
By: Ticket to Adventures on November 4, 2016
at 9:19 am
I thought it was a hit early for snow, but I was happy to see it.
By: Debra Kolkka on November 4, 2016
at 9:54 am
Oh El Fant is one of the new trendy places to be. That oatmeal looks so good 😊
By: Suvi on November 4, 2016
at 6:36 pm
I found El Fant last time I was in Helsinki. The oatmeal is excellent.
By: Debra Kolkka on November 6, 2016
at 1:28 pm
Such beautiful photos! I didn’t realise that it was already snowing in Europe! I’m headed to Italy this week-I’ll pack my warmest clothes.
By: Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella on November 6, 2016
at 10:15 am
The snow was early for Helsinki. When I left Italy on Wednesday it was still warm and sunny, but it has been raining heavily in Bagni di Lucca since I left.
By: Debra Kolkka on November 6, 2016
at 1:28 pm
Lovely to see your post and the snow that fell after I left Helsinki last week. My niece and her daughter arrived there today (from Brisbane) and are revelling in their first snow experience. I also saw some of the same shop windows – the one with the pink boots and eyes!
By: A Glass Half Full on November 7, 2016
at 8:05 am
I was lucky to get snow, rain was forecast. I love my visits to Helsinki and the rest of Finland.
By: Debra Kolkka on November 7, 2016
at 8:08 am
[…] my way back to Brisbane I managed to be in Helsinki for the first snow of the season, lucky […]
By: 2016 travels | Bagni di Lucca and Beyond on December 27, 2016
at 7:56 am