Top Things to Do in Helsinki: Insider Tips for Your Next Finland Trip
Summer or Winter, here are our insider tips for what to do in Helsinki.
Enquire
Our staff will respond to your query promptly and provide detailed information to your questions.
- NEW ITINERARY 2025
5 day - Helsinki & authentic Finnish cabin retreat in Nuuksio National Park
Finnish summer is shaped by a centuries-old rhythm: Time spent at the cabin, close to water, forest, and sauna, with very little to distract from daily life.
This journey pairs a short stay in Helsinki with a deeply restorative lakeside cabin experience in Nuuksio National Park. At Hawkhill, simplicity is intentional – private cabins, quiet forests, and time to reconnect with nature through gentle, host-led activities.
The experience mirrors the philosophy explored in How Finland makes simplicity the ultimate luxury (based on the writers travels with 50 Degrees North), where true comfort comes from space, restraint, and a respectful relationship with the natural world. This itinerary invites travellers to step into that way of life, even if only for a few days.
Highlights include
- Explore Helsinki’s vibrant design and historical landmarks with a private guided tour.
- Stay in a private lakeside cabin at Hawkhill Cottage Resort, complete with its own sauna and beach.
- Experience authentic Finnish traditions with activities like open-fire cooking, wild herb walks or forest yoga.
- Reconnect with nature in Nuuksio National Park, with guided hikes and hands-on outdoor activities.
- Enjoy a peaceful, unplugged retreat ideal for couples, families or group of friends, with cabins accommodating 2 to 10 guests.
- Day 1
- Arrive in Helsinki and private transfer to your hotel
- Day 2
- Discover Helsinki with a guided tour
- Day 3
- Escape to Hawkhill, your private lakeside haven
- Day 4
- Reconnect with Nature in Nuuksio National Park
- Day 5
- Departure day
- Start/End Place
- Helsinki, Finland
- Country Visited
- Finland
- Duration
- 5 Days
- Start Date
- Flexible
- Travel Style
- Independent
- Suitability
- Independent holiday with moderately active activities and no luggage handling included
- Code
- 50DN1450
As a Certified B Corporation, 50 Degrees North has designed this tour using handpicked local hoteliers and suppliers who share our ethos of delivering services and activities of high social and environmental standards.
The CO2-e per person per day of all tours is carefully measured following each season. We fully offset all emissions of our tours on your behalf, and we constantly look at ways to reduce emissions where possible.
Details
Transportation
Private transfer from Helsinki Airport to city centre. Car hire CDMR VW Golf or similar with rental car pick-up in Helsinki, and drop-of either at the Helsinki-Vantaa airport, or back in the city centre. Optional private transfers instead of rental car are possible, and also obligatory outside the summer months. Please ask for pricing.
Included
- 2 nights in a Comfort room in a central Director's choice hotel in shared double/twin room with private facilities in Helsinki
- 2 nights cabin stay in Hawkhill Cottage Resort
- Daily breakfast (in Hawkhill delivered to fridge with snacks)
- 2x 3-course dinners delievered to you villa at Hawkhill (Drinks paid locally)
- 1x lunch prepared over an open fire with your host in Hawkhil (Drinks paid locally)
- Private Helsinki city tour (3 hours)
- Local Host and activity program in Hawkhill, choose up to 2 activities from a variety of outdoor activities
- Your own private sauna and beach at Hawkhill
- Private arrival transfer from Helsinki airport to hotel
- Rental car for 2 days, CDMR, VW Golf or similar
- 24-hour emergency service
- Taxes and service fees
Not Included
- International flights
- Lunches and dinners not detailed in the program
- Drinks including alcoholic beverages, juice, soft drinks and hot beverages
- Items of personal nature
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive in Helsinki and private transfer to your hotel
Arrive in Helsinki and transfer with private vehicle and English speaking driver to your centrally located hotel. The Finnish capital is a compact city where the most important sights can easily be explored on foot.
Day 2 - Discover Helsinki with a guided tour
Enjoy a delicious breakfast at your hotel before setting out on a private guided tour of Helsinki’s must-see landmarks. Stroll through historic squares, lively markets, and elegant boulevards, gaining insight into the city’s unique blend of Eastern and Western influences. A visit to the famous Rock Church highlights the tour, before a scenic tram ride back to the city center.
The afternoon is yours to explore at leisure: shop, visit museums or unwind by the waterfront—before returning to your centrally located hotel for the night.
Meals
1 BreakfastDay 3 - Escape to Hawkhill, your private lakeside haven
Pick up your rental car and embark on a scenic drive to Hawkhill, where nature and tranquility await. Settle into your private lakeside cabin, surrounded by the serene beauty of Nuuksio National Park. Your host will welcome you and introduce you to the traditional Finnish cottage lifestyle, leaving you to unwind and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Meals
1 Breakfast1 Dinner
Day 4 - Reconnect with Nature in Nuuksio National Park
Wake up to the calming sounds of the forest and enjoy a leisurely breakfast in your cozy cabin. Spend the day embracing the beauty of Nuuksio, with a personally curated experience that connects you to Finnish traditions, outdoor adventures, and the healing effects of nature. Relax in your private sauna, explore the lake, or take part in a hands-on activity with your local host.
Dinner will be delivered to your cabin in the evening.
Meals
1 Breakfast1 Lunch
1 Dinner
Day 5 - Departure day
After a final breakfast, take in the stillness of the lake one last time before driving back to Helsinki or the airport. Leave Hawkhill refreshed, recharged, and inspired by the simplicity and beauty of Finnish nature.
Meals
1 BreakfastDates & Prices
Price per "from" prices person, twin share in standard log cabin. All cabins are priced differently and hence pricing may vary. Enquire options for larger cabins, or upgraded Superior or Luxury Cabins.
Dates
Valid From
Valid To
From Price
Status
Accommodation
2 Jan 2026
15 Jun 2026
15 Jun 2026
2 Jan 2026
15 Jun 2026
USD 3,379
On request
Standard
10 Aug 2026
18 Dec 2026
18 Dec 2026
10 Aug 2026
18 Dec 2026
USD 3,449
On request
Standard
2 Jan 2027
15 Jun 2027
15 Jun 2027
2 Jan 2027
15 Jun 2027
USD 3,549
On request
Standard
Important Information
IMPORTANT NOTE: Weather conditions may occasionally affect certain activities, and as a result, the schedule may be adjusted to ensure the best possible experience for all guests. For multi-activity stays, often the order of the activities will be confirmed locally on arrival. Activities might vary slightly in their duration or location due to the weather and local conditions. Any activities that are unable to be re-scheduled due to weather conditions, will be refunded as a general practice, as determined by the activity provider.
Gallery
Interactive Tour Map
Inspiration
Experience summertime in Helsinki with locals
Community saunas, al fresco dining, cycling tours, and island adventures invite visitors to experience Helsinki alongside its residents. The Finnish capital is embracing a fresh, welcoming approach, offering a blend of its unique customs and traditions, and ensuring that guests feel at home while discovering the city’s vibrant culture and scenic beauty.
Coolcations in the Nordics: Where to Escape the Summer Heat
As temperatures soar across much of the world during summer, more and more travellers are seeking out "coolcations" - holidays that offer relief from heat and humidity, without compromising on adventure, beauty or comfort. At 50 Degrees North, we specialise in Nordic escapes that do just that.