Café Ursula in Helsinki is a charming and popular destination known for its scenic location and commitment to charity. Established in 1952, the café is situated right on the seafront at the southern end of the beautiful Kaivopuisto Park, offering breathtaking views across the Helsinki archipelago. This makes it a favored spot among locals and tourists alike.
Here’s a video of my visit to Café Ursula.
The café presents itself as a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life, serving as a “living room” for both city dwellers and visitors. It offers a wide range of sweet and savory treats, along with homemade lunches and a selection of coffees and teas. Gluten-free products have always been a bit hard to find, but ice cream is always there.
Café Ursula is not just known for its food and location but also for its philanthropic approach. Since its inception, the café has directed its profits towards charitable causes. This tradition continues to this day, with the café’s earnings being channeled to support various charitable activities through its owners. This aspect of the café adds a unique and admirable dimension to the café experience.
The café is noted for being a great spot for travelers seeking a seaview experience, and its coastal location can make it windy even in the summer, so visitors are advised to dress accordingly. The café is also accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, making it an inclusive destination for all. Dogs are also welcome to the terrace and if there are many of them at the same time, it can get a bit noisy.
Kaivopuisto facts
Kaivopuisto, known in Swedish as Brunnsparken, is one of the oldest and most famous parks in central Helsinki, Finland. Spanning several hectares, the park encompasses both flat ground and cliffs, offering diverse landscapes for visitors to enjoy. It also contains historical elements, such as traces of stone fortifications dating back to the 18th century.
This park is a central part of life in Helsinki, especially during the warmer months. Each summer, thousands of Helsinkians flock to Kaivopuisto for sunbathing, picnics, and various sports activities. The park’s largest hill becomes a popular spot for tobogganing during the winter, demonstrating its year-round appeal.
Kaivopuisto is not just a place for leisure activities; it plays a significant role in local cultural events as well. One of the park’s peak moments of popularity comes on Vappu day (1 May), which follows the Walpurgis Night celebrations. On this day, tens of thousands of people gather in the park to picnic, dressed in fanciful costumes and enjoying music and festivities. It’s a tradition for those who have graduated from the Finnish matriculation exam to wear their student caps, with a yellowed cap being a sign of prestige.
The park is also a venue for concerts, particularly during the summer months. It has hosted various musical performances, ranging from classical to pop and rock, often featuring Finnish artists. These events add a vibrant cultural dimension to the park’s atmosphere.
Moreover, Kaivopuisto’s location is notable for its surrounding area, which is populated with embassies and villas. The nearby sea, rock cliffs, and green lawns provide numerous opportunities for relaxation and enjoyment of the outdoors. This setting makes the park a serene escape within the city, offering peace and tranquility away from the busier, more commercial areas.
Kaivopuisto’s blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and cultural vitality makes it a unique and cherished part of Helsinki. Whether for leisure, sports, or cultural events, the park serves as a central gathering place for both locals and visitors, reflecting the city’s love for outdoor spaces and community events.
Snickers Bar Recipe
In the video I made about Café Ursula, which you might have seen by now, there is one alluring sweet named Snickers Bar. Now you can try making it yourself –
This delightful Snickers bar is gluten-free and easily adaptable to a vegan diet. It’s a perfect snack or dessert that provides a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Gluten-free oats add fiber, while peanut butter and nuts bring in protein and healthy fats. The vegan version of this recipe is just as delicious, simply by substituting a few ingredients with vegan alternatives.
Ingredients:
Traditional Version:
- 200 g peanut butter
- 100 g dark chocolate
- 50 g butter or margarine
- 75 g sugar
- 50 g gluten-free oats
- 25 g chopped peanuts
Vegan Version:
- Replace butter or margarine with vegan spread.
- Choose vegan chocolate.
Instructions:
- Melt peanut butter, chocolate, and butter/margarine in a pan on low heat.
- Stir in sugar until fully dissolved.
- Remove from heat and mix in oats and chopped peanuts.
- Pour the mixture into a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Let it cool and set in the refrigerator for at least an hour.
- Cut into pieces and serve.
Nutritional Values (per serving) approx:
- Energy: 250 kcal
- Protein: 6 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
You can try this easy and quick recipe when you crave something sweet and satisfying and there’s no Finnish caféteria around!
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