• Helsinki spring 2024 and the new Caisa tunnel

    It’s the last day of spring, end of May, and Helsinki is having a heatwave. It has been very hot summer type of weather the whole week. Everywhere is you can see green, flowers are blooming and birds are singing. Nature is at its best. But not so long ago, just some 3 weeks, the blooming was just about to start only. I made a video of walk in Helsinki 2024 spring and you can now see it for yourself, how was the Helsinki spring and what does the new Caisa tunnel look like. The Caisa tunnel was made to ease the bicycling and walking traffic in Helsinki centre from Kamppi to Kaisaniemi. The Caisa tunnel goes under the railroads of Helsinki centre. See it from this video!

    Video duration 16:00

    Spring in Helsinki centre and the new Caisa tunnel

    Helsinki in Spring is a season of awakening and renewal

    Helsinki, the vibrant capital of Finland, undergoes a remarkable transformation in spring. As the city of Helsinki emerges from the long, dark winter, the streets, parks, and waterfronts come alive with a renewed sense of energy and vitality. Spring in Helsinki is a time of awakening, marked by lengthening days and blooming flowers.

    Spring in Helsinki typically begins in late March and extends through May. The season starts with a gradual thaw as the snow and ice that often, not always, blanket the city throughout the winter months slowly recede. The days grow longer, with daylight increasing by several minutes each day, bringing much-needed warmth and sunshine. By April, the temperatures often rise above freezing, and the city starts to shed its winter coat.

    Kaisaniemi park blossoming in spring

    Blossoming nature

    One of the most delightful aspects of spring in Helsinki is the resurgence of nature. Parks and gardens, which have lain dormant under snow, burst into color with a variety of flowers and blossoming trees. Cherry blossoms in particular are a sight to behold, and their delicate pink petals can be seen in places like Roihuvuori Cherry Park – of which I made you video earlier, drawing crowds of admirers. Tulips, daffodils, and crocuses also make their appearance, adding vibrant splashes of color to the city’s green spaces.

    Outdoor activities

    With the return of milder weather, Helsinki residents eagerly take to the outdoors. The city’s extensive network of parks and waterfront promenades become popular spots for walking, jogging, and cycling. The Esplanadi, a green boulevard in the heart of the city, is a favorite destination for leisurely strolls and people-watching. Here, locals and tourists alike gather to enjoy the fresh air and the first warm rays of the sun.

    Cultural events and festivals

    Spring in Helsinki is also a time for cultural events and festivals. One of the most notable is Vappu, or May Day, celebrated on April 30th and May 1st. Vappu is one of the biggest festivals in Finland, marked by a carnival-like atmosphere with parades, concerts, and street parties. Students wear their traditional white caps, and the city comes alive with music, laughter, and revelry. The celebration often spills over into the parks, where families and friends gather for picnics and outdoor feasts.

    The new Caisa tunnel in Helsinki

    Culinary delights

    As the weather warms, Helsinki’s food scene also comes into full bloom. Outdoor terraces and cafes open up, providing the perfect setting for enjoying a meal or a drink al fresco. Seasonal ingredients such as fresh fish, new potatoes, and wild herbs begin to appear on menus, reflecting the bounty of Finnish nature. Traditional dishes like salmon soup and spring vegetable salads are particularly popular during this time of year.

    This year the Helsinki food festival will be celebrated from 24th of May to 16th of June, so you still have plenty of time to come and celebrate the culinary delights of Helsinki – either with the new Michelin start restaurants or some other nice restaurants or cafés I’ve mentioned in my Visual travel guide to Helsinki.

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    This article is part of my
    → Trip to Helsinki – Visual Travel Guide.

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    → here.

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    → cafés / restaurants / attractions / events

  • Hanami 2024: A Glimpse of Japanese Culture in Helsinki’s Roihuvuori Cherry Park

    Last to last weekend, the annual celebration of cherry blossoms, known in Japan as Hanami, took place in the Roihuvuori Cherry Park in Helsinki. This event has become a beloved tradition, drawing thousands of visitors eager to witness the fleeting beauty of the cherry blossoms. Although only a few buds had blossomed into delicate pink flowers by Saturday, the atmosphere was far from dampened. The anticipation of the full bloom, coupled with the festive spirit, created an unforgettable experience for all attendees.

    Video duration 20:52

    Hanami 2024 celebrations in Helsinki, Finland

    A Glimpse of Japanese culture in Helsinki

    Hanami, which translates to “flower viewing,” is a traditional Japanese custom that dates back centuries. It involves gathering under blooming cherry trees, enjoying the transient beauty of the flowers, and celebrating with family and friends. This tradition has found a special place in Helsinki’s cultural calendar, particularly in the Roihuvuori district, where the cherry trees have been carefully cultivated to thrive in Finland’s climate.

    The Roihuvuori Cherry Park: A Blossoming Oasis

    Roihuvuori Cherry Park, established in 2007, has become the epicenter of Hanami celebrations in Helsinki. The park is home to approximately 200 cherry trees, creating a picturesque landscape that comes alive with color during the blooming season. The park’s design and the meticulous care of the trees reflect the Japanese aesthetic and philosophy, emphasizing harmony with nature.

    The Celebration: A Blend of cultures

    This year’s Hanami was marked by a blend of traditional Japanese and Finnish elements. Visitors enjoyed a variety of activities, including martial arts demonstrations, and performances of Japanese cosplay. Local food vendors offered a mix of Japanese and Finnish delicacies, allowing attendees to savor flavors from both cultures.

    Families and friends spread out picnic blankets under the cherry trees, sharing homemade treats and store-bought delicacies. Despite the early stage of the bloom, the park was filled with laughter, music, and the joy of communal celebration. Children ran around, playing games, while adults relaxed and soaked in the serene beauty of the park.

    Capturing the moment: A Personal experience

    As a travel influencer and a photographer, I had the privilege of capturing the essence of Hanami in Roihuvuori. My video, which I have shared below, offers a glimpse into the vibrant festivities that filled the park. In the video, lasting 20 minutes and 50 seconds, I exceptionally provide an improvised commentary in English. The video encapsulates the spirit of Hanami and the unique cultural fusion that makes this event so special.

    Read more:

    This article is part of my
    → Trip to Helsinki – Visual Travel Guide.

    You can find all my Helsinki travel videos
    → here.

    Discover more Helsinki content
    → cafés