Fiery Finland!High Times & Haute-Culture in HelsinkiIf you’ve been considering exploring Nordic Europe, you should definitely take note that October through April is a time when the pleasures of music, art, fine dining and history attract the most sophisticated travelers to Finland. This high time of the year, referred to as “The Lively Season” by the Finnish people, is one of the best times to visit the region.
Find details on more destinations throughout Europe by visiting: http://www.travellady.com/Destinations/europe.htm. Check out more masterpieces on exhibit at world class museums by visiting: http://www.travellady.com/Special/museums.htm. For a selection of fine dining choices visit: http://www.travellady.com/Special/restaurants.htm For additional information on Finland's Lively Season contact The Finnish Tourist Board at 212-885-9700 or visit their web sites at www.visitfinland.com/us , www.gofinland.org , or http://www.finlandkingsroad.com . Edited by Art Study |
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In Helsinki, one of Europe's hippest and most sophisticated capitals, you can indulge in a ‘round-the-clock’ whirlwind of activities, including captivating sights such as more than 70 (very different) museums, revitalizing and relaxing saunas, operas & ballets, or shop high-end fashion boutiques such as Marimekko, Ril's and Annikki Karvinen. After a night of frolicking, early birds can stock-up at the Harbor Market where one can expect to find everything from fresh vegetables & fish to reindeer hides and hand-knit mittens. 
It’s easy to find yourself swept up in the momentum generated by this forward spinning city. If museums are your ‘thing’ you can check out the dramatic new Kiasma, famous for its interactive modern exhibits housed in a stunning new architectural triumph. For those who love Manet, you'll be certain to enjoy Albert Edelfelt's 150th anniversary retrospective at Ateneum, which can be seen at the Finnish National Gallery. All of the Finnish painter's masterpieces will be on display through the end of January, after which other fabulous exhibits will be showing.
For funkier frolics, head for the Cable Factory in the new Ruoholahti maritime district. Once an actual factory as its name suggests, it now houses a library, cafes, galleries, museums, venues for rock bands & classical orchestras, martial arts clubs, theatre groups, and is also a site for a wide variety of cultural happenings. 
Or, if your refined tastes leads you to seek a more traditional cultural experience, you can nestle-in at The National Opera House, which concludes its 10th anniversary year with an ambitious season of ballet and opera – including a new production of Swan Lake and La Traviata.
Finland is no stranger to fine dining, either! You can select from more than 40 different types of cuisines, ranging from "tractor" style restaurants offering home cooking to ethnic restaurants such as Thai, Russian and Japanese sushi. Trendy new wine bars, including Gustus & Vera and The Alcove at Hotel Kämp draw nightly crowds, but perhaps most popular is the Arctic Ice-Bar, called Uniq! Then again, if it’s Michelin-starred restaurants you desire, Helsinki has three—Chez Dominique, G.W. Sundmans and Restaurant George; any of which are sure to satisfy even the most sophisticated palette.