Last updated on March 18, 2022
Steve’s beard is made of ice and the snow is dancing to the shape of the wind. We smile, enchanted by the magic of winter.
We’re arrived to the first snowfall of the season, the Finns delighting in relief from the darkness. It was a black Christmas in Helsinki, a rare and unwelcome occurrence. Winter suits this city. It lights the streets and makes a playground of nature. Its sea, lakes and rivers harden for the skaters, the hills become toboggan slopes and the intrepid bring out their skis.
Snow stops London. It invigorates Helsinki. Planes land, buses run, and children travel to school. “You came at the right time” say the locals. “There’s only one thing that Finns complain about in weather, and that is darkness. We love the snow.”
And we love it too. We try our hand at curling, we dance the tango on a frozen stage, and smash plates of ice with childlike glee. When you look towards the sun in a snowy landscape, flecks of glitter dart before your eyes — fairy dust for the imagination. Everything sparkles.
And when your fingers freeze beyond delight and your cheeks reach their rosy peak, you step inside, you drink some glüg and indulge in warm cinnamon buns.
Transitions are this city’s specialty. From dark winters to nightless summers, from -30 to 30 degrees. Just like its people who run from the sauna to the ice of the sea, Helsinki’s comfortable in the extremes.
Helsinki, we’re in love.
Beautiful. I’d love to get to Helsinki and now I think I know what time of year a visit should be!
Thank you. I hear it’s also gorgeous in summertime but the winter is totally enchanting.
Beautiful. A friend of mine was just in Helsinki over New Year and said it was miserable without snow, and that everyone was complaining. Sounds lovely as you experienced it. I don’t think I could deal with all the dark, though.
Yes, there was definitely a palpable sense of relief in the city. WE arrived on the first day of snow!
Victoria, this is beautiful! Your descriptions were so lovely, and took me right to the glittering ice. I’ve only ever been to Helsinki in the summer, so I’m thinking a wintry visit needs to happen soon 🙂 xo
Thank you Candace. That means a lot coming from such a wonderful writer as yourself 🙂
Beautiful post. Helsinki was already high on my to-do list, but this post has propelled it even higher now!
Yay! Do it! Helsinki is wonderful.
What a nice way of describing my homecity. Nice to hear your thought about it! Too bad I didn’t get to know you, your stories and adventures sound really nice! Maybe at some other fair then! Enjoy your travels, keep living your dream – the life you want to live!
Thank you! Sorry I didn’t get to meet you too. I’m pretty sure I’ll be back again though. I want to see the city in summer!
Such a lovely description of the city. Certainly makes me want to visit it in the winter 🙂
Thank you Casey! Hope you’re still enjoying San Pancho 🙂
Lovely read and another imaginary side trip to winter wonderland! The snow seems to make your inspiration glow… Or is it the cinnamon buns?? 😉
Hmm, I’m not sure. Perhaps both. Snow and cinnamon buns are a pretty awesome combination! Pleased you enjoyed it 🙂
Btw Victoria, almost inevitably I had to think of your Helsinki post when I stumbled across following video:
https://vimeo.com/85037704
I think the “visual poetry” matches quite well the one in your post – even though it might be scenes from a different “winter wonderland”… Maybe also something for the next “dose of inspiration”…!? 🙂
That’s a great compliment. Thank you!
Love this! The writing was so light and lovely and made me feel like I was right there experiencing the magic alongside you. I never would have thought that a visit to Finland in the winter would be anything other than drudgery, but you’ve convinced me otherwise. I hate the thought of endless nighttime skies, but I suppose that balances out the days when all is full of sunlight. Sounds like you had a blast!
Excellent! I’m pleased I’ve helped you realise that Helsinki is far from full of drudgery. The snow is like a winter sun. It’s gorgeous. And thanks for the compliments on my writing 🙂
You make my hometown sound so magical – so beautiful. Sadly I didn’t get to meet you guys, though I think we were at the same events last week. I’m glad you enjoyed it though!
It is magical! You’re lucky to call it home Sorry not to have met you too. I will be back!
Great writing. It sounds like a wonderful place and unlike London it actually gets to 30 degrees in the summer?! Amazing! 😉
Thanks Carmen. Yes, I’d love to go there in summer too. There’s loads of parkland so I imagine it would be beautiful.
Beautifully written, oh how I dream of Finland. I really will travel there one day.
Thank you Rachel. Finland is a great place to dream of. I hope you get there soon!
Beautiful, lyrical expression! You are such an incredible writer Victoria, and I loved every word of this post.
Thank you m’dear. You’re too kind x
Beautiful lyrics on this post.
Happy to hear you guys enjoyed my hometown.
Thank you! As you can tell, I loved it there!
Oh, Victoria, this is poetry! I wish I could write like that and yes we are in love too:)
Thank you. That is high praise indeed 🙂