Finding Your Finnish Finesse Under the Northern Lights

Divine design & steamy saunas

Finland’s capital, Helsinki, feels like a secret members’ club for design and sustainability. Luxury here isn't screaming, it's glowing quietly, folded between layers of light and timber. Step into the Rock Church, carved from bedrock and crowned in copper; trace Alvar Aalto’s calm geometry across the city; and end at Löyly, where the steam meets the sea. This is architecture as ritual, comfort as craft. (I’ll point you toward the saunas with sunset views and the best post-steam plunge—no crowds, no tourist traps.)

Dancing lights & silent nights

Chasing the Northern Lights doesn’t have to mean braving the cold or chaos. Head deeper into the north to Saariselkä or Ivalo, where nature handles the spectacle and Finnish design perfects the comfort. Trade the midnight tours for a glass-roofed igloo, watching ribbons of green and violet drift above silent forests as you sip something warm. When the darkness dazzles and the stillness feels indulgent, you realize that in Finland, luxury isn’t in the chase—it’s in the calm that follows.

Breaking ice, the Finnish way

Up in Kemi, winter dances to its own soundtrack with the deep groan of the frozen Baltic, the steady rhythm of steel carving through ice. Aboard Sampo Icebreaker, you sail across a solid sea that cracks open like glass beneath the hull. Step outside and feel the Arctic stillness wrap around you, or float in the dark water dressed head-to-toe in survival gear, laughing at how calm it all feels. Every crunch, shimmer, and shiver is surreal.

Plant-based in Finland: From forest to fork

Finnish cuisine may be known for reindeer and salmon, but its plant-based scene is quietly thriving. The same forests that feed the soul also fill the table, with wild mushrooms, berries, and roots that taste like the landscape itself. Oats are the quiet star here, shaping everything from creamy lattes to crisp breads and oat-based “pulled meat.” Even traditional dishes like Karelian pastries get a thoughtful vegetarian twist. Whether you’re vegan, curious, or just hungry for something honest, Finland serves comfort deliciously.

Doctor’s orders: One dose of Finland

Happiness has a home, and it’s surprisingly quiet. In Finland, wellness is effortless, found in the heat of the sauna, the clarity of the air, and the rhythm of still water against pine forests. Across the country, lakeside yoga studios, forest-bathing paths, and holistic retreats offer space to pause and breathe again. Finns are quietly leading the wellness world, redefining happiness through silence and balance.

Löyly (Helsinki)

Part sauna, part seaside restaurant, Löyly embodies Finnish wellness culture in every detail. After a steam and a brave plunge, settle in for brunch or dinner with seasonal vegetarian dishes, like roasted root vegetables and rye bread with local cheeses—all best enjoyed with a Kyrö gin and tonic and ocean views.

Pizzeria Via Tribunali (Helsinki)

For a relaxed evening, Via Tribunali serves Neapolitan pizzas straight from a wood-fired oven. Their classic margherita and seasonal veggie options are consistently excellent, and the easy, no-reservations vibe makes it a favorite among locals.

Lie Mi (Helsinki)

Bright, modern Vietnamese flavors meet Finnish ingredients at Lie Mi. Order the vegetarian pho or the tofu-filled Shanghai tacos—light, comforting, and perfect for a mid-trip break from Nordic fare.

Magu (Helsinki)

Magu turns plant-based dining into an art form. Menus shift with the seasons, inspired by Finnish forests and Mediterranean ease. Expect inventive dishes, elegant plating, and a wine list that is carefully curated, as is the food itself. Magu effortlessly makes vegan dining indulgent and intelligent.

Roots Helsinki (Helsinki)

Part yoga studio, part vegan café, Roots Helsinki is where mornings feel slower and coffee tastes better. Order their all-day breakfasts, smoothies, or pastries and settle into the plant-filled calm.

Gustav Kitchen & Bar (Rovaniemi)

In the heart of Lapland, Gustav offers thoughtful Nordic dining with several plant-based options. The pumpkin risotto is a quiet standout, and dishes are best shared family-style over a good Finnish wine.

Northern Lights Village Restaurant (Saariselkä)

At this glass-roofed resort, dinner comes with a view of the aurora. The restaurant’s buffet always includes vegan options, from hearty soups to roasted vegetables, with more available on request. Simple, nourishing, and beautifully presented.

Juuri (Helsinki)

Book a table here for an impressive date night. Their modern Finnish sapas—seasonal small plates, many naturally vegetarian—show how refined simplicity can taste.