Mariannah

Hi all,

I'm looking forward to a trip to Finland this December, and an idea I'm really taken with is a spot of ice-skating, especially outdoors and especially especially on the harbour. I've no idea if this is possible. Does the Harbour freeze over in December in Helsinki? Are there places where you can skate? I realize this is pretty esoteric but any advice would be appreciated!

elina

A romantic idea, but all Helsinki´s harbours are open all through the year. They are busy busy, and the ships are the size of an apartment block, so no way the sea could freeze. And if it would, the ice would be broken by icebreakers.

The end of January + February + March people skate, ski and walk (even drive a car) on sea, but that is not in harbours (or even near), it is elsewhere. It would be too dangerous near ship routes.

Last year there was an outside skating rink with music right next to the main railway station. There are also outside skating rinks in just about every part of town, only December tends to be too warm for them, they usually start Xmas at earliest.

elina

I just want to correct the info I gave: The skating rinks are starting to open now. So by December they should all be open.

Mariannah

Thanks Elina! Can you recommend a nice one then? Do they open one up on the square in front of the Cathedral?

elina

No, that square is reserved for the town´s official Christmas tree. I suppose the most central one will again be next to the railway station.

There are many nice ones, but not in the very center.