Helsinki, the capital city of Finland, has now emerged as the world’s most sustainable travel destination from the latest Global Destination Sustainability (GDS) Index. With just 5.5 hours in the flight from Delhi, this metropolis offers an incredible mosaic of vibrant urban culture coupled with serene natural beauty, sitting along the Gulf of Finland. This place provides 131 kilometers of shores and greenery covering 40% of the area. It’s the kind of city that offers the most diverse experiences-from exploring its thriving design scene to unwinding in traditional Finnish saunas.
Finland has a sauna tradition older than over 10,000 years. To go to a sauna like Lonna and Löyly-for a visitor in Helsinki-is not only a tradition but also an inescapable experience: being invited to immerse in steam, beat with birch twigs before jumping into cold water, and then returning to warmth. In contrast, Helsinki has its Design District, where cobbled streets with 150 shops present everything, from stylish clothes to antiques. In fact, this is what the whole area is: a symbol of the creative nature of the Finns and contemporary aesthetics.
One of the beautiful pieces of architecture in Helsinki is the Rock Church or the Temppeliaukio Church carved out from the granite rock. It provides extraordinary acoustics by a copper-wired dome and, therefore, music lovers will not give this place a miss. Among other prominent sites are Helsinki Cathedral and the White Neoclassical architectural grandeur standing majestically on Senate Square with white walls and green domes. This is actually the most photographed building of the city and the entire Neoclassical setup at the square creates a photographic site.
The city also boasts a flavor-based culinary scene, which caters to all kinds of dietary preferences. Helsinki has four Green Michelin Star restaurants, thus proving its commitment to sustainability. Traditional dishes such as rice porridge served at Kahvisiskot and hearty meals at Restaurant Pompier and Kosmos are some of the highlights. For market lovers, Hakaniemi Market Hall offers an authentic taste of Finnish culture.
Urban adventures lurk at Suvilahti’s graffiti wall and skatepark, while Teurastamo offers a chilled setting for picnics and grilling. If one is an admirer of nature, then it will be thrilling to engage with Korkee Adventure Park or the secret island called Sisä-Hattu. Travelers will get to explore sustainably, using Helsinki’s high-tech public transport system and sleeping in eco-certified hotels, and even using the Resq Club app for surplus food, in which Helsinki is the epitome of sustainable tourism.