Travel Itinerary

A sheltered bay right behind the railway station; snow-covered reeds, resident swans and pastel dawn colours make for perfect photos and a gentle wake-up walk.

Cosy red hut by the frozen seashore; grill your own cinnamon buns over an open fire and sip strong coffee while watching locals ice-swim.

Short 15-min commuter ferry across icy waters; keep an eye out for icebreakers and winter seabirds en route to the UNESCO sea fortress.

Follow the snowy coastal path past 18th-century ramparts, cannons and frozen rocks; excellent views over the Gulf of Finland. Wear good boots—paths can be slippery.

Finish the island walk in the old Russian naval warehouse; try hearty salmon soup and house-brewed stout before catching the ferry back.

Back in the centre, browse Finnish design shops along Esplanadi and pop into a glass-walled café for kardemummapulla (cardamom bun) under heated lamps.

End the winter day the Finnish way: hot wood-fired sauna, terrace dip through a hole in the sea ice, then relax by the fire with birch-scented steam and city-lights views.

Warm wooden interior overlooking Senate Square; enjoy reindeer meatballs, lingonberry mash and cloudberry dessert served in enamelware—classic flavours with a modern twist.