The Helsinki Grand Hansa offers luxurious accommodations and an ideal location near the Finnish capital’s top attractions.
As summer approaches, vacationers are increasingly drawn to the cooler northern climes, seeking refuge from the sizzling streets of southern Europe. A recent report from the European Tourism Commission reveals a remarkable surge in short-term rentals across the region—up by 37 percent in Norway, 32 percent in Sweden, and 24 percent in Finland. In this revitalized interest, few cities offer a more distinctive experience than Helsinki, where Lonkero, the national drink, is poured and the concept of the sauna, complete with the gentle sting of birch branches, originated.
Getting to this enchanting destination is a breeze, thanks to Icelandair’s direct flights from New York’s JFK and LaGuardia airports. A swift train ride transports travelers to Eliel Saarinen’s stunning Art Deco station, located right in the city’s vibrant heart. Just a stone’s throw away, Helsinki University stands proudly alongside the historic Old and New Student Houses, once neighboring the iconic Hotel Seurahuone. Today, these landmarks have been beautifully transformed into the five-star Helsinki Grand Hansa, a distinguished member of the NH Collection, which opened its doors in spring 2022.
The hotel features contemporary Scandinavian design across its 224 guest rooms and suites, with rates beginning at €230 ($258) and peaking at €5,259 ($5,480) for the lavish Presidential Suite. Spanning a remarkable 1,722 square feet, this suite comfortably sleeps three and boasts not only the usual amenities but also a cozy sitting area and exclusive spa access. Guests can enjoy breathtaking views of Saarinen’s train station and the beloved modernist sculpture, The Three Smiths, a noted meeting place just off the bustling Aleksanterinkatu street. Dining options at the Hansa Café Bar & Brasserie showcase traditional Finnish cuisine, with highlights such as creamy lobster soup served with tomatoes, vanilla, and lobster ravioli. For vegetarians, the grilled hispi cabbage with caramelized Jerusalem artichoke purée is a must-try, while the heartier grilled beef entrecôte comes paired with a rich mushroom purée, Madeira sauce, and fries.
For a taste of the local nightlife, head to the Kupoli bar inside the hotel’s historic dome-shaped tower, offering stunning 360-degree views as you sip on unique cocktails. Don’t miss out on the Lonkero— a gin-based favorite blended with grapefruit soda—or opt for a twist like the Plumhattan, incorporating a local sour plum cordial. For something bolder, try the Apple & Brown Butter Whiskey Sour, which harmonizes brown butter-washed Bulleit Rye with local Applejack, sour apple juice, honey, and a splash of lemon.
The surrounding neighborhood presents a captivating blend of traditional and contemporary Finnish architecture. A stone’s throw away, Oodi Library stands as a beacon of modern design. Opened in 2018 and crafted by ALA Architects, this stunning glass and steel structure features a wooden facade echoing traditional Scandinavian aesthetics. It’s an inviting oasis amid the city’s bustle, perfect for contemplation or a cozy read.
(Jordan Riefe)
Not far from Oodi is the Glass Palace, a 1930s structure that exemplifies Bauhaus design principles. Within its walls, offices and restaurants flourish, alongside the Bio Rex movie theater, dedicated to showcasing arthouse films. A short distance further lies Finlandia Hall, a modernist gem crafted by Alvar Aalto that embodies the concept of Gesamtkunstwerk—a total work of art—integrating every material from furniture to flooring in a harmonious design.
For those drawn to history, the Uspenski Cathedral, the largest Orthodox church in Northern and Western Europe, is a must-visit. Completed in 1868 and constructed from 700,000 bricks shipped from the demolished Bomarsund Fortress, this masterpiece features the iconic Kozelshchyna icon, which has weathered its own dramatic saga, including theft and recovery during World War II.
(Jordan Riefe)
A block away from the Grand Hansa Hotel sits the Ateneum Art Museum, home to masterpieces from legends like Picasso, Van Gogh, and Munch, as well as remarkable works by Finnish artists such as Eero Järnefelt and Ellen Thesleff, whose vibrant palettes breathe life into their landscapes and portraits.
A leisurely walk through Kaisaniemi Park leads you across the historic Pitkäsilta Bridge, initially constructed of wood in 1651. Now sturdily made of cement, it has withstood the trials of Finland’s civil war and World War II bombings.
For dinner, stop by Graniittilinna, an establishment steeped in history, where patrons have gathered since 1884. It was here that Vladimir Lenin, exiled from Russia, met with fellow revolutionaries prior to the 1917 upheaval. His “Revolutionary Table” still graces the restaurant, where you can indulge in traditional dishes like lamb vorschmack with schnapps or savor more adventurous offerings such as roast Arctic char or sautéed reindeer.
After immersing yourself in the sights, sounds, and flavors of Finland’s capital, it’s time to relax. The Usva spa at the Grand Hansa—named for the ethereal mist that cloaks Finnish lakes—invites you to unwind with massages, facials, and, of course, the quintessential sauna experience.
Choose from three sauna options: traditional Finnish, an infrared option that promotes heart health, or the steam variety that encourages respiratory wellness. An invigorating finish involves whipping yourself with birch branches—a delightful — and traditional — practice that enhances circulation and exfoliation. As you bask in the warmth of the sauna, you’ll start to understand why Finland consistently ranks high on the UN’s World Happiness Report.