The EDS Lass writes about life with EDS, articles on relevant topics and her medical journey.
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I was fortunate to have time to explore Helsinki. The city and nearby islands are beautiful, giving a mix of urban and nature to enjoy and explore. The exploring, food, outdoor swimming asn sauna at Allas Pool and boat trips to Lonna were fantastic!
Helsinki, the captial of Finland, is located on its southern coast.
I traveled to Helsinki for a conference, and while the schedule was packed, I managed to carve out some time to explore the city with a friend.
The city’s combination of modern design, historic charm, and waterfront scenery was beautiful. We spent an afternoon wandering the streets around Helsinki Cathedral, admiring the striking white façade and green domes that dominate Senate Square. The surrounding neoclassical buildings and cobbled streets made it the perfect introduction to the city, offering plenty of photo opportunities and a sense of Helsinki’s history.
Allas Sea Pool is a unique spot right on the waterfront. Allas Sea Pool has heated pools and saunas, floating on and with views over the Baltic Sea. What a dream! I loved enjoying the sun, swimming in the heated sea water and visits to the floating sauna, then a gorgeous vegan chocolate cake from the cafe.
Afterwards, it was easy to jump on a boat around a few of the close by islands, from the harbour. Being around water and on boats are some of my favourite environments, so this was fantastic.
The next morning, we got a boat out to Lonna Island, just a boat short ride from the city. The island was peaceful, with walking paths, a sauna, historic buildings, and stunning sea views.
We enjoyed the fantastic vegan food and drinks at Allas restaurant when we got back to Helsinki, looking over the water where we had just been.
We discovered a hidden speakeasy bar tucked away behind an unmarked door, near the Cathedrale. The atmosphere was intimate and stylish, with expertly crafted cocktails that made the experience feel truly special (though no photos were allowed).
We wondered the city the next day in the sunshine, ending up at the Old Market Hall.
We made sure to revisit Helsinki Cathedral during the day, to see inside, hear the organ and see the art work in the crypt.
Afterwards we enjoying drinks on a rooftop bar with hot air baloons in the sky!
We were delighted to have dinner at Maga., experiencing a 11-course dinner, of: carrot gazpacho, seaweed wonton, rye bread with smoked creme fraiche & zucchini and torn tortilla with sweet pea & avocado. Open field cucumber with cucumber sorbet & yogurt, waffle, feta & strawberry balsamic sauce, beetroot tarte tatin, almond ricotta & radish, miso glazed aubergine, kale & pumpkin seed. Lemon & saffron risotto. Fermented fava bean, cabbage, blackcurrant sauce & cauliflower. Wild blueberry, hazelnut, vanilla- juniper berry, meringue & fireweed flower.
The Helsinki trip was a perfect balance city and nature, from conference sessions to wandering historic streets, enjoying the waterfront pools, exploring a nearby island, incredible vegan food and relaxing in a hidden bar. Experiencing the city with a friend made it all the more memorable. Highly recommend this lovely city!
The EDS Lass 