IF you’re looking for a steamy sauna session by the sea or a fish supper fit for kings, Helsinki is waiting for you.
Often overlooked, the Nordic taste for fine art and luxury shopping makes for a Fin-tastic travel spot.
In a country of 5.5 million people, Finland has more than 3 million saunas, so get your sweat on!
At Löyly on the waterfront, you can cool off with a dip in the Baltic Sea post-sauna.
Two-hour sessions cost from £20 (Loylyhelsinki.fi).
Or try one of the five saunas at Allas Sea Pool, where there are also heated and saltwater pools, plus a beach.
Entry costs from £15 for two hours (Allasseapool.fi).
After a bird’s-eye view and bragging rights?
Take in the capital from SkySauna on the city’s SkyWheel.
Prices start from £200 for four (Skywheel.fi).
Finland is known for its Iittala glassware and Arabia ceramics, so hit Retronomi on Lönnrotinkatu to nab incredible retro interiors bargains (Retronomi.fi).
For beautifully curated vintage clothing by Finnish brand Marimekko, as well as labels like Moschino, stop by Relove Freda in Fredrikinkatu (Relove.fi).
Then stock up on beauty treats at Normal in Mannerheimintie.
Like a Scandi Superdrug, it’s packed with affordable Nordic brands, such as By Veira and RTH (Normal.eu).
At cosy Mat Distrikt, expect traditional dishes like pike-perch fish, from £21 (Matdistrikt.fi).
Vegetarians are spoiled at Yes Yes Yes, where the food is as colourful as the interior.
Try halloumi fries with redcurrants, £11, and aubergine schnitzel with smoked tofu cream, £15 (Yesyesyes.fi).
After a tipple? Pick from 750 wines at stylish Muru or opt for a blind tasting of three, £13 (Murudining.fi/ en/viinibaari).
Education is free for all in Finland, even university, and at Oodi, the central library, you’ll find everything from 3D printers and guitars, to sewing machines and podcast studios.
Look out for the cute robots ferrying books around, too (Oodihelsinki.fi).
The Amos Rex museum is as much fun above ground, with its glass portholes, as below, with its modern art galleries.
Entry costs £17 (Amosrex.fi).
Find interiors inspo at The Aalto House, home of Finnish architect and designer Alvar Aalto – his 1936 pad still somehow feels very contemporary.
Entry costs £25 (Alvaraalto.fi).
Hop on the Helsinki City Transport ferry to Suomenlinna island and explore the 18th-century sea fortress with its cannons and tunnels, plus artisan workshops.
There are six museums to pick from, too (Suomenlinna.fi).
For a wilder boat ride, try the Redrib Experience to Helsinki’s archipelago of more than 300 islands and spot cormorants, herons and stunning lakeside homes.
Trips cost from £113 (Redrib.fi).
Or live like a local with a forest hike at Liesjärvi National Park and forage for mushrooms and berries, before dining among the trees.
Day tours cost from £124 (Taigatimes.com).
Recently opened NH Collection Grand Hansa Helsinki is housed in historic buildings and full of art nouveau details.
Sip a fennel and pear highball, £16, at the rooftop bar, before bedding down in your Scandi-chic room, complete with rain shower.
Double rooms cost from £122 a night (Nh-collection.com).
Plus, you’re minutes from the city’s biggest department store, Stockmann, should the need to shop strike!
Sauna is the only Finnish word to make it into the English language.
Flights from the UK to Helsinki cost from £48 return.
