World Design Capital: Finnish Lines

By Jeffry Gunawan - October 16, 2012
  • Newly built pavilion links the Design Museum and the Museum of Finnish Architecture.

    Newly built pavilion links the Design Museum and the Museum of Finnish Architecture.

  • Helsinki’s landmark Upenski Cathedral looms above the waterfront.

    Helsinki’s landmark Upenski Cathedral looms above the waterfront.

  • Historic facades along Erottajankatu, across from Diana park.

    Historic facades along Erottajankatu, across from Diana park.

  • The kamppi Chapel of Silence.

    The kamppi Chapel of Silence.

  • Glo Hotel Art inhabits a fairytale castle in the heart of Helsinki’s Design District.

    Glo Hotel Art inhabits a fairytale castle in the heart of Helsinki’s Design District.

  • Glassware at the Design Forum.

    Glassware at the Design Forum.

  • Service with a smile at Kaffa Roaster.

    Service with a smile at Kaffa Roaster.

  • Grilled beef entrecôte with cabbage salad at Savu on Tervasaari Island.

    Grilled beef entrecôte with cabbage salad at Savu on Tervasaari Island.

  • Historic facades along Erottajankatu, across from Diana park.

    Historic facades along Erottajankatu, across from Diana park.

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THE DETAILS
Helsinki

Getting There

Finnish flag carrier  Finnair (finnair.com) operates direct daily services to Helsinki from Hong Kong and Singapore.

Where to Stay

In the Design District, Klaus K (2–4 Bulevardi; 358-20/770-4700; klauskhotel.com; doubles from US$175) offers themed rooms, an art-filled lobby, a nightclub, and, of course, a sauna. Or, just a few blocks away, there’s GLO Hotel Art (29 Lönnrotinkatu; 358-10/344-4100; hotelglo.fi; doubles from US$122), a 170-room property that occupies a 1903-built castle.

Where to Eat

Savor sapas—Finland’s answer to tapas—at Juuri (27 Korkeavuorenkatu; 358-9/635-732), or head to Savu (3 Tervasaari; 358-97/425-5574) for pine-tar beer and smoked meats.

Where to Shop

The Design District website (designdistrict.fi) lists dozens of the area’s top shops, including Ivana Helsinki (15 Uudenmaan-katu; 358-9/622-4422; ivanahelsinki.com), Artek (18 Eteläesplanadi; 358-50/595-9262), and Iittala (25 Pohjoisesplanadi; 358-20/439-3501).

What to do

Helinski will be celebrating its World Design Capital status for the rest of the year; visit the program’s website ( wdchelsinki2012.fi) for a list of events and programs.

Originally appeared in the August/September 2012 print issue of DestinAsian magazine (“Finnish Lines”)

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