10 iconic Finnish items you can find at the airport

Article published
4.8.2015 at 06:00
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Arctic Bar sign on a glass railing
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At Helsinki Airport you can see, feel, and taste Finnishness. We’ve put together a list for passengers on the lookout for all things Finnish.

1. Moomins

The Moomins are fictional characters created by Finnish author and artist Tove Jansson. The lives and adventures of the Moomin family and their friends are described in novels and comics, and they decorate dishes and towels, for instance.

2. Food

Sample authentic Finnish food in our cafés, from Karelian pastries and salmon sandwiches to a big jam-filled doughnut. 

 

 

Finnish meats, fish, cheeses, berry products, and alcoholic beverages are great gifts from Finland. You can find them in these shops, for example: 

3. Design items

You may already be familiar with Marimekko's wide selection of lifestyle products. 

A wooden chair or stool designed by Alvar Aalto is a good setting for enjoying a refreshing glass of Finnish berry juice.

Almost@home Lounge features Artek '2nd Cycle' furniture, which you can buy and take with you. 

4. Silence

At Kainuu Lounge, you can relax in chairs made from trees blown over in storms and listen to the sounds of the forest. 

Suvanto pods represent new Finnish design of wood objects, offering a peaceful place to relax or work. 

  • Suvanto, Gates 16–17, 18–19, and 37

5. Art

Helsinki Airport exhibits works of art by several Finnish artists, such as a relief by Laila Pullinen made of Finnish copper and depicting the inner movements of the forces of nature. 

One of the newest acquisitions is by Seppo Koho. The sculpture, of wood, glass and steel,  symbolises the calm, serene mindscape and nature of Finland.

Finland's best-known composer, Jean Sibelius, was born 150 years ago. To celebrate the occasion, the Art Gallery is hosting the photographic exhibition Sibelius & Images from Finland.

6. The sauna

Finnair Lounge offers refreshments and an opportunity to enjoy a Finnish sauna experience. Cosmetics made from Finnish berries are available also. 

7. Snow

In Lapland, the skiing season runs from November to late spring, You can reach six separate destinations in Lapland from Helsinki Airport in no time, landing right in the middle of the action. 

At the airport, we can create a summery atmosphere on the runway even in the middle of the winter in mere 10 minutes. At the peak of the snowy season, you can spot all nine snow-blowing vehicles cleaning the runway, side by side.  

Watch a video: Finnish SnowHow 

8. Santa

At the airport, you can visit Santa's shop and buy Finnish toys and craft products as presents.  

  • Kankurin Tupa, Gates 26 and 33–34.

Per tradition, Santa visits and greets passengers at Helsinki Airport in the weeks leading up to Christmas.

At other times, you can meet him in Rovaniemi at Santa Claus Village or SantaPark. A flight from Helsinki Airport to Rovaniemi, Santa's official airport, takes only an hour and 20 minutes.

Watch a video: Santa sets off at Rovaniemi Airport 

9. The Finnish flag

Finnair's aeroplanes feature a modified version of the Finnish flag on their tail. The white colour symbolises snow, and the blue refers to our many waterways. Come admire the takeoffs and landings at the airport.  

P.S. Did you know that Finnair's fleet includes two Airbuses bearing Marimekko's famous Poppy design? Moreover, all Finnair aircraft use 'Marimekko for Finnair' dinnerware and textiles.

 

10. Nature

Nature is an important element for Finns. Examples of Finnish animals and plants are displayed in our baggage claim area, listed as one of the top 10 airport innovations worldwide. The installation is by Finnish designer Stefan Lindfors. 

  • Baggage claim hall 2B

 

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