The Winter Noel

After landing in Helsinki, your private driver will drive you east. Your first stop is The Old Town of Porvoo, where a short break with coffee and pastries will set the December mood.

Then, continue to Kotka and check-in at the Original Sokos Hotel Seurahuone - central and convenient, with guest saunas open in the evenings, making your arrival day easy.

Late afternoon brings Laituri Sauna positioned by the Sapokka Marina: a relaxed public sauna with an ice opening for winter swimming when the water freezes and cold dips, and a small café for hot drinks before or after.

In the morning, head to Loviisa, where private historic houses open their doors in December. Inside, living rooms and kitchens are prepared for Christmas: candles, tiled stoves warming, handmade decorations and the scent of mulled wine, gingerbread and Christmas “stars”. Some homes have a small café or play soft Christmas music. The hosts welcome you and give you a close look at very ordinary Finnish Christmas traditions - as they are lived in these old houses.

In the afternoon, the next stop is Tykkimäen Sauna by Lake Käyrälampi. Located right at the shore of the lake, that acts a long winter swimming pool area. Here, a 2,500-kilogram stone stove provides deep, moist heat. Heated walkways with handrails make the walk down to the water easy - even in frosty conditions. 

Private transfer take you back to the Sokos Hotel.

After breakfast, your private transfer brings you to Helsinki and Hotel Katajanokka - a former county prison turned into a warm, design-led hotel, positioned on a small island by the harbor and close to the beautiful Uspenski Cathedral. Settle in, and then stroll to the Tuomaan Markkinat at the Cathedral: lights, local makers and producers offers the experience of seasonal flavors and tastes in a classic square.

Later in the afternoon, the next stop is Kotiharjun Sauna in Kallio - Helsinki’s oldest wood-fired public sauna (1928), with separate men’s and women’s sections. Expect steady, traditional löyly; if you wish, add a pesijä - a traditional wash and scrub-woman, and experience Finnish sauna culture at its absolute core.
When the heat peaks, step outside for a simple cool-down on the bench, and have a chat with the local population.
The evening stays open for your pace.

In the morning, settle into Löyly Sauna - Helsinki’s timber-clad landmark on the shoreline, with broad terraces and steps leading straight to the sea.

Move between 3 distinct saunas: the smoke sauna - soft yet intense, fired for hours and then allowed to breathe; the continuously heated wood-fired sauan for steady, social heat; and a spacious electric sauna for balance.

Between rounds, take the ladders down for a winter dip; when the Baltic freezes, a hole is kept in the ice. The house is both public social hub and meeting place and architectural icon at the same time. With public sessions and a restaurant/bar if you wish to pause briefly before travel.

When you’re ready, your transfer takes you to the airport.