Ep.14 - A Weekend In Helsinki

Ep.14 - A Weekend In Helsinki

Solo Travel To Clear The Head

Helsinki is a beautiful city with a lot of history. It is home to culture, nature, saunas, activities, a sea fortress and 8 National Parks within a two hour drive. Sounds like heaven, right?

I booked my trip to Helsinki the year before, and it was my last trip before the pandemic. Travelling solo, I packed my bags, checked my kit, grabbed my passport, and headed to the airport!

Land Of A Thousand Lakes

Arriving in Helsinki was... actually a bit disappointing. I loved landing in a foreign and unknown territory. I loved the clean crisp air. But Helsinki in March is meant to be covered in snow with a frozen sea; it's why I booked for March. Instead, thanks to global warming, this wasn't the case.

Never mind. Quickly jumping in the taxi (don't do it! Uber is cheaper!), and quizzing the driver on some crucial lingo (thank you, please, etc.) we drove through the streets to my first night stay, just a hostel. I wasn't excited for this one, it was the Airbnb I couldn't wait to see! Read on or listen to find out!

The hostel was good though. Easy check in, free breakfast. Then I booked the Uber to collect my car rental.

Collecting the car, and boasting about its horsepower to Instagram, I decided to head out to Teijo National Park. When looking at the Finnish National Parks website it is incredible to see just how many National Parks are within a two hour drive of Helsinki!

Arriving at Teijo, I was the only soul there! After checking that it wasn't in some way closed, I decided to take a walk around. See for yourself here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbwq0-GgFRY The park was spectacular. Quiet, fresh, beautiful and I had it all to myself. After taking a quick rest by the frozen lake, I packed up and headed out to the Airbnb. The reason why I was excited? Two words:

Private. Sauna.

This had me hooked since I booked. Not only that, but it had a balcony right next to that not-so-frozen sea that I was excited to experience. If you want to check it out for yourself, you can click here. The hosts were fantastic, and it is a 10 minute walk from the city centre, whilst being right next to a local shop too.

The rest of the night just consisted of getting relaxed and changed, grabbing food (and the world's gift itself: Somersby Apple Cider - Bottled!) and heading out to the city centre. I visited the Allas Outdoor Pool and Sauna (highly recommend, definitely did not steal the towel!). Then, I went to the best Italian restaurant I have had the damn pleasure of eating at and had one of the best red wines. I sat outside with a blanket, drinking an Espresso Martini (or three) at Holiday Bar watching the world go by, and went home to sleep.

A Change Of Plan

The next day I rose early, experiencing sunrise on the balcony at -1 degree Celsius. I'm meant to be driving 6 hours North to Koli National Park today. I had this great idea of watching sunset from the top of this cliff, overlooking flat forest land. I had even researched to make sure it faced West!

But that's the problem with making plans from afar; they often don't stick. Plus, 12 hours total driving - just driving - seemed like a waste of time. It was Day 2 and I had already got the check-in notification for my return flight.

I love a roadtrip and all, but that just seemed crazy.

"It is incredible to see just how many National Parks are within a two hour drive of Helsinki!"

So, over a croissant and coffee, I quickly changed plans. I'd explore Helsinki tomorrow (read on or listen to find out more!) and tick off the two other local National Parks on the list today.

Getting showered, sauna'd, and dressed I grabbed my kit and headed to the car:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRPuCaJEpMk You can watch above or listen to the podcast for more info, but this day was a delight. Well, mostly. Life will hit no matter where you are and what you're doing, and my head decided to see the solitude as a chance to go over some less-than-positive things.

You just have to process it, and chat with somebody about it if you can!

Being met with stunning forests, beautiful silence, and ice and snow, I arrived back at the Airbnb happy with the outcome!

At Nuuksio National Park I did the Klassarinkierros Trail. At Sipoonkorpi National Park I did the Kalkinpolttajan Trail (which takes you to the top of Hogberget).

TOP TIP: Google Maps takes you to Nuuksio on the West side of the park, the opposite side I wanted for the original trail I had researched.

I tried to get to a local Finnish restaurant I had google'd. After finding it was fully booked I tried really hard to resist. I did. I promise! But went back to that Italian Restaurant for my pizza and red wine.

Bliss!

Exploring Helsinki On Foot

Time for the last day. You know the drill by now: balcony, sunrise, sauna, bags, out the door. It was a shame to check-out so soon after checking in, but it was 6AM and I had a city to explore!

You can listen to the podcast to find out more, or watch the videos below. I got a Helsinki Card but really the highlights for me were Suomenlinna, The Natural History Museum, The National Museum and Löyly Sauna. 28,000 steps later, I was back in the car on my way to the airport.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vog-xaMREms

--------------------

If you enjoy the show please subscribe/follow and share with a friend!

If you really enjoy the show please check out our Patreon site here. Supporting through Patreon really helps cover costs and allow to invest more time into the quality!

To come on the show or work with me, please email on: btmtravelpod@gmail.com

Join in with the community. Instagram/Twitter/Facebook and our new Facebook Page to share your own photos and videos here

Between The Mountains – Adventure Travel Podcast

Jaksot(130)

Leading Expeditions with James Dyer | Ep.108

Leading Expeditions with James Dyer | Ep.108

Well, my apologies for the extremely long, unplanned hiatus. The same day I announced my Denali plans, something came up which has resulted in my becoming - happily - a full-time single Father 7 days a week. The issue is still ongoing but we're back, baby!  The next two episodes were recorded a long time ago and I never got round to releasing them in June (sorry to James and Laura!) but here they are, with new episodes coming fortnightly from October!  James Dyer is this week's guest, and he is an incredibly accomplished man! Hear us discuss everything from the jungle, to the arctic, to leadership. You can follow along with his adventures at: https://www.james-dyer.org/adventures/    --------------------------   If you enjoy the show please:   Subscribe/follow so that you don’t miss another episode; Share with a friend; and Leave a rating on iTunes.   If you really really enjoy the show then   Consider becoming a Patron of the show on Patreon here; Simply buy me a coffee; or Get yourself or someone else some official merchandise.   All of the above helps the podcast to grow as much as possible!   You can get in touch with me on btmtravelpod@gmail.com or using any of the Social Media links: Instagram / Twitter / Facebook / BTM Facebook Group here.

15 Syys 202133min

Sunny Stroeer | Endurance, Mindset, and Chasing The Unpredictable | Ep.107

Sunny Stroeer | Endurance, Mindset, and Chasing The Unpredictable | Ep.107

https://linktr.ee/BetweenTheMountains This episode is supported by Sidetracked Magazine; bringing beautiful imagery and tales of adventure. Check out their magazine and even sign up to their free newsletter here: https://www.sidetracked.com/  Sunny Stroeer is a brilliant mountain endurance runner with achievements spread across winning tough ultra-marathons, setting fastest known times, and a newly found backcountry skiier. Having recently completed the Iditarod under her belt, and with future goals like a South Pole mission in the works, we take a dive into Sunny's mindset and view on acceptable risk, while also discussing the beautiful routes and landscape she has travelled through in her time as an adventurer.  From discussing finding new adventures without increasing objective danger, experiencing burnout to why Sunny adventures and how she dipped her toe in for the first time, this is another must-listen episode! You can follow along with Sunny's adventures on Instagram and on her website too:  http://www.sunnystroeer.com/  https://www.instagram.com/sstroeer/    -------------------------------------------   If you enjoy the show please:   Subscribe/follow so that you don’t miss another episode; Share with a friend; and Leave a rating on iTunes.   If you really really enjoy the show then   Consider becoming a Patron of the show on Patreon here; Simply buy me a coffee; or Get yourself or someone else some official merchandise.   All of the above helps the podcast to grow as much as possible!   You can get in touch with me on btmtravelpod@gmail.com or using any of the Social Media links: Instagram / Twitter / Facebook / BTM Facebook Group here.

19 Kesä 202154min

Ep.106 - Breaking Fastest Known Times with Tyler Andrews

Ep.106 - Breaking Fastest Known Times with Tyler Andrews

https://linktr.ee/BetweenTheMountains  Tyler Andrews is an incredible endurance athlete. Rotating his time between Flagstaff, Arizona and Quito, Ecuador, Tyler is pushing the realms of road and mountain endurance running. Having just got back from Ecuador and achieved 4 Fastest Known Times towards his goal of ten on some big mountains, we got talking for a while and it was an absolute pleasure. The episode discusses endurance running in the mountains, breaking Fastest Known Times, how Tyler adjusts to altitude, lighting the fire inside of you, knowing and understanding your 'Why's', and so much more!  You can follow along with Tyler's adventures via his Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tylercandrews/  Chaski Endurance: https://www.instagram.com/chaski.endurance/  ---------------------------------------- If you enjoy the show please: Subscribe/follow so that you don’t miss another episode; Share with a friend; and Leave a rating on iTunes. If you really really enjoy the show then Consider becoming a Patron of the show on Patreon here; Simply buy me a coffee; or Get yourself or someone else some official merchandise. All of the above helps the podcast to grow as much as possible! You can get in touch with me on btmtravelpod@gmail.com or using any of the Social Media links: Instagram / Twitter / Facebook / BTM Facebook Group here.

11 Kesä 202148min

Ep.105 - Ignore Your Fear and Do That Adventure with Fiona Quinn

Ep.105 - Ignore Your Fear and Do That Adventure with Fiona Quinn

https://linktr.ee/BetweenTheMountains  Fiona Quinn is most notably known for setting a world first and Stand-Up Paddleboarding from Lands End to John O'Groats - including crossing the Irish Sea and narrowly avoiding the third-largest whirlpool in the world.  Still not impressed? Fiona is also afraid of the sea and open water, which makes this incredible feat that much more impressive.  It was a pleasure to have Fiona on for a quick talk about her background, achievements, mindset, and what's next! You can catch her on her website, purchase her book "Ignore The Fear", and follow her on Instagram to keep up to date with her adventures: https://fionalquinn.com/  https://www.instagram.com/fionalquinn/  --------------------------------------- If you enjoy the show please: Subscribe/follow so that you don't miss another episode; Share with a friend; and Leave a rating on iTunes. If you really really enjoy the show then Consider becoming a Patron of the show on Patreon here; Simply buy me a coffee; or Get yourself or someone else some official merchandise. All of the above helps the podcast to grow as much as possible! You can get in touch with me on btmtravelpod@gmail.com or using any of the Social Media links: Instagram / Twitter / Facebook / BTM Facebook Group here.

7 Kesä 202130min

Jenny Tough | Exploring Mountains and Mindset | Ep.104

Jenny Tough | Exploring Mountains and Mindset | Ep.104

This episode is supported by Sidetracked Magazine Read the full blog: https://betweenthemountains.org/2021/05/29/jenny-tough/  https://linktr.ee/BetweenTheMountains  Jenny Tough is an incredible and highly-respected member of the outdoors community. From exploring 3rd world cultures as a child, to cycling from Calgary to the Yukon, to running across a mountain range on every continent, we explore and discuss new questions and topics.  The episode covers Jenny's early experiences and exposure to adventure, processing and managing adversity, the pull of solo expeditions and the discipline it gives you, finding the rewards from hard-pressed Type 2 moments, perusing maps, and so much more! Jenny Tough Jennywas a brilliant guest on the show and it came out as one of my favourite episodes to date. If you don't already, then you must follow Jenny and her adventures on Instagram, which you can find here: @JennyTough Jenny also has a YouTube channel and although she confesses to not updating it as much, here it is. ------------------------------------- If you enjoy the show please: Subscribe/follow so that you don’t miss another episode; Share with a friend; and Leave a rating on iTunes. If you really really enjoy the show then Consider becoming a Patron of the show on Patreon here; Simply buy me a coffee; or Get yourself or someone else some official merchandise. All of the above helps the podcast to grow as much as possible! You can get in touch with me on btmtravelpod@gmail.com or using any of the Social Media links: Instagram / Twitter / Facebook / BTM Facebook Group here.

29 Touko 202144min

Ep.103 - Taking The Path Less Travelled with Matthew Robertson

Ep.103 - Taking The Path Less Travelled with Matthew Robertson

https://linktr.ee/BetweenTheMountains  Read the full blog: https://betweenthemountains.org/2021/05/21/matthew-robertson/  Matthew Robertson is the founder of Momentum Media: specialists in the creation of captivating outdoor content in remarkable locations. But, the origins of that company really capture the attention: bespoke adventures and expeditions which exist to give people life-changing moments in the outdoors. Matthew Robertson himself is even more than that though. His depth of passion that he has for remote and wild places is incredibly inspiring and contagious!   Diving into his insightful experiences with adventure, the episodes discusses his childhood full of adventure and the outdoors, taking the path less travelled, exploring the most incredible hidden gems in Iceland, the importance of the outdoors, the elusive 'happiness', and more!  Matthew Robertson Having Matthew on the show was a complete pleasure, and I hope you enjoy it too. Be sure to take a look at and follow the Instagram page to keep up with the adventures, and enjoy the travel content! ------------------------------------------------  If you enjoy the show please: Subscribe/follow so that you don't miss another episode; Share with a friend; and Leave a rating on iTunes. If you really really enjoy the show then Consider becoming a Patron of the show on Patreon here; Simply buy me a coffee; or Get yourself or someone else some official merchandise. All of the above helps the podcast to grow as much as possible! You can get in touch with me on btmtravelpod@gmail.com or using any of the Social Media links: Instagram / Twitter / Facebook / BTM Facebook Group here.

21 Touko 202152min

Anna Blackwell | Talking Scandinavia and Resilience | Ep.102

Anna Blackwell | Talking Scandinavia and Resilience | Ep.102

Take the 7 question survey about you: https://linktr.ee/BetweenTheMountains  Read the full blog: https://betweenthemountains.org/2021/05/14/talking-scandinavia-and-resilience-with-anna-blackwell/    Anna Blackwell is an adventurer with a special place in her heart for the north of Scandinavia. With multiple trekking and hiking trips to the region under her belt plus more - such as kayaking across Europe from London to the Black Sea - Anna has a huge adventure CV, which we dive into in more depth within the interview.  The episode discusses the pull of adventure, kayaking across Europe, getting on with your travel partner, her love for Scandinavia, lessons learned from adventuring solo in nature, adventure vs. escapism, resilience, and so much more.  Most recently, Anna has just released her short film 'Refuge'. It is a beautifully shot film captured during her most recent trip to Sweden accompanied by some heart-warming words on wild places. You can watch this at the bottom of the blog.  Anna Blackwell Be sure to follow Anna's adventures on her Instagram (@annablackwell) and on her website too. You can also watch her stunning film on the full blog page.  ------------------------------------- If you enjoy the show please: Subscribe/follow so that you don’t miss another episode; Share with a friend; and Leave a rating on iTunes. If you really really enjoy the show then Consider becoming a Patron of the show on Patreon here; Simply buy me a coffee; or Get yourself or someone else some official merchandise. All of the above helps the podcast to grow as much as possible! You can get in touch with me on btmtravelpod@gmail.com or using any of the Social Media links: Instagram / Twitter / Facebook / BTM Facebook Group here.

14 Touko 202138min

Ep.101 - Ray Blakney Gives the Most Insightful View on Culture, Travel, and Languages

Ep.101 - Ray Blakney Gives the Most Insightful View on Culture, Travel, and Languages

Subscribe to the Blog, Newsletter, and support the podcast: https://linktr.ee/BetweenTheMountains  Enter the Episode 100 Giveaway by answering 7 short questions: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/YFXZHCJ  Read the full blog: https://betweenthemountains.org/2021/05/07/ray-blakney/  Growing up as a 3rd culture child, Ray Blakney is a nomadic entrepreneur who has travelled to over 50 countries and speaks four languages. Having lived 75% of his life so far as an expat, he has a unique and insightful view on travel, culture, and languages - he's even set up his own language-learning company called LiveLingua where you can get online tutoring for your language of choice.  In the episode, we discuss growing up as a 3rd culture child (and what that means!), the importance of small things in culture, being more comfortable in foreign countries, volunteering in the Peace Corps, adventure camping on the Great Wall of China, why Morocco is so special, the Inca Trail and watching clouds flow like rivers, an insightful look on the benefits of second languages, and more!  Ray Blakney All of the above, we discuss in the first 15 minutes. The chat with Ray was truly inspiring, fascinating, and in all honesty just felt like having a good chat and catch up at a bar with him. To hear more of his stories, his views, and gain some motivation, click the link below to listen on your platform. Interested in learning a language, or want to strengthen one you already know? Ray founded Live Lingua, an online teaching platform for so many languages. Check it out here. Are you a podcaster or want to feature on a podcast? You can also check out his website Podcast Hawk, which has a discounted offer if signing up this year. ---------------------------------------------------------- If you enjoy the show, please: Subscribe/follow so that you don't miss another episode; Share with a friend; and Leave a rating on iTunes. If you really really enjoy the show then: Consider becoming a Patron of the show on Patreon here; Simply buy me a coffee; or Get yourself or someone else some official merchandise. All of the above helps the podcast to grow as much as possible! You can get in touch with me on btmtravelpod@gmail.com or using any of the Social Media links: Instagram / Twitter / Facebook / BTM Facebook Group here.

7 Touko 202149min

Suosittua kategoriassa Yhteiskunta

olipa-kerran-otsikko
siita-on-vaikea-puhua
sita
aikalisa
rss-ootsa-kuullut-tasta
i-dont-like-mondays
kaksi-aitia
poks
antin-palautepalvelu
kolme-kaannekohtaa
ootsa-kuullut-tasta-2
yopuolen-tarinoita-2
mamma-mia
rss-murhan-anatomia
terapeuttiville-qa
free-opa
kummitusjuttuja
rss-palmujen-varjoissa
rss-haudattu
viisaat-naiset