(CNN) — Finland hosts two of the world’s most powerful men when Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin meet on July 16 in Helsinki.
Here are 10 tips for visiting Helsinki.
Pack properly
It’s less a question of comfort than of survival. In July, average temperatures in Helsinki are a pleasant 17 C (62 F). In February, it is minus 6 C (22 F).
Planning to head north? Next, the right clothes are crucial.
Find a sauna
Hot in Helsinki: Saunas.
Finnish Sauna/Harri Tarvainen
Finns love saunas. The country claims to have about 3.5 million, or about one for every 1.6 people.
They come in a variety of forms, including smoke saunas, electric saunas, and portable saunas.
For foreigners, Finnish conversations can be enigmatic
At the same time, the Finnish language does not have the words for “please” or “excuse me”.
The result is that what may seem like a borderline awkward and rude exchange to foreigners is simply everyday conversation for Finns.
Go down to the pub
Winter temperatures make Helsinki a place where an evening can easily turn into hypothermia, so the bars tend to be relaxing – as evidenced by the stacks of board games often found just outside side of the towels.
It is therefore recommended to opt for a lonkero (or long drink, usually consisting of gin and grapefruit soda) and an evening to soak up the atmosphere, ideally having conversations with the locals who feel abrupt and stilted, which is a sign that they are going to swim.
Devour the local specialties
Just avoid thinking about Rudolph while you eat.
Vastavalo/Soili Jussila
Three unmissable must-haves in Finland are salmon stew, lingonberry pie, and reindeer.
Immerse yourself in architecture, especially Alvar Aalto
Perhaps because it has a strong influence from Sweden and Russia, Finnish architecture in general has a distinctive look.
See the Sibelius Monument
After meeting the country’s most renowned architect, why not also say hi to Finland’s most famous composer?
It also includes a bust of Jean Sibelius himself, whose compositions include the beautiful but chilling “Finlandia”.
Admire the art at the Ateneum
In addition to the interesting contemporary artwork inside, Kiasma’s exterior is also a beauty.
Pirje Mykkänen/Finnish National Gallery
Not known for being optimistic, Simberg’s masterpieces include “The Wounded Angel” and “The Garden of Death.”
To dance
More precisely, the tango. The staple food of Buenos Aires was somehow deeply connected to the Finns.
rock out
Apocalyptica: cello interpretations of Metallica hits.
Terhi Ylimäinen
Taking place on the site of the former Suvilahti power plant, it bills itself as the “largest metal music festival in the Nordic countries”.
hit the ice
Finland has had an outsized impact on the hockey world.
Helsinki-born stars include Jari Kurri, who rose to the NHL Hall of Fame by winning five Stanley Cups with Wayne Gretzky and Mark Messier, and “The Finnish Flash” Teemu Ilmari Selänne, seen as a lock to join Kurri in the Hall this year.
