Discover the Magic of Helsinki This Winter at The Hotel Maria

This winter, Preferred Hotels and Resorts’ The Hotel Maria invites you to celebrate the season in Helsinki, where the charm of snowy landscapes meets a host of exciting, merry activities. From ice skating on frozen lakes to cozy reindeer safaris and the spectacular Northern Lights, Finland is a winter wonderland – and The Hotel Maria is the perfect place to call home while exploring it all.

As Finland’s only Legend property, The Hotel Maria is redefining the hospitality landscape in the Nordics, and its Head Concierge Sami Joutsenvuo is largely responsible for making arrangements that take the wow factor to the extreme.  

Sami, who also happens to be the President of  Les Clefs d’Or  Finland, is the most expert guide to Helsinki’s winter wonders. With his local connections and insider knowledge, Sami curates personalized adventures that transform any stay into a memorable, luxury-filled experience.

Festive Winter Experiences selected by Sami

1. Fatbike Rides Through a Snowy Wonderland
   Start your winter celebration with a thrilling fatbike ride through Helsinki’s snowy landscapes. Thanks to HELtours, you can explore the city’s scenic winter trails, pedal through tranquil snowy forests, and experience the magic of winter up close.
2. A Taste of Finnish Sport: Bandy at Brahen Kenttä
   Embrace the festive spirit by cheering on local teams playing Bandy, a traditional Finnish sport that’s like ice hockey – but with a ball instead of a puck. Head to Brahen Kenttä (Brahe Field) for an exciting match, where the cold air and the energy of the crowd will leave you with unforgettable memories.
3. Skating on Frozen Lakes & the Baltic Sea
   Glide across Helsinki’s sparkling ice rinks or, for a truly magical experience, skate on the frozen waters of the Baltic Sea. Whether you’re skating on natural ice or in one of the city’s charming rinks, it’s the perfect way to embrace the winter season and soak in the stunning surroundings.
4. Magical Reindeer Safari at Seurasaari
   Experience the heart of Finnish Christmas traditions with a reindeer safari at Seurasaari Open-Air Museum. Listen to captivating stories of the reindeer herders, try your hand at suopunki-throwing, and take a festive sleigh ride pulled by reindeer. Warm up with hot drinks, roasted marshmallows, and holiday treats – and don’t forget to meet Santa and his elves for the perfect holiday photo!
5. Relax and Rejuvenate with a Sauna & Cold Plunge
   What could be more festive than a traditional Finnish sauna experience? At Löyly, Helsinki’s most exclusive sauna, warm up after a cold plunge in the icy waters of the Baltic Sea. This restorative ritual will leave you feeling refreshed, relaxed, and ready to take on more winter magic.
6. Northern Lights: A Magical Holiday Spectacle
   Finland’s winter skies offer the ultimate holiday gift – the chance to witness the breathtaking Northern Lights. Guests of The Hotel Maria can enjoy trip curation courtesy of the concierge, who will design customized journeys to explore the pure beauty of Finland, including Lapland – where hues of green, purple, and pink dance across the sky all winter long. It’s an unforgettable sight that will make your winter holiday truly magical.

A member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ prestigious Legend Collection, The Hotel Maria is a destination in its own right with 117 spacious rooms, including 38 luxurious suites, alongside two restaurants and bars, a ballroom, chapel, and state-of-the-art spa and wellness facilities, as well as a destination boutique featuring esteemed Finnish designers. Meticulously reimagined for the discerning modern traveler, the hotel seamlessly blends contemporary grace with distinctive elements from its historic past. The Hotel Maria is the ideal gateway and home base for memorable Nordic adventures of all types, whether guests are immersing themselves in traditional Finnish sauna culture or exploring the vibrant attractions of Helsinki. For more information and reservations, please visit www.hotelmaria.fi.