HELSINKI / FINLAND
Helsinki is often sidelined as the underdog of all Scandinavian cities. And yes, at first sight, Helsinki can feel unexciting, ordinary, monotonous at times and village-like, where everyone knows each other. But if you look beyond the surface, you’ll realise that Helsinki outperforms many other cities with its fundamental courage to rethink city life. With its flourishing start-up and tech scene, its deep-rooted design history, its urban ambition and future-minded approach surrounded by wild nature and open water, Helsinki is home to an emerging group of people constantly shaping everyday life of today and tomorrow.
After 31 December days in the Finnish capital, there is one thing I know for sure now… even though the winter days are darker and shorter, the residents are very much at ease. With their blend of drive and free-will but also a happy-go-lucky attitude, they make Helsinki a little bit better every day, one step at the time. And if these citizens are so enthusiastic in winter, who knows what they are capable of
