Travel - Skimbaco Lifestyle | Nordic lifestyle magazine

Inspired by Alvar Aalto’s Sanatorium in Paimio

Katja Presnal — Sun, 27 Jul 2025 15:30:56 +0000

Does the place where you grew up shape you? This post will take you back to my hometown, but with a design angle. We are living in the post-COVID, emerging Web 3.0 time, where climate-related extreme weather events occur across the world, and people fear AI will take our jobs, and we are going backwards on human rights. It’s a very different era from when I grew up in Paimio, in Southern Finland, and it’s a very different era from 2007 when I started this blog (that is in transition to be renamed from Skimbaco Lifestyle to Crush Movement). Many things have changed, but not enough things have changed for the better. I believe that, as important as technology is, there are other important aspects that we should not forget: human-centricity, conscious design, humanity, or in one word: people. The importance of the humanities, understanding people, and designing for real people (not just for digital twins) remains. That’s why I want to believe that 30-second videos and bite-sized content aren’t all that we crave these days. I think they are people like you and me, who still actually like reading longer content. I miss writing for you. One of the first posts I ever wrote for Skimbaco featured Alvar Aalto’ Paimio chair. If you were a reader then, and bought the chair for $2,760 in 2007, you made a worthy investment – the chair costs over double these days. As I am thinking of my original plans and ideas of what Skimbaco could be, and compare them to where we want to shape it moving forward, it is only fitting that I return to my Nordic roots. When I think of the concepts of conscious Nordic design, it takes me back to my hometown of Paimio in southwestern Finland. Paimio is known for the tuberculosis sanatorium designed by renowned Finnish architect Alvar Aalto and built in the clean forest air surrounded by tall pines in 1928-1933. A sanatorium might be a weird thing for a town to be famous for, and frankly, when growing up, it was just a hospital where my grandmother had worked as a nurse before retiring. I had no idea that all of the hospitals in the world were not designed that consciously.

So maybe thanks to the influence of Alvar Aalto in my hometown, I grew up thinking design is good design only when it is good for people.

Alvar Aalto Combined Architecture and Healthcare for the First Time

Alvar Aalto was among the first architects in the world to combine design and medicine by designing a hospital in a way that the building itself helped to heal people. Imagine how the world would be different if all of the hospitals were designed that way. Paimio Sanatorium has been acclaimed internationally as a significant modern architectural achievement, and nominated to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is one of Alvar Aalto’s most critical early designs that catapulted his career as an architect. The hospital where my grandmother worked is the first example of modern architecture applied to healthcare.

Building Designed to Heal People

During the time when the sanatorium was built, doctors could not provide much help for the tuberculosis patients and prescribed “rest in a healing environment with clean air and sunshine”. The entire building was designed to contribute to this prescription, and it was the guiding principle for Alvar Aalto, and his wife Aino Aalto, who also helped to design the interiors and the furniture in the sanatorium. They actually called the building a “medical instrument” – it was designed to provide as much fresh air and sunlight for the patients, and of course, to meet the requirements for hygiene. Many of the corners in the communal spaces were made round to avoid the accumulation of dust in hard-to-clean corners, and they paid special attention to the materials the building was made of. Alvar Aalto saw the importance of clean indoor air and ventilation already in the 1930s. He said:

Among the biological requirements of human life are air, light and sun. Air cannot be equated to room size or number of rooms. It is a factor in its own right. We can certainly build a dwelling with a large volume of air without it affecting the economical use of floor area or playing any role in determining room heights. It is a question of ventilation.

The areas for treatment and the patient rooms were designed to maximize the use of natural light and natural ventilation to benefit the well-being of the patients. The large dining room with a high ceiling was built to face south to fill up the space with light. Fresh air was more important for physical wellness than sunlight, but the lighting was designed to help with psychological wellness. Windows were designed to have a unique ventilation system in a way that you can open a smaller window panel on the top, but keep the room warm thanks to the radiator placed right underneath the window. Patients could open the windows and breathe in fresh pine forest air even during the winter months. Roof terraces and balconies on each floor were built to provide easy access for the patients to enjoy the clean outdoor air. A well-designed garden was part of the conscious design of the hospital and the building was designed in a way that you could see the garden and the forest from all patient rooms to provide hope and also a communal feeling when you watch others in the garden.

Consciously Designed to Improve Wellbeing

The Paimio Sanatorium was designed as a healing multisensory experience. Most of the furniture and lighting were designed specially for this building, and even resulted in new patented discoveries, and some of its most famous furniture is still being manufactured today. The patient rooms had special wallpaper that eliminated echoing in the bare rooms that were meant for two patients and had to be kept sterile. Hygiene was important, so the rooms had two sinks, one per patient. The sink basins were specially designed to be silent, and washing hands was as noiseless as possible so the other patients would not be disturbed. Lighting was designed to reflect the different times of the day and the needs of patient healing. Even the patient rooms got special lighting fixtures and the patient room ceilings were painted relaxing grayish green to avoid glare. Special attention was given to consciously designing what kind of psychological effects different colors would create. The husband-and-wife design team chose paint colors throughout the building to align with the patients’ healing. Calming colors in spaces where they were relaxing, and energetic colors like bright yellow in communal spaces. The long turquoise corridors were reflecting colored light even during darkness, and the building looked luminous, like a factory of healing, in the middle of the Finnish pine forest.

New Journey to Find Innovation and Voices From Nordics To The World

Alvar Aalto showed that it is possible to even make corners round. He combined architecture and medicine over 90 years ago and used the technology of the time to create spaces that contributed to human well-being. I am very excited about (re)launching a new media to find out all about the Nordic innovators of today who are changing the world, just like Alvar Aalto did. I want to continue to tell you stories of the pioneers and trailblazers, rebel leaders who are using their voices. I am not an architect or a doctor, but making a difference in the world is my most important driver, whether it’s helping people enjoy life more in their everyday lives, using technology to solve problems of the future already today, supporting space research to benefit humanity, or building more inclusive spaces where everyone’s voice can be heard. Resources & images: Paimio Sanatorium

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Helsinki is the Most Sustainable City for Travelers

Katja Presnal — Tue, 10 Jun 2025 11:19:10 +0000

Just recently, InsureMyTrip ranked the Most Sustainable Cities for Travelers in 2025, and Helsinki is at the top.

In this research, the researchers standardized a wide range of data, from green hotel certifications to walkability, to help travelers make more conscious choices.

And Helsinki stands out:

It ranked highest for green space quality (86%)
Most amenities can be reached within a 13-minute walk
Nearly 1 in 5 hotels (17%) are certified green
Plus, 118 guided walking tours reflect a robust ecotourism offering

Helsinki topped the global chart with a score of 7.4/10. It’s a place of sea breezes, saunas, and sustainability-farmed local food. This is by far not the only list Helsinki was crowned the winner. Helsinki was the most sustainable travel destination in 2024 by the Global Destination Sustainability (GDS) Index.

Helsinki’s sustainability scores are the result of bold urban planning, community action, and sustainability built into daily life.

Start with the air. Helsinki scores around 20 on the Air Quality Index, well below the “clean” threshold of 50. That’s thanks to policies that curb emissions, prioritize public transport, and follow a rigorous Air Quality and Noise Abatement Plan that sets real targets and meets them.

Then the water. It’s some of the purest in Finland, drawn from protected groundwater and delivered straight to the tap. No filters, no fuss. Thinking of buying bottled water here? Don’t do it. Just bring your own refillable water bottle and fill it with tap water.

Waste? It fuels the city. No, really. Over half of household waste is recycled, while biowaste becomes biogas for public transport. Non-recyclables? Converted into clean energy. With accessible recycling stations across the city, doing your part is easy, and everyone does it.

Green spaces matter, too. Nearly 40% of Helsinki is covered in parks and forests. They’re beautiful, but also essential for clean air, biodiversity, and everyday wellbeing.

The commitment to green living is woven into how the city moves, breathes, and grows keeps keeping Helsinki the title of the world’s most sustainable city travel destination.

Cities That Might Surprise You on This List

Sara Boisvert, Marketing Manager at InsureMyTrip commented:

“As eco-friendly travel becomes a top priority for more travelers, this study serves as a powerful time-saver, turning hours of sustainability research into a ready-made guide for greener getaways.”

Full rankings and methodology available at InsureMyTrip.com.

It’s not surprising to see the other Nordic capitals at the top of the sustainable cities list.

Close behind Helsinki are Stockholm (7.3/10) and Copenhagen (7.0/10), two cities that have long prioritized the environment. Stockholm’s green hotel rate is slightly higher (21%), and its green spaces score an impressive 85%. Copenhagen boasts even shorter walking times (7 minutes to amenities) and a similar percentage of certified-green hotels. The only factor nudging them down slightly? Hotel costs.

Some cities, like Dublin and Berlin, shine in cultural experiences but score lower due to higher pollution and fewer eco-certified accommodations. And further afield, lifestyle-heavy destinations like Sydney and Melbourne are still struggling with per capita emissions and scalable green lodging options. These findings suggest that while Australia’s major cities are rich in outdoor experiences, they face challenges in reducing emissions and implementing sustainable accommodations at scale.

The study also investigated the most sustainable cities in the United States.

San Jose, often overshadowed by its Bay Area neighbors, scored highest overall (6.9/10) among the cities analyzed. With 15% of its hotels certified as eco-friendly, low pollution (4.9), and one of the lowest average walking times to amenities (19 minutes), San Jose presents a compelling case for travelers seeking a greener domestic destination. Portland, Oregon, long considered a sustainability pioneer, followed closely. The city excelled in green space quality (85%), though it was marked down due to a lower percentage of green-certified hotels (7%) and higher average hotel costs ($203/night).

Many consider the sustainability of travel destinations when it comes to traveling to the destination, and opt for greener transportation methods or closer destinations. But when was the last time you did your research on how sustainable the destination itself is? I hope you will, and maybe you will also choose Helsinki as your destination.

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Fairy Tales Come True in Norway: 3 Dreamy Norway Tours

Katja Presnal — Mon, 20 Nov 2023 11:55:38 +0000

If being the star in the epic documentary of your life requires movie-worthy scenery, try cinematic Norway. Did you know it’s already the ten-year anniversary of the Disney movie Frozen, which was created based in Norway? Or that the many scenic moments in movies like Mission: Impossible – Fallout, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back or Dune are filmed in Norway? This summer when Isabella, Kristian, and Matt Presnal were filming the From The Ground Up documentary short film, they filmed in several locations in Norway. Gabriella also attended a youth art collective conference in Oslo this autumn, and I’m the only one in the family who has not been to Norway this year.

From The Ground Up / Coptersafety / Kristian Presnal

If you want to daydream with me, or when you are ready to “let it go” and live your own epic adventure in Norway, check out these three family-friendly adventures. In Norwegian, ‘eventyr’ means both ‘adventure’ and ‘fairy tale’ so it’s fitting that fairy tales come true in Norway. My three picks:

50 Degrees North: Independent Christmas Tour in Lapland
Up Norway: Frozen-inspired Adventure in Northern Norway
Adventures by Disney: Norwegian Wonders During Summer

Read all the details below. Which one would you choose?

50 Degrees North: Independent Christmas Tour in Lapland

Duration: 6 days Season: December 23 – December 28, 2023 Best Suited For families and couples, limited availability. Price: starts at $4595 / €4210 per person Organized by: 50 Degrees North Visit Tromsø in Norway and new boutique Cahkal hotel in Finland. This independent Christmas tour is 400 kilometres above Arctic Circle in Kilpisjärvi. Relaxed luxury combined with wilderness. Christmas is truly magical in the North, and it can be challenging to make reservations for Christmas 2023 anymore. This trip has limited availability for the Christmas 2023 season, but contact 50 Degrees North to see availability or options. Day 1: Arrive in Tromsø and transfer to Kilpisjärvi Arrive Tromsø and transfer to Kilpisjärvi. The place is located just over 2.5 hours from Tromsø and is the very northwesternmost point of Finland, near the Arctic Ocean. Arrive at your boutique Hotel Cahkal, where you will spend the next 3 nights.

Hotel Cahkal

Day 2: Snowmobile Experience and Christmas Program with Santa Visit

Experience the surrounding nature and views and learn to drive a snowmobile while sightseeing the snowy mountains and lakes. The tour will introduce you to the sights around Kilpisjärvi village and take you to a tundra lake surrounded by the mighty Saana and Jehkas mountains. The tour will make a stop at the Three country cairn, at the border of Finland, Sweden, and Norway. This visit is in the top 3 on many visitors’ bucket lists. In the evening, celebrate Christmas with a traditional 3-course dinner.

Hotel Cahkal / Kilpisjärvi

Day 3 Wilderness and sauna experience

Experience Käsivarsi- a wilderness area with experienced local guides. Start the journey from the hotel with a snowmobile-pulled sleigh and head into the deep wilderness area. After reaching the destination, conquer one of the majestic mountains by snowshoes. During the experience enjoy a tasty hot lunch. After spending the day outside it’s the perfect time to enjoy the Sauna Experience, and relax in the steam. The large window of the steam room lets you admire the astonishing Saana mountain. Cool off on the terrace and enjoy the view while listening to the calming sound of the Cahkal River.

Hotel Cahkal / Kilpisjärvi

Day 4 Travel to Tromsø – the middle of the Aurora Borealis zone

Travel back to Tromsø, 2.5 hours north across the Norwegian border. Tromsø is the gateway to the Arctic and one of the best and most cosmopolitan places to observe Northern Lights. Tromsø is located in the middle of the Aurora Borealis zone, and following the planet’s rotation, Tromsø moves into the aurora zone from 6pm to midnight. Day 5 Guided city walk in Tromsø with polar museum and Northern Lights Cruise Join a guided historical and cultural city walk through Tromsø city and visit the Polar Museum. In the evening, set off on an adventure into the total darkness of the Arctic fjords and Polar nights. Depart Tromsø and set sail for the direction where the clearest weather conditions for the night have been predicted. This can be north towards the areas of Kvaløyvågen, or south to Ramfjorden, or west along the southern part of Kvaløya island. The captain and crew will work together and keep their eyes out for clear skies or a gap in the cloud layer. While you wait for the northern lights to appear, you can stay warm and comfortable in our heated lounges. Grab a beverage and a snack from the cafe.

Day 6 Departure this morning in Tromsø

Adventure ends. Transfer to the airport.

Up Norway: Frozen-inspired Adventure in Northern Norway

Duration: 7 days Season: December – March Best Suited For Families, couples, and groups of friends wanting to experience the culture that inspired Disney’s Frozen films Price: starts at $3391 / €3107 per person Organized by: Up Norway

A 7-day epic Frozen-inspired adventure, filled with reindeer, snowmen, and Northern Lights dancing in the polar sky by Up Norway.

Day 1: ‘Eventyr’: Norwegian fairy tales and adventures start at Alta

Arrive in Alta, where your base for the next three nights will be a cozy cabin at Bjørnfjell Lodge, situated above a fairytale Norwegian valley. The landscapes that inspired Frozen’s fjords and mountains surround you. In the evening, join a campfire excursion with local hosts, creating the perfect setting for the Northern Lights to illuminate the sky.

Bjørnfjell / Up Norway

Day 2: Settle into Winter Wonderland at Bjørnfjell

Discover the true essence of a Norwegian winter holiday with a day of skiing at Bjørnfjell. Whether you’re a seasoned skier or a first-timer, the alpine scenery and family-friendly slopes cater to all. After your snowy adventures, warm up in the outdoor jacuzzi or sauna, surrounded by the serene sounds of nature.

Bjørnfjell / Up Norway

Day 3: Ice sculpting and visiting reindeer

Visit the world-renowned Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel, where you’ll sculpt your own ice art and try your hand at crafting an icy Olaf.

Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel / Up Norway

Next up, learn how Norway’s indigenous people have lived in harmony with nature for centuries, and have a reindeer sled ride through the local wilderness. Stop at the Sami’s lavvu (teepee like tent) where you sit by the fire and hear stories about the Sami culture before heading back for lunch.

Up Norway

Day 4: From Alta to Karasjok

Embark on a scenic journey across the vast Finnmark plains to Karasjok, the capital of the Samis. Settle into a design cabin at a husky lodge built on sustainable principles, immersing yourself in outdoor activities and relaxation.

Engholm Design Cabins / Up Norway

Day 5: Dog Sledding in the Winter Forest

Experience the thrill of a dog sledding adventure through the frosty winter forest. Enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings, and, for the daring, take a dip in the icy river after a day of exploration.

Engholm Design Cabins / Up Norway

Day 6: Polar Nights & Northern Lights

Take part in life at the husky farm or explore the local town with your Sami guides. In the evening, embark on a snowshoe excursion with an expert Northern Lights hunter, and hope that the sky is clear and you will see aurora borealis, the northern lights.

Up Norway

Day 7: bid farewell to Norway and transfer to the airport or continue your trip independently.

Adventures by Disney: Norwegian Wonders During Summer

Duration: 8 days Season: June – September Best Suited For Families, couples, and groups of friends wanting to experience the culture that inspired Disney’s Frozen films. There is also an adults-exclusive option. Price: starts at $6599 / €6045 per person Organized by: Adventures by Disney Experience the magic of Norway with Adventures by Disney on a journey through the stunning landscapes that inspired Frozen without freezing. This trip is for summertime only. Day 1: A Charming Welcome to Bergen Arrive in Bergen, where you will stay at the heart of the historic Bryggen area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is full of Old-World charm. Stay at the Hotel Norge by Scandic.

Adventures by Disney

Day 2: Voss and Flåm – Rafting and Riverside Bliss Experience river rafting in Voss and enjoy a post-rafting lunch at the Voss Rafting Center’s grass-roofed cabin. Check-in at the Fretheim Hotel, explore this historic hotel with views of the dramatic fjords, and on the event savor a private barbecue dinner.

Fretheim Hotel

Day 3: Flåm – Fjord Safari and Cultural Delights Embark on a fjord safari and ride a Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) into the nooks and crannies of the fjord. Discover villages along the way where you can experience Norwegian culture and enjoy the tales of local storytellers. Visit the famed UNESCO World Heritage Site called Nærøyfjord. Your local expert will also point out an ancient Viking burial site. Day 4: Geiranger – Stave Church and Scenic Drive

Visit the Borgund Stave Church in Lærdal, built around 1180 A.D. Considered one of Norway’s iconic structures, a stave church is a medieval wooden church built around 4 central upright logs with vertical planks for its walls. With beautifully carved portals and 4 carved dragon heads on the roof peaks, it’s a sight to behold. The Borgund Stave Church may look familiar—it along with other stave churches provided architectural inspiration to the filmmakers of the classic Disney film Frozen. En route to Geiranger, delight in a delectable Norwegian lunch at a local restaurant surrounded by the Sognefjord and glaciers. Enjoy gorgeous landscapes dotted with pastoral farmland as you travel to Geiranger, the location of some of the most spectacular scenery in the world.

Adventures by Disney

Check-In at the Hotel Union, a historic, family-run hotel on the hill above Geiranger that offers breathtaking views of the Geirangerfjord and superb amenities including indoor and outdoor swimming pools, Turkish baths, gardens and more.

Hotel Union

Day 5: Geiranger – Farm Visit and Waterfall Hike Explore Westerås Farm and with a local farmer as your guide, walk from Westerås Farm to enjoy stunning views of the Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After lunch, continue your hike —this time on a hike from the farm up to the glorious Storseterfossen Waterfall for a magnificent view of this natural wonder.

Adventures by Disney

Day 6: Loen and Geiranger – Waterfall Views and Lake Adventures

Travel to Hellesylt on a ferry. The Geirangerfjord area—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—is a popular destination and home to the majestic Seven Sisters Waterfall which overlooks Geirangerfjord. Once you arrive, you will get to take in the many amazing views of the stunning landscape of this area, including the Kjenndalsbreen Glacier. In the afternoon you can alternate between the rainbow trout fishing and row boating activities on Lake Loen.

Adventures by Disney

Day 7: Oslo – Folk Dancing in Oslo Travel by motor coach from Geiranger to Otta and board the train that will take you to the vibrant and sophisticated Norwegian capital of Oslo. Enjoy lunch on your own aboard the train while traveling through the scenic Norwegian countryside. Enjoy farewell dinner and folk dancing at Grand Hotel Oslo on the last evening of your trip. Day 8: Oslo – Departure

Enjoy a final breakfast before a seamless transfer to Oslo Airport, Gardermoen, bidding farewell to Norway.

Photos and all of the information by respective travel operators. Contact them for all details. Up Norway, 50 Degrees North, Adventures by Disney

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Elevate Your Helsinki Experience: The Grand Debut of The Hotel Maria

Katja Presnal — Sun, 12 Nov 2023 21:59:13 +0000

Can’t wait for this stunning new addition to Helsinki’s luxury hotel scene to open: The Hotel Maria. The Hotel Maria is set to open its grand heritage doors in December 2023 as a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ prestigious Legend Collection. This will be the brand’s first Legend hotel in Finland. You can book your room now. Read about other Prefered Hotels & Resorts hotels at Skimbaco. The Hotel Maria will make trips to Helsinki even more luxurious and is set to start a new era in luxury hospitality that’s exclusively designed to cater to travelers who are used to expecting a certain level of cosmopolitan luxury. I always say that Nordic luxury is drinking champagne while wearing wool socks and viewing a sea view, and The Maria Hotel looks like it is far from the Nordic luxury we’re used to. The Hotel Maria stands proudly in the heart of historical Helsinki on Mariankatu, within the residential area of Kruununhaka, conveniently situated within walking distance are several iconic attractions, including the Helsinki Cathedral, the vibrant Market Square, and Esplanade Park. Helsinki is one of Europe’s most walkable cities, and in addition to attractions, you’ll feel the gentle sea breeze from the Gulf of Finland when you stroll through the historic streets of Kruununhaka. The Hotel Maria is just around the corner from the presidential palace, making it the perfect choice for state guests. Each Independence Day there is a televised Independence Day event hosted by the president, and I can see The Hotel Maria hosting guests getting ready for the big event, and returning from the presidential palace.

The Hotel Maria

Here is what the hotel is promising in anticipation of the opening. The Hotel Maria consists of four different buildings built between 1885 and 1930, originally designed by architect Evert E. Lagerspetz. As you step into The Hotel Maria, you’re greeted with a tranquil modern design and stunning attention to detail. Gorgeous heritage doors swing open to reveal a lobby bathed in warm, enchanting light from mesmerizing crystal chandeliers. The walls tell tales of history and refinement, seamlessly blending with an elegant, contemporary design and classical elements. The Hotel Maria seems to be a fusion of Finnish heritage of stunning restored old buildings, and intercontinental luxury of American-style furnishings from Restoration Hardware. I’ve walked by the hotel tens of times, and it looks amazing outside, and very Helsinki, but the interior pictures remind me of many other luxury hotels you could expect in any capital of the world, or in Las Vegas. The suites have large American-style beds, but some of the suites also have traditional Finnish-style in-room saunas. The Hotel Maria boasts 117 unique guest rooms, including 38 suites. They market that it’s not just a place to stay; it’s a destination within a destination and includes a luxurious spa, two restaurants and two bars, a fitness center, a shop, and outdoor areas with terraces. The Maria Hotel also includes a chapel, and banquet and event facilities perfect for weddings or other events. As a local, I hope it is not going to be just a place to recommend for visitors, but that it will become a place for locals to love and feel welcome too.

The Hotel Maria Branding

The hotel branding was done by The O Group in New York. As a Finn, I kind of would like to dislike the fact the hotel branding was not done by a Nordic agency, but I admit: the branding is stunning. The branding was inspired by the original architectural details of the hotel buildings, and vintage maps of the area. The hotel’s signature flower is the lily of the valley, a national flower of Finland. The lily of the valley symbolizes purity, sincerity, and happiness, embodying the delightful experience that The Hotel Maria wishes for all its guests. You’ll find the flowers throughout the hotel. I mean come on. This is perfection. While branding was done in New York – the hotel concept was done locally in Finland. Behind this luxury hotel concept is accomplished Samppa Lajunen, a name known not only in the business world but also as a three-time Olympic gold medalist, representing Finland in Nordic combined sports. His commitment to excellence has driven him to create the best luxury hotel experience in the Nordics, and The Hotel Maria is the embodiment of this dream.

The Hotel Maria is a significant new arrival on the Finnish hotel scene, offering a new alternative and service experience for guests who appreciate Nordic hospitality and a refined luxury hotel experience. Samppa Lajunen, founder and Portfolio Manager of Samla Capital, the company financing the hotel project.

The Maria Behind The Hotel Maria

Yes, there is a Maria behind The Hotel Maria. The hotel’s name is inspired by Grand Duchess Maria Feodorovna, a royal of Nordic descent who was born as Princess Dagmar of Denmark. She was celebrated among her fellow royals for her grace, captivating beauty, and intelligence, and her life was a tapestry of various cultures. Maria was a true cosmopolitan of her time, with connections across Europe that united people beyond national borders. When the pressures of royal life became too overwhelming, Maria often found solace in Finland, which she considered her sanctuary. For decades, people from wanderers to world leaders have followed in her footsteps, seeking peace and tranquility in the pure and natural beauty of Finland. The Hotel Maria aims to offer that very sanctuary to all who pass through its doors – a place to soothe the soul, emerge renewed, and relish in the tranquility that only Finland can offer. Maria’s kindness and her ability to make a sincere impact on everyone she met, never forgetting a face or a name, have been the driving force behind the hotel’s commitment to providing outstanding and personalized service. This grace and dedication are woven into the DNA of The Hotel Maria, reflecting every aspect of the guest experience.

Welcome to Helsinki

It’s time to start planning your next trip to Helsinki and a stay at The Hotel Maria. Sounds like it is offering a haven of luxury wrapped in the warm embrace of Finnish heritage. Learn more about The Hotel Maria and Preferred Hotels. Photos: The Hotel Maria/ Jaakko Puro Oy / The O Group

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Ryanair Operates to Lapland from Milan, Dublin, Brussels, Liverpool and London

Katja Presnal — Sun, 05 Nov 2023 15:16:53 +0000

The city of Rovaniemi and Finnish Lapland are celebrating the 2023-2024 winter season start, and Ryanair, the budget airline in Europe, showed up to party. The first-ever Ryanair flight from Milan Bergamo Airport landed at Rovaniemi Airport yesterday, November 4th, 2023. The flights from Milan to Rovaniemi will run twice a week, specifically on Tuesdays and Saturdays, throughout the 2023–2024 winter season. Located on the outskirts of the city of Bergamo, Milan Bergamo Airport offers convenient access not only to Bergamo but also to various other cities in Northern Italy. Rovaniemi is the hub for travel in Lapland, and a destination on its own. This new route marks the fifth connection offered by Ryanair departing from Rovaniemi Airport. Furthermore, the airline reintroduced its last winter’s routes to Dublin, Charleroi in Brussels, and Stansted in London, with an additional weekly flight added to each of these routes for the upcoming winter season. Ryanair also launched a new route between Liverpool and Rovaniemi in October 2023. Petri Vuori, Finavia’s Senior Vice President responsible for route development, expressed enthusiasm about Ryanair’s international routes from Rovaniemi, stating they are valuable additions to Finavia airports’ route offerings. Rovaniemi Airport, like other airports in Lapland, will now provide enhanced connectivity with the rest of the world during the winter season. All these flights can now be easily booked through the Ryanair website. Learn more about Rovaniemi at Visit Rovaniemi. Photos: Visit Rovaniemi

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Finland, The Happiest Country In The World

Katja Presnal — Wed, 22 Mar 2023 13:28:39 +0000

Finland has been announced once again as the happiest country in the world, but in Finland, it’s just another day. In late March it means that it’s a grey day and raining, but all of the snow still hasn’t melted. Most likely, the rain will turn into snow by nightfall. I check Twitter, where people are talking about the World Happiness Report, in hopes of finding any happy Finns. It’s a joke – everyone here knows you only go to Twitter to complain about things. But I’m persistent. What makes Finns happy today? I find some answers. Family, nature, and freedom. Walks in the forest, safety. Having a roof over your head. Being healthy, living in peace. Good education, safe food. Sounds like we Finns live and breathe Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, and when the pyramid has a solid foundation, there is some happiness on the top too.

“Being born in Finland is like winning a lottery” is a Finnish saying that I quite didn’t understand before living in other countries.

After 20 years of living in other countries, I moved back to Finland five years ago because now I agree. As a kid, I was like any other Finn and did not really understand what the fuzz was about. So I traveled and moved around the world for 20 years trying to find something better, but because I didn’t find it, I came back. The infrastructure, the way things are taken care of, the basics for our well-being – they are all just taken care of in Finland. And it’s not like I had bad countries to experience – ten years were in the USA and then some years in Germany, Canada, and Sweden. All great countries, where I was happy. They just not felt quite the same as in Finland. Finnish happiness is not being over-the-top happy or excited. It’s more of being content, and focusing on making everyday life a little bit better than grand gestures or experiences of a lifetime.

But can you be happy without showing you are happy?

I guess I am questioning this a little bit because when I walk around Helsinki, I don’t see many “happy people”. Actually, when I smile, and open a door to someone, I am usually thanked in English (not in Finnish), because something in my mannerism must say that I am not a real Finn. Public places are not loud with laughter, and well, everything is just calmer. Every day “happiness” is rare to find, Finns don’t do small talk, and the nation’s favorite pass time is complaining. Actually one of the biggest differences between the culture here and in many other countries where I have lived in is the complaining. Even if things are generally OK, Finns complain much more.

It is not really even seen as complaining, but just being honest about things when they are not that perfect.

And that’s why Finns don’t just complain, they take the initiative to fix things. And we have been taking improving things like gender equality, paid vacation days, free university education, inexpensive (practically free) public health care, and an excellent public transportation system very seriously for a very long time.

Ah. That’s it. Finns are not complainers really, we are fixers.

When things go wrong or are not quite perfect, the average American is much more likely to find a silver lining than the average Finn is. But Finns – we are willing to fight to the end to get something fixed for the better. And Finns don’t do it for the glory or for the thanks, but because it’s the right thing to do. Finnish greatness often goes unnoticed, and even now when the global attention to our happiness is being noticed, we’d rather not make too much noise about it.

Does having money matter in happiness?

The statistics used in the World Happiness Report focus on economics and the rational side of what people do: what they spend, how much they make, and whether they have a job. But traditional metrics like these might not tell us much about people’s happiness. They say more about well-being and economic wealth. But compared to everyday life in many other Western countries, the average Finn doesn’t seem that well off. We live in small houses, we drive old cars or take the bus, read library books for free, and lavish lifestyles don’t really exist here (Finnish luxury is drinking sparkling wine wearing handmade wool socks, and watching a lake or sea view in the middle of nowhere). We are content and happy in a different way. The difference is that in Finland our kids go to school for free (even university), eat a free lunch, get a child allowance from the government, and our health care costs pennies or is free. The everyday worries people have here are very different than in many other countries. Honestly, it’s not the people, it’s not the weather, it’s not the disposable income we have that makes us Finns as a nation happy. It’s the infrastructure of putting the collective content ahead of individual or corporate happiness. Money matters, but seems like when it comes to happiness it matters more what governments do with the money than individuals. I don’t know if there are any lessons people can take from the Finnish way of life to improve overall happiness in the same context as the World Happiness Report. Honestly, I feel a lot of it has to do with politics and infrastructure, and that opens a whole other conversation that is much more complex than building a social welfare system.

Perhaps you can try these very Finnish ways of a happy life:

Spend time in nature, even if it is just a walk in a park.
Be honest about your feelings, and say what you mean, it builds deeper relationships with people.
Remember to have coffee breaks during your work day (or tea works too!), and actually stop working for a while to enjoy your hot drink or snack.
Work less, and spend more time with people you care about. That also includes not working on the weekends, and keeping long holidays or parental leaves.
Have different sensory experiences. Swim in ice-cold water, or sit in a hot sauna. There is scientific evidence they do good for you.

The post Finland, The Happiest Country In The World first appeared on Skimbaco Lifestyle | Nordic lifestyle magazine.

8 Success Tips For Beginners

Katja Presnal — Mon, 02 Aug 2021 13:13:14 +0000

The “fake it till you make it” mentality can have a well-meaning message of faking your confidence, even when you don’t feel it, like Amy Cuddy shares in her TED talk, and encourages us to strike a power pose and let our bodies physically feel like a winner to combat nervousness. The extra confidence boost is something we all need from time to time, but otherwise the advice “fake it till you make it” is outdated and it hasn’t really worked for me. Quite the opposite has worked for me. Being myself, following my own instincts, and having the guts to be authentic and sometimes even bluntly honest. I much rather get rejected for being myself and for my original ideas, than be celebrated for something that I faked or can’t even re-create. In fact, can you even imagine being in a situation where people like you, but you are not sure whether they like you for you, or for the things you faked and said just to please them? I bet you can imagine – because we’ve probably all been there. Much better advice is “dress for the job you want, not the one you have” because it is not about faking it, it is about taking active action to become the person you want to be. Start by “dressing” for the job. Start by doing what you can do. Start by showing what you can accomplish.

I got promoted in my first job at age 15

What did you learn from your first summer job? My first summer job was at a company that manufactured satellites and audio equipment. I worked on the factory floor, and when the production manager was too busy to show us kids easy tasks, he’d tell us to sit in the cafeteria and wait to be called for more work. My dad got the job for me, he had just been promoted to C-level at the company year before. I wanted to make him proud, and I was afraid someone who knew I was his daughter would see me reading magazines in the cafeteria. They had multiple factory departments, so I sought the other production managers, introduced who I was, and told I was asked to sit in the cafeteria and wait, but I would rather work in another department. Within days, I worked in multiple departments and got a promotion from the factory floor to the office side, where I worked part of the day delivering mail twice a day, and making photocopies (yes, it was the olden days). The office side had only one other summer employee that year. She was studying for her MBA and was like an adult to me. I was 15 years old, and it was the summer before ninth grade.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_section][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

8 Lessons For Success For Someone Just Starting Out

1. Make authentic connections & build your network

Being kind and getting to know people doesn’t cost you a thing. Start building your network way before you need it. You will never know where the best opportunities come from. You are welcome to join our community for womxn entrepreneurs, Insider Society. How this has worked for me: My sister’s boyfriend’s mom once hired me. I hired my daughter’s friend’s mom. Let’s not even go there how many gigs, jobs, and clients I have received from the connections I’ve made through social media, from people I have never even met face-to-face.

2. If someone refers you for a job, don’t make them regret it

The saying your network is your net worth is another cliche that’s kind of true. So when someone from your network refers you to others, and you take the opportunity, don’t make them regret it. It’s much better to decline a bad opportunity that isn’t a fit for you than do a poor job and also make the person who recommended you look bad. Of course, some doors are also meant to be closed – this does not mean that you have to please everyone. How this has worked for me: My former boss referred my biggest client to the date for me. That client referred other clients. I don’t have to even spend much time marketing, because many of my clients come from referrals.

3. Ask and take more responsibility

You want to accelerate your success? Ask for more difficult tasks from your employers or teachers. Volunteer, if you can’t get a job. Start a personal project that showcases your skills – it can be a TikTok account, ebook, video content, pop-up shop at the farmer’s market, a charity drive, or hundred other things. You don’t need anyone’s permission to take more responsibility for your own success, skill development, and CV-building. How this has worked for me: I was a stay-at-home mom of 3 kids under 4 when I started my first business by selling my kids old clothes. I shopped at flea markets and sales, sold the finds on an auction site, and saved money for 3 years before starting my first “real” business and became the CEO of my LLC. Two years later – I was consulting some of the largest brands in the world. In one of my jobs, I started as a social media manager and made it to CMO in six months. No kidding.

4. You are in charge of your success

You can accelerate your success. If you are lucky, you have mentors or people who look for opportunities for you. That’s why the network is so important. However, nobody else is in charge of your success but you. Not your mom, not your boss, not your teacher. The sooner you understand it, the better. Opportunities come to everyone. But usually, it means that you are open for opportunities, you actively look for opportunities and you openly share you are ready for opportunities. Learn to raise your hand, have a curious mind, and be patient even if the first opportunity isn’t the perfect one. It is just a stepping stone. How this has worked for my kids (who are now 18-21 years old): One of my kids printed their art on t-shirts, a few years later they have done multiple solo exhibitions. Another daughter stepped up to produce a virtual event at her school and now she is producing large-scale virtual events. My son started posting his photos on Instagram, now he has a Fortune 150 company as a client.

5. Be humble and willing to help others

When you share what you know, you seem smart, and people are more likely to recommend you. When you are humble, people like working in the same team as you and ask you to join. When you bring opportunities for others, they start bringing them to you. Even when you get ahead and get a few steps forward in the success train, don’t stop there. A rising tide lifts all boats, and the most powerful people help other people get ahead too. The selfish Queen attitude might attract a certain type of crowd, but don’t think that if you have lots of followers those people have your back. Maybe they just want to watch you crash and burn. How this has worked for me: I’ve helped people before they’ve become millionaires, written bestseller books, made it to TV, and they remember my name because I was there before they were famous. Sometimes the best thing you can do for your career is to help someone else get ahead first.

6. Don’t complain

Sure, when you are starting out you might not have enough money, you have to work too much or too little, or on things that you don’t love. People might not see your potential. It’s never OK to be mistreated, or abused, so leave from those situations, but if it’s just annoyance, consider sticking to the first opportunities you get to learn everything you can. It’s much less intimidating also to mess up and make your first mistakes in a job that isn’t your dream job, or in your first business experiment. Whatever task you are given, do it well, don’t complain, and after you prove yourself, then you can ask for other tasks. How this has worked for me: I worked in a shoe store until I had learned enough about retail sales. I worked in a hotel until I learned enough about hotel management and hotel marketing.

7. Keep learning

Trust me, it’s much worse to fake it till you make it and make people think you know something than have an open mind and say you are up for a challenge to do your best on something, and then learn more as you go. Be willing to learn in order to get more challenging tasks. Often it’s also very beneficial to be the first one to do the hard learning task, before everyone around you is an expert. For example, when Clubhouse or TikTok started, nobody had any experience on the platforms and it was anyone’s game to become an expert. How this has worked for me: I was an early adopter using Twitter, then Pinterest, and then Instagram, and all of those have pushed my business opportunities forward. I continuously keep learning new things, challenging myself, and improving what I do. It’s not because I don’t know things. I know a lot. I especially know that those who stay current on their skills won’t have difficulties finding great opportunities.

8. Expect more!

Whatever your first step is, expect more to come! Don’t judge your possibilities for success just from the first experience (first job, first business, first client etc. – you can be dong your firsts at any age). Be bold, and dream bigger. Expect more from yourself, but also from the people you work for. You deserve it. If you want to accelerate your success and get new work and business opportunities, keep asking yourself “what’s next”. Hold yourself to the standards of the successful version of yourself, and keep thinking about how you can do better. And by “doing better” I don’t mean just better results, but maybe how to be happier, healthier, what else you want in life, could you work less while making more money, is your lifestyle more important than money… Only you can define what success and rich life look for you. Expect more also from people around you. If someone is putting you down all the time, maybe it’s time for new friends. If your aunt is telling you you have stupid ideas, maybe you just talk about cake recipes the next time you see her. If your clients are not hiring you for more challenging tasks, maybe you need new clients. How this has worked for me: If I can not learn or improve my skills anymore in a situation, I usually leave. I want to surround myself with people who want me to become better and to go after even bigger opportunities. If I could go back and say something to my 18-year-old-self it would be “dream bigger”. Don’t sit in a cafeteria or cafe or on your couch, but go and seek for your first or next big stepping stone to your success!

Buy my book Big Rich Money to learn more!

Big Rich Money: How To Turn Your Business Intentions Into A Profitable Company is a transformative entrepreneur’s guidebook leads you on a discovery of how to elevate your business and life. Get goal-achieving secrets and practical business tools from world-renowned business and marketing consultants. Big Rich Money: How To Turn Your Business Intentions Into A Profitable Company demystifies money blocks, entrepreneurial mindset, branding, strategy, marketing, production management, and building sustainable business models. The empowering stories from entrepreneurs show how building a profitable company is possible for anyone. You will learn how to:

Find out exactly what your customers want.
Avoid the seven deadliest mistakes entrepreneurs make.
Pivot to success even when everything goes wrong.
Use storyselling to enchant your ideal customer.
Mimic the marketing of the world’s biggest brands – with a fraction of the budget.
Futureproof your business by creating a sustainable business model.

Authors Katja Presnal and Candice Kilpatrick Brathwaite are digital marketing pioneers who leveraged their blogging and social media skills to build their careers as digital nomads living around the world. They built their digital marketing careers as work-at-home moms. They have over 20 years of collective experience in business and marketing strategy. This book shares techniques they have successfully used to help Fortune 100 companies, startups, and solopreneurs to launch, grow faster, and make sales records. Their high-ticket guidance is now accessible to all business owners for the first time.

The post 8 Success Tips For Beginners first appeared on Skimbaco Lifestyle | Nordic lifestyle magazine.

Unique Wilderness and Culture Experiences in Posio, Finland

VIP Guest Blogger — Tue, 20 Apr 2021 16:15:15 +0000

Guest post by luxury travel expert Mia Niemelä of Touchse travel blog.

Himmerki Holiday Village and Kirikeskus Hotel

I spent four days at the wilderness holiday village Himmerki, which is located in Posio, a small town, relatively near proximity to the Arctic Circle of Finland’s Lapland.

The family that runs the holiday village also owns a closeby wilderness hotel called Kirikeskus.

Art Experience at Kirikeskus

I stayed at Himmerki, but I got a tour in Kirikeskus, thanks to the nice hotel personnel.

Kirikeskus hotel is right next to the Kirintövaara skiing center, which makes the hotel an excellent place to stay if you’re into downhill skiing, cross country skiing and stunning wilderness views, after all, you get to admire that beauty from pretty much every window there is in the hotel!

Everything is completed by designer Anu Pentik’s personal handprint. Her design touches will be even more visible in all of the rooms soon, once the hotel renovation process is finished. Anu Pentik is the founder of the most well-known Finnish ceramics and a lifestyle brand, Pentik. Pentic was founded already in 1971, and they still have their ceramics production in Posio.

Posio is well-known for Pentik, and Pentik has been sharing the story about Nordic nature and the longing for beauty. Pentik has impacted and inspired Finnish homes for over 50 years, and most likely every single Finn is familiar with Pentik’s success story as well as their unique products.

“The love of ceramics and Finnish design is evident in our hotel everywhere. In addition to its magnificent nature, Posio is known for Pentik and versatile ceramics. Our hotel also houses the world’s northernmost ceramic center, which also hosts international ceramic events every year. The hotel’s two gallery spaces feature stunning ceramic art from around the world.” shares the Director of Sales and Development, Mrs. Janica Suominen.

The two ceramics exhibition showrooms separate Kirikeskus Hotel from any other hotel in the area. When you walk into their ground floor, you will be in awe. It looks like you as if you just walked into a high-end gallery, not a showroom in a wilderness hotel. Stylish settings, well-designed lighting, and the elegant use of space are all signs of this gallery’s level of professionalism.

Kirikeskus Hotel as the world’s northernmost ceramic center is an unusual but excellent place for hosting and organizing various high-quality art courses regarding ceramics as well as landscape photography, naturally inspired by its surrounding untamed nature. In addition, popular annual yoga retreats take place in the hotel’s spacious yoga studio. I can see the appeal for relaxing retreats and nature-inspired art courses, as every day I was amazed by all the intriguing details of the wilderness surrounding Posio.

Nature Exploration at Himmerki

Lakes are an essential part of the Finnish lifestyle and Finnish vacation time. The role lakes play is quite remarkable actually, whether it’s dipping to swim in a lake after sitting in a hot sauna, or fishing, or basically any water activity you can imagine. No matter the season, summer, fall, winter, or spring, Finns enjoy the lakes. In Posio municipality, there are about 3000 forest ponds, lakes, rivers, and streams!

The importance of natural water areas can also be seen in Himmerki, which rests by the pristine, crystal clear water lake, Kitkajärvi. In Himmerki there are plenty of various choices for accommodation, starting from the RV area’s camping options to summer cabins, log cottages, sauna lodge, lakeshore villas all the way up to the Himmerki suite, providing luxurious comfort and facilities.

All of the newer lakeshore villas provide the guests with all the modern amenities you would need to have an effortless stay. I felt at home the moment I stepped into our comfortable villa.

Both Kirikeskus and Holiday Village Himmerki offer venues for all types of meetings and events, such as birthday celebrations, weddings, seminars, and company gatherings. Naturally, all catering can be provided as well. The conference rooms contain all the equipment required for successful meetings.

What to do, what to see, what to experience?

Short answer: A lot!

Kirikeskus Hotel has a weekly activities program that focuses on the Arctic lifestyle. Husky rides and visits on reindeer farms are continuously demanded and popular things to do in Lapland. I mean, who wouldn’t love to meet up with those cute huskies or cuddle a domestic reindeer?

Snowmobile excursions are also super. I love the speed and the views, what else could I ask for? Northern lights? No problem, if the forecast is promising, hunting them and driving a snowmobile can be combined too. For those that want to make it even more personal, there is a possibility to put your hands in clay and make your own souvenir, or of course, you can always book a photography course and shoot your own natural beauty masterpiece! You can even borrow gear, such as snowshoes, skis, and toboggans from the hotel.

For me, the stay at Himmerki’s lakeshore villa was all about nature and the outdoors. I very much enjoyed my time at Himmerki’s as the Lapland spring was at its best and I got to experience a proper snowstorm, stunning, sunny days when the temperatures got above zero, which was perfect for all the outdoor activities. Also, luckily it had been snowing the night before which made all the trees look absolutely mesmerizing!

Skiing tracks in the area are well maintained and very versatile, suitable from the beginner to an experienced skier, I hear even Finland’s top skiers sometimes train here. I found the snowmobiling routes around the lake perfect also for wandering around and if you wanted to go off the course, to the unbeaten path. Just get snowshoes from the reception building and no problem walking wherever your feet take you.

I also got to try winter fat biking and it was so much fun. Not too much speed so that I was able to take my time to enjoy this breathtaking scenery as well. And of course, I wanted to borrow a toboggan as well, just like any good old adventure-minded Finnish girl would. It is that one activity that I have loved ever since I was a very young little girl and I think I will keep on going down the slopes with toboggans for as long as I can, that is so liberating and fun, and for sure keeps you young at heart!

Since my stay was outdoor-oriented, I loved having a fireplace and a sauna in our villa. The combination of being out for the day, then putting fire on and going to the sauna, and then, of course, having a delicious meal guarantees a good night’s sleep. I particularly appreciated the fact that our villa was soundproof. I did not hear a sound. Sounds like a perfect spring vacation? Yes, it was.

For hikers there are multiple trails, for example to Riisitunturi and Kuoppavaara, which start from the Kirikeskus Hotel’s yard, so starting the hike doesn’t get much easier than that. For those that prefer just a shorter walk or a hike, there is an unobstructed shed (we call them “kota”), only an easy, accessible route away from the hotel. However, for a more challenging hike, hike all the way up to Kirintövaara hill and wait for the Northern lights to show up, that is the reward you will never forget!

Kirikeskus Hotel also has a separate lakeside sauna. On top of the traditional sauna, also various sauna experiences can be organized in collaboration with the hotel partner, Luonnokas. A professional sauna therapist treats you with both peat and various domestic herbs. To top all this, book the outdoor hot tub for an experience you’ll never forget.

The two long beaches of Livojärvi lake and Hietajärvi lake are called Riviera of Finland, where you can go for a refreshing swim on a hot summer day (it may get up to +30 C on occasional days during the summer). Also, kayaks, boats, and bikes can be rented from the Himmerki reception.

Green Values

As excellence for their green and sustainable values both Himmerki Holiday Village and Kirikeskus Hotel have been awarded Green Key and Sustainable Travel certifications for their efficient recycling, favoring local products, services, and workers, along with respecting and preserving this majestic, unique nature. Further, many of the ingredients for the dishes in the restaurants are produced locally. The company also makes sure that collaborating partners, such as husky and reindeer safaris sold through them meet the criteria of good animal husbandry, thus it is highly important that partners share the same values. Today, such responsible actions are much appreciated by guests, I know that from my personal experience as someone who has a lifetime of experience in luxury hotels around the world, and yes, especially in Lapland. If I personally had to choose between two hotels, I always aim for the one with values that correspond to mine.

To whom would I recommend Kirikeskus and Himmerki? Anyone who values great outdoor activities – or just relaxation, pure nature, fresh air, and unique experiences at a very affordable price and to those who like to support local entrepreneurs.

How do you get to Posio?

You can either drive to Posio, which’s about a 10-12 hr drive from Helsinki, or just hop on the plane and fly to Kuusamo or Rovaniemi and rent a car or take the green option and take a night train with a comfortable sleeping cabin from Helsinki to Rovaniemi. From Rovaniemi, you get to Posio also by bus so despite the wilderness location, the places are relatively easy to reach and I promise you, the views on the way are worth seeing! From Rovaniemi to Posio, about 140 km. From Kuusamo airport to Posio (Himmerki), 54 km.

The post Unique Wilderness and Culture Experiences in Posio, Finland first appeared on Skimbaco Lifestyle | Nordic lifestyle magazine.

The Moomin Flagship Store in Helsinki Celebrates its First Anniversary

Isabella Presnal — Mon, 16 Nov 2020 10:37:52 +0000

Year of Celebrations for Moomin

This year the Moomin’s celebrate its 75th anniversary with the #OURSEA-campaign, and now the Moomin’s flagship store celebrates its first year.

Moomin Flagship Store in Helsinki

The flagship store is located in the center of Helsinki at Lasipalatsi, one of Helsinki’s most notable functionalist buildings, located in the Kamppi district. The Lasipalatsi building was designed in the 1930s by at the time architecture students Viljo Revell, Niilo Kokko, and Heimo Riihimäki, as a temporary building. As time passed it became an attraction of the time representing functionalistic architecture as its best. In the 90s it was renovated to restore its 1930s charm and in 2016 renovated again as the building of the underground museum was underway. Lasipalatsi re-opened in 2018 with the new Amox Rex, cinema Bio Rex, with cafes and shops. The shop opened in the autumn of 2019 taking on the role of the Moomin’s flagship shop. The interior is based on Tove Jansson’s The Moomins and the Great Flood, published in 1945. It is the first book Tove wrote that features the Moomins, though it’s often seen as a prelude to the stories. It tells of Moominmamma and Moomintroll’s search for Moominpappa and their travels which lead them to Moominvalley. It’s a story of a divided family trying to find each other and a new home. Based on the book’s design, the store is filled with pastel colors of pink and green. It’s a warm and peaceful space with large windows and wicker elements. Around the store, you can find original artwork from the book, celebrating Tove Jansson’s art. It’s not just a store, it’s a space to feel the magic of the Moomins. Inside you can find all things Moomin, from books to the classic Arabia mugs, toys, clothes, and more. There’s something for everyone, there is no age limit to the Moomins. For the remainder of the month, the Moomin Shop Lasipalatsi is offering discounts on many products.

More photos from the store.

#OURSEA Campaign

This year marks 75 years since Tove Jansson wrote The Moomins and the Great Flood. To celebrate the anniversary, Moomin Characters Ltd launched a year-long #OURSEA campaign with the John Nurminen Foundation to raise money and then save the Baltic Sea. Tove Jansson spent her life by the Baltic Sea – both in her hometown Helsinki and in Pellinge archipelago, which served as her summer home. The sea was always important to Tove Jansson, and you can easily see her love in the Moomin stories countless times.

“He came to the edge of the water and stood watching the breakers. There was the sea – his sea-going past, wave after wave, foaming recklessly, raging furiously, but, somehow, tranquil at the same time. All Moominpappa’s thoughts and speculations vanished. He felt completely alive from the tips of his ears to the tip of his tail. This was a moment to live to the full.” From the book “Moominpappa at Sea” by Tove Jansson, 1965.

After Tove’s passing, the Baltic Sea has become one of the most polluted in the world and urgent action is needed. Eutrophication is the most significant environmental issue affecting the Baltic Sea. It’s caused by excessive phosphorus and nitrogen loads that end up via urban waste waters, rainwater from forests and fields, and to some extent from traffic. Climate change further accelerates eutrophication. Eutrophication is also one of the main threats to the biodiversity of the Baltic Sea: nutrient over-enrichment causes elevated levels of algal and plant growth, increased turbidity, oxygen depletion, changes in species composition and blooms of algae. The John Nurminen Foundation’s measures to protect the Baltic Sea have been extremely successful. Thanks to their efforts and working together with multiple partners across the Baltic Sea, the Gulf of Finland’s annual phosphorus load has been reduced by as much as 75%. This is a world record in marine protection! The Foundation’s projects aim to reduce the nutrient load to the Sea. They evaluate their Clean Baltic Sea projects and works on a basis of measurable positive environmental impact and assigns the donated money for work that puts it into most effective use. In just 15 years, the Foundation has started over 30 Clean Baltic Sea projects, of which well over 20 have been completed. In terms of environmental impact, they have accomplished the two most significant water protection efforts ever carried out in the Baltic Sea. In addition to environmental work, part of their work is preserving the seaside lifestyle as part of the culture. For example, the Foundation had published over 40 award-winning books in multiple languages giving a voice to people for whom the Baltic Sea is a vocation, a way of life, or a passion. So far the campaign has raised 591737€, removing 2367 tons of green-blue algae from the Baltic Sea! For a full portfolio of the Foundation’s activities, see www.johnnurmisensaatio.fi and then see the ways you can join the Moomins in supporting #OURSEA.

The post The Moomin Flagship Store in Helsinki Celebrates its First Anniversary first appeared on Skimbaco Lifestyle | Nordic lifestyle magazine.

Video Tour of Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma in Helsinki

Katja Presnal — Sun, 05 May 2019 11:05:14 +0000

AlexAlex and Kristian spent a day at the Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma in Helsinki. First she takes the stage at The Stage is Yours exhibition. The exhibition a collection of participatory and experiential artworks that underline the concepts of giving, hospitality and togetherness. Watch the video what kind of art AlexAlex creates and what she does as she becomes part of the exhibition. Next comes the incredible Nervescape VIII. The colorful show is by internationally renowned New York-based Icelandic artist Hrafnhildur Arnardóttir, aka Shoplifter. The colorful furry world takes AlexAlex in as she explores the exhibition – this is art that invites you to touch, play and smile. You have to see the video and if you can, visit Kiasma yourself to experience it! There and Back Again exhibit features contemporary art from the Baltic Sea region and showcases art by 26 artists from Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Finland and Russia. It’s an interesting look at what Baltic life has been shadowed by Soviet era, but what is celebrated today. One of the most interesting pieces is by Karel Koplimets, the Case No 13, Waiting for the Ship of Empties. The small ship was made out of empty beer and soda cans and the artist sailed across the sea from Tallinn to Helsinki with it. Watch the video and scroll to see Kristian Presnal’s photos. Photos and video shooting: Kristian Presnal – follow Kristian on Instagram at @KristianPresnal Alex’s custom dress by Riina of Burlesque Tsunami.

The post Video Tour of Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma in Helsinki first appeared on Skimbaco Lifestyle | Nordic lifestyle magazine.