HELSINKI CALLING

Things to do in Helsinki. One of the best spring experiences in Helsinki —the stunning cherry blossoms in Roihuvuori Cherry Tree Park 🌸 In this episode of Helsinki Calling , we explore the magic of Hanami in Finland , where soft pink blossoms transform the city into a peaceful spring escape. Learn the story behind this unique park, created through a cultural connection between Japan and Helsinki,...

RestoCamp is Not a Campus. It’s the Future of Hospitality Why RestoCamp @Mall Of Tripla, is redefining how we educate, train, and build the next generation of hospitality management What if hospitality education didn’t happen inclassrooms, but in real time, inside a living ecosystem? RestoCamp @Mall of Tripla challenges everything we thought we knew about learning. The campus is located within a s...

Step inside the Ateneum Art Museum in this episode and discover how Eero Nelimarkka captured the quiet soul of Finland. From poverty in Vaasa to artistic success, his paintings reveal fleeting moments of rural life, the dignity of everyday people, and the landscapes that shaped the Finnish character.

What happens when a Helsinki consultant tradesboardrooms for lakeside cabins in North Karelia? In this episode, Sam-Erik meets Tiina Kujamäki, theentrepreneur behind Koli Free Time Resort, to discuss building hospitality inone of Finland’s most iconic landscapes — and why serenity, cooperation, andbold vision are shaping the future of tourism in Koli. #koli #ukkokoli #northkarelia

Lux Helsinki 2026: “Stop Time!” — A winter walk through light, silence, and a climate wake-up call. In this episode of Helsinki Calling , I take you along my Lux Helsinki 2026 route—from the quiet pulse of Mycelium Network at Old Church Park, to the intimate pause of Moment , the storytelling façade of Chapters , and the hypnotic mirror movement of Soleil Nuit . Then the tone shifts at Lasipalatsi...

Every Christmas Eve at noon, Finland pauses as the Declaration of Christmas Peace is read in Turku—a tradition dating back to the Middle Ages and still deeply felt today. In this episode of Helsinki Calling , I reflect on why this moment matters so much to Finns, and share a personal memory from my student years in the USA, when getting back to Helsinki by December 24th meant planning flights care...

In this episode of Helsinki Calling , listeners are invited to step inside the Nordea Bank Museum and experience one of Helsinki’s most beautiful and least-expected interiors. Behind the granite walls of Aleksanterinkatu 36B unfolds a grand banking hall designed in 1898 by Gustaf Nyström—soaring columns, a luminous glass ceiling, and architectural precision that still conveys confidence and calm m...

This episode of Helsinki Calling traces the remarkable journey of the Santa Lucia tradition from its dramatic Sicilian origins to its cherished role in Finland’s winter darkness. We explore the story of Saint Lucia — a symbol of courage, compassion, and light — and how her legacy transformed into a Nordic celebration of hope. This year marks a milestone as Lucia 2024, Daniela Owusu , becomes the f...

I had the privilege of moderating Helsinki’s first “Work Smart Not Hard” seminar at Lapland Hotel, where we explored how AI and smart tech are reshaping hospitality. Here’s what stood out: ✅ AI is already in daily use—88% of companies leverage it for pricing and operations. ✅ It won’t replace jobs; it will redefine roles and free time for human connection. ✅ Sustainability needs to go beyond to...

In this episode of Helsinki Calling , Sam-Erik Ruttmann takes you inside one of Helsinki’s most exclusive dining traditions, the Mårten Gås dinner at the historic Bourse Club. Blending Finnish elegance with Swedish heritage, this November feast pays homage to St. Martin of Tours and centuries of Nordic culinary ritual. From the mysterious svartsoppa to the perfectly roasted goose confit and comfor...

Just a short tram ride (No.4) from Helsinki’s center lies Tarvaspää, the enchanting studio home of Finland’s national painter, Akseli Gallen-Kallela. Blending art, nature, and architecture, this castle-like retreat overlooks Laajalahti Bay and offers a window into the artist’s creative world. Originally inspired by European studios and Finnish national romanticism, Tarvaspää stands as a total work...

🎙️ Helsinki Calling: A Finnish Summer Story in Hanko In this heartfelt episode, join me on a personal summer escape to Hanko, Finland’s southernmost gem. We were there to celebrate a family milestone, my brother-in-law's 70th birthday, but the experience turned into something much deeper. From sweet strawberry cake and quiet harbor walks to nets filled with freshly caught whitefish and a floun...

Hotel breakfasts in Helsinki can cost up to €38, but are they worth it? In this episode, Sam-Erik exposes the hidden costs behind the buffet and reveals smarter, better-value alternatives just steps away. Don’t get caught in the breakfast trap—discover where the real Helsinki morning experience begins.

Midsummer Memories: A Celebration of Light and Nature Sharing my memories from my childhood. Midsummer in Finland is more than a celebration—it’s a sensory experience steeped in tradition, light, and connection with nature. June 21st marks the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, when the sun barely dips below the horizon and time seems to pause. https://samerik.substack.com/p/finnish-mid...

🎧 Welcome to "Crack, Sip, and Celebrate: Step into the World of Scandinavia’s Beloved Crayfish Feast!" 🎧 As the sun lingers in the Scandinavian sky, casting its golden hues over the Nordic landscape, a vibrant tradition bursts to life—as savory and rich as the summer itself. Picture this: tables adorned with whimsical crayfish-themed decorations, dill-infused brine wafting through the...

"Uncover Porvoo: Finland’s Best-Kept Secret with a Hollywood Twist" Porvoo is a picturesque town with charming streets, riverside views, and incredible restaurants. It is only a short drive or bus ride from Helsinki. The Old Town is a living snapshot of the town's past, with historical landmarks and cobbled streets. The Porvoo Museum and Johan Ludvig Runenberg's home offer a glim...

Ahoy, listeners! In this episode of "Sam-Erik Prive'," we embark on a journey through one of the most captivating maritime events of the year: The Tall Ships Races. Join us as we explore how this event brings the grandeur of old-world sailing into the modern era, fostering education, teamwork, and international camaraderie. https://tallshipraceshelsinki2024.fi From the chimes of Hels...

Summary In this podcast episode, Sam-Erik discusses the latest edition of new hotels in Helsinki. He highlights three hotels in different segments and price points: The Maria Hotel, Grand Hansa Hotel, and City Box. Sam-Erik provides his impressions of each hotel and its unique features. He also mentions the potential and impact these hotels will have on Helsinki's hotel scene. Takeaways Helsinki h...

"Picture this - it's freezing outside, snowflakes are falling, the lake nearby is almost frozen, and yet, you see people, clad in swimsuits, ready to jump in. In Finland, this isn't an eccentric activity of a few daredevils, but a well-adopted hobby, known locally as avannon uinti (swimming in ice hole). An estimated 750,000 Finns are passionate about winter swimming, cherishing the i...

Sharing tips what is going on in Helsinki. #myhelsinki #Christmas

Sharing my tips for small hotel owners Airbnb owners how to get started with their own podcast channel.

During the recent 8th edition of the Mediterranean Tourism Forum, I joined one of the Think Tanks at the Forum. The topic was ¨ Sustainability ESG requirements for the hospitality sector¨. Around the roundtable discussion, I met  Gayle Murphy  with Global Green Events. Here is what she had to say about her takeaways from the Forum.

Summary of my 3 day visit in Malta, at the Mediterranean Tourism Forum 8 edition

I am taking you on a tour on my favorite tram line No.2. The route will take you to some worthwhile places to visit. #myhelsinki #kaivopuisto

For Travellers visiting Helsinki they tend to visit the popular Sibelius Monument. A short walk from the monument is Kafe Regatta located. The building was originally owned by the cafe family Paulig. It was built in 1887 as a shed for fish nets next to family’ villa. Cafe Regatta was established 2002 and the rest is history.