Blue Wings Relaxing issue Summer 2017

RELAXING ISSUE TRENDS, DESTINATIONS AND INSIGHTS FOR TRAVELLERS

SUMMER 2017

Your personal copy

ISTRIA FOR FOODIES CREATIVE CO-WORKING IN SHANGHAI FINLAND’S COSIEST HOMESTAY HAVENS

Bringing a fresh twist to Helsinki’s

urban saunas

Untamed Beauty

Spring of Icons Kalevala Jewelry’s Glimmer pendant and the Vitriini jewelry box from Iittala’s Finland 100 collection bring two design icons together in honor of Finland’s centenary. This anniversary set comes in a sparkling new palette of silver and blue. The limited edition anniversary set is a perfect gift idea this spring. Rrp. 249 €

EDITORIAL

BY JUHA JÄRVINEN CHIEF COMMERCIAL OFFICER WWW.FINNAIR.COM

FOKUS MEDIA FINLAND PRODUCER Amanda Soila ART DIRECTOR Sirpa Ärmänen SUB-EDITOR Shelly Nyqvist VISUAL ASSISTANT Iris Mark EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Aino Vähälä ENGLISH EDITING Silja Kudel REPROGRAPHICS Faktor Oy COVER Saara Louhensalo

by Jani Laukkanen BEHIND THIS ISSUE Tim Bird, Angeles Marin Cabello, Camilo ­Fuentealba, Laura Iisalo, Silja Kudel, Jani Laukkanen, Karen MacKenna, Lissu Moulton, Laura Palotie, Katja Pantzar, Hernan Patiño, Steve John Powell, and Fran Weaver SUBMISSIONS bluewings@fokusmedia.fi BLUE WINGS ONLINE www.issuu.com/finnair_bluewings EDITORIAL OFFICES Hämeentie 153 C, 00560 Helsinki, Finland tel. +358 40 630 8253 firstname.lastname@fokusmedia.fi ADVERTISING SALES Jaana Lindvall-Harki tel. +358 40 582 1416 PUBLISHER Fokus Media Finland PRINTED BY Punamusta, Joensuu, Finland 2017 PAPER UPM Valor 61g Cover paper Stora Enso LumiArt 200g CIRCULATION 90,000 ISSN-0358-7703

The beauty of time in between

D

uring the summer months, many people want to take a break from work to rest, relax, and recharge.

Yet as the pace of life around the world gets busier, it can be difficult to find time for holidays.

But I believe that we can turn this ­challenge into an opportunity. Take the growing trend of “bleisure” – mixing ­business travel with leisure. The changing nature of work means it is possible to switch off in the middle of a busy work trip for a few hours, a day, or even longer as work effectiveness in many fields is no longer measured by hours spent in an office.

Owing in part to technology, we are now

in greater control of our working lives: by ­taking time out, we can be more productive, healthier, and happier.

At Finnair we are in the middle of an exciting growth phase, introducing new destinations and digitalised services, and focusing on continual customer experience improvements. That means we take into consideration your entire travel experience, including your moments onboard, those few hours of your own time – “the beauty in between.”

I hope you have a relaxing flight and a wonderful summer!

Juha Järvinen Chief Commercial Officer

Summer inspiration EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Arja Suominen arja.suominen@finnair.com FINNAIR HEAD OFFICE Tietotie 9 A, Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, 1053 Finnair, Finland, tel. +358 (0)9 818 81, Postal address: P. O. Box 15, 01053 Finnair, Finland CUSTOMER FEEDBACK www.finnair.com/feedback or by mail: Customer Relations, SL/403, FI-01053 FINNAIR. www.finnair.com, www.finnair.fi, www.finnairgroup.com

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Watch for our dynamic new Finnair Holidays (launching this autumn) that offer a range of flexible travel options.

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Start planning your post-summer break with our direct flights to laid-back destinations, including Havana, Cuba; Goa, India; and 21 weekly flights next winter to Bangkok, Krabi, and Phuket in Thailand.

You may now donate your Finnair Plus points to an excellent cause: CMI (Crisis Management Initiative), the independent Finnish peace broker.

SUMMER 2017

BLUE WINGS

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AQUARACER CALIBRE 5

TAG Heuer is now proudly keeping the time for Manchester United, one of the world’s most legendary football clubs. The aptly nicknamed Red Devils never crack under pressure, as evidenced by a record 20 league titles.

IN THIS ISSUE Guerrilla sauna in ­Sompasaari

34

SUMMER 2017 34

LIFESTYLE SAUNA-ING AROUND HELSINKI Finland’s beloved tradition heats up

44

LIFESTYLE TOP 5 AWESOME SCOOPS IN NYC Where to scream for ice cream in the Big Apple

49

DESTINATION DANISH FEAST ON WHEELS Bike the culinary backroads of Denmark

55

BUSINESS CHINA’S NEW WORK ORDER

Take an insider look into Shanghai’s co-working spaces

Shanghai’s up-and-coming office scene

55

60

LIFESTYLE GUESTHOUSE FINLAND Experience the local way of life

68

DESTINATION THE PULL OF ISTRIA Behind Croatia’s wine and olive oil culture

75

DESTINATION DARJEELING’S TOY TRAIN Hop aboard India’s Himalayan railway

81

DESTINATION ESCAPE TO SLOVENIA Explore the natural beauty of the Julian Alps

TAKEOFF STARTERS

Caliente Alicante...........................11

NEWS

Flower power and wood.......... 12

NEWS

On land and in the air................. 14

WORLD

Global goings-on...........................16

Denmark mixes ­cycling and cuisine

49

BEAUTY

Cool your skin......................................18

FLYING STORIES

Helsinki Airport’s sauna.................20

DESTINATION

Staycation island...........................22

DESIGN

Art meets fashion.........................24

MAKERS

Pölönen’s musical interlude.... 26

EVENTS

Out and about................................28

TWO OF A KIND

Puig’s Barcelona............................30

FINNISH FAVOURITES

Vesa Sirén on Sibelius................32 SUMMER 2017

BLUE WINGS

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IN THIS ISSUE

60

Finnish homestay hosts ­offer unique accommodation.

81

Outdoor action awaits in Slovenia.

75

The Toy Train whistles its way up to Darjeeling.

REGULARS

Travel Moment............................................ 8

Alexander Stubb.....................................46 Stefan Nilsson..........................................78

Finland in figures................................ 114

FLY FINNAIR

Tips for takeoff........................................ 96 Inflight wellbeing.................................... 97 Entertainment.......................................... 98 Inflight shopping..................................... 99

Sustainability......................................... 100 Border crossings................................. 101 Helsinki Airport ................................... 102 Maps and destinations..................... 104 Fleet and My Finnair......................... 108 Finnair Plus............................................ 110 6 BLUE WINGS SUMMER 2017

Alicante, p. 11 Finland, p. 22, 34, 60 Barcelona, p. 30 New York City, p. 44 Copenhagen, p. 49

Check this month’s ­pre-order offers on page 99

Shanghai, p. 55 Croatia, p. 68 India, p. 75 Slovenia. p. 81

U LT I M AT E P O I N T S O U R C E

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We’re simply Ultimate Point Source monitors, so please excuse us from not keeping a low Finnish profile. We are THE ONES. genelec.com/theones

TRAVEL MOMENT

SEA OF CANVAS TEXT AND PHOTO BY HERNAN PATIÑO

THE TALL SHIPS RACES pay homage to the era of great sailing ships. Organised by Sail Training International, the event is held annually in European waters and has become one of the most visually impressive nautical races in the world.

The races are open for 15- to 25-year-olds of all nationalities.

Host ports for 2017 include the Finnish ­cities of Kotka and Turku. www.sailtraininginternational.org

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TÄHTITORNIN FLYGEL

Laatu asuu yksityiskohdissa AINUTLAATUISIA KOTEJA KAUPUNGIN KAUNEIMMILTA PAIKOILTA

KOKONAISVALTAISTA LAADUKKAAN ASUMISEN PALVELUA

Auratum Asunnot luo mahdollisuuksia korkealuokkaiseen asumiseen rakennuttamalla uusia ja uudistamalla arvokiinteistöjä. Valitessasi Auratumin rakennuttaman kodin, voit olla varma siitä, että asuntosi on laadukas pienimpiäkin yksityiskohtia myöten. Laatu näkyy erinomaisessa varustelutasossa, toimivina ratkaisuina sekä tyylikkäinä, kestävinä materiaaleina.

Kohteemme sijaitsevat aina keskeisillä ja arvostetuilla paikoilla. Tutustu tarjontaamme ja nosta asumisen laatusi uudelle tasolle.

Asiakastyytyväisyys ja luottamus ovat meille ydinasioita, joihin kaikki tekemisemme perustuu. Asuntomyyntimme kuuntelee herkällä korvalla pienimpiäkin toiveita.

MUNKKINIEMEN KONE

PALLADIUM, TURKU

Asiakkaan mielipide on meille tärkeä jokaisessa vaiheessa, myös kaupanteon ja asunnon luovutuksen jälkeen. Meiltä saat kodin, joka täyttää toiveesi jokaista piirtoa myöten.

LISÄTIEDOT Auratum Asunnot, asunnothelsinki@auratum.com, asunnotturku@auratum.com, www.auratumasunnot.fi TÄHTITORNIN FLYGEL

TÖÖLÖN PASUUNA

TAKEOFF

NEWS / EVENTS / DESTINATIONS / STORIES / FAVOURITES

C L A

to ies es fl air ur tim e n n th Fi fo te ing can k dur son. i l A ee sea a w mer om .c sum nnair fi

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Cathedral of caves TEXT BY SILJA KUDEL PHOTO BY EDUARDO CARRETERO

MILLIONS OF YEARS in the making, the sprawling Cuevas del Canelobre in the ­Spanish town of Busot, 23 kilometres from Alicante, make a colourful day outing on the Costa Blanca. Dubbed “Nature’s Sagrada Familia,” the main 70-metre-high vault has the appearance of a surreal cathedral, hence the comparison with GaudÍ’s famous church in Barcelona. Artful lighting brings out the whimsical, animal-like shapes of the stalactites and stalagmites, highlighting the candelabra formation from which the caves take their name. The soaring vaults are so high that they were used as aircraft hangars during the war, and today they provide a one-of-akind subterranean concert venue with amazing acoustics. The caves are open all year, but bundle up: it’s cold inside.

SUMMER 2017

BLUE WINGS

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TAKEOFF NEWS

H(APP)INESS Finnair’s mobile app is available to everyone who has a Finnair booking. Log in with either your Finnair Plus member ID or your booking reference number and surname. Go to finnair.com to learn more.

COMPILED BY SILJA KUDEL LAURA IISALO

Power in flowers: create your own organic skin care oil at Frantsila herb farm.

MORE MARVELLOUS ME

SLOW DESIGN

Summer of learning Sipping cocktails by the pool isn’t everyone’s dream of summer fun, especially for compulsive self-improvers. A growing number of vacationers are d ­ evoting their holidays to learning – a niche in which ­Finland offers a goldmine of edifying alternatives.

NATURAL Offering herbal remedies to strengthen mind and body, the ­Frantsila herb farm 40 kilometres northwest of ­Tampere organises “flower power” workshops teaching participants how to make organic cosmetics from fresh wildflowers. frantsila.com/en

MINDFUL Stone wall building, icon painting, birch-basket weaving, and positive emotion channelling are among the eclectic skills taught this summer at V ­ alamo Monastery in Heinävesi, eastern Finland, which is also a popular destination for silence retreats. valamo.fi ACTIVE For the artfully disposed, Helsinki’s Cable Factory arranges a variety of summer courses for kids, teens, and whole families, from circus camps and animation workshops to hut-building adventures. kaapelitehdas.fi

KID-FRIENDLY APP

Fly with Monkey Moe

Bored kids and long plane rides are a frustrating mix, but a growing number of new apps help to tackle those pesky onboard tantrums.

One new release is Monkey Moe, an educational app designed to entertain small kids while travelling or waiting at the airport. The game takes kids on a plane adventure across seven continents, teaching basic geography in a fun, engaging visual package.

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Woodsman wisdom

It took a Brit to design what might be the most iconically Finnish product imaginable: a contemporary take on the traditional birch-bark backpack called Raaka Reppu.

Crafted from woven birch, 100 per cent natural felt and vegetable-tanned leather, this minimally styled beauty is the creation of Craig Tyler, a Jyväskylä resident for the past two years. After designing products for global clients in London that “are not so good for the planet,” Tyler was inspired by Finland’s abundance of natural materials.

“My products are built on the principles of slow design, whilst celebrating the Finnish forest – and what better year to start celebrating than the centenary year!” tylerinfinland.com

next stop summer

meill ä suomessa on voimassa jokamiehenoikeudet. Niiden ansiosta jokaisella on oikeus liikkua lähes missä tahansa, milloin tahansa, leiriytyä yöksi ja samoilla vapaasti luonnossa.

Voimme poimia marjoja, lukea kirjaa tai rauhoittaa mielemme kivellä tai kannolla istuskellen.

Tämä mahtava vapaus tuo kuitenkin mukanaan

myös paljon vastuuta. Luonnosta lähtiessä on huolehdittava siitä, että se on samassa tilassa kuin tullessamme. Tai ehkä jopa paremmassa.

Kaikki tuotteemme on suunniteltu siten, että voisit nauttia luonnossa olemisesta mahdollisimman paljon. Niin myös High Coast -tuotesarjamme, jonka kevyet vaatteet on helppo

ottaa mukaan minne tahansa. Ne sopivat erinomaisesti spontaaneihin, jokamiehenoikeuksien mahdollistamiin seikkailuihin.

Tule nauttimaan niistä kanssamme!

www.fjallraven.fi

TAKEOFF NEWS

FLYING WITH A PET Finnair loves your furry creatures.

If your pet travels in the cabin, ­however, please note that for safety reasons, your fluffy friend must stay in its ­carrier during the entire flight.

COMPILED BY SILJA KUDEL

Q&A

On a high note Dima Slobodeniouk enjoys sitting in the pilot’s seat – and not only as ­principal conductor of the Lahti Symphony ­Orchestra and artistic director of the Sibelius Festival. The Russian-born Finnish conductor is also an aviation enthusiast with 500 flight hours under his wings.

Q: Why do you love flying?

A: Flying gives me a unique chance to see things from a different perspective. When you sit down in the cockpit and start going through the checklists, you don’t have time to think about anything else. This is relaxation for me, as my work as a conductor demands 120 per cent concentration as well.

SAUNA CARAVAN

Steam on wheels

FINNS ARE SO FOND of their ­saunas they can barely enjoy a ­holiday without one – and now they don’t have to, thanks to the adorable portable saunas created by Finnish company Season Store. Users can simply hook a mini-spa to a car and steam down the motorway. saunavaunut.fi/en

14 BLUE WINGS SUMMER 2017

Q: You spend half the year travelling for work. How do you make the most of your flight time?

A: When I’m in a plane as a passenger, I usually study my musical scores. It’s quality working time.

Q: Are there any similarities between conducting music and piloting an aircraft?

A: In both cases, you need a clear route and destination. The score must be clear in your mind before takeoff.

Sibelius Festival, 30.8–3.9 Sibelius Hall, Lahti sinfonialahti.fi/sibelius/en

AIRPORT POP-UP

Design on the fly HELSINKI IS HAILED one of the world’s hippest cities – starting with the airport, especially now that design shop TRE has opened a pop-up store in the non-Schengen area of Terminal 2. With its flagship shop in downtown Helsinki, TRE is a new concept store offering the world’s largest selection of cool Finnish fashion, design, and lifestyle products. The pop-up stocks over 50 brands – both classics and hot new names – covering a wide range of goodies from organic cosmetics to classic Airam thermos flasks. The airport shop is open 16 hours a day, seven days a week, from May until September 2017. worldoftre.com

KUN ETSIT SITÄ OIKEAA.

Vuode on kodin tärkein huonekalu. Se on iso hankinta, jonka on tarkoitus kestää vuosia.

Jo vuodesta 1947 lähtien, Jensen on kehittänyt vuoteiden ominaisuuksia käyttämällä aina uusimpia menetelmiä ja kaikkein moderneimpia materiaaleja. Optimaaliseen

nukkumismukavuuteen pyrkiminen on tuottanut myös innovaatioita – kuten entistäkin paremman ja myötäilevämmän Jensen Aloy 2.0 -jousitusjärjestelmän. Nuku aina parasta unta omassa vuoteessasi.

ESPOO | HELSINKI | HÄMEENLINNA | JYVÄSKYLÄ | KOUVOLA | KUOPIO | LAHTI | LAPPEENRANTA MIKKELI | OULU | PORI | PORVOO | ROVANIEMI | SEINÄJOKI | TALLINNA | TAMPERE | TURKU | VAASA | VANTAA

TAKEOFF WORLD

WORLD OF BENEFITS Make the most of your Finnair Plus points. You can use your points for a variety of services from Finnair ­and partners. Read more about the program on pages 110-112.

COMPILED BY SILJA KUDEL

PEKKA HONKAKOSKI

CALENDAR

SONKAJÄRVI

She ain’t heavy...

JULY–AUGUST EVENTS

MAY 11–13

For couples keen to test the strength of their marital bonds, the place to be this summer is the Finnish town of Sonkajärvi, the venue of what is possibly the world’s most bizarre sporting event: the annual wife-carrying championships. Husbands carry their wives along a 253.5-metre course including obstacles such as an icy pool. The minimum weight of the lighter half is 49 kilos – any lighter and she is required to strap on a heavy rucksack.

JULY 28–30 ST PETERSBURG. The Present Perfect Festival brings together over 40 electronic musicians from around the world to the Street Art Museum, the largest open-air museum in Eastern Europe. This year’s line-up includes The Black Madonna, Ben UFO, Daniel Avery, Special Request, and Move D.

eukonkanto.fi

ANITA PRAVITS

JULY 11 – AUGUST 13 NEW YORK. A Midsummer Night’s Dream is featured in this year’s Shakespeare in the Park, a beloved NYC democratic tradition bringing the Bard’s immortal words to life in Central Park’s open-air Delacorte Theater. Free tickets are distributed on a first-come, firstserved basis at noon on the day of the show.

AUGUST 27–29 LONDON. Dub, salsa, and reggae ring through the streets of London during the Notting Hill Carnival, a colourful celebration of Caribbean culture. London turns out in droves to enjoy live music, steel bands, and fabulous floats while munching on fried plantain, goat curry, and jerk chicken.

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MICHAEL PEARCE

BORYEONG

Down and dirty JULY 21–30

Mud – so underappreciated – has its very own festival in the South Korean city of Boryeong. What began in 1998 as a PR event promoting the local mineral-rich mud is today a full-on filth extravaganza bringing thousands of goo-loving revellers to the sleepy provincial mud capital. Highlights include a Mr. Mud contest, mud wrestling matches, and mud boot camp.

Advertisement

AVIAPOLIS – MORE TIME TO ENJOY LIFE Would you like to have a whole world at your doorstep?

F

uture cities are built close to busy airports and Finland is no exception. The Airport City Aviapolis surrounding the Helsinki airport is a unique combination of workplaces, housing, services, and recreational areas.

We are looking for people who want to live well and work in a safe environment, close to services and the nature but also have the best possible connections all over the world. Lucrative contemporary residential areas are growing rapidly as new homes are built.

Airport city Aviapolis is a lively city that meets the needs of its residents and visitors as well.

Great traffic connections have enabled the Aviapolis region to grow. Airport City Aviapolis is the fastest growing business area in Finland and the economic engine of Vantaa. It offers the best transport connections in the country, the most modern offices and an innovative spirit.

Invest in your future, invest in Aviapolis, the most dynamic region in Finland.

aviapolis.fi/en At Aviapolis in Vantaa, you are close to everything. Plenty of services and amenities are located nearby.

The area has fantastic train connections. The Ring Rail Line takes you from the airport to Helsinki city center in 25 minutes.

There are over 130 direct flights per day from Helsinki Airport in Aviapolis to airports all over the world. It offers fast connections and 17 long-haul routes to Asia every day.

TAKEOFF STYLE

NEW ONBOARD Check out Finnair’s selection of wellbeing, skincare, and spa treatment products from the Finnair Shop. When you pre-order, your purchases will be ­waiting for you on your next flight.

COMPILED BY AINO VÄHÄLÄ

SUPER NATURAL THESE TRAVEL-FRIENDLY SKINCARE TREATS HELP TO KEEP GLOBETROTTERS COOL IN THE SUMMER HEAT.

This Gentle 3-in-1 Cleansing Milk

by Sante performs the ­triple-duty of ­removing lipstick and eye makeup, as well as leaving the face squeaky clean. The vegan cleanser relies on organic aloe vera and chia seed oil to calm sensitive skin.

Seaweed gel gives Lush’s Needles and Pines shower jelly a lovely, wobbly texture with a unisex, earthy scent that makes you feel like you’re taking a shower in the Finnish forest. For extra tingles, pop the pot into the fridge. lush.com

sante.de/en

18 BLUE WINGS SUMMER 2017

Organic sunscreens have advanced from the days of white, sticky pastes. B ­ ioSolis Sun Spray is an easyto-spread and nonsticky sunblock that shields the skin with its SPF50+ while ­containing no harmful nanoparticles. biosolis.info

De-stressing roseroot and beautifying nettle are the staples of Arctic ­Warriors’ Sinni Herb Shot, providing a pickme-up for both body and brain. arcticwarriors.fi/en

Arctic super berries are known to work wonders for the skin, whether on a plate or in a bottle. Dry and sensitive skin get a moisturising boost with Flow C ­ osmetics’ Sea Buckthorn & Lingonberry Facial Oil Serum. flowkosmetiikka.fi

The zesty-scented ­Citrus Deodorant by Weleda features lemon and orange essential oils to c­ ombat body odours. This ­naturally detoxifying roll-on is handy to pack and good for freshening up throughout the day. weleda.com

astron. the world’s first gps solar watch.

In 2012 we made history with Astron, the world’s first GPS solar watch. Using just the power of light, Astron adjusts to every time zone on earth at the touch of a button.

In 2014 we took Astron even further, introducing a full-function GPS solar chronograph. Now with dual time display, Astron is simply the world’s finest GPS solar watch.

*If there are changes in the region / time zone, manual time zone selection may be required.

seiko.fi

FLYING STORIES TEXT BY KATJA PANTZAR PHOTO BY MINNA HATINEN

LONG-HAUL OASIS Sweat away your layover at Helsinki Airport with a sauna. The Finnair ­Premium Lounge in the non-Schengen area is the perfect spot to relax before a flight.

HOT TIP

Airport steam

THERE’S A well-kept secret tucked away in the corner of Finnair’s Premium Lounge at Helsinki Airport: the world’s only authentic Finnish sauna in an airport.

Located next to the ­private shower suites and changing rooms, the unisex sauna is part of the 400-square-metre lounge that showcases Nordic design and nature.

Finland’s world-renowned sauna is an essential wellness staple and quintessential part

In this series Blue Wings looks into the fascinating world of flying through inspiring people, discoveries and inventions.

20 BLUE WINGS SUMMER 2017

of the country’s culture.

As well as helping to remove toxins and ­impurities by sweating them out, the sauna is touted for a range of health benefits such as relieving tension, improving circulation, lowering blood pressure, and increasing resistance to illness.

The best time to enjoy a leisurely steam bath is in the daytime after 9 am following the early morning rush, and during the quieter evening hours for

travellers departing on longhaul flights to Asian destinations, for example.

Enjoying a pre-flight sauna provides the perfect way to relax before heading out into the busy world.

Finnair Premium Lounge, between gates 36 and 37, is available exclusively for Finnair Plus Platinum and Gold members (+ one guest), and oneworld Emerald cardholders.

Aloita lomasi jo ennen lähtöä.

Rentoudu yli 1 000 lentokenttäloungessa eri puolilla maailmaa lentoyhtiöstä tai matkustusluokasta riippumatta.

American Express® Platinum Card -kortin jäsenyysmaksuun sisältyy kaksi Priority Pass™ -korttia ja molemmilla mahdollisuus kutsua ilman lisämaksua mukaan myös yksi ystävä.

americanexpress.fi/platinumcard

TAKEOFF DESTINATION

DISCOVER FINLAND Why not book a Finnair Stopover for a day or two on your way between Europe and Asia! To book a stopover package go to finnair.com/stopover.

TEXT AND PHOTOS BY AMANDA SOILA

The cottages of Rakinkotka eco island are built from recycled logs.

Pertti and Virpi Illi

ECO HOLIDAY

The silent treatment WITH INTEREST in eco-travel ­continuing to surge, many travel operators are jumping on the bandwagon. But going green was more than a mere whim for Pertti and Virpi Illi, who founded Rakinkotka eco-village in southeast Finland back in 2001. Today this island colony of cottages boasts its own hybrid power system supplying energy for the entire island, and all food served is entirely organic or locally produced.

“All the cottages are built from recycled logs saved from dismantled hay barns and huts around the country that would have otherwise ended up as firewood,” says Pertti.

The sturdy logs were rebuilt into some 30 cottages dotted around the wooded island and connected by duckboards made of ecological heat-treated wood. With 62 beds, two roomy meeting spaces, three saunas, and 26 hectares of land for roaming, Rakinkotka Island is particularly popular for company outings and family holidays. Other special packages offered include bird-spotting outings, silence retreats, and even digital detoxes. And with the sur22 BLUE WINGS SUMMER 2017

rounding sea literally everywhere, fishing is a natural highlight of many visits.

“Every guest is welcome to try out fishing if they wish. For many, angling can be a novel and quite unique experience – a new way to connect with nature,” says Pertti.

After a successful fishing trip, the catch is prepared in the kitchen for evening dinner.

Seasonal fish, game, and vegetables are the stars of the menu.

“A lot of our ingredients are sourced from the island, such as vegetables, eggs, mushrooms, and wild herbs and flowers,” says Virpi, who manages the culinary side of the island experience. For the three chefs of Rakinkotka, the constantly changing seasonal ingredients pose a positive challenge inspiring traditional Finnish treats served with a fresh new twist.

While the owners and staff remain busy throughout the year, the island provides a tranquil escape for the visitor. Listening to nature’s soundtrack – the music of the sea and the wind – is the ideal way to relax the exhausted mind.

WHAT TO EXPECT • Flavours: Wild, green, and mostly gluten-free.

• Special steam: The true speciality of the island is a smoke sauna built into the bedrock, which requires an entire day to heat up.

• Behind the scenes: A hybrid power station located next to the sheep pen supplies electricity for the entire island using solar panels and wind power.

• Sleep: The bungalows provide an irresistibly cosy cottage feel.

• How to get there: Half an hour’s drive and a ten-minute boat ride from the coastal town of Hamina. vimpa.fi/en

Yksi lataus – kuukauden hymy Jordan Clean Fresh -sähköhammasharja tarjoaa tähän uudenlaisen mahdollisuuden – matkakumppanin, jonka akku kestää jopa kuukauden* yhdellä latauksella. Ja mikä parasta, sisäisen litium-akun ansiosta harjausteho ei vähene ajan kuluessa, vaan tarkat ja hellävaraiset SoftClean™-harjakset puhdistavat täysin kierroksin matkan loppuun asti. USB-laturilla lataat harjan kätevästi kannettavasta tietokoneestasi tai muusta kannettavasta virtalähteestä. Tutustu kauniin hymysi takaavaan matkakumppaniin osoitteessa wilfa.fi/jordan. *120 minuuttia harjaamista

Jordan Powered by Wilfa -sähköhammasharjat saatavilla mm. seuraavilta jälleenmyyjiltä: Power, Gigantti ja Prisma.

100 PÄIVÄN TYYTYVÄISYYSTAKUU

TAKEOFF DESIGN

GET CULTURED Use your Finnair Plus points or money and points to purchase a Museum Card for museums around Finland.

See finnairshop.com for more information.

COMPILED AND WRITTEN BY AINO VÄHÄLÄ EEVA SUUTARI

Jukka Rintala: Prince Orlofsky’s cloak from the operetta Die Fledermaus

STYLE

Fashion talks art

THE FUSION of art and fashion is by no means new, but the past few years have seen these collaborations peak like never before.

This summer, the Didrichsen Art Museum embraces that hot international trend with an exhibition highlighting the work of Finnish haute couturist Jukka Rintala.

Crossovers are nothing new for Rintala, who has been showcasing the dialogue between art and fashion for the past four decades. Celebrating a career spanning 40 years, the new exhibition at Didrichsen Art Museum features Rintala’s stunning designs and paintings coupled with art works from the museum’s own collection.

Although best known for his exquisite evening gowns, Rintala has also made his

LANDSCAPE

mark in industrial and interior design. “Art is something we need: it gives us a chance to be inspired,” he says. “For me art and fashion have always walked hand in hand.

For the museum community, however, it may be something quite unexpected.”

Fashion Artist Jukka Rintala is on display from June 9 to August 27 at Didrichsen Art Museum, which is housed in a seaside villa on Kuusisaari Island in Helsinki.

Rintala’s other current exhibitions include Summer Glittering at Wanha Raatihuone in Naantali June 30 to July 31, and the Moment of Summer at Savonlinna’s Taito Shop until August 27.

History with a twist

FIVE FINNISH designers offer unique, modern makeovers of historical objects and traditional materials from the National Museum of Finland’s collection. Inspiration is here! is a temporary exhibition on display in the Museum’s pop-up facility until August 27. The designs are also sold in the museum shop. kansallismuseo.fi/en

24 BLUE WINGS SUMMER 2017

SOILE TIRILÄ/MUSEOVIRASTO

ART ATTACK

didrichsenmuseum.fi/eng

Nordic nature on the clothing rack

THE FINNISH design scene greets a newcomer with a global vision: hálo by Marta Valtovirta and Jukka Puljujärvi draws inspiration from the northern lights and midnight sun of Lapland’s wilderness. Echoing the four seasons rather than the two-collections-a-year rule, hálo sticks to a “see-now, buy-now” policy.

Collection sold online: halofromnorth.com

marjakurki.com

Pohjoisesplanadi 25-27, Helsinki

info@marjakurki.com

MAKERS OF FINLAND

DESIGN DEALS Check out the range of Finnish design in the Finnair Shop.­And if you pre-order, your purchases will be waiting for you on your next flight. finnairshop.com

TEXT AND PHOTO BY LAURA IISALO

MUSIC

Instrumental learning Composer and inventor Perttu Pölönen was only 15 years old when he created MusiClock, a round wooden tool that demonstrates music theory in such a simple way that even young children understand it. Like many innovations, this one too was born out of frustration.

“To make music, people need to learn the theory behind it, but it tends to be complicated. I spent a lot of time trying to learn by memorising, which was inefficient,” says Pölönen.

To ease the learning process, he decided to develop a tool that would explain music visually. “There are 12 numbers on a clock face and there are also 12 pitches in the chromatic scale.

I put the two together and it became a music clock,” explains Pölönen. After presenting his idea to his friends, it took them only 15 minutes to understand things about music that he had taken years to master.

The idea took off after Pölönen, now 22, won the European Union Contest for Young Scientists in 2014, after which he patented his innovation and set up a company. Today MusiClock is known widely as an efficient tool that teaches music learners at home and school how to choose the right scales, chords, and notes for playing music or making songs. After its successful launch in Finland, Pölönen is ready to disrupt music education worldwide by making his method the new global norm. Believing wholeheartedly that music has potential to make a real difference, Pölönen is currently in Silicon Valley making his grand vision a reality. “Music is the common language of the world and a way to communicate feelings that we can’t express in words. The value of that is priceless,” he says. getmusiclock.com

In this series we meet the bright young talents of Nordic design.

26 BLUE WINGS SUMMER 2017

Perttu Pölönen’s innovative MusiClock is available for pre-order in the Finnair Shop. finnairshop.com

AINUTLAATUINEN. JÄÄMERENSININEN. Hästens valmistaa rajoitetun erän viileän tyylikästä Hästens Nordic Frame -parivuodetta. Vuoteita tulee koko maailmassa myyntiin vain 800 kpl. Varaa omasi osoitteessa vepsalainen.com/ainutlaatuinen ja saat kutsun henkilökohtaiseen sovitustapaamiseen omassa Vepsäläisen myymälässäsi.

Hästens Nordic Frame -erikoiserä, verhoilukangas: Hästens Ocean Blue. Norm. 6.390 € NYT 4.490 €.

Nousukausirahoituksella* 60 erässä 74,83/kk, täysin ilman korkoja ja kuluja. Sisältää: 2 kpl 90 x 200 cm runkopatjoja, 1 kpl 180 x 200 cm BJ-jouhisijauspatjan ja valkoiset koivujalat. Medium tai tukeva jousitus.

ESPOO | HELSINKI | HÄMEENLINNA | JYVÄSKYL Ä | KOUVOL A | KUOPIO | L AHTI | L APPEENRANTA | MIKKELI | OULU | PORI | PORVOO | ROVANIEMI | SEINÄ JOKI | TAMPERE | T URKU | VAASA | VANTAA

* Hankintoja helpottaa TUOHI MasterCard -luotto, jolla maksat ostoksesi tasaerissä jopa 60 kuukauden aikana ilman korkoja ja kuluja. Maksaessasi ostokset TUOHELLA 1.6.–31.8.2017 välisenä aikana saat ostolle jopa

60 kk korotonta ja kulutonta maksuaikaa tasaerissä. Tätä kutsutaan Nousukausirahoitukseksi. TUOHEN muusta käytöstä maksat korot ja kulut sopimusehtojen mukaisesti. TUOHI MasterCard on kansainvälinen maksuaika- ja luottokortti. Todellinen vuosikorko 1.500 euron käytössä olevalle luotolle on 20,4 %, kun nimelliskorko on 3 kuukauden euribor (06/2017) +12 % ja siinä on huomioitu kuukausittainen 5 euron tilinhoitomaksu. TUOHI on toistaiseksi voimassa oleva jatkuva luotto, luottoraja 1.000–10.000 euroa. Luoton myöntää Nordea Rahoitus Suomi Oy, Aleksis Kiven katu 9, Helsinki. Lisätiedot tuohi.fi. Nousukausirahoitus ei ole käytössä Vepsäläisen verkkokaupassa.

TAKEOFF EVENTS

100 YEARS Blue Wings salutes Finland’s centenary by highlighting ­interesting events throughout the year. Stay tuned for more! suomifinland100.fi

COMPILED BY LAURA IISALO SAMULI PENTTI

CALENDAR FOOD AND ART FESTIVAL

AUGUST 24–27 FOOD AND ART make a perfect pairing when five chefs from around the world prepare a special menu on the grounds of the Serlachius Museums in Mänttä. A French food market and pop-up restaurants complete the weekend.

FESTIVAL FEVER

Ode to urban culture AUGUST 11–13

Flow Festival is guaranteed to end the summer with a bang. This year’s highlights include contemporary American icon Lana Del Rey, Finnish phenomenon Alma, and English electronic duo Goldfrapp. A new collaboration with Forum Box Gallery brings video installations to the festival area, which also offers many on-site restaurants, cafés, and bars serving food with a sustainable theme to fit many tastes. flowfestival.com

foodcampfinland.fi MIKKO PAAKKINEN

JULY 7, AUG 4, AND SEPT 1

HELSINKI CRUISING gathers together hundreds of classic car enthusiasts on the first Friday of each summer month.

The parades end at Market Square where American classics from the ’30s to the ’60s put on a colourful show. fhra.fi MIKKO SAIRANEN

KARI NYYSSÖNEN

MUSIC

Sound of Finland

GREETINGS FROM FINLAND is a summer exhibition in Fiskars village, home to many artisans, designers, and artists. The group show explores current moods and identities in our multicultural society through selected works of art.

JULY 7 – AUGUST 4 Savonlinna Opera Festival has commissioned a new work titled The Castle in the Water by contemporary composer Aulis Sallinen, whose Kullervo opera is also on this year’s programme. The Bolshoi Theatre from Moscow and The Teatro Real Madrid will perform alongside native choirs, orchestras, and artists in a tribute to independent Finland’s 100th anniversary in the historic estate of St. Olaf ’s Castle.

onoma.fi

operafestival.fi

UNTIL SEPT 24

28 BLUE WINGS SUMMER 2017

MEMBRASIN® VISION NATURAL EYE VITALITY VISION VITALITY SPRAY | VISION VITALITY CAPSULES

Unique 2-step Solution for Dry Eyes with Clinically Proven Sea Buckthorn Oil Ratkaisu kuiville silmille. Sisältää tyrniöljyä. 乾燥している目をケアします。シーバックソーン オイルが含まれています。

本产品用于治疗眼睛干涩等症状，内含沙棘油。

Available from Finnair On-board and Pre-order selections, and from pharmacies in Finland. Saatavana apteekeista. フィンエアーのプレオーダーと機内販売、 そしてフィンランド国内の薬局でご購入いただけます。

您可在所乘坐的芬兰航空公司的班机上购买或者预订， 芬兰全国各大药店也均有出售。

TWO OF A KIND

BEST OF BARCELONA Explore the Catalon capital like a local: take in culture, architecture, food, and ­shopping. Finnair flies to Barcelona 11 times a week.

TEXT BY STEVE JOHN POWELL PHOTOS BY ANGELES MARIN CABELLO

2 X ARCHITECTURE

Barcelona’s Modernisme master This year, the Spanish city is celebrating the 150th anniversary of the birth of Josep Puig i Cadafalch (1867–1956), one of the leading architects of Modernisme (Catalan Art Nouveau). These two buildings are among Puig’s best-loved Modernista marvels.

CASA TERRADAS

ELS 4 GATS

A castle-like mansion (built in 1905) comprises three apartment buildings under one roof. Nicknamed Casa de les Punxes (House of Spikes) for its six pointy spires, Puig designed it for the three daughters of industrialist Bartomeu Terradas. The blend of Catalan t­ radition and northern European gothic with then-innovative techniques (red-brick facades, wrought iron, floral sculptures) is quintessential Puig. Only open to the public since August 2016, visits include access to the roof and those spectacular spires, which Puig covered in overlapping tiles to look like dragon scales. Sant Jordi, Catalonia’s dragon-slaying patron, is a recurring motif throughout the house, and the subject of an entertaining multi-media experience.

Casa Terradas, Avgda. Diagonal 420, 2-1, 08037 Barcelona casadelespunxes.com

Pablo Picasso, at age 17, had his first exhibition in this Gothic Quarter bar on the ground floor of the Puigdesigned Casa Marti building. The bar became the epicentre of Catalan Modernisme. Regulars included Antoni Gaudí, composers Enrique Granados and Isaac ­Albéniz, painters Ramon Casas and Santiago Rusiñol, and poet Ruben Dario. The décor has changed l­ittle: wrought-iron chandeliers, blue ceiling, red and gold arches. Photos and paintings by its famous clients hang from every wall, dominated then as now by Casas’ large oil painting Ramon Casas and Pere Romeu On a ­Tandem. The menus still bear Picasso’s original design and the lavatory walls are decorated with Puig’s trademark floral tiles. Els Quatre Gats ­celebrates its 120th anniversary this year.

Carrer de Montsio 3, 08002 Barcelona 4gats.com

30 BLUE WINGS SUMMER 2017

www.kia.fi

Uusi Optima Sportswagon GT-Line

Suunniteltu säväyttämään

Urheilullisuutta oikeissa paikoissa - seitsemän vuoden takuulla.

Kia Optima GT-Line ei piilottele urheilullista puoltaan ja sen runsaat yksityiskohdat hivelevät silmää.

Voimakkaat LED-ajovalot, LED-takavalot, tyylikkäät kylkilistat, tuplapakoputket ja urheilulliset puskurit korostavat persoonallista ulkonäköä. Autossa on myös Kian tunnusomainen etusäleikkö, 18":n kevytmetallivanteet ja tyylikkäät ilmanottoaukot, jotka lisäävät sen hohdokkuutta entisestään.

Mallisto alk. 29.618 €

Mallisto alk. 36.530 €

Mallisto alk. 49.990 €

Kia Optima -mallisto alk. autoveroton hinta 25.083,67 € + arvioitu autovero 4.534,06 € + toimituskulut 600 € = kokonaishinta 30.217,73 €.

Vapaa autoetu alk. 615 €/kk, käyttöetu 465 €/kk. CO2-päästöt alk. 37 g/km, EU-yhd. kulutus alk. 1,6 l/100 km.

Kia-takuu 7 vuotta tai 150 000 km, kolme ensimmäistä vuotta ilman kilometrirajaa. Kia 24h tiepalvelu vuodeksi veloituksetta.

Kuvien autot erikoisvarustein.

MY FINNISH FAVOURITES

100 YEARS Blue Wings salutes Finland’s centenary by spotlighting inspiring Finns throughout the year. suomifinland100.fi

TEXT BY CARINA CHELA ESKO JÄMSÄ

Sibelius expert Vesa Sirén works as a music journalist at Helsingin Sanomat, Finland’s largest newspaper. In 2010, he won the Tieto-Finlandia Award for his book Finnish Conductors, which was recently translated into ­German, titled Finnlands Dirigenten.

Helsinki’s popular Sibelius Monument

Bonding with Sibelius If Finnish composer Jean Sibelius (1865‒1957) were alive today he would definitely be a fervent jazz concert-goer.

Music journalist and writer Vesa Sirén has no doubt about this: “Sibelius loved jazz. He once told his son-in-law that he had dreamt he composed a jazz piece but regretted not writing it down.”

Sirén has gained insight into Sibelius’s life through years of research that led him

to write several books on Sibelius and other renowned Finnish musical figures.

According to Sirén, Finland’s almost cliché phenomenon of star conductors and composers has its roots in tradition. “Kalevala, [the Finnish national folklore epic] which is at the core of our national identity, was folk poetry that was sung, not spoken.

Sibelius loved the rhythm of Kalevala and he used it in his work,” notes Sirén.

Before Finland became an independent country, Sibelius was seen as the nation’s voice against repression by Czarist Russia, and this is why classical music became part of Finland’s national identity. “Still today there’s a touch of patriotism when Finnish classical music is played, and this is very unique,” says Sirén.

SIRÉN’S FAVOURITE CULTURAL HANGOUTS

Conductor and composer Esa-Pekka Salonen is the first ever Artist in Association at this must-visit concert venue on Töölö Bay.

32 BLUE WINGS SUMMER 2017

G LIVELAB A cutting-edge club in Helsinki with a very smart sound system run and frequented by musicians. Concerts from jazz, to classical and folk.

SOK

TERO AHONEN

VISIT FINLAND

THE FINNISH NATIONAL OPERA AND BALLET

KAPPELI RESTAURANT One of Sibelius’s hangouts. Here, together with conductor Robert Kajanus, Sibelius enjoyed a night of bacchanalian revelry after the premiere of his Kullervo symphony.

© Moomin CharactersTM

Fly to the world’s only

Moomin Museum –opened in Tampere.

DESTIN

INLAANTION FINLA D

Airpor

t Tamp

MUUMIMUSEO / MOOMIN MUSEUM TAMPERE- TALO, YLIOPISTONKATU 55 FI-33100 TAMPERE, FINLAND

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moominmuseum.fi www.visittampere.fi

HELSINKI IS HOTTER THAN EVER Once found all over the city, Helsinki’s public saunas were all but lost for over half a century. Now, this beloved Finnish tradition is being completely reimagined with a new generation of public saunas.

TEXT BY LISSU MOULTON PHOTOS BY JANI LAUKKANEN

34 BLUE WINGS SUMMER 2017

The wood-burning Sompasauna in the Kalasatama district of Helsinki.

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Caption Allas Sea Pool

D

id you know that there’s only one Finnish word in the English dictionary?

What is it, you ask? Sauna, of course.

The sauna is an important aspect of Finnish culture – more of a spiritual cleansing ritual than a means of getting clean. It is estimated there are about 3.3 million saunas in this ­country of less than 5.5 million people. To give you a little perspective, Finland has more saunas than cars.

There was a time when there was a public sauna on almost every corner of the Finnish capital. Helsinki was a spa city and saunas were its social clubs. Then, after the Second World War, most of them closed down as new residential apartment buildings with their own saunas went up.

But now, thanks to a combination of urban regeneration, entrepreneurship, and citizen action, a new generation of public saunas is heating things up in Helsinki.

Four new seaside saunas – Allas Sea Pool, Löyly, Lonna, and Sompasauna – have all been designed to encourage locals to embrace the traditional and social benefits of public saunas, but also to attract tourists looking to experience something totally Finnish.

36 BLUE WINGS SUMMER 2017

Jeremy Hego (left) from France and Réda Bennani from Swizerland enjoy the sauna at Allas Sea Pool.

Jeremy Hego from France takes a dip in Allas Sea Pool.

MAKE A SPLASH THE TRADITION of Helsinki as a spa city with the sauna at its heart was lost for more than half a century and is now being revitalised by the team behind Allas, or “Pool” in Finnish.

Located right off the city’s Market Square, Allas has three saunas – male, female, and mixed.

The saunas lead out on to a massive floating pool deck with three pools: the large freshwater pools (one for adults and one for kids) and the seawater pool filled with purified water straight from the Baltic Sea. Raoul Grünstein is one of the forces behind Allas. His company, the Korjaamo Group, came up with the idea to turn what was then a parking lot into a floating urban oasis back in 2006.

More than 11 years later, Allas finally opened its doors to the public in 2017.

According to Grünstein, the project couldn’t have happened without the support of local Helsinkians. A big share of the funding came from a crowdfunding campaign.

“There really was a movement to build this place, which people proved by voting with their wallets. That’s a new and wonderful ­bottom-up way of designing the city,” he says.

Grünstein and his team scouted lots of

locations, but nothing even came close to this one. “We wanted the clear contrast between being in the very centre of urban life and the slow life at Allas,” Grünstein says.

The sauna is definitely a big part of that slow life philosophy. Almost a holy place for Finns, spending time in the sauna has what Grünstein calls “a meditative quality.” And you’ll find that same quality even in a large public sauna like Allas.

“For Finns, the sauna isn’t really a place for a lot of discussion, and that’s one of the nicest things about it,” Grünstein says.

That said, Allas is designed to be a place where you can spend the whole day relaxing, socialising, and moving leisurely between the sauna, pool, outdoor spaces, and restaurants.

Regular events include outdoor concerts, moonlight skinny dipping, swimming ­lessons by Olympic swimmers Jani Sievinen and Hanna-Maria Seppälä, and sauna yoga, which is exactly what you’re probably imagining. The restaurant, Neighbour Bistro, serves up old Helsinki’s favourites with a new twist.

And don’t worry, you are allowed to wear your bathing suit in the sauna. But if you want to do things Finnish-style, leave your suit and go au naturel.

Above: Pekka Pakkanen (standing), head architect of Allas Sea Pool, and Raoul Grünstein on the deck of Allas Sea Pool

NAKED TRUTH Allas etiquette: Take it easy. Do it your own way. Have fun. Don’t break the law.

• Katajanokanlaituri 2a, right off Market Square.

• Open Monday – Friday from 6:15 am to 11 pm.

• Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 am to 11 pm.

• €12 for adults, €6 for kids 3–11, free for kids under 3.

• Walk or take the tram to Market Square. allasseapool.fi/eng

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There’s no staff at Sompasauna, so if you think the place is messy, you’ll have to clean it yourself.

WORLD’S MOST PUBLIC SAUNA THE 20-MINUTE walk from the Kalasatama metro station to its southern-most tip feels like you’re on the set of a Mad Max movie. It’s basically a wastelandcum-massive construction site, with huge piles of gravel and the odd graffiti-covered cement slab.

But make this trek off the beaten path and you’ll be rewarded with an entirely different kind of beating – with a birch whisk at the guerilla-style Sompasauna.

The tiny, self-service Sompasauna is two shack saunas on the banks of the Gulf of Finland just next to one of the city’s most up-and-coming neighbourhoods, Kalasatama. The smaller sauna fits three to four people and is heated up to a scorching 140 degrees Celsius (284 degrees Fahrenheit). The main sauna is cooler and more social, with room for 16 to 20 people.

The story behind Sompasauna is almost as quaint as the saunas themselves.

In 2011, a group of friends found an old abandoned wood-burning sauna stove in a forest in 38 BLUE WINGS SUMMER 2017

northern Helsinki. So they did what any self-respecting Finn would do and built a sauna around it.

After hearing about the new sauna from some friends, Saara Louhensalo was one of its very first visitors. Today she’s one of Sompasauna’s unofficial hosts.

With no permission to build or occupy the site, the city tore the sauna down three years in a row.

Every time a dedicated group of volunteers rebuilt.

After three years they registered as an association and made a deal to rent the spot from the city.

According to Louhensalo, Sompasauna is an experiment in “radical openness.” It’s open every day around the clock, it’s completely free, and there’s no gender separation.

And there’s also no staff, which means the ­saunas have to be heated by visitors. If you’ve never heated a sauna yourself, fear not, there’s a guidebook to walk you through it. One of the handiest instructions is: “If you need help, it’s best to ask a Finn.”

And finding one isn’t usually too hard. Sompa-

Saara Louhensalo is one of Sompasauna’s ­unofficial hosts.

NAKED TRUTH Sompasauna etiquette: Don’t throw seawater on the stones because of the salt. Do have fun and enjoy the view of the city and the famous icebreakers docked in Katajanokka.

• Open every day, 24 hours a day.

• Take the bus or metro to Kalasatama and walk about 20 minutes to the southern tip. sompasauna.fi

sauna is as much about community and being social as it is about the sauna.

On some nights, there are even karaoke parties. “We call a singer’s name and he or she runs naked from the sauna and sings,” Louhensalo says. So far there have also been two Sompasauna weddings and quite a few love stories.

Whether you’re looking for love or just some good löyly, remember to bring a towel, clean water to wash with, and some beverages. There’s also an open-fire grill where you can cook the quintessential sauna food: sausages.

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From. 148,/person

Jarno Paalasmaa and his daughter Minea at Löyly

TAKE IT SLOW

Löyly is designed to look like a large stone and blend in with the ­environment.

40 BLUE WINGS SUMMER 2017

ALTHOUGH IT was designed to be synonymous with its seaside environment, you can’t help but notice Löyly as you approach. The wood façade changes with the weather – darker in the rain and lighter and brighter when it’s sunny. And as you get closer, you begin to smell it. The welcoming scent of smoke, tar, and birch.

As one of the city’s biggest and most ambitious new pubic saunas, Löyly is helping to drive the rise of a new and more social sauna culture.

Löyly – pronounced “low-lew” is the steam that comes off the sauna stove when you throw water on the stones. It’s the soul of the sauna.

Antero Vartia is one of Löyly’s owners and also a member of the Finnish parliament. His business partner is Finnish actor Jasper Pääkkönen. Before starting the project, the pair travelled to New York and Los Angeles and went to dozens of the best restaurants and venues they could

find. The ones they loved most had one thing in common: attention to detail. So they spared no expense (the project came in around €2 million over budget) as they sourced the best materials, interiors, and sauna stoves on the market.

Löyly sits on the shore of Hernesaari, not far from the city centre. It has three different saunas that are all heated with birch wood: a continuously-heated sauna, a once-heated sauna that’s heated early in the morning and stays warm all day, and a traditional smoke sauna. The smoke sauna is a real rarity in urban public saunas and the overwhelming favourite of Finnish guests. All of the saunas are heated and maintained by Löyly’s own saunamestari or sauna master.

In addition to the saunas, Löyly also has a restaurant, bar, coffee shop, spaces for private parties, and two large outdoor decks. There is also a lovely chill-out area in between the saunas with an open fire.

NAKED TRUTH Löyly etiquette: Do be considerate of other people. Always ask if it’s OK to throw löyly. Otherwise the only rule is there are no rules.

• Hernesaarenranta 4 • Open Mondays from 4 – 10 pm, Tuesday to Sunday from 1 – 10 pm. There’s a morning sauna on Thursdays and Saturdays from 7:30 – 9:30 am.

• The number 14 bus stops right outside.

• €19 per person for two hours. loylyhelsinki.fi/en

The building itself is a striking design created by award-winning architects using sustainably sourced Finnish materials. As the building ages, it will look more and more like a big stone.

“We wanted Löyly to be elegant with edge. For example, we mix wood with black concrete, which is cool and warm at the same time,” Vartia says.

Vartia and his team weren’t completely sure the concept of combining a sauna with a restaurant and bar would work. But it just does.

“We’ve had parties where you’ve got people who are dressed to the nines and people walking around in towels,” Vartia says.

And if you’re wondering why public saunas are so hot right now, Vartia has a theory. The sauna has always been such an ordinary part of everyday life in Finland that its value as an export or local attraction has been overlooked.

“Finns are extremely humble, but we should to be more ambitious about promoting national treasures like the sauna.

There is a balance, which I call being ‘hambitious’,” Vartia says.

One of the best parts of the sauna experience at Lonna is cooling off outside.

ISLAND HOPPING IT USED to be that the only way to see Helsinki’s tiny Lonna Island was as you sailed by on your way to the fortress island, Suomenlinna.

In the summer of 2014, the former military island was renovated and opened to the general public. And in May of 2017, the Lonna sauna became the island’s newest attraction. It was designed to pay homage to the traditional Finnish sauna.

Ville Wäänänen’s family business, Fregatti Ltd., helps operate the island. The new sauna was built by the governing body of Suomenlinna to replace an old military sauna that was too small and too old to use.

“You can’t have an island in the Finnish archipelago without a sauna,” Wäänänen says.

The concept behind the Lonna sauna is to recreate ­Finland’s traditional sauna culture. “My team and I thought about the best sauna experiences we’ve had ourselves and they were all at our grandparents’ cottages as kids,” Wäänänen says.

Although there are outdoor showers to rinse the s­ eawater off after a dip in the Baltic Sea, visitors wash themselves by SUMMER 2017

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Swede Frida Hugne and Finn Timo Pykäläniemi at Lonna

NAKED TRUTH Lonna etiquette: Don’t jump into the water head-first, it’s shallow.

Do talk to other people.

And do remember to drink lots of water.

• Open from early May to late September.

• Open Tuesday to ­Saturday from 2 pm to 9 pm.

• Ferries leave from Market Square and the ride takes just 10 minutes.

• €16 per person for two hours. lonna.fi

major – who comes with his son to heat the saunas six hours before opening.

“Warming this sauna is a science. It really depends on the wind and the temperature, and there’s no way anyone else would know how to do it,” Wäänänen says.

Just like Allas, Löyly, and Sompasauna, the Lonna sauna sits right on the shore of the Gulf of Finland.

While the island offers amazing views of the Helsinki skyline, the sauna side of the island faces the archipelago, giving you the feeling that you really are outside the city.

And with the island’s popular Waffle Bar serving the sauna and an à la carte restaurant serving up local fare, all you have to do is sit back, relax, and take it all in. l

The Lonna sauna sits on the shore of the Gulf of Finland.

mixing hot and cold water in large barrels. Just as you would have done had you grown up spending summers at your Finnish grandparents’ summer cottage.

Another unique feature of the Lonna sauna is that it’s on two levels. The benches on the upper level are for enjoying the sauna and the lower level is for cooling off and washing.

There are two saunas – one for men and one for women. They use 1,200 kilograms (2,646 pounds) of stones heated by Lonna’s saunamajuri – or sauna

42 BLUE WINGS SUMMER 2017

Lissu Moulton is from New York, but has been living in Finland for 27 years. She’s a copywriter and journalist and since researching this piece can now often be found hanging out in Helsinki’s coolest saunas.

Jani Laukkanen is a Helsinkibased freelance photographer who is fascinated by light and its endless possibilities and beauty. The northern sunlight, sauna, and swimming are essentials of his summer.

TOP5 K F J

to ies ly. fl r dai nai Fin York m w co Ne nair. fin

Summer scoop in NYC

1

THE SOFT SERVE When you walk into one of the Big Gay Ice Cream shops in New York, you can feel the love. People come here for the great vibe and the decadence of an old-school soft serve. Big Gay Ice Cream started back in 2009 as a sort of lark,” says Doug Quint, a classical bassoonist, who rented a truck for a summer with partner Bryan Petroff. “I just called it The Big Gay Ice Cream Truck because the whole thing seemed kind of gay,” he says. The idea took off and there are now three locations. Their signature cone is the Salty Pimp. Made with dulce de leche, sea salt, and chocolate dip, it is positively sinful.

Big Gay Ice Cream biggayicecream.com

44 BLUE WINGS SUMMER 2017

New York’s love affair with ice cream is over 200 years old and showing no signs of waning. The assortment can be dizzying so we’ve selected our favourite places in the city to indulge in this beloved sweet treat.

TEXT BY KAREN MACKENNA PHOTOS BY CAMILO FUENTEALBA

2

RIVERSIDE CHARM Situated in a ­converted fireboat house at the ­Fulford ferry ­landing, the Brooklyn Ice Cream ­Factory flagship shop is an ideal setting for an excursion. When Mark Thompson first opened the doors in 2001, he was greeted by a l­ineup of eager New Yorkers. Thompson’s Philadelphia-style ice cream is all about simplicity. “There are no eggs.

Classic ice cream is made with cream.” He has just eight traditional flavours on offer, including an unbeatable vanilla, all produced in small batches in the back of the shop.

Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory brooklynicecreamfactory.com

3

VEGAN FRIENDLY The story of Van Leeuwen began with a single food truck in 2008. Trio Ben and Pete Van Leeuwen, and Laura O’Neill now boast two trucks and several shops. “There’s no secret to making ice cream other than using really good ingredients.” says Ben Van Leeuwen. “Our ice cream is beyond Fair Trade. We trade directly with farmers and leave out the middleman.” Van Leeuwen offers a line of classic flavours as well as a vegan menu.

Van Leeuwen Artisan Ice Cream vanleeuwenicecream.com

4

TASTE OF ITALY It was a trip to Italy at age 19 that inspired Jon Snyder to bring oldworld gelato to New York and open the wildly successful Ciao Bella in the 1980s. After selling it in 1989, and a 13-year hiatus, he returned to ice cream-making in 2002 with his new venture, Il labatorio del gelato in the Lower East Side. As the name suggests, this ice cream parlour resembles a lab, with its pristine stainless steel countertops showcasing a dazzling array of fresh, brightly-coloured ice creams and sorbets.

Il laboratorio del gelato laboratoriodelgelato.com

5

HIPSTER CONES This retro establishment in ­Williamsburg attracts a hip crowd that spill out onto the sidewalk.

Husband and wife team Holiday and Mohar Kumar partnered with pastry chef Sam Mason and came up with the concept of an old-fashioned ice cream parlour serving unorthodox flavours. Known for his experimentation, Mason has created a quirky selection of flavours that range from playful to those with a more adventurous palate — foie gras anyone?

Oddfellows oddfellowsnyc.com

SUMMER 2017

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EUROPEAN VOICES

BY ALEXANDER STUBB

An ode to kids

I

remember hearing a lot of moanbe difficult and time-consuming, now ing about how bad I was as a kid, ­e verything is available online. The projects overly energetic and often up that kids do in school are nothing short of to mischief. It was not far from impressive. Most Millennials speak more the truth, but my Dad always languages than we do. When they leave defended me. “Don’t worry, peohome they will have seen more of the ple always complain about today’s youths, world, either through physical travel or it was like that even in Ancient Greece,” virtual observation, than we ever did. he said, calling me by my nickname, which Technology has already transformed was Tico. the way in which we interact with one He was right, of course. Socrates, Arisanother. Games such as Wordfeud connect totle, and Plato were masters at teachgrandparents and grandchildren across ing the young. They continents. Social media felt nothing could from Snapchat to InsEVERY GENERATION IS be nobler than gettagram allow users to ting youngsters share everyday life with SMARTER THAN THE to grapple with friends and family. A PREVIOUS ONE. IT’S life’s big quesplethora of visual comWHAT MAKES THE tions. That meant munication apps from ­challenging tradiFacetime to Skype offer WORLD TICK. tion and a­ uthority. great ways to stay in Now, I was no touch. ­philosopher back then and probably Most importantly today’s youths are challenged the wrong things, but my much more tolerant than we were. They Dad’s advice stuck. respect difference, whether it is racial, These days I still hear adults comsexual, or cultural. Their world is simply plaining about young people – they much more diverse than ours was, which spend too much time on their smart is also reflected in the manner in which phones or computers, don’t get outdoors they behave toward their elders. enough, read fewer books than previous Every generation is smarter than the generations, and neither respect tradition previous one. It’s what makes the world nor behave in a respectful manner. tick. Some call it evolution, I call it life.

I think that’s all rubbish. Today’s That’s how it is supposed to be. Nothing youths are great! Much smarter, politer, beats the feeling of your own children outand better informed and more well smarting you. For me, it happens daily, and rounded than we ever were. Anyone I’m proud of it. l who claims the opposite has either a selective or overly nostalgic memory of the past. We simply did not have Alexander Stubb, Finland’s former prime what the Millennials have. Just stop minister, is the father of two teenagers. for a second and think about it.

His autobiography, Alex (Otava 2017), Getting information used to published in Finnish, is out on August 24.

46 BLUE WINGS SUMMER 2017

E L ÄM ÄS I T I L AI S U U S

KO KO U S, KO U LU TU S & J U H L AT b o is t o . f i

Ainutlaatuinen, merellinen luotsisaari omaan käyttöön!

Korkealuokkaiset kokous- ja juhlatilat. Saaren kaikki historialliset rakennukset on varustettu modernilla tekniikalla ja mukavuuksilla. Tunnelmallinen rantasauna ja palju.

Luotsikutteri-, pikavene- tai helikopterikuljetus.

Vain reilu tunti Helsingistä | Saaristolaistunnelmaa ja -herkkuja | Yksilöllistä palvelua

Tel: +358 50 5777 896 | www.boisto.fi | Email: boisto@boisto.fi LinkedIn: Boistön luotsisaari (Oy Boistö Ab) | Facebook: @Boisto | Instagram: @boistonluotsisaari

DESTINATION DENMARK

Quiet roads and picturesque villages: Denmark is an ideal cycling country.

Meals and wheels IN DENMARK

Denmark is famous for its great food and cycling culture. So it makes perfect sense to explore the former by means of the latter.

TEXT AND PHOTOS BY TIM BIRD

SUMMER 2017

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49

H P C

ies r fl i a gen n Fin enha ay. p ad Co to imes m o t six nair.c fin

Above: Well-marked cycling trails pass through idyllic rural landscapes.

Below: Hamlet’s Castle, the setting for medieval banquet extravaganzas

Below: Fishcakes and seaweed at Helsingør’s Maritime Museum of Denmark

50 BLUE WINGS SUMMER 2017

S

tanding in the vast dining hall at Kronborg Castle at Helsingør, I struggle to grasp the excess of the banquets hosted here by the Danish King Frederick II and Queen Sophie in the 16th c­ entury.

This is my first stop on a bike tour of North Zealand, a mission to explore the heritage and variety of kitchen culture in this part of Denmark.

I had heard that Sophie loved to party – and that the parties could last for three days. Guests were treated to 24 courses that amounted to a total of eight kilos of food per diner. Tables groaned under mountains of meat, wild boar’s heads, soups, and puddings, all eaten with bare hands. Vegetables were a no-no, regarded as food for the poor. At every royal toast, trumpets blew and cannons blasted from the ramparts.

Cinnamon and honey were offered to guests for their wine. Peacocks decorated the tables, and servants equipped with bowls and feathers patrolled the scene; guests could tickle their throats to make space for more food.

My visit to UNESCO-listed Kronborg, or Elsinore as Shakespeare called it in Hamlet, confirms my suspicion that the Danish excitement about food is based on long tradition. Before I continue my cycling circuit, I drop into the subterranean Maritime Museum of Denmark, occupying a former dock. The absorbing exhibits make due tribute to the historic role of seafarers in importing foods once considered exotic, now considered Danish staples, such as coffee, fruit, and sugar.

In the museum café, I enjoy a lunch of fishcakes and seaweed. The café shop promotes all-things-seaweed –

Just outside Gurre, I indulge in something I didn’t expect to find in this remote rustic setting: chocolate. tang in Danish – from akvavit to confectionery. It’s hard to imagine Frederick’s and Sophie’s revellers next door at Kronborg tucking in to kelp, but its nutritional content, long recognised in Japan, are now embraced in the western culinary canon.

BIKE FRIENDLY DENMARK North Zealand is superb cycling territory, with enough ups and downs and scenic variety, but sufficiently level to make decent daily distances feasible. The Danes have sensibly placed the calorie-consuming bicycle on a par with the motor vehicle. Helsingør is a manageable half-day, 40-kilometre spin along the coastline north of Copenhagen, and bike rental shops are in all the towns. You can also take your bike on the train.

Helsingør’s well-marked cycle lanes give way to small country roads as I pedal away from the coast, glimpsing deer through the woods and passing thatched cottages straight out of a Hans ­Christian Andersen fairy tale.

Just outside the village of Gurre, I indulge in something I wouldn’t have expected to find in this remote and rustic setting. At the end of an avenue of towering beech trees sits the manor house of Ørsholt and behind the manor I arrive at the Peter Beier chocolate shop and factory.

Surprisingly slender considering his reputation as Denmark’s top chocolatier, Peter Beier greets me in the shop. We walk through displays of pyramid-shaped chocolate cream puffs and nut-centred “Love Bites.”

After some indulgent tasting, Beier leads me to the second floor where a lush cocoa plantation has been created in a specially humidified green room.

“I wanted to start a business close to where I live, which is the manor next door. Why chocolate? Because it opens doors and makes women smile!” he says.

I remount my bike and head through lush forest and pastures inhabited by shaggy cows. By the time I arrive at Domain Aalsgard, Denmark’s oldest vineyard, I’m ready for the white wine refreshment offered in the thick of the vines by owner-manager Lars Hegerman. Another surprise: a small but thriving viticulture enterprise in the heart of the Danish countryside.

“This part of North Zealand is drier and has more sunshine than other parts of Denmark,” says Hegerman, who also grows peaches and apricots here. “I was a university biologist but I’m 75 now and this is my pensioner pastime. I do everything myself, but I need help with the harvesting. I grow early-ripening ­German varieties, and it sells well in the markets and Helsingør shops,” he says.

Above: Hotel Villa Brinkly lures cyclists with its sumptuous breakfasts. Below: Chocolate cream puffs and “Love Bites” at Peter Beier’s chocolate factory.

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North Zealand’s cycle routes – a delightful way to work up an appetite.

Helen Simonsen at Esrum Abbey: “We serve a medieval brunch buffet.”

SUMPTUOUS BREAKFAST My early evening ride from the seaside town of Ålsgard takes me back through Helsingør to the fishing village of Snekersten and the snug comfort of the Hotel Villa Brinkly. This is a favourite haven for cyclists and the centre of a catering service run by Erik Steen and Annette Buch Petersen, who greet me the next morning with a sumptuous breakfast of fresh rolls, dark bread, cheese, eggs, cold meat, skyr yoghurt, and coffee.

“We started the hotel so we could have a big kitchen for our Food by Heart catering service, but it also meant that we would meet people – so thanks for coming!” says Steen.

He waves me off on my last cycling day, which is punctuated by lunch with Helle Simonsen, communications manager at Esrum Abbey, a restored red-brick Cistercian monastery close to the shores of Esrum Sø lake. She guides me round the Abbey garden.

“This isn’t a museum,” she notes, as a group of schoolchildren dressed in monk habits run giggling through the courtyard. “We want to tell the story of the place using food – to make the visitor part of the experience. We serve a medieval brunch buffet. It might come as a surprise that coffee was available to the monks. Or that monks would only eat animals that run fast. Learning something like this makes people want to find out more.”

My exploration of Danish food concludes with a four-course flourish at the Badehotel restaurant on the headland above the fishing town of Gilleleje. After a steam bath in the spa to soothe my well-pedalled limbs, I dine on lemon sole, roast veal, and crème brûlée. A mere snack for King Frederick II, a replenishing feast for me. l 52 BLUE WINGS SUMMER 2017

TIM’S TIPS Cycle route 47 follows the ­Danish North Coast from Hundested to Elsinore along 70 km of quiet roads and tracks, through villages and past pristine beaches: visitnorthsealand.com The Food Organisation of Denmark – F.O.O.D. – provides information about all things foodie: thefoodproject.dk My bike was rented from Saaby Cykler near Snekkersten station on the rail line from Copenhagen Airport: saabycykler.dk

Tim Bird is an English writer and photographer based in Finland, where he tries to balance a weakness for chocolate with a passion for cycling.

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NEW ROUTE TO GOA F LY T H E N O R D I C WAY

ENCOUNTER THE EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME IN INDIA NEXT WINTER.

Goa is known for its never-ending golden beaches, a rich Portuguese heritage, and spiritual vibes. Finnair flies direct to the coastal city of Goa twice a week between November 29, 2017 and March 22, 2018. Book your flights at finnair.com

WEWORK

DESTINATION SHANGHAI

WeWork’s flagship office on Weihai Road is housed in a 20th-century building that once served as an opium warehouse.

OFFICE

REIMAGINED We visit a few of Shanghai’s cuttingedge shared office spaces to see how the synthesis of design, digital space, and collaboration are paving the way for a new way of working.

TEXT BY AMANDA SOILA PHOTOS BY AMANDA SOILA AND COMPANIES

SUMMER 2017

BLUE WINGS

55

NAKED HUB

The Xintiandi office of naked Hub spreads over four floors, each with a different theme.

G V P

s to flie ily. r i da na Fin ghai m n o a Sh nair.c n fi

The buzzling Xintiandi ­neighbourhood boasts the flagship naked Hub office.

L

ane 189 is a new shopping mall standing proudly against a backdrop of office towers in the northern part of Shanghai’s trendy Jingan district. Where once the top floor might have been occupied by a gym or cocktail bar, today it boasts one of the newest co-working spaces in the city: Welcome to the Xikang Lu premises of naked Hub, one of the fastest-growing co-working concepts in China.

With eight uniquely designed spaces in the Shanghai downtown area, naked Hub is at the forefront of the new, high-end shared office trend in China, As an established operator of five-star resorts, the company strives to bring the same level of comfort and hospitality to its rental offices spaces.

Cosy in a comfy armchair with her laptop is Lu Ying, CEO of Lumon-Create, whose career has brought her to Shanghai via Helsinki and Amsterdam.

Since her return to Asia, she has witnessed the coworking trend take off in earnest in China in the past couple of years.

THE PULL OF POSITIVE BUZZ While shared office spaces continue to attract freelancers, startups and digital nomads, larger corporations are also responding to the pull of flexible spaces, their networking opportunities and their hard-todefine positive buzz.

56 BLUE WINGS SUMMER 2017

5 X CO-WORKING IN SHANGHAI NAKED HUB As an experienced resort operator, naked Hub rents co-working spaces at the premium end of the shared office trend in China. With eight locations in ­Shanghai, all offices boast a café-like common area, green walls, state-of-the-art air filters and nap rooms. Monthly membership starts from RMB 1800 (235€).

WEWORK

These were among the reasons why Ying decided to move part of her strategy team to the naked Hub Xikang Lu office early in 2017. With a steady 20-year presence in both Finland and China, the familyowned company specialising in glass façades comes from a traditional corporate background. Ying, however, felt that to keep her team growing in step with the fast-paced market that China is, they needed to find a more dynamic space.

“Two weeks in Shanghai is the same as two months in Helsinki. The pace is just so different here,” says Ying.

A co-working space, with its daily buzz and constant exchange of ideas and insights, is a natural accelerator.

“Everything happens through contacts in China, so having this ready-made network is pretty powerful,” she adds.

While the companies working within naked Hub represent everything from pet shops to bitcoins, Ying sees them as sharing common traits such as creativity and a desire to remain on top of trends.

“I like the playfulness of these spaces. As we also work in a creative field, it’s good to be surrounded by that spirit in your office,” says Ying.

SANDBOX One of the first co-working spaces in Shanghai, Sandbox3 remains the favourite of freelancers, startups and students. With three locations around the city, the use of the common areas is free.

PAPER This unique, communal working space stands out as a design-focused space for creative folks. Specialities include an organic kitchen, detox room and personalised cultural events calendar. Single desk rates start at RMB 2300 (€300) per month.

ANKEN GREEN Located in a converted warehouse, ANKEN Green targets companies with an eco-conscious identity.

Renting office space by the square metre, additional perks include a green roof with events space, urban farming, and a stylish warehouse café.

All of the WeWork spaces are designed to encourage interaction.

WEWORK

Lu Ying, CEO of Lumon-Create, moved part of her strategy team to the naked Hub Xikang Lu office early in 2017.

A global forerunner of creative co-working spaces, WeWork hosts four locations in Shanghai, with two more slated to open by end of 2017. Creative interior design, craft beer, bike storage and micro-roasted coffee are just some of the perks. Monthly membership starts from RMB 1495 (€195).

DESIGNING INTERACTION While co-working was a relatively unknown concept in China just couple of years ago, the industry has mushroomed lately, with more than 500 co-working sites having sprung up in Shanghai and Beijing since SUMMER 2017

BLUE WINGS

57

WEWORK

View from the naked Hub Xintiandi office

Ole Ruch, WeWork’s APAC managing director

the beginning of 2015.

A global forerunner is WeWork, which now boasts 140 locations around the world, including four in Shanghai and two in Beijing, with two more slated for opening by the end of 2017.

“We opened our first office – WeWork Yan Ping Lu – in Shanghai last July and went to full capacity in less than a month. The market capacity here is really strong, even stronger than we expected,” says Ole Ruch, APAC managing director of WeWork.

Founded in New York, WeWork’s first aim was simply to provide working space for members. Today, the company’s philosophy is all about fostering a sense of community and encouraging members to interact, and not just socialise but do business with each other.

“Some 70 per cent of our members work together,” says Ruch. “And 50 per cent of our members actually do business with each other.”

According to Ruch, encouraging interaction is also incorporated into the design process. Their flagship office in the Weihai Road in the Jing’An district is a great example. Housed in a 20th-century factory-style building, the space once served as an opium warehouse. Today the high-ceilinged atrium boasts sofas and a coffee and beer bar offering members a space to meet, socialise, and host events. Other areas in the three-floor building are dedicated to quiet work, equipped with personal desks, meeting rooms and phone booths.

ONLINE & OFFLINE The flexibility of a co-working space is a big attraction for many companies. For Lu Ying and her team, convenience and versatility are key. With their peaceful permanent offices on the upper floor of the naked Hub Xikand Lu, the team uses the living-room like 58 BLUE WINGS SUMMER 2017

space downstairs for customer meetings or events.

Both the naked Hub and WeWork offices host special events nearly every night, from training sessions to beer-pong battles and mixers for new members. In co-working speak, these interactions in the common areas are referred to as “offline” connections. Alongside them, online spaces are also gaining importance.

For example, naked Hub, has an in-house tech team who monitor and help design more efficient usage of spaces while also fostering interaction via their member app.

“We try to curate the conversation online, h ­ elping members connect with the right people and t­ racking how many interactions are created,” says Paul Hu, managing director of naked Hub. For Lu Ying of Lumon-Create, this combination of online space and offline spaces is also of p ­ articular interest and something that Ying sees as becoming more important in the future.

“China is bypassing the webpage phase completely and moved straight to mobile. The new ways mobile apps are used in physical spaces is a rising trend, and I think that with this, China will be a trendsetter for the rest of the world,” says Ying. l

Amanda Soila, the producer of Blue Wings, enjoys the occasional chance of hitting the road and living the life of a digital nomad.

NELIVETOAPUA – PERILLE ASTI

Aina et voi tietää etukäteen mitä perille pääseminen vaatii. Siksi on hyvä, että allasi on auto, joka ei jätä pulaan yllättävissäkään tilanteissa.

SUBARU FORESTER XS EDITION

Hinnat alk.

38.470,51 €, etusi yli 2000 €**.

Subaru Suomi subaru_finland Subaru.fi

SUBARU OUTBACK BASE EDITION Hinta

41.590 €, etusi yli 3000 €**.

SUBARU FORESTER XS EDITION

SUBARU OUTBACK BASE EDITION

Autoveroton hinta alk. 28.570,00 €. Arvioitu autovero 9.300,51 €.

Toimituskulut 600 €. Kokonaishinta 38.470,51 €.

Kulutus 6,9 l/100 km (EU-yhd.) CO2-päästöt 160 g/km.

Autoveroton hinta 30.085,40 €. Arvioitu autovero 10.904,60 €.

Toimituskulut 600 €. Kokonaishinta 41.590 €.

Kulutus 7,0 l/100 km (EU-yhd.) CO2-päästöt 161 g/km.

Kuvan autot erikoisvarustein. Subaru tehdastakuu: 3 vuotta/100.000 km. Subaru lisäpalvelut: Subaru Vakuutus ja Subaru Assistance.

**Kampanjat voimassa vain rajoitetun ajan.

DESTINATION FINLAND

Home

AWAY FROM HOME TEXT AND PHOTOS BY LAURA IISALO

60 BLUE WINGS SUMMER 2017

Wanha Peltola is an old manor turned welcoming bed and breakfast.

Left: Mummola is home to four generations of the Ojanperä family including five-year-old Olavi.

Two Finnish couples have turned their homes into friendly guesthouses providing a glimpse into the local way of life.

SUMMER 2017

BLUE WINGS

61

L

ong gone are the days when planning a vacation meant booking a package holiday and relying on guidebooks to make lists of museums and top sights to see.

No longer happy to be “just t­ ourists,” today’s travellers want authenticity. New digital platforms, travel apps, and social media have made it easier than ever to find homestays and unconventional destinations all around the world.

For Kristiina Söderström and her partner Jari Järvinen, turning an old 19th-century manor house into a welcoming bed and breakfast offered the opportunity to live in the countryside most of the year. It was love at first sight when the couple saw the place in 2010.

“Everything looked grey and shabby but the place had a good spirit and it felt like we had come home,” says Söderström. After extensive renovations and five summers running the place, the two have perfected their concept, which revolves around old-style Finnish food, comfortable beds, and friendly service in a peaceful country setting.

“Our guests sense that they are visiting our home.”

Taro the dog is a ­children’s favourite.

62 BLUE WINGS SUMMER 2017

SUMMER IN THE MANOR Located in the small village of Ristiina, a three-hour drive from Helsinki, Wanha Peltola manor is surrounded by a large garden overlooking a lake so clean that the locals drink the water unfiltered. The main building has four bedrooms and a large dining room located right next to the couple’s bedroom – and they soon grew accustomed to having guests wondering around in their pyjamas.

“We enjoy having people around. Our guests sense that they are visiting our home and, yes, they sometimes ask if they should take their shoes off,” Järvinen says with a laugh.

The couple manage the B&B together and divide the workload to match their interests. Söderström, an accountant with previous experience owning a restaurant, runs the kitchen and makes sure that everything in the house and garden looks impeccable. Järvinen, a mathematician, enjoys physical labour to balance out time spent at the computer. He devotes a large chunk of his day to chopping wood and doing general maintenance work around the property.

In addition to the guesthouse, the two also run a summer restaurant that serves home-cooked, traditional Finnish food with a new twist. Old-style egg sauce, fried vendace, smoked salmon with boiled potatoes, summer salads, and juicy steaks are on the

Fresh garden flowers decorate the manor all summer.

One of four guest bedrooms in the main building of Wanha Peltola

Jari Järvinen and Kristiina Söderström enjoy life in the countryside.

Water in the lake is so clean that the locals drink it unfiltered.

SUMMER 2017

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“We treat our guests just as we would treat our friends.”

Guests stay in a lodge that originally accommodated lumberjacks and reindeer herders.

The Ojanperä family 64 BLUE WINGS SUMMER 2017

Paula Ojanperä enjoys baking and cooking using recipes handed down from generation to generation.

menu – all decorated by Söderström with fresh flowers and herbs from the garden. The ingredients are sourced locally; fish, blueberries, and meat all come from local suppliers, and the meals are served in an old-fashioned dining room with ’50s music playing and an old clock chiming in the background. “People come here for the complete experience. This is feast for all the senses; everything you see, smell, hear, and taste is beautiful,” says Söderström.

Hosting a B&B is a full-time job, but once in a while the couple feel the urge for some privacy. That’s when they close the doors for a day and head to the lake. “We have a lakeside sauna with a small attic. We pack some bed linen and food in a wheelbarrow and stay there overnight. After a little break, it’s always lovely to be back,” she says.

FOUR-GENERATION HOUSEHOLD A homestay holiday is a great opportunity to learn about local customs and make new friends. There is no better way to learn how to cook local cuisine, navigate the great outdoors, or pick up a new language than with the help from affable hosts.

Keeping alive northern traditions was a strong motivation for Paula and Kimmo Ojanperä when the couple decided to turn a new leaf in their lives.

Back in 2012 they were living in Helsinki and expect-

ing a baby when Paula’s employment contract suddenly ended. “I had to figure out what to do next. I realised that I wanted to somehow preserve the old building where my husband was born and educate people about the local traditions,” she shares.

After visiting Kimmo’s childhood home in Kaukonen, a small village near Kittilä in Lapland, the couple decided to move in with Kimmo’s parents and grandmother for a trial period of one year. Once settled, the couple continued developing their idea into a B&B called “Mummola” – “grandma’s place” in Finnish – an unusual holiday concept offering travellers the unique opportunity to stay in a four-generation household.

LAPP LEGACY Guests of the Ojanperä family stay in an old lodge built in 1945 that originally accommodated lumberjacks and, later, reindeer herders. The guesthouse has two bedrooms, a kitchen, a wood-burning sauna, and a spacious living area that is decorated with handmade and locally sourced furniture and rugs made by Kimmo’s grandmother. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are homemade and part of the all-inclusive package.

Even extra coats, woolly sweaters, and rubber boots are available to borrow – just like at home.

“The idea is that we treat our guests just as we would treat our friends. Prior to the trip we find out SUMMER 2017

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65

HOMESTAYS IN FINLAND MUMMOLA TRAVELS A couple of days spent as a temporary member of a four-generation family is like a crash course in mastering Lapp traditions. The landscapes are stunning and the cowshed is a sight in itself. mummolatravels.com

WANHA PELTOLA Old world charm, Finnish cuisine, and picturesque views make for a relaxing weekend getaway. Chickens, two cats, and a dog keep the kids entertained. wanhapeltola.fi KASSUN KOTI Katsumi and Antti-Jussi Yliharju are a Japanese-Finnish couple who run a small homestay in Raanujärvi near Rovaniemi, offering Japanese guests the chance to try their hand at traditional handicrafts. kassunkoti.fi

Above: Milking cows are part of the Mummola family farm.

Below: Kampanisu is a traditional Lappish pastry.

what our guests are interested in and plan a programme just for them,” explains Kimmo.

Making the most of Lapland’s eight distinct seasons, the couple offer their newly acquired friends a choice of fun activities from hiking the fells, berry picking, and cycling to rug weaving, traditional cheese-making, and baking old-style pastries.

“People sense that we are just as excited as they are. It’s because we moved here from Helsinki – we are also here learning to enjoy life. This is far from a routine for us,” Kimmo explains.

Life on a family farm means there is always a long list of unfinished chores to be done – milking cows, fixing fences, and harvesting crops – but the ­couple have settled in well, with no plans to leave. What excites them most is that they can live and work as a family.

“It feels good to live in the lap of nature and work with our hands. Our friend once said that finally here is a place where authentic Lapland can be experienced without having to be born here. That’s a nice summary of what we’re all about,” says Kimmo. l 66 BLUE WINGS SUMMER 2017

VILLA TAIKA Run by Raisa Kaipainen and Torsten Rüger, the small Asian-inspired bed and breakfast in Antskog, a stone’s throw from artsy Fiskars village, is also the couple’s home. villataika.fi LEIPYÖLI Leila and Teuvo Räsänen rear highland cattle and accommodate guests yearround at their family farm in Perniö, about 130 km from Helsinki. leipyoli.com

Laura Iisalo is a photojournalist who enjoys ­discovering her Finnish roots through travelling around her homeland and meeting the locals.

DESTINATION CROATIA

THE RED EARTH OF

Istria

The distinctive olive oils and wines of west Croatia make it a must-visit destination for foodies.

“T

TEXT AND PHOTOS BY SILJA KUDEL

his one has a fantastic grassiness.”

“With a hint of melon.” Swirling their glasses and smacking their lips, a band of gourmands exchange appreciative murmurs as they take generous gulps from a row of glasses. The room is filled with giddy laughter – like at a wine tasting – yet the golden liquid in the glasses is not wine, but olive oil.

Quaffing olive oil might seem hard to stomach at first, but not all oils are made equal. The superior grades produced by Brist Extra Virgin Olive Oil in Vodnjan-Dignano, 12 kilometres north of the ­Croatian city of Pula, are in a league of their own.

“The mixed chemistry cocktails found in supermarkets aren’t true extra virgin olive oils. Up to 90 per cent fail to meet virgin standards – they’re cut with lower grade oils,” says ex-Irishman Paul O’Grady, who runs Brist together with his Croatian wife Lena Puhar and his father-in-law Silvano Puhar.

When he first moved to Istria eight years ago, O’Grady “scarcely knew the difference between olive oil and motor oil.” Today the ex-architect takes pride in his professional mission “to make absolutely the best olive oil humanly possible.”

BURN OF QUALITY A swirl of the glass releases a heady herbal fragrance.

The first sip surprises the palate with an intense grassy tang mixed with hints of fresh fruit and leaves, fol-

68 BLUE WINGS SUMMER 2017

lowed by a spicy kick.

“Early-harvest oils are richer in antioxidants and polyphenols. A great oil should leave a spicy, burning finish. If you feel nothing at the back of your throat, it’s probably been mixed with something else,” explains O’Grady.

After the tasting, he takes the group on a tour of Brist’s grove located just outside town. Looking over the immaculately tended crop, he explains why Vodnjan has been famous for its oils for over 2,000 years.

“Many Roman texts refer to the best oils in the Empire coming from Istria. We are the northernmost frontier of the olive-growing world, offering the ideal combination of rain and sun. The salty winds add ‘oomph’ and act as a natural disinfectant,” he says.

HAND-PICKED PERFECTION Grown in pristine iron oxide-rich soil, the olive oils of Vodnjan are hand-picked and many are organically certified. Different varieties are grown in specific areas, each with its own distinctive flavour.

“Vodnjan is a hand-picking region of small craft groves. We don’t machine pick. Machines break the molecular boundary between the pulp and the oil within the fruit, which leads to rapid degradation,” he notes.

Every autumn Brist employs a vast platoon of local casuals to help with the harvest. Producing top-notch oils is labour-intensive, but trendy foodies happily pay 20 euros a litre for a craft product with a unique local identity.

PU Y

Fin Pu nair fl la i we two es to tim ek es sum dur me ing t a finn r sea he s air .co on. m

The fishing town of Fazana near Pula is famous for its seafood specialties.

Valkane beach in Pula is surrounded by bars and Italian-inspired eateries.

Bad boy of Croatian wine: Bruno Trapan enjoying a glass of his own malvasia.

SUMMER 2017

BLUE WINGS

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ISTRIA FOR FOODIES Finnair flies direct to Pula in summer.

Vodjnan and Šišan are a short drive away.

BRIST EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL Rated 97 per cent “excellent” on TripAdisor, Brist offers informative and entertaining olive oil tastings and grove tours hosted by the irrepressible Paul O’Grady. brist-olive.hr

The Trapan Wine Station hosts (often gregarious) tastings: by appointment only.

TRAPAN WINE STATION For laughs and a tipple to remember, book a wine tasting at the fire engine-red Trapan Wine Station hosted by celebrity winemaker Bruno Trapan. trapan.hr PARK PLAZA HISTRIA PULA Commanding a gorgeous waterfront location, this quality resort ticks the checklist for creature comforts just five minutes from the centre of Pula. parkplaza.com

Superb flavour aside, the rosy-cheeked villagers of Vodjnan offer living proof of the health benefits of a high intake of extra virgin olive oil, which is scientifically linked with a lower risk of heart disease and longer life.

Silja Kudel is a Helsinki-based Australian writer who never ceases to be amazed at the passion of the world’s artisan food-makers.

ROCK STAR OF CROATIAN WINE The mineral-rich red soil of Istria lends its unique flavour not only to the local oils, but also to the wines, which – not surprisingly – make the perfect pairing.

Hosting a tasting at his winery in the village of Šišan, Bruno Trapan regales his guests as he fills their glasses with acacia-matured Trapan Malvazija Uroboros 2013, a distinctive, fragrant dry white with a peachy character.

Trapan – a self-confessed former PlayStation addict – started his business in a garage 12 years ago, reinventing himself as one of Croatia’s most respected winemakers.

Dubbed “the rock star of Croatian wine,” Trapan is a flamboyant celebrity who spends most of the year on promotional tours, making TV appearances, and hosting endless parties and tastings.

“But it’s not just about me. It’s about raising awareness of Istria and its great wines,” demurs the uncompromising viticulturist.

“I didn’t choose wine. Wine chose me. When I bought this 12-hectare property in 2006, my dad called me an idiot because it was so rocky. We had to bulldoze 60 tonnes of rock. I chose this location purely on intuition,” he says.

Trapan’s intuition proved uncanny. Today his 100 per cent organic wines are applauded by Decanter

70 BLUE WINGS SUMMER 2017

The red soil lends a unique flavour both to the local oils and wines, which make the perfect pairing: just add bread.

magazine, fetching top dollar in high-end restaurants on the US East Coast.

TASTE OF IRON “The rockiness of the vineyard and the salty sea breeze add special character to our wines. You can taste the iron in the red soil, and the limestone acts like a sponge. Even during the worst drought, no irrigation is required,” explains Trapan.

Crafted with “love, energy, and courage,” Trapan’s top sellers include Ponente, a fresh malvasia (Croatia’s second most planted wine grape variety) and Terra Mare, a red made from 100 per cent teran grapes.

Like Brist olive oil, Trapan wines are crafted labour-intensively in small quantities, with over 50 per cent of output sold locally.

“We’re too small to be cheap! And we plan to keep it that way, focusing on quality,” vows Trapan. l

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DESTINATION INDIA

Letting off steam: the ­Darjeeling Himalayan Railway takes you back in time

DE L

Fin na lhi ir flie thr s to e a w e tim es finn eek . air .co m

De

DARJEELING’S DREAM OF STEAM The Toy Train is a throwback to the days of the British Raj in the foothills of the Himalayas.

TEXT AND PHOTOS BY TIM BIRD

O

ne of the signature sounds of Darjeeling toots up the slopes of this Himalayan foothill town several times a day. The a­ rrivals and departures of the D ­ arjeeling Himalayan Railway trains are nostalgic events, but the railway, chugging up from Sukna near New Jalpaiguri on the edge of the West Bengal plains at a mere 100 metres to Darjeeling at a loftier 2,200 metres, remains a functioning transport link administered within the national rail network.

Known fondly as the Toy Train on account of its scaled down engines and carriages, the railway follows a narrow gauge track covering a distance of 86 kilometres, and takes the best part of seven hours to complete its ascent (as opposed to the three hours it SUMMER 2017

BLUE WINGS

75

Great views of the Himalayas open up from the station platform.

takes by taxi). Steam freaks should also bear in mind that the full ascent is usually served by diesel engines.

To be guaranteed the full romance and soot-specked authenticity of the steam locomotives, you’ll need to reserve a seat on one of the “joy ride” excursions that make the two-hour return trip from Darjeeling to the nearby town of Ghoom.

MIRACLE OF ENGINEERING It may be the Toy Train by name, but in reality the construction of the railway in the 1880s was an unprecedented and complex feat of engineering, tackling steep gradients and sharp curves. Before the line was built, a bumpy cart track was the only way to reach Darjeeling, more than doubling the price of its rice crops compared with those cultivated on the flat plains.

These days Darjeeling is synonymous with tea, particularly since its rise to prominence as one of India’s many Hill Stations during the years of British rule.

These were cool upland retreats to which the overdressed imperial administrators and their families could escape the furnace of the summer heat below.

Teashops across the town continue to offer refreshing sustenance to travellers stepping off the train after a spectacularly scenic but protracted ascent.

On clear mornings the view from Darjeeling’s station would lift any soul, stretching as it does from the mist-shrouded valley below across patchwork, manicured tea plantations to the soaring jagged peak of the world’s third highest mountain, Kanchenjunga, just across the border in Nepal. In fact, this must be one of the top (in every sense) station platform views anywhere in the world.

76 BLUE WINGS SUMMER 2017

PIERCING WHISTLES Many tourists congregate at dawn on Tiger Hill, about ten kilometres out of town, to watch the sun rise and cast its first pink rays on the mountains but the view from the station, weather permitting, is arguably as impressive – and much less crowded. Over the course of the morning the locomotive sheds come to life as coal for the engine furnaces is hacked and shovelled and black smoke issues from the chimneys, w ­ elders get to work on spare parts, the first passengers and steam enthusiasts congregate on the platforms to admire the British-era locomotives – and the first steam whistles pierce the air.

The route to Ghoom covers the highest section of the railway, running along and criss-crossing the road, almost brushing the workshops of carpenters and grocery displays. It takes in a loop on a ledge offering views towards the mountains and includes a stop for passengers to visit the railway museum, with its displays of engineering and steam train paraphernalia. dhrs.org

GETTING THERE Finnair flies to Delhi, from where domestic flights operate to Bagdogra, a 20-kilometre taxi ride from the Toy Train station at Sukna. Overnight trains from Delhi run to New Jalpaiguri mainline station.

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EUROPEAN VOICES

BY STEFAN NILSSON

Exceeding expectations

A

comfortable hotel stay is tion. If anyone can make you feel special, a major part of any travel then it is the person who serves you the experience – and the perfect poke bowl – like Wolfgang Puck hospitality industry is and Four Seasons New York or the Flemwell aware of this. From ings hotel group, which now collaborates the elevator music to the with Michelin-starred Ormer by Shaun furniture style they choose, hotels are conRankin. stantly trying to keep up with trends and I’ve also noticed that the “everything fine-tune their offering to match demand. local” trend is making its mark on the But now we are seeing something new: hotel industry. Hotels are today doing their the trends currently emerging in the hotel best to attract the young, trendy crowd industry are taking the hospitality experito hang out in the hotel’s public spaces. ence to a whole new level.

Free Wi-Fi is mandatory, but complimenOne of the first trends I have noticed tary coffee is another good trick. Instead lately are hotels that aim to be something of hotel staff quizzing drop-ins for their like an upgraded version of your home, room number, today the line is “­Welcome, offering comforts such as better beds or local, perhaps you would like to stay for fancier sheets. IKEA is one of the major afternoon tea?” At Six, a newly opened players embracing this home-like hotel hotel in Stockholm, locals are invited to trend with their play their own newly opened music or read TRENDS IN THE HOTEL hotel in Sweden, poetry at the bar.

INDUSTRY ARE TAKING where visitors One of my get a room key, favourite new HOSPITALITY TO A NEW LEVEL. a wrench, and a trends is a spinoff box of bed comof the sharing ponents you assemble before going to economy. Marking the next new thing sleep – perhaps not the most comfort- in hospitality, Airbnb launched a service able option, but a memorable expericalled Trips, enabling you to book a local ence at any rate. IKEA is not the only guide via the app. And just as Airbnb chalone, either. lenged the hospitality industry by offering On the other side of the world, something extremely local, these guided Japanese lifestyle brand Muji is tours also challenge the way you look at a expanding into the hospitality busicity. You can for instance book Trendsteness and will open their first theme fan for a two-hour tour of the best design hotel in Beijing later this year. spots in Stockholm, or book a local mum Another major trend of the to show you the city’s best playgrounds. I moment is creative matchmakfind this idea super cool, and I’m sure we ing of restaurants and hotels. The will see much more of this in the future. I best hotel breakfast I’ve ever had was for one would love to book a guided bike at PM & ­Vänner, a small-town hotel in tour and spa experience in Seoul next time Växjö, Sweden. They served amazing eggs I go there. l and bacon, dried foraged mushrooms, local yoghurt with fresh granola, and lingonberries from the forest. This new Stefan Nilsson is a Stockholm-based trend hotel is the first gourmet hotel founded hunter and gallerist. Best known for his blog by a chef and restaurateur in my home Trendstefan, he is also the owner of Designgalcountry. Internationally, too, we are seeleriet and head of the Designbloggarna blog ing restaurateurs launching new hotel and network. Check out his YouTube channel hospitality concepts, such as New YorkTrendstefan TV as well as his Instagram based Spotted Pig. It’s all about collabora- account: @trendstefan

78 BLUE WINGS SUMMER 2017

FOR US FLYING IS AN OPPORTUNITY. AN OPPORTUNITY TO FIND A MOMENT FOR YOURSELF, BETWEEN DEPARTURE AND ARRIVAL.

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FIND THE BEAUTY IN BETWEEN GOODBYE AND HELLO

DESTINATION SLOVENIA

U J L

to ies mes fl r i et nai Fin na fiv g the n n. uri blja ­Lju eek d seaso a w mer om .c sum nnair fi

ALPINE ACTION IN

SLOVENIA

The Julian Alps region of Slovenia is renowned for its lakes and spectacular mountains. The lakeside resort of Bled is an ideal base for visitors who enjoy active pursuits in the great outdoors.

TEXT AND PHOTOS BY FRAN WEAVER

SUMMER 2017

BLUE WINGS

81

The serene River Ljubljanica flows right through the heart of the Slovenian capital Ljubljana.

T

he view from the hills overlooking Lake Bled is implausibly picturesque.

The white bell tower of the ­medieval Church of the Assumption rises from a small island in the middle of the lake. Bled’s ancient castle overlooks the far shore from a sheer cliff.

Beyond the castle and the town of Bled lies a magnificent backdrop to the whole scene, formed by the snow-capped mountains of the Karavanke range on the Austrian border.

Bled lies just over an hour from Ljubljana, and half an hour from the city’s airport. Its scenic surroundings make it a superb destination for an active break.

An initial leisurely walk around the shores of Lake Bled takes an hour or two, depending on how often you’re tempted to stop by the waterside for a coffee and a local cream cake. Rowboats can be rented for self-powered trips out to Bled Island, where visitors traditionally ring the church bell to get their prayers answered.

Bikes can be hired at reasonable rates for exploring the town’s delightful surroundings. GPS and map apps are also available for self-guided cycling tours.

At Vintgar Gorge, 4 kilometres north of Bled, you can

82 BLUE WINGS SUMMER 2017

Slovenia is so compact that in just a couple of days you can explore the capital, the mountains, the rustic countryside, and even the warm Adriatic shores. get off your bike and explore a gorgeous valley along a wooden walkway overhanging raging rapids. The biking route on through Radovna Valley passes alpine meadows dotted with colourful flowers. Rustic inns offer local fare including tasty trout, fresh from alpine rivers.

EXTREME FUN To the west of Bled lies Triglav National Park, named after Slovenia’s highest mountain, which features on the national flag. “Though Bled is the region’s bestknown destination among foreigners, most outdoorloving Slovenians prefer to head further into the park to Bohinj, where the scenery is wilder and more pristine,” says local guide Grega Šilc.

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LOVELY LJUBLJANA With just 280,000 residents, Ljubljana combines the relaxed feeling of a medium-sized town with the attractions of a thriving capital city. Cosy cafés and inviting bars line a meandering river overlooked by a splendid castle housing historic treasures – and the excellent Gostilna na Gradu restaurant. The city’s emblem is a dragon, and its main bridge is guarded by four of these mythical beasts. A colourful riverside market hosts lively Open Kitchen street food festivals every Friday evening. Thanks to Ljubljana’s year as European Green Capital 2016 the city is now friendlier than ever for anyone keen on walking, cycling, and recycling.

SWEET TREATS One of the many enjoyable cycle routes from Bled runs along the banks of the River Sava to the delightful medieval town of Radovljica. A grand ­mansion on the main street houses an absorbing apicultural museum where visitors can learn about local beekeeping traditions and see old beehives decorated with fascinating folk art. The neighbouring Lectar restaurant offers filling Slovenian fare and gingerbread made in its cellar workshop using honey produced by local sixlegged workers. The town’s popular annual chocolate festival also entices sweet-toothed tourists to make a beeline for Radovljica each April.

ADRIATIC ESCAPE Slovenia is also blessed with a short stretch of A ­ driatic coastline, within easy reach of Ljubljana or Bled. In Piran, the country’s most popular seaside resort, both the food and the architecture have a distinctly Italian flavour, due to historic links with nearby T ­ rieste and Venice. Cyclists can rent a bike opposite the bus terminus to explore the coastal region along the routes of old railway lines built in the days of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Sights include wetland lagoons where salt is still harvested from the sea using traditional methods.

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Scenic Bled is superbly suited for cycling trips.

The raging River Vintgar is best experienced from inviting walkways and bridges.

Some of the best views over Bohinj Valley and the Julian Alps can be enjoyed by taking the cable car up to Vogel ski resort, 1,535 metres above sea level. “You can ski or snowshoe-trek here well into April, and then in summer the whole area is fantastic for hiking and mountain biking,” says Šilc.

Keen kayakers, stand up paddlers, and ­windsurfers flock to Lake Bohinj in summer, while paragliders soar through the skies above. Šilc explains that the ­latest locally popular activity – “canyoning” – involves exploring mountain rivers using a mixture of skills from hiking and scrambling to rock-climbing, abseiling and swimming.

AIRBORNE THRILLS Šilc adds that Slovenia has a long history of excellence in winter sports. Most of Yugoslavia’s winter Olympians hailed from here. Pokljuka, near Bled, is particularly a world-class venue for winter biathlon, a gruelling event combining cross-country skiing and rifle shooting.

The world’s most famous ski-jumping venue, Planica’s “ski-flying hill” lies between Bled and the Austrian border. In March 2015 local hero Petr Prevc broke the hill record by soaring an incredible 248.5 metres.

Visitors to Planica can today enjoy a similar experi84 BLUE WINGS SUMMER 2017

Scrumptious treats are served in Slovenian villages.

ence by zooming through the fresh alpine air over the ski-flying hill on the world’s steepest zipline.

But if all that alpine action gets too hectic, Slovenia is compact enough to make it easy to escape from the mountains and see some of the country’s other sights.

“One great thing many visitors discover is that in just a few days you can enjoy the Julian Alps, then explore Ljubljana, and perhaps finish off with a day by the Adriatic Sea,” says Šilc. l hikeandbike.si planica-zipline.si

Fran Weaver is a Helsinki-based freelance journalist who enjoys active outdoor adventures.

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D I S C O V E R I N G

F I N L A N D

Small town, BIG EXPERIENCE FORGET THE TOURIST TRAPS AND STUFFED REINDEER OF DOWNTOWN HELSINKI – THIS IS THE STORY OF HEINOLA, A SMALL TOWN IN THE FINNISH LAKE DISTRICT THAT IS A MAGICAL EXPERIENCE, EVEN FOR FINNS.

1

The call of the cabin A traveler savors a box of wild berries bought at a local market while strolling through beautiful parks. Next comes a charming marina, from where a cruise boat takes you on a trip through the Finnish mindscape.

The natives who’ve moved

to their lakeside summer cabins bathe in the sun, hike, paddle, and fish, inviting you to do the same. A warm summer breeze caresses your hair as you stand on the deck of the boat.

2

Smoked salmon á la Heinola Laughter echoes from the riverside as afternoon slides into evening. The local openair summer theater is sold out as visitors from near and far flock to see the season’s main performance. The old cliché says Finns don’t show their feelings, but the summer seems to have worked its charm. The cheerful hum of conversation fills the night as people stream out of the theater after the final round of applause. This evening’s supper, local salmon straight

from the smoker, is enjoyed in a café nestled on a small island in the river. The bright light of the night reveals silhouettes embracing on the historical railroad bridge. The journey back to the hotel is accompanied by the peaceful chirr of crickets.

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Birds awaken the traveler to a warm summer morning. The night mist retreats from the shores and the sunlight dances across the surface of the world’s cleanest lakes. Sipping coffee in a wonderful art-nouveau style pavilion, one can’t help but think that Heinola is a window on the true spirit of Finland. The locals living in the

PICTURE: JOONAS NYRHINEN / HEINOLAN ILMAKUVAUS

visitheinola.fi

Summer morning’s brilliance

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middle of this beautiful natural wonderland buy their vegetables from the market, seemingly oblivious to the paradise they live in. If a stuffed reindeer hanging outside a tourist store in Helsinki is your idea of Finland, a 90-minute bus ride to Heinola will show you what Finnishness is truly about – it’s big life in a small town.

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“You can easily track your subscription balance at m.prepaid.dna.fi or by downloading DNA Prepaid App to your mobile device. This PRODUCED BY CALCUS.COM

application launched by DNA and Comptel won a Global Telecoms Innovation Award in London last year,” Kamtsan concludes. ●

DNA Rajaton Prepaid – unlimited data, calls and SMS messages for only EUR 0.89 per day.

DNA subscriber connections are sold in R-kioski shops throughout the country.

There are two R-kiosks at Helsinki Airport.

If you top up the subscription immediately upon purchase, R-kioski will give you a first-time download bonus of EUR 5.00.

In Finland, it is possible to buy a prepaid subscription without having to show proof of identity.

DNA Rajaton Prepaid is especially suited for mobile phones.

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B E S T

F I N N I S H

B R A N D S

HARTWALL ORIGINAL LONG DRINK The national treasure of Finland HARTWALL ORIGINAL® LONG DRINK IS A REFRESHING MIX OF FINNISH ARTISAN GIN AND GRAPEFRUIT SODA THAT HAS CHARMED FINNS FOR 65 YEARS. THIS UNIQUE AND ORIGINAL GIN COCKTAIL IN A CAN WAS DEVELOPED FOR THE HELSINKI OLYMPICS IN 1952.

H

artwall Original Long Drink was originally developed for the 1952 Helsinki Olympics. For the first time ever, Helsinki was going to be packed with visitors from all over the world. Since local restaurants didn´t have enough manpower to serve them all, Hartwall brewery developed an innovation: a cocktail in a can, easy to serve and ready to drink. “Hartwall Original Long Drink was supposed to be served only to Olympic visitors. However, Finns fell so much in love with it that production has continued ever since. Moreover, it even created a whole new category of ’long drinks’ in Finland, better known as ’lonkero’ among Finns,” says Eeva Ignatius, Brand Manager of Hartwall Original Long Drink.

Original recipe Hartwall Original Long Drink is a mix of Finnish artisan gin and grapefruit soda. “The gin manufacturing process is a carefully cherished artisan work, and the drink is still produced according to the original recipe from 1952. All the gin ingredients are handselected, and the final quality is ensured by

triple filtering. The original taste, a mix of gin and grapefruit, is totally unique and cannot be found anywhere else in the world.”

Finnish icon Year after year, Hartwall Original Long Drink rules sales statistics as the number one alcoholic beverage sold by Finnish liquor store Alko. “It’s a true Finnish icon and many Finns consider it our national drink. Even the package symbolizes our national heritage as the shape of the bottle was inspired by the torch that Finnish runner Paavo Nurmi used to ignite the Olympic flame in Helsinki in 1952.

The blue and white stripe pattern, on the other hand, symbolizes the running track in the Helsinki Olympic Stadium.”

On the way to conquer the world Hartwall Original Long Drink has started to conquer the world convincingly. In 2015 the long-awaited sales started in Sweden and, at the same time, Hartwall also signed a distribution contract in the Netherlands and Belgium. The drink has already gained a strong PRODUCED BY CALCUS.COM

foothold in the Baltics and the newest market openings include Japan, Taiwan and Hong Kong. The excellent reception has encouraged Hartwall to focus more on exports and this year F1 World Champion Kimi Räikkönen teamed up with Hartwall to support his favorite drink to conquer the world. “Hartwall Original Long Drink was originally invented to be shared with the world and now it is about to happen,” Ignatius concludes.●

originallongdrink.com

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B E S T

F I N N I S H

B R A N D S

From hidden secret to the SYMBOL OF SECURITY

THIS YEAR ABLOY IS CELEBRATING ITS 110TH ANNIVERSARY. THE STORY OF ABLOY BEGAN IN 1907 WHEN YOUNG PRECISION MECHANIC EMIL HENRIKSSON WAS REPAIRING A CASH REGISTER. HE NOTICED THAT THE PRINCIPLE OF ROTATING DETAINER DISCS INSIDE A CYLINDER COULD ALSO BE APPLIED TO LOCKS.

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global leader in door opening solutions. Today, ABLOY product portfolio includes a whole range of products and services from access control systems to design handles, and the end-users include critical infrastructure facilities such as banks and water or energy utilities.

Security in the digital, networked world requires the ability to continuously reinvent and innovate. Still, the spirit of the original invention remains strong in all ABLOY solutions. ●

WWW.ABLOY.COM

Hide your treasures with ABLOY CLASSIC Moomin padlock Abloy provides solutions also for kids and now combines two iconic Finnish brands in one product. CLASSIC cylinder which still keeps the original spirit of ABLOY invention, is now dressed up with the adorable Moomin figures. Available from July 2017 onwards.

PRODUCED BY CALCUS.COM

© Moomin Characters

orking as a craftsman for a wellknown state mechanic in Helsinki, Henriksson kept his invention secret until he could complete technical testing to create a revolutionary lock based on disc cylinders. It was more secure and durable than the pin tumbler cylinder locks of the time.

The lock was patented in 1919 as Henriksson’s patented lock. Due to the innovative technique based on rotating discs, picking ABLOY locks was extremely difficult. Also the additional benefits of master keying allowed people to use only one key to open many doors.

The excellent quality and reputation of ABLOY branded locks quickly grew interest around the world. ABLOY won several European awards for design and reliability, and soon became the number one choice of police, banks, armed forces, postal services, world-famous casinos and museums such as Hermitage and the British Museum. In 2016, ABLOY was awarded as the most valued Finnish Design Brand.

In 1994 Abloy Oy merged with its Swedish main competitor ASSA forming ASSA ABLOY, the

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I o T

N O W

IoT Ticket makes the Internet of Things ACCESSIBLE TO ANYONE

Pasi Tuominen, CEO Wapice Oy.

IOT TICKET IS A PLATFORM THAT ASPIRES TO BECOME THE OFFICE SUITE OF THE INTERNET OF THINGS—THE EASY-TO-USE INDUSTRY STANDARD.

W

ith IoT Ticket, companies can build and control a centrally managed network of things and devices using a graphic UI, and no programming skills are required. Suitable for a range of industrial applications and, for example, fleet and facility management. The graphic, web-based user interface of IoT Ticket can manage data, images and graphics from practically any source.

“The platform makes building an IoT solution as easy as preparing a Power Point presentation.

You simply add the data sources to the display and attach them to tracking points with a few clicks. The web-based UI can be used on any device, including desktop and mobile devices and VR headsets,” says Pasi Tuominen, CEO of Wapice.

“Our product is a ticket to the world of IoT. We have made everything ready for our clients, they can access all the features without programming skills or advanced IT knowledge.”

Excellent results from various fields IoT Ticket is used by several industrial and real estate companies, including Danfoss

and Caverion, which are among the leading companies in their field in the Nordic countries.

“Our solution is applicable to a range of uses: building automation, production and power plant management or, for instance, positioning of machinery and recording of work reports.”

“For example, Junttan, a company specialising in piling equipment, has used IoT Ticket to add to invoices relevant details of work performed. The same information on the number, depths and locations of piles is also accessible to supervisors in real time,” Tuominen explains.

In Tuominen’s view, the public sector could also find efficiency benefits from IoT Ticket.

“For example, IoT Ticket could facilitate fleet and facility management at municipalities.

Similar benefits could also be found in other fields,” Tuominen concludes. ●

Augmented Reality opens a new world.

With the IoT-ticket it is already ready.

PRODUCED BY CALCUS.COM

Wapice Headquartered in Finland, Wapice is a growth company that specialises in solutions for industrial systems and platforms. The company employs over 300 IT experts. Solutions by Wapice are used by top companies across the world.

IoT Ticket is a platform for the Internet of Things, enabling companies to find operational efficiencies and business model innovations.

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A T T R A C T I V E

E M P L O Y E R S

ABB builds a better tomorrow

– are you one of the architects of the digital quantum leap?

HOW WOULD IT FEEL TO BE PART OF A SOFTWARE ENGINEERING TEAM WHOSE WORK HAS A PROFOUND SOCIAL INFLUENCE? WOULD YOU LIKE TO MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE TO LIVE IN?

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inland is one of the leading countries in digitalization, which is why ABB is recruiting dozens of world-class experts in Finland. With as much as one-sixth of ABB’s personnel in Finland working in research and product development, Finland is one of the major R&D hubs of the ABB Group.

At the center of this development work is the unique ABB Ability software platform.

The platform makes the development of Internet of Things applications agile. It also offers an energy- and resource-efficient future in which traffic runs more smoothly and environmentally friendly, and where the intelligent energy system is based increasingly on renewable power sources.

“We are developing a software platform that allows ABB and our partners to deliver connected expertise on a global scale, and create completely new kinds of solutions by linking value adding services together in novel ways. The platform’s offering and collaboration capabilities are unique features,” explains Simo Säynevirta, Group Vice President and Head of ABB Ability Platform Engineering.

According to Säynevirta, one of the keys to unlocking real benefits with digitalization is adopting solution-oriented thinking. “We are starting from the discovery of the “pain points” in a given customer situation, and then we build the solution to address these opportunities. ABB Ability platform supports this by linking the required solution components together quickly and in a totally agile way, on a global scale. It is the glue holding everything together, allowing new things to emerge.”

“Information can be imported from a single system in a completely new way, which creates new opportunities.”

Everyone at ABB contributes to the building of a better world When you are involved in completely unique product development, you need a team of leading experts. For this reason, a worldwide recruitment campaign has been launched to build the ABB Ability platform and solution development teams. “The people we are looking for are software experts who have, for example, an understanding of real-time data processing, cloud technologies, cyber security, data visualization, AR/VR or machine learning. These people are needed here in Finland, and world-wide, for example in China and India.”

“No matter what position you have at ABB, your work contributes to the building of a better world. The digital quantum leap concerns our entire organization. Everyone here is contributing to what a better world will look like in five to ten years from now.”

ABB is often regarded as an industrial engineering company. What is less known, is that software has been a key element in this industry for decades. “For example, the software found in our frequency converters is the intelligence that allows highly accurate variable speed control of standard electric motors, which translates into big energy savings,” Säynevirta points out.

Pioneering work is in ABB’s genes. In 1880, Gottfried Strömberg, the founder of ABB’s predecessor company Strömberg in Finland, developed the first direct-current electric motor and trained the country’s first professionals in the field of electrical engineering. Today ABB is again at the forefront of writing the future.

“The world is changing in a fundamental way and we want to make a positive contribution to this. We offer a unique opportunity to learn from the world’s best, be one of them, and together solve the great challenges facing humankind. There has been a lot of speculation about what will be the “next Nokia”— Finland’s next big thing. I would argue that it is this,” says Säynevirta. ●

PRODUCED BY KIINNOSTAVIMMAT PRODUCED BYTYÖPAIKAT CALCUS.COM ( PART OF CALCUS.COM )

To find out more go to www.abb.com/abb-ability

Simo Säynevirta leads the development of the ABB Ability software platform: “In a way, it’s the operating system for a better world.”

FINNAIR NEWS

OFF-PEAK LOUNGING Use your Finnair Plus points to ­redeem a ­Finnair Lounge voucher at Helsinki Airport. Lounge access is for flights departing during off-peak hours. finnairshop.com

COMPILED BY SHELLY NYQVIST AND AINO VÄHÄLÄ

SUMMER FUN

3 x Lapland Finnish Lapland is famous for its ­Northern Lights, but the white nights of the summer are just as magical.

VISIT FINLAND

Ivalo. This is the perfect escape from the bustle of city life: enjoy the peace and quiet of nightless nights while resting in a cosy log cottage. There’s no hurry – the next sunset will be at the end of August.

FOOD WITH THOUGHT

IN CONJUNCTION with Finland’s ­centenary, Finnair launches three food ­collaborations with the ELO Foundation, an association dedicated to promoting Finnish food culture.

Long-haul Economy Class passengers on flights from July 5 to January 9 can sample Finnish favourites selected by students from the Cygnaeus school in Turku. Dishes include potatoes and meatballs as well as macaroni and meat casserole.

“Balanced school meals are an essential element of the well-recognised Finn-

Lapland calling

As interest in Santa’s homeland continues, Finnair increases capacity to five Lapland airports, offering 430,000 seats from November 2017 to April 2018.

These additional flights connect travellers via Helsinki with smooth connections from Europe, Asia, and North America.

Finnair will also operate new non-stop flights to Lapland airports from London Gatwick, Paris, and Zurich.

92 BLUE WINGS SUMMER 2017

finnair.com

VISIT FINLAND

Rovaniemi. The capital of Finnish

Lapland offers a wide variety of activities, from strolling over the Arctic Circle to soaking up the Midnight Sun on the riverside.

MARKO JUNTTILA

DESTINATION

ish school system, and we are proud to highlight these as part of Finnair’s in-cabin service,” says Maarit Keränen, head of ­in-flight service at Finnair.

Long-haul Business Class passengers flying out of Helsinki between October 4 and January 9 can enjoy a special centenary menu created by Finnair’s Signature Menu chef, Eero Vottonen. The menu features Baltic herring, Karelian stew, and cep mushroom soup flavoured with cured elk.

VISIT FINLAND

Tasty tidbits in the air

Ranua. The only chance to spot a

polar bear in Finland is at Ranua Wildlife Park, the world’s northernmost zoo. Outside the wildlife park you can also take in the Nordic nature by hiking, canoeing, or fishing.

SYKETTÄ YLÖS TAI KEHON JA MIELEN HARMONIAA Viihdy suosikkiurheilulajisi parissa, lataa akkuja spa-hotelleissa ja keskity rentoutumiseen ja virkistymiseen. Tutustu Hyvään oloon -lomakokoelmaan aurinkomatkat.fi/lomakokoelmat

FINNAIR NEWS

LIVE CHAT ON A350 Have questions? Finnair’s customer care chat is available through the ­Nordic Sky Wi-Fi portal.

COMPILED BY SHELLY NYQVIST AND AINO VÄHÄLÄ

DEVELOPMENT

Airport updates FLIGHT MODE

Stay connected NO NEED to stop browsing the web while in the sky, as you can now plug into the Wi-Fi portal on all Finnair A350 and A330 long-haul flights. The connection is designed for everyday browsing and for keeping up with e-mails. Voice-over IP calls (WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger) are not supported, so those will have to wait for landing.

Passengers can purchase a connection for one hour, three hours, or the entire flight. Business Class passengers

TWEET OF THIS MONTH

FEELFINNAIR ON INSTAGRAM

Our inaugural flight to San Francisco departs today at 16.20(EET) from @helsinkiairport. @flysfo here we come! instagram.com/feelfinnair

and ­Finnair Plus Gold members receive one hour of complimentary browsing at any time during the flight, whereas Finnair Plus Platinum members get free access for the duration of the whole flight.

Apart from the Wi-Fi, all ­passengers can tap into the Nordic Sky Wi-Fi p ­ ortal for some serious inflight shopping.

Chinese passengers on flights to and from China can use Alipay to pay for purchases. finnairshop.com

@ArjaSuominen Jun 9 fantastic #A350Finnair over HSS yacht club ­#kaivari2017 at approx 500 feet @Finnair twitter.com/Finnair

94 BLUE WINGS SUMMER 2017

FINNAIR IN

Watch the video to find out how Chris and the rest of the crew make your flight special. youtube.com/user/finnair

If you haven’t noticed, there’s a lot going on at Helsinki Airport at the moment. With the goal of serving 20 million passengers by 2020, Finavia is further securing Helsinki ­Airport's status as a world-class hub. Here are three upgrades to look forward to:

1

The south wing of Helsinki Airport opens this summer! And with it brings the airport’s first travelator, or moving walkway, that makes moving around faster for passengers.

2 3

A bigger and better baggage handling facility increases luggage capacity by 50 per cent.

Architecturally impressive check-in and arrivals halls will also house security control, the baggage drop, and an area for greeting passengers.

Source: Finavia

FLY FINNAIR

Your complete guide to travelling with us

WELCOME ABOARD We want you to enjoy your flight. This guide contains all the information you need for stress-free travelling. We have even included tips for inflight wellbeing and entertainment.

So sit back, relax, and enjoy your travel experience.

In this guide 96 TIPS FOR TAKEOFF 97 INFLIGHT WELLBEING 98 ENTERTAINMENT 99 INFLIGHT SHOPPING 100 SUSTAINABILITY 102 HELSINKI AIRPORT 104 MAPS 108 FLEET AND MY FINNAIR 110 FINNAIR PLUS 114 FINLAND IN FIGURES SUMMER 2017

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FLY FINNAIR TIPS FOR TAKEOFF

FINNAIR in a nutshell

Established in 1923, Finnair is one of the world’s oldest operating airlines.

Finnair’s route network includes 17 destinations in Asia, 4 in North America, and some 74 in Europe.

In 2016 Finnair carried more than 10.8 million passengers.

More than 1.6 million passengers fly between Asia and Helsinki each year.

TRAVEL TIPS TIINA VESTERINEN Director Customer Experience ­Development, Finnair “Did you know that you can now stay connected onboard all Finnair longhaul flights?

The complimentary Nordic Sky Wi-Fi portal is available to all passengers and can be used to access Finnair services, recent news as well as to shop our wide selection of travel retail products.

This summer, we are testing digital editions of Finnish newspapers and magazines in the portal and more new digital services will follow.

You can purchase or ­redeem ­Internet access directly from the portal. So join the Nordic Sky network with your device and enjoy your ­connected flight!”

More information on page 98.

SAFETY

YOUR FAVOURITE TRAVEL APP DOWNLOAD FINNAIR’S app on your mobile and enjoy an even smoother travel experience. Check-in, get flight alerts, and store your boarding passes all in one place. As a Finnair Plus member, you can view your profile and points balance, and even purchase services such as extra bags or an Economy Comfort seat.

You can access the app with your Finnair Plus member ID or by using your booking reference number and surname. Learn more at finnair.com.

96 BLUE WINGS SUMMER 2017

FLIGHT MODE: CABIN SAFETY SAFETY INFORMATION is presented by the cabin crew at the start of each flight.

This information is also listed on the safety instruction card in your seat pocket.

Safety belts must remain fastened when the “Fasten safety belt” sign is on.

For safety reasons we recommend keeping them fastened even when the sign has been switched off.

Handheld devices can be used throughout the flight (including takeoff and landing) in airplane-mode. Laptops and larger devices must be stowed away during takeoff and landing, but can be used when the “Fasten safety belt” sign has been switched off.

FLY FINNAIR INFLIGHT WELLBEING

FOOD AND DRINK

EAT WELL

Business class passengers on ­ long-haul flights can enjoy Signature Menus prepared by chefs from top restaurants.

The menus offer passengers a taste of Nordic flavours.

Foods to fuel on European flights FANCY A SNACK ONBOARD? Then take a look at the Sky Bistro menu card in your seat pocket. For a small fee, you can choose from a tasty ­selection of food and ­beverage options combining the best of Europe and Asia. Coffee, tea, water, and Finnair’s ­signature blueberry juice are always served free of charge on all Finnair flights.

WELLBEING

MINDFULNESS

INFLIGHT EXERCISES

Sit back and relax

These moves keep you fit while flying. Hold each movement for a few seconds and repeat five times per side.

Mindfulness instructor Aleksi Litovaara's exercises will help you feel calm and rested during your flight.

1

BE AWARE: The basic idea of mindfulness is that you have arrived. The aircraft is already taking you where you need to be so just sit back and relax. Watch, listen, and feel your present environment.

CIRCLES

LIFT

RAISE

LOWER

Lift one foot and draw circles with your toes.

Reverse direction.

Lift one knee up and then lower your foot back down to the floor.

Keep heels on the floor and lift your toes upwards, then release.

Keep toes on the floor and lift your heels upwards, then release.

2

TACKLE ANXIETY: If you experience nervousness or restlessness, try holding an object in your hand. It will help bring your attention to that simple physical sensation instead of getting caught up in your own thoughts.

3 SHRUG

NOD

ROTATE

TURN

Lift your shoulders up towards your ears and release.

Lower your chin slowly towards your chest and lift back up again.

Gently rotate your head from side to side. Keep your shoulders relaxed.

Slowly lower your left ear to your left shoulder and then back up again.

THINK POSITIVE: This is a good ­moment to choose nice words towards yourself and other passengers — if only in your mind. You can also ask yourself: what do I need right now? It may well be reading a book or getting some rest instead of working on your computer. aleksilitovaara.com

SUMMER 2017

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FLY FINNAIR ENTERTAINMENT

BE ENTERTAINED AND CONNECTED Experience the Nordic Sky entertainment system and the Nordic Sky Wi-Fi portal onboard Finnair A350 XWB aircraft.

THE NORDIC SKY inflight ­entertainment system is available onboard Finnair A350 flights. Not only will you stay entertained with a wide range of movies and TV series, you can stay up to date on what’s happening during your flight, from when dinner is served to updated arrival information and the local weather.

With the Nordic Sky Wi-Fi portal, you can enjoy a host of fantastic services via your own mobile device. You can access finnair.com and Finnair services such as destination information, preorder shopping, and customer care chat.

Passengers can purchase Wi-Fi access for one hour (7.95€), three hours (11.95€), and full-flight 12 hours (19.95€). Business class passengers and Finnair Plus Gold members get one hour complimentary Internet access and Finnair Plus Platinum members get full-flight complimentary access.

Here’s how to get started: 1. Turn your device to flight mode and ­enable Wi-Fi. 2. Join the Wi-Fi ­network Nordic Sky. 3. Open the browser of your choice.

4. Start exploring.

Follow your flight with real-time views from the flight cameras via Nordic Sky.

PICK OF THE MONTH Action, Drama

THE LOST CITY OF Z A true-life drama, centring on British explorer Col. Percival Fawcett, who disappeared while searching for a mysterious city.

98 BLUE WINGS SUMMER 2017

WHAT’S PLAYING

ON SCREEN Latest films and TV series

MOVIE THE ZOOKEEPER’S WIFE. The keepers of the Warsaw Zoo, Antonina and Jan Zabinski, help save hundreds of people and animals during the German invasion.

MOVIE LIFE (2017).

The team aboard a space station discover a rapidly evolving life form that threatens the crew and all life on Earth.

MOVIE GIFTED. Frank is a single man raising a child prodigy, his niece. But his plans for a normal school life for her are foiled by his mother.

TV SERIES MOM. A newly sober single mom tries to pull her life together in Napa Valley, while dealing with her own wayward mother.

TV SERIES MODERN FAMILY. Three different, but related families face trials and tribulations in their own uniquely comedic ways.

CONNECT Wi-Fi is available on A330 and A350 aircraft. Hooking up to the Internet d ­ uring your flight is easy. It takes about 30 seconds and you’re connected.

PLUG IN!

All Airbus A330 aircraft are equipped with an electricity socket, which you will find under your seat.

On the Airbus A350 aircraft, you will find a USB port located in the seatback monitor in Economy class and directly from the seat in B ­ usiness class.

FLY FINNAIR INFLIGHT SHOPPING

EASY WAY TO SHOP: PRE-ORDER! Make the most of your holiday and pre-order before your next Finnair flight. Your purchases will be delivered directly to your seat, safely packed, and without any additional costs. Visit the Finnair Shop: finnairshop.com

GODIVA Expression Artistique, 280g Available in pre-order shopping catalogue €24,50

PRE-ORDER before your flight FINNAIR CARRIES a wide ­selection of ­cosmetics, fragrances, gift items, confectionary, and jewellery, all of which can be ­purchased before your flight. On most Intercontinental flights and flights to and from destinations outside the EU, wine and spirits are available for purchase. You also earn Finnair Plus points with every purchase.

SAVE 27% KALEVALA KORU Daydream collection Necklace/Bracelet/Earrings Available in pre-order shopping catalogue €69/€65/€65

SAVE 25%

COACH EdP, 60ml Available in pre-order shopping catalogue €49

MOZO Moomin Backpacks, 2 colour options Available in pre-order shopping catalogue €89

BOSS Bottled Tonic Edt, 50ml Available in pre-order shopping catalogue €52

PRE-ORDER

for stress-free shopping

SOLEY eyGLÓ face moisturizer, 50ml Available in pre-order shopping catalogue €42

Ordering in advance is always a good idea.

You can save up to 60 per cent compared to city prices. There’s no minimum order and your ­purchase will be waiting at your seat on your next flight! finnairshop.com

SUMMER 2017

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FLY FINNAIR SUSTAINABILITY

BETTER PLANET Finnair’s sustainability strategy is built on three principles: CLEANNESS Finnair has reduced its carbon dioxide emissions by more than 19 per cent per tonne-kilometre and is also working to systematically lower aircraft noise at airports and in the air.

One key way to reduce carbon emissions and noise is to fly with modern aircraft: the average age of Finnair’s fleet is less than 10 years. The airline has received 9 of 19 forthcoming Airbus A350 aircraft, which cut back on fuel consumption and emissions by 25 per cent over the previous generation of planes.

LIGHTNESS IN THE AIR FINNAIR has committed to ­achieving carbon-neutral growth in its flight ­operations from 2020 onwards, and to cut carbon dioxide emissions by 50 per cent by 2050. While the airline’s most impactful environmental act is flying a modern fleet on direct routes, less weight onboard can also reduce fuel consumption.

Using new technology and lightweight materials has enabled Finnair to lower so-called “empty weight.” The airline has also cut its fuel consumption by several tonnes each year. One example has been the ­paper used on the magazine you’re ­currently reading, Blue Wings. One issue today, printed on UPM Valor paper, is

about 10 per cent lighter than six years ago. This means fewer raw materials, less water, and less energy to produce the paper and carry it in the air.

“Light paper is a prime example of resource efficiency: you strive to get the same printing surface with less material.

Reducing the environmental impacts of transporting paper can also advance the sustainability targets of a company such as Finnair,” says Eeva-Liisa Heinaro, sales director of Printers in Finland and Scandinavia at UPM’s magazine publishers’ unit. Environmental Manager of Finnair’s Operations.

BEST PRACTICES FINNAIR is signatory for the UN Global Compact, an initiative aiming to make ­human rights, fair labour standards, environmental responsibility, and anti-­ corruption core parts of the participating companies’ operations.

THE AIRLINE has been given “Prime” status with a score of B- by responsible investment rating agency OEKOM. Finnair has also consistently been the highestrated airline in CDP’s (Carbon Disclosure Project) review. In 2016, Finnair’s score was A-.

FINNAIR is a member of the Climate Leadership Council, an initiative bringing together leading Finnish businesses to combat climate change and foster business eco-technologies.

100 BLUE WINGS SUMMER 2017

Finnair was one of the first airlines to receive an IATA Environmental Assessment (IEnvA) certification; this environmental management system is a set of processes and practices that help airlines reduce their environmental impacts and increase operating efficiency.

Finnair invests in the development of alternative fuels (it operated its first commercial biofuel flight in 2011). It also supports the International Air Transport ­Association’s (IATA) goal of carbon-neutral growth from 2020, and cutting airline emissions in half by 2050.

CARE Wellbeing and inclusivity is promoted at the workplace through training opportunities, an annual survey, and other programmes.

Finnair is part of the Commitment to Sustainable Development, an initiative supporting the UN’s Agenda 2030. It invites Finnish organisations to make a pledge towards a carbon-neutral society, sustainable work and lifestyle, and more. Finnair’s focus is on promoting equality, nondiscrimination, and diversity at the workplace and with stakeholders.

COLLABORATION Engaging in an open dialogue with industry stakeholders, environmental organisations, and other partners is key to Finnair’s corporate responsibility plan.

Finnair Plus members can make point donations via the Finnair Shop to The Finnish Association for Nature Conservation, Crisis Management Initiative (CMI), The Association of Friends of the University Children’s ­Hospitals, The Cancer Society of Finland, The Finnish Red Cross, UNICEF Finland, Hope, and UN Women.

FLY FINNAIR HELSINKI AIRPORT

HAPPY LANDINGS

Arriving and departing Helsinki Airport

PASSENGERS at Helsinki Airport can use the 30 automated border control gates. Fifteen of these are located in the departure hall. The Finnish Border Guard’s automated border control helps serve growing passenger volumes at Helsinki Airport.

EU, EEA, Japanese, and Swiss nationals with biometric passports can take advantage of the automated border control gates.

Other foreign nationals, who are exempt from the visa ­rrequirement equirement and hold a biometric passport, may also use the automated border control upon departure.

This service is available for ­A ustralian, Canadian, Japanese, Australian, New Zealand, South Korean, and U.S. citizens. The automated border control is monitored by a border guard ensuring secure border crossings.

Please note that passengers travelling with an infant, baggage trolley or wheelchair must use the manual border control lane.

AUTOMATED BORDER CONTROL Place your passport with the info page face down on the reader. Please wait while your passport is being read for biographical and biometric data. When the scan is complete, the gate will open. ヘルシンキ・ヴァンター空港シェンゲンエリアで は、入出国審査の際に自動化ゲートをご利用頂けま す。対象となるのはICパスポートをお持ちのお客様 です。

대한민국 전자여권을 소지한 승객께서는 유럽에서 한국으로 입국 시, 헬싱키 공항에서 자동출국심사 서비스를 이용 하실 수 있습니다.

① パスポートの顔写真ページを読み取ります。該当 ページを読み取り機の上に置いて下さい。個人情報 と生体認証データを読み取ります。

우선, 전자여권의 사진 페이지를 인식장치에 올려주시기를 바랍니다. 이 과정에서 여권정보가 시스템에 자동 인식됩니다.

② ゲートが開いたら中に入り、右を向いて下さい。 パスポートの顔写真と照合します。バックパック・ 帽子・眼鏡などは外して下さい。足跡マークの上に 立って画面を正面からまっすぐに見て下さい。 ③ 二番目のゲートが開いたら、入国審査官のカウン ターにお進み下さい。パスポートを確認した後、入 国または出国スタンプを押印致します。シェンゲン エリア居住許可証をお持ちの方は、入国審査官にご 提示下さい。

finnair.com/jp

첫 번째 게이트가 열리면 안으로 들어가 오른쪽에 위치한 카메라로 안면인증을 거치게 됩니다. 이후 마지막 게이트에서 출입국관리 직원의 출국확인도장을 받으시면 됩니다. 보다 간편하고 빠른 본 자동시스템의 많은 이용 바랍니다. 대한민국 전자여권은?

2008년 8월 25일 이후 발급된 여권으로 표지 하단부에 전자칩과 안테나가 내장 되어 있는 여권입니다.

finnair.com/kr

Enter through the gate and turn right. Please remove your backpack if you’re wearing one and stand on the footprints on the floor. Remove your glasses and hat. Stand still and look directly at the screen keeping your face visible. The camera will compare your facial image with the biometric feature scanned from your passport. Wait until the second gate opens.

The border check for EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals is completed when the gate opens. Other foreign nationals must move towards the border guard, who will check your entry stamp and mark your passport with an exit stamp.

SUMMER 2017 NOVEMBER 2016 BLUE BLUEWINGS WINGS 101 85

FLY FINNAIR HELSINKI AIRPORT

WELCOME TO HELSINKI AIRPORT 34 HOW TO TRANSFER Check your gate and departure time on the airport monitors. All Finnair and Nordic Regional Airlines (Norra) departures are located in the same terminal.

If you do not have a boarding pass for your connecting flight, please contact the transfer service desk.

Most passengers transferring from non-EU countries to EU countries must go through security and passport control. Please note that liquids are restricted in carry-on baggage.

If your baggage has not been checked through to your final destination, collect it from the baggage claim area, and go to check-in and security control.

SHOP

BUS CONNECTION The Finnair City Bus to the Helsinki Railway Station leaves from Terminal 2 every 20 minutes, stopping also at Terminal 1.

Travel time is about 30 minutes.

Price: €6.30

102 BLUE WINGS SUMMER 2017

31a-e 30

31x 31

Security control

SHOP

Border control

SHOP

SHOP

Bo con

2ND FLOOR

FINNAIR LOUNGE FINNAIR PREMIUM LOUNGE

BUS GATES 50 A–M

BUS GATES 51 A–D

52

NONSCHENGEN AREA

FLIGHT DISRUPTIONS In case a flight is delayed or cancelled, Finnair will make every effort to keep you updated. Please make sure that you have provided Finnair with your email address and phone number.

2ND FLOOR 53 37a-d

GROUND FLOOR

SHOP

54

TRAIN CONNECTION The Ring Rail Line connects Helsinki Airport to downtown Helsinki. There is direct access from the corridor b ­ etween T1 and T2 terminals to the train station by two lifts and three escalators.

CHECKING IN Checking in to your Finnair flight is easy. You can save time by checking in at a self-service kiosk at the airport, online 36 hours before departure, or by text message. For flights to the U.S., online check-in opens 24 hours before departure.

32a

TRANSFER SERVICE 3

AUTOMATED BORDER CHECKS are available to passengers with biometric passports. The service is available for ­Australian, Canadian, EEA, EU, Japanese, ­New ­Zealand, South Korean, Swiss, and U.S. citizens. See more ­information on page 101.

FINNAIR TRANSFER SERVICE desks in Helsinki Airport T2 ­terminal are ready to help you with any inquiries related to your connection flights.

32

NON-SCHENGEN AREA

Border control

TRANSFER SERVICE

33

SOUTHERN TERMINAL OPENING JULY 2017 GATES 54–55

SERVICES AND FACILITIES SHOP SHOPPING Receive special offers for airport services when you show your Finnair Plus card. You will recognise our partners by the Finnair Plus symbol. Helsinki Airport features more than 30 shops and boutiques and various restaurants and cafés.

WIRELESS INTERNET Helsinki Airport offers free Wi-Fi throughout the airport.

CHILDREN Children’s playrooms offer videos, microwave ovens, and baby care facilities.

55

NON-SMOKING Smoking at Helsinki Airport is prohibited outside of designated smoking rooms.

SHOP

FLY FINNAIR HELSINKI AIRPORT WALKING TIME GATE 24–30: 7 MIN

T2 29

28

LOST AND FOUND Restaurant & Deli Fly Inn

27

26 SHOP

SCHENGEN AREA

SHOP

SHOP

GATE AREA

Security check

24

25 TRANSFER SERVICE 2

SHOP

23 SHOP

FINNAIR LOUNGE

Security

order ntrol

CHECK-IN 240–270

P

SHOP

SHOP

FINNAIR check CHECK-IN/ SERVICE DESKS 201–229

22

GROCERY

21

INQUIRIES Lentäjäntie 1 (next to T2, street level) Open Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00 and Sat 09:00–15:00 Tel 0600 41006 (1,97€/min + local network charge)

3RD FLOOR

PHARMACY TOURIST INFO

SH

OP

20

1ST FLOOR

SHOP

19 18 17 16

TRANSFER SERVICE 1

15

CHECK-IN 101–114

GROUND FLOOR

T1

14

Security check

BAGGAGE STORAGE

13 DROP-IN LOUNGE ACCESS As a Finnair customer, you can unwind in a Finnair lounge for a reduced price (€39) when your flight departs during off-peak hours. To get the discount, your flight must leave between 7:30 am–3 pm or 6:45 pm–12 midnight (non-Schengen-area), or between 10 am–3 pm or 7 pm–12 midnight (Schengen-area). The service is available 3 hours prior to your actual departure time.

An off-peak lounge pass can be purchased from finnair.com via Manage Booking.

GATE AREA

2ND FLOOR

12

11

SHOP

1ST FLOOR SUMMER 2017

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103

FLY FINNAIR FLIGHTS WITHIN EUROPE KARTAT Great Circle Estimated FROM HELSINKI AMSTERDAM ALANYA/GAZIPASA ALICANTE ARRECIFE ATHENS BARCELONA BERGEN BERLIN BIARRITZ BILLUND BRUSSELS BUDAPEST CATANIA CHANIA COPENHAGEN CORFU DALAMAN DUBLIN DUBROVNIK DÜSSELDORF EDINBURGH EILAT EKATERINBURG FRANKFURT FUERTEVENTURA FUNCHAL GDANSK GENEVA GOTHENBURG HAMBURG HERAKLION IBIZA INNSBRUCK KAZAN KOS KRAKOW LAS PALMAS LISBON LJUBLJANA LONDON MADRID MALAGA MALTA MANCHESTER MENORCA MILAN MINSK MOSCOW MUNICH MYTILENE NAPLES NICE OSLO PALMA DE MALLORCA PAPHOS PARIS PISA PRAGUE

Distances km

1525 02:35 2722 03:45 3034 04:25 4518 05:55 2490 03:40 2632 03:55 1112 03:30 1123 02:00 2581 03:45 1060 01:50 1651 02:40 1481 02:20 2636 03:45 2756 03:50 895 01:40 2329 03:25 2639 03:40 2030 03:10 2027 03:00 1512 02:25 1717 02:40 3457 04:45 2098 03:05 1543 02:35 4578 06:05 4310 05:45 768 02:00 1994 03:00 785 01:25 1172 02:00 2777 03:55 2897 04:00 1701 02:35 1521 02:30 2620 03:45 1186 02:00 4700 06:10 3369 04:50 1713 02:40 1863 03:10 2950 04:25 3357 04:35 2822 04:15 1817 03:00 2688 04:05 1953 03:05 740 01:25 876 01:40 1577 02:30 1471 03:35 2283 03:25 2202 03:25 766 01:30 2777 04:00 2898 04:00 1900 03:05 2093 03:20 1322 02:10

TÄHÄN KARTTA

8 BLUE WINGS DECEMBER 104 BLUE WINGS JULY 20172014

Great Circle Estimated Distances Flight km Times

Flight Times PREVEZA PULA REYKJAVIK RHODES RIGA RIMINI ROME SALZBURG SAMARA SANTORINI SKIATHOS SPLIT STOCKHOLM ST. PETERSBURG TALLINN TARTU TEL AVIV TENERIFE NORTE TENERIFE SUR VARNA VENICE VERONA VIENNA VILNIUS VISBY WARSAW ZAKYNTHOS ZÜRICH

2397 03:25 1865 02:55 2429 3:50 2668 03:45 382 00:55 1993 03:00 2235 03:25 1592 02:30 1698 02:35 2660 03:40 2353 03:30 1956 02:55 400 01:00 301 01:00 101 00:30 245 00:50 3230 04:25 4691 06:10 4745 06:10 1911 02:55 1847 02:55 1903 02:55 1462 02:30 633 01:15 481 01:25 940 01:40 2526 03:55 1781 02:45

SCHEDULED DESTINATIONS LEISURE DESTINATIONS PARTNER-OPERATED CODE-SHARE OR MARKETING DESTINATIONS SEASONAL ROUTE EW SCHEDULED N SEASONAL ROUTE

NEW SCHEDULED DESTINATION IN 2017

Atl Oc antic ean

DOMESTIC FLIGHTS New

quay

FROM HELSINKI IVALO JOENSUU JYVÄSKYLÄ KAJAANI MARIEHAMN KEMI/TORNIO KITTILÄ KOKKOLA/PIETARSAARI KUOPIO KUUSAMO OULU ROVANIEMI TAMPERE TURKU VAASA

931 01:35 360 01:00 235 00:50 464 01:20 282 00:55 609 01:35 823 01:25 391 01:10 335 01:00 667 01:15 514 01:05 697 01:20 143 00:35 150 00:35 348 00:55

Bay of B isca ya

Arct ic

Ocea n

FLY FINNAIR IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Nor weg ian S ea

Nort

h Sea

Heraklion

Medit erranea n Sea JULY 2017

BLUE WINGS

on

on-D

tov-

Ros

105

rctic

Arctic Ocean

FLY FINNAIR FLIGHTS INTERCONTINENTAL Circle Estimated KARTAT Great Distances Flight FROM HELSINKI

km

GREENLAND

Times

BANGKOK 7912 09:45 BEIJING 6325 07:55 CHICAGO 7139 09:15 CHONGQING 6736 08:40 DELHI 5229 06:50 DUBAI 4537 05:55 FUKUOKA 8060 09:30 GOA 6328 8:10 GUANGZHOU 7693 09:30 HAVANA 8703 11:15 HÔ CHI MINH CITY (Saigon) 8510 10:50 HONG KONG 7821 09:35 KRABI 8350 10:20 MIAMI 8342 11:10 NAGOYA 7780 09:40 NEW YORK 6626 08:45 OSAKA 7751 09:30 PHUKET 8312 10:05

PUERTO VALLARTA 9960 12:30 PUERTO PLATA 8417 11:15 SAN FRANCISCO 8724 10:45 SEOUL 7050 08:40 SHANGHAI 7410 09:05 SINGAPORE 9272 11:30 TOKYO 7849 09:45 XIAN 6421 07:50

Atlantic Ocean

Havana Puerto Vallarta

FINNAIR PLUS members earn Plus points from travelling on any ­scheduled flight with a oneworld airline.

The oneworld alliance flies to more than 1,000 destinations.

Pacific Ocean

Ocea n Atlantic Ocean

South Sandwich Is

8 BLUE WINGS DECEMBER 2014

Arctic Ocean

FLY FINNAIR IMPORTANT INFORMATION

an

Agadir

Taiwan

Pacific Ocean

Indian Ocean

Good Hope

n

ch Is

DECEMBER 2014 BLUE WINGS 8

FLY FINNAIR FLEET

AIRBUS A350-900 Number 9+ 10 on order Seating capacity 297 Length 66.8 m Wingspan 64.75 m Cruising speed 903 km/h Maximum cruising altitude 13,000 m

AIRBUS A330-300 Number 8 Seating capacity 289/263 Length 63.6 m Wingspan 60.3 m Cruising speed 870 km/h Maximum cruising altitude 12,600 m

AIRBUS A321 (ER) Number 15 Seating capacity 196–209 Length 44.5 m Wingspan 34.1 m Cruising speed 840 km/h Maximum cruising altitude 11,900 m

AIRBUS A320 Number 10 Seating capacity 165 Length 37.6 m Wingspan 34.1 m Cruising speed 840 km/h Maximum cruising altitude 11,900 m

AIRBUS A319 Number 8 Seating capacity 138 Length 33.8 m Wingspan 34.1 m Cruising speed 840 km/h Maximum cruising altitude 11,900 m

EMBRAER 190 Operated by Norra Number 12 Seating capacity 100 Length 36.2 m Wingspan 28.7 m Cruising speed 850 km/h Maximum cruising altitude 12,300 m

108 BLUE WINGS SUMMER 2017

FLY FINNAIR MY FINNAIR

MY FINNAIR EVERY SEAT HAS A STORY It’s the customers who make Finnair and that’s why we’ve dedicated this page to your travel stories.

#FEELFINNAIR Share your Finnair moments on I­nstagram using @feelfinnair.

And if you want to get featured use #feelfinnair.

MEET THE FREQUENT FLYER Which Finnair Plus ­benefits do you use most: I take advantage of the Priority Security lanes and the Finnair lounge facilities.

What has been your most ­memorable flight? The flight that landed on Mt. Denali (previously Mt. McKinley) in Alaska by tiny plane.

koivusalo Feelfinnair #greece #trip #travelling #rhodes #family #aurinkomatkat

What items could you never travel without? My passport and noisecancelling headphones.

Jussi Kiviniemi has been a Finnair Plus ­member since 2002.

Finnair Plus tier: Platinum Avg. flights per year: 50–60 Next destination: Vegas, baby!

What is your all-time favourite destination? Home!

How do you stay busy onboard?

I meditate and then watch stand-up comedies on Netflix. tiinajn Sleeping above clouds 7815km from Helsinki to Tokyo, but I believe these cuties are well rested

APP & AWAY

QUESTIONS? Twitter: @FinnairHelps Facebook: facebook.com/finnair Finnair on chat: Live chat is available on weekdays from 7 am to 10 pm, on Saturdays from 9 am to 6 pm, and on Sundays from 10 am to 10 pm (Finnish time).

Find Finnair on WeChat! Scan and follow Finnair’s official WeChat account.

Finnair’s mobile app is now available to everyone who has a Finnair booking.

Log in with either your Finnair Plus member ID or your booking reference number and surname.

Go to finnair.com to learn more.

rafaperez Edificios en New Town, Guangzhou (Cantón) #China

SUMMER 2017

BLUE WINGS

109

FINNAIR PLUS FREQUENT FLYER PROGRAM

JOIN NOW

A world of benefits for ­frequent flyers

THE FINNAIR PLUS PROGRAM allows you to earn both tier points and award points when travelling with Finnair or a ­oneworld airline and from ­services provided by Finnair Plus partners.

As a Finnair Plus member you get instant access to valuable benefits including:

· A head start on special flight sales · Exclusive members prices on offers · Earn and use points on Finnair, oneworld, and partner airline flights · Earn and use points on numerous worldwide partner services

RENEWED FINNAIR PLUS With our latest changes, it’s easier to reach tier ­membership. You can also enjoy simpler ways of ­earning and using points for Finnair flights.

Read more about the changes: finnair.com/plus

DID YOU KNOW? JOIN FOR FREE by filling in the Finnair Plus form attached to this magazine or online at finnair.com/plus

NEW WAYS TO USE POINTS AS A FINNAIR PLUS MEMBER you can

use your Finnair Plus award points for additional ­Finnair services such as seat selection, meals, and extra baggage payments online.

The number of points you pay depends on your flight and the chosen service.

You can pay for additional services at the time you book your reservation, or later through the ­Manage Booking tab. finnair.com/plus

110 BLUE WINGS SUMMER 2017

FINNAIR PLUS FREQUENT FLYER PROGRAM

FINNAIR PLUS MEMBERSHIP

FINNAIR PLUS TIERS AND BENEFITS JUNIOR Children aged 2–17 can join the Finnair Plus Junior program. The points earned can be spent on award flights as well as for fun reward items.

BASIC · F lights awards · Additional

baggage charges with points · Extra

services for flights with points · Partner

service purchases with points · Waiting

list priority based on tier SILVER · One

extra bag (max. 23 kg) free of charge · F innair lounge access* · P riority Lane · 1 0% points bonus · 10%

discount on ­Finnair tax-free purchases outside of the EU * Chargeable from August 1, 2016

All tier benefits are valid on Finnair flights (AY operated and AY marketed)

GOLD · Special

baggage free of charge · T ravel class upgrades · F innair and oneworld Business Class and Frequent Flyer lounge access + 1 guest · P riority Lane · 1 5% points bonus · 10%

discount on Finnair tax-free purchases outside of the EU PLATINUM · G old card giveaway · Special

baggage free of charge · T ravel class upgrades · Travel

upgrades for family members · F innair and oneworld Business and First Class and Frequent Flyer lounge access + 1 guest · P riority Lane · Points

do not expire during tracking period · 2 5% points bonus · 10%

discount on Finnair tax-free purchases outside of the EU

Remember to keep your Finnair Plus card with you at all times to make sure you don’t miss out on opportunities to earn points!

EQUIVALENT ONEWORLD TIERS Finnair Plus oneworld Basic --Silver Ruby Gold Sapphire Platinum Emerald

SUMMER 2017

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111

FINNAIR PLUS NEWS THIS MONTH

TIPS FROM FINNAIR’S CUSTOMER LOYALTY TEAM Ruusa Koskelainen Head of Customer Communication and Engagement

NEWS WAYS TO TRANSFER OR REDEEM POINTS Did you know that you can transfer award points between any Finnair Plus account? We have amended the rules, so now you can transfer points to any Finnair Plus member.

You can also surprise someone with your award points as you are able to redeem various Finnair Plus awards on behalf of someone else. Go to finnair.com/plus for more information.

PARTNER BENEFITS VISIT FINLAND

SLEEP TIGHT

MUSIC TO YOUR EARS

BOOK HOTELS from Rocketmiles and earn up to 10,000 Finnair Plus points every night, every time.

Choose from over 400,000 hotels and resorts around the world. Book for yourself, friends, or your family. Finnair Plus members earn points on every hotel booking! finnairshop.com

USE FINNAIR PLUS POINTS to purchase a voucher to Sibelius Finland Experience and enjoy the authentic 1-hour cultural experience with live music performances of Sibelius’s famous compositions. Performances are held daily at Helsinki’s Kansallissali until September 15, 2017. finnairshop.com

112 BLUE WINGS SUMMER 2017

1. LET’S FESTIVAL! Summer is festival season so get your tickets to Helsinki’s Flow Festival using a combination of money + points. Check out other great events from lippu.fi.

2. RELAX MODE. Start off your summer holiday right.

Purchase an ­off-peak lounge voucher to the Finnair Lounge in Helsinki Airport using a combination of money + points.

3. SUMMER FLAVOURS. Redeem a restaurant voucher using a combination of money + points and spend a delicious evening outdoors with good company. finnairshop.com

FINNAIR PLUS TOP PICKS THIS MONTH

USE YOUR POINTS WISELY FOR THIS SEASON’S BEST! NOW YOU CAN FIND Finnair gift cards, partner services, and award vouchers as well as Finnair Shop brands all under the same roof.

Simply login using your frequent flyer number, place your order, and pay with Finnair Plus points, money, or a combination of both.

Shop for the always affordable 1,000 Point Special Offers and your Plus points can be worth hundreds of euros! finnairshop.com

TOP 5 PARTNER SERVICES THIS MONTH 1. SCANDIC award voucher: from €47 + 10,000p 2. FINNAIR TAX-FREE voucher: from €14 + 1,000p 3. AURINKOMATKAT award voucher: from €93 + 2,000p 4. NAANTALIN KYLPYLÄ award voucher: from €124 + 3,000p 5. SILJA LINE award voucher: from €41 + 5,000p Gift vouchers can be redeemed with points or a combination of money and points.

1 ,000 POINTS SPECIAL OFFERS LIMITED TIME SUMMER OFFER!

Seven colour options.

SAMSONITE S’CURE SPINNER SUITCASE, 55CM €169 Member offer €119 + 1,000p

SABATIER STEAK KNIVES IN A GIFT BOX, 6PC €69.90 Member offer €39 + 1,000p

SAMSONITE S’CURE SPINNER SUITCASE, 75CM €239 Member offer €179 + 1,000p

SUOMI FINLAND 100 ANNIVERSARY COLLECTION QUIET ON ACTIVE NOISE-CANCELLING EARPLUGS €179 Member offer €159+ 1,000p

MARIMEKKO PINTA BATH TOWEL, 2PC €84 Member offer €59 + 1,000p MARIMEKKO PINTA HAND TOWEL, 2PC €44 Member offer €30 + 1,000p

SUMMER 2017

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FINLAND IN FIGURES

SUOMI 100 PROJECT Statistics Finland participates in ­ ”100 acts for gender equality,” a programe which takes concrete actions to enhance gender equality.

FINLAND

ECONOMIC STRUCTURE

IN FIGURES

Employed persons by industry, 4th quarter 2016 (per cent of total)

AREA • 390,908 sq. kil­o­me­tres, of ­which 9% is fresh water; land area is 303,912 ­sq. kil­o­me­tres. There are 188,000 lakes. 7% of the l­and is ­utilised agricultural area. Forests (mainly pine, spruce, and birch) and other wooded land (e.g. alpine birch f­ orest) cover 76% of the land area.

GOVERNMENT • Sove­reign par­lia­men­tary re­pub­lic ­since 1917.

• The pres­i­dent is elect­ed eve­r y six years. The current president of Finland, Sauli Niinistö took office in March 2012. The 200 mem­bers of Par­lia­ment are elect­ed for fouryear terms.

• Finland has been a member of the European Union since January 1995.

ECONOMY • GDP 2016: 210 billion euros, the annual change in volume 0.3% • Annual inflation rate as of February 2017: 1.2% • Currency: Euro

Construction and energy 9%

Miscellaneous services

14%

35%

Manufacturing

14% 4% Agriculture

10%

15%

Financial and business services

Trade and hotel

Transport and communications

GDP

50%

Other manufactured goods

23%

Forest products

14%

Food prod. and textiles

14%

Nominal

Adjusted for Purchasing Power Standard

67.100 47.800 45.600 39.600 38.200 37.100 32.800* 28.900

46.300 36.600 35.700 31.200 31.600 35.800 30.600* 28.900

Foreign trade 2016 exports by products by activity: 51,780 MEUR (per cent of total) Forest industry products

21.9%

Chemical industry products

19.7%

Other industries

18.4%

Metals and metal products

14.4%

Machinery and equipment

13.4%

Electric and electronics industry products

12.2%

*preliminary

MONTHLY TEMPERATURES IN HELSINKI 2016

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Mean˚C -8.8 0.3 0.9 4.8 13.8 15.3 17.8 16.4 13.3 5.6 0.0 0.2 Max˚C 4.7 4.1 9.7 12.6 22.8 25.4 25.4 22.6 21.6 15.1 7.6 7.0 Min˚C -23.9 -8.9 -7.0 -1.1 4.5 6.2 11.3 8.9 5.6 -1.2 -10.4 -11.0

More information: finland.fi, goodnewsfromfinland.com, findicator.fi

114 BLUE WINGS SUMMER 2017

Metal and engineering products

EXPORTS BY PRODUCTS

Gross domestic product per capita 2015 (EUR)

Norway Denmark Sweden UK Finland Germany France EU28

Manufacturing

Source: Statistics Finland

POPULATION • 5.5 mil­lion • Life ex­pec­tan­c y: men 78.5 and women 84.1 years • Av­er­age house­hold ­size: 2.1 persons • L anguages: 89% s­ peak Finn­ish; 5.3% Swedish; 1.3% Russian • Religion: 74% Lu­ther­an; 1% Orthodox; 24% census register or unknown • 83% of the pop­u­la­tion aged 25 to 64 ­have com­plet­ed upper secondary or tertiary ed­u­ca­tion and 39% ­have uni­ver­sity or other tertiary qualifications.

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