2025 Finlandia Planning Thread

[ChillSkate]

I am considering going to Finlandia Trophy in 2025 and wanted to set up a thread to see if anyone else is considering going or if anyone has any information they could share from last year.

Finlandia will be held on November 21-23 at the Helsinki Ice Hall, which is the same venue as last year. It sounds like the arena is old but okay though I haven't read too much positive or negative about it.

The Finnish Fed has announced that tickets will go on sale in September. It sounds like last year all-event tickets were available in the lower levels for ~200 Euros.

The schedule last year was quite different from other Grand Prix events:

• Friday: Men's Short, Women's Short, Pairs Short
• Saturday: Men's Free, Women's Free, Rhythm Dance
• Sunday: Pairs Free, Free Dance

It looks like the Helsinki Ice Hall is downtown though there are not a ton of hotels within immediate walking distance. However, there seems to be a tram station a ~10 minute walk from the arena and it sounds like Helsinki has good public transit.

It also seems that weather can be quite difficult in Helsinki in November between the cold and the dark.

So, I'm strongly considering going given I've always wanted to go to Helsinki, it seems relatively easy to navigate the city, and I'm excited about the skaters who are there. However, I'm a little hesitant about the weather and the fact that there are limited hotels within walking distance of the arena. Sounds like I have a few months to decide before tickets go on sale.

Is anyone else planning to go to Finlandia or thinking about it? Did anyone go last year and have positive or negative experiences to share?

 

[Ms Bumblebee]

I am a local and went there last year.
The arena location is great, there are bus and tram stops right in front of the entrance. Maximum distance you need to walk is maybe 50 meters. You can get to Jäähalli from all around the metropolitan area pretty easily with public transportation.

The main street Mannerheimintie is just around the corner with dozens of buses. And the second biggest railway station Pasila is 10 minutes away with tram or bus. You could also walk there in 20 minutes. HSL is the local transportation service and you can check out the route maps and prices here:
https://www.hsl.fi/en/tickets-and-fares

The city center is 15 minutes away with bus/tram. It's possible to walk there as well and the route along Töölönlahti is nice. Helsinki in general is a walkable city, public transportation works quickly and realiably plus the streets are safe.

Last year there was only two different price category: ice level and nosebleed section.
These were the Early bird prices valid until a month before the competition:
Ice level Friday 38€ Saturday 54€ Sunday 42€
Nosebleed section Fri 25€ Sat 33€ Sun 27€
Day ticket price included the practices.

They didn't sell All Event packages last year. And because there was no gala the timetable was a bit weird. But I actually ended up enjoying it because the days weren't that packed. We have no knowledge yet are they planning to have the gala this year or not. Two previous years at Espoo there was a gala and it was the only event on Sunday. I would guess we will get more news about the timetable in August.

Depending on what you consider a walking distance but I'd say there's like 10 hotels where you can walk easily from Jäähalli. Scandic, Sokos Hotel and Crown Plaza are the biggest hotel chains. Check out Forenom, Noli Studios and Airbnb options.

Yes, November in Finland is the worst It is dark and can be really cold. Most likely the temperature is around zero degrees of Celsius (32 in Fahrenheits?) But as the local proverb goes it is just a question of how one dresses.
Sky will be light grey when you get to the arena and after the competition day is done it will be pitch black. And quiet. At worst it could get windy, rainy and slushy and you will feel miserable.

But usually we get the first snow in the end of November which is always magical. Also the Christmas lights and decorations are most likely up as well. And however much you might shiver outside you can chill out barefoot at your accommodation because we are serious with the insulation of our buildings and central heating systems.

 

[ChillSkate]

@Ms Bumblebee - This is fantastic information and so helpful to hear your experiences at the event last year. Thank you for posting this!

 

[DE93]

Do we know if Finlandia is going with no Gala again this year?

 

[ChillSkate]

Do we know if Finlandia is going with no Gala again this year?

The schedule for Finlandia has not yet been published and Ms. Bumblebee reported above that it is not yet known whether there will be a gala this year.

 

[Carina]

If you want to be close to the arena there’s a Scandic hotel about 600 m away and tram stops just outside of it. So very easy to get from Vanda and the city center.

 

[ChillSkate]

The schedule for 2025 Finlandia has been published - it looks pretty intense with all short programs & rhythm dance happening on Friday, November 21 and all free programs & free dance happening on Saturday, November 22. There does not seem to be a gala.

Aikataulu - Finlandia Trophy

Torstai 20.11.2025 Viralliset harjoitukset Perjantai 21.11.2025 Lyhytohjelmat ja rytmitanssi Lauantai 22.11.2025 Vapaaohjelmat ja vapaatanssi

www.finlandiatrophy.com

 

[YukiNieve]

Pre-sale will take place on Sept 4.

"No number seats" means the seats will not be assigned and you will sit as "first come, first served"?

Tickets - Finlandia Trophy

Important Notice for Event Attendees Please note that the pre-show video contains flashing and rapidly changing lights. These effects may cause discomfort or adverse reactions for individuals sensitive to flashing lights. An announcement will be made in both Finnish and English, and the...

www.finlandiatrophy.com

 

[ChillSkate]

I understood the "no numbered seats" to only apply to Section C4, for whatever reason

 

[ChillSkate]

I'm definitely planning to go if I can get tickets!

Does anyone know which side the judges will be on?

Also, any tips or tricks for people outside of Finland to successfully purchase tickets via the Lippu website?

 

[Carina]

I understood the "no numbered seats" to only apply to Section C4, for whatever reason

Me too, only for the VIP section.

 

[Carina]

I'm definitely planning to go if I can get tickets!

Does anyone know which side the judges will be on?

Also, any tips or tricks for people outside of Finland to successfully purchase tickets via the Lippu website?

I had tickets in the A section last year and that was on the opposite side. So assume the VIP and media side is the judge’s side.
Had no problem with ordering them but you need an account and you get e-tickets to print or download on phone. And of course a translation from finish when you ordering.

 

[Ms Bumblebee]

C4 is reserved for honourable guests, like Rahkamo&Kokko, politicians etc, they will not sell tickets to that section.
VIP Event Lounge ticket seats will be in the A section, and you get to buy your own numbered seat there. I am guessing the VIP seats are in A4.
They have now updated the seating map on Finlandia Trophy webpage. Judges are on the C side

Reminder that if you buy a day ticket that includes the same day practices. You only need a separate ticket for Thursday practices.

Ticket sales start at 10 in the morning Finnish time on September 4th. The accurate time was mentioned in some Skating Finland social media post.

 

[Ms Bumblebee]

You can change the Lippu.fi webpage language from Finnish to English by clicking the globe icon in the blue banner, right next to the search bar.
FAQ has good instructions regarding payments, registration and mobile tickets. The different ticket types are explained in ”What fees are added to the ticket purchase” https://www.lippu.fi/en/help/

 

[YukiNieve]

They have now updated the seating map on Finlandia Trophy webpage.

Where can I find the seat map?

 

[Elka]

Where can I find the seat map?

It is only on the Finnish site. Click SUOMEKSI and then LIPUT and scroll down

 

[YukiNieve]

Thank you!
Do you need to create an account buy tickets?

 

[Ms Bumblebee]

Thank you!
Do you need to create an account buy tickets?

"How do I register as a user of Lippu.fi?

If you wish to order tickets in our online shop, you have to first register as a customer.

The registration link can be found in the Lippu.fi online shop at the top right of the page under the account icon. Click on ‘Register now’ and enter your email address and a strong password of your choice. Mandatory contact details for registration are first name, surname, street address, postal code, town and telephone number. Your email address will serve as your username in combination with the password you entered.

When placing an order, you can also use quick registration, which allows you to access the payment phase by simply entering your email address for ticket delivery. Each email address can only be used once for quick registration, but that email address can be used at any time to create a Lippu.fi account for future orders."

 

[YukiNieve]

NM

 

[Ms Bumblebee]

Do you need a promotion code?

That is only for those who belong to a Finnish skating club and have purchased this seasons license

 

[ChillSkate]

I got tickets for Friday and Saturday!

That was a little more harrowing than I expected - seats were going fast (definitely way faster than I have ever seen Skate America tickets go).

I bought the Saturday tickets first because I thought Saturday would be more popular. I kept unknowingly selecting seats that were already booked and then would have to refresh and select new seats. It was nerve wracking to see how quickly seats were disappearing but I eventually got tickets I was happy with.

Then I went to buy Friday tickets but wasn't seeing any seats I liked so kept refreshing the page and around 3:20 am ET some good seats appeared (the purchase page let you hold seats for 20 minutes before timing out) so I grabbed them right away.

Payment was easy - I had registered for a Lippu account earlier today and used a US credit card with no issue.

I'm excited! I've never been to Finland before!!

 

[YukiNieve]

That is only for those who belong to a Finnish skating club and have purchased this seasons license

I figure that out, but thank you!

The event will end on Saturday (so you can go home on Sunday), right?

 

[sus2850]

Yes, no gala or competitions on Sunday.
We are leaving on Monday though (booked before the schedule came out), so any suggestions for an excursion for that day? (We‘ve been to Helsinki itself already a few times and would like to take a train to some place else)

 

[Ms Bumblebee]

Yes, no gala or competitions on Sunday.
We are leaving on Monday though (booked before the schedule came out), so any suggestions for an excursion for that day? (We‘ve been to Helsinki itself already a few times and would like to take a train to some place else)

Porvoo bus 848 from Helsinki, you need a special ticket for this

One of a kind, plenty of reasons to visit - Visit Porvoo

Welcome to Porvoo. Come alone, as a couple or with a group. There is something for everyone in Porvoo - all year round!

www.visitporvoo.fi

Tampere

Tampere, Finns' favorite city – Visit Tampere

The city for event junkies, foodies, families and nature lovers. The Sauna Capital of the World in the middle of the most beautiful Finnish Lakeland.

visittampere.fi

Turku

Home - Visitturku.fi

en.visitturku.fi

For routes check out VR (trains), Matkahuolto and Onnibus for buses.

You didn't order this but I'm adding it here in case someone else is interested.
Kuusijärvi, Vantaa (ABC ticket) buses from Helsinki. This is a popular swimming destination for locals and tourists too all around the year. Speciality is their smoke saunas (for extra fee) where you probably need to queue because they are so popular. Kuusijärvi is located next to national park Sipoonkorpi so those who enjoy nature can go for a longer walk in the forest before relaxing in the sauna.

Cafe Kuusijärvi

www.cafekuusijarvi.fi

 

[sus2850]

Thank you so much! We‘ve been to Porvoo, it was truly beautiful.
Have not been to Turku (but my friends loved it). So maybe we go to Tampere to be prepared for worlds.

 

[gaduchess]

Yes, no gala or competitions on Sunday.
We are leaving on Monday though (booked before the schedule came out), so any suggestions for an excursion for that day? (We‘ve been to Helsinki itself already a few times and would like to take a train to some place else)

There used to be several good walking tours of Helsinki. My favorite stopped at a lot of the food vendors. That was 10 years ago so I can't remember any of the specific details other than it was very, very cold outside--bring lots of warm clothing!

 

[ChillSkate]

Does anyone know what the bag policy is for Finlandia at the Helsinki Ice Hall?

In the US, ice skating events often have a bag policy and only allow bags of a certain size and / or only allow clear bags. I'm not sure if this is the case in Finland? We have not received any emails from Lippu or the event organizers.

The Helsinki Ice Hall has a rather ambiguous message saying that concerts have a cloakroom, food and drinks are not allowed, and there are sometimes additional restrictions that vary by event: https://helsinginjaahalli.fi/en/visit-the-hall

If anyone has any additional information, I would greatly appreciate it. We're leaving in a few days and want to make sure to pack accordingly.

 

[sus2850]

The only thing I can say (being press, so no bag restrictions): Clear bags are not a thing in Europe.

 

[Ms Bumblebee]

There is no restrictive bag policy. You can bring anysize bag and however many you need with you. Last year they didn’t even check them. If they do, they mainly inspect your water bottle is not made of glass.

We’ve had rather warm autumn so far but the weather is most likely going to get a cold turn soon. Sun sets at 4 pm (16:00) and the last colourful leaves just dropped from the trees, no snow yet so it is highly recommendable to wear a reflector.

I see many tourists purchase a prepaid prescription for their visit because they are rather cheap and offer unlimited mobile data. They are sold at R-kioski (yellow-blue kiosque chain) at the moment Telia and DNA offer their prepaids with 4,90€ https://www.r-kioski.fi/prepaid-tarjoukset/

@ChillSkate and @YukiNieve feel free to DM me if you want to whatsapp me during your visits, I’m happy to help you out.

Official tourist info:

MyHelsinki - Your Guide to Helsinki

MyHelsinki is your guide to everything Helsinki. Plan your trip, explore living, studying, and working here, or find tools to grow or invest in our happy city.

www.myhelsinki.fi

Local transport company HSL:
https://www.hsl.fi/en You always need to purchase at least 2 zone ticket, around the city center AB ticket will do. To and from the airport you need ABC ticket.

Does anyone know what the bag policy is for Finlandia at the Helsinki Ice Hall?

In the US, ice skating events often have a bag policy and only allow bags of a certain size and / or only allow clear bags. I'm not sure if this is the case in Finland? We have not received any emails from Lippu or the event organizers.

The Helsinki Ice Hall has a rather ambiguous message saying that concerts have a cloakroom, food and drinks are not allowed, and there are sometimes additional restrictions that vary by event: https://helsinginjaahalli.fi/en/visit-the-hall

If anyone has any additional information, I would greatly appreciate it. We're leaving in a few days and want to make sure to pack accordingly.

 

[Ms Bumblebee]

Some foods to try out in Finland

Riisipiirakka, karjalanpiirakka a salty pasty filled with rice porridge. They are sold in every grocery store's bakery section and it is a staple snack in here. Traditionally we eat them with egg butter ( butter mixed with chopped boiled eggs).

Salmon soup, salmon chowder (lohikeitto, lohisoppa) Visit a market hall (eg. Wanha Kauppahalli in the city center) or go have a lunch at Fazer cafe. A bowl of this delicatess will warm your soul. A piece of dark rye bread with butter is a perfect complement.

Korvapuusti which is the original cinnamon bun. The jury is still out if this is originally a Finnish or a Swedish recipe. As a native Finn I know where I stand. Nevertheless we are both big pulla countries (pulla = bun). You always find a perfect pulla for every mood to enjoy with your afternoon coffee.
Voisilmäpulla (literally butter eye bun) is a bun with a butter and sugar filling in the middle.
Dallaspulla a bun roll with a vanilla custard and quark filling. This bun was invented in 1995 so why not celebrate its 30 year anniversary.
Piparkakkupulla Bun with a gingerbread dough filling
Luciapulla this is traditional Swedish christmas pastry to celebrate the Saint Lucia. Buns have S-shape with two raisins and dough is flavoured with a hint of saffron.

In November it is the season for Christmas pastries and you might see a tähtitorttu or joulutorttu in menu. This is puff pastry filled with plum marmelade, very delicous. Don't be scared of their swastika shape.

Karl Fazer chocolate Fazer is our national pride and seriously they make the best chocolates in the world. The basic blue (Fazerin sininen) is a classic pure milk chocolate. The name blue just means the color of the wrapping paper. https://www.fazer.com/products/our-international-brand-selection/karl-fazer/
I can recommend basically every chocolate Fazer produces. My all time favourites in addition to the classic blue are a mint truffle flavoured Pätkis, a crispy hazelnut filling Geisha and a waffle chocolate bar Kismet.

Kerroshampurilainen at Hesburger. Hesburger, nicknamed Hese is a Finnish hamburger joint. Their promo pictures for hamburgers are rather poor yet quite many tourists find their burgers very delicious. They also have a good variety of vegetarian and vegan items as well, the aptly named Veke for example. I believe the name veke is a nod to Rally English which means English that is spoken with a heavy Finnish accent, made famous by our numerous rally drivers in the 1970's, 1980's and 1990's.

Ruis feast at McDonalds https://www.mcdonalds.com/fi/fi-fi/tuote/ruis-feast.html
A rye bread version of a classic McFeast burger.

Restaurants
Restaurants close early, if you want to find something traditional Finnish food I'd recommend trying to go to a place that offers a lunch buffet. Lunch is served between 11 and 14 o'clock usually.
These are some of the cafes and lunch restaurants where I've been to regularly. You'll find different salads, oven baked potatoes, salmon soup or some other everyday fish food in the menu.
https://www.maristreehouse.fi/
https://www.fazer.fi/fazer-cafe/lounas-fazer-cafessa/
https://picnic.fi/en/menu/

Lunch buffets:
https://factorykamppi.com/
https://www.dylan.fi/marmoripiha Alvar Aalto has designed this location in the city center.