These are my close and personally formulated bottled stories called ¨HELSINKI CALLING', about my daily life in Helsinki. I will share tips from my travels that learned from the local community, where to stay, where to enjoy a local meal, and places of interest. Join my journey and send me comments.
Latest episodes
-
19 min
Finding Home in Koli: A Story of Nature, Hospitality, and New Beginnings
What happens when a Helsinki consultant tradesboardrooms for lakeside cabins in North Karelia?In this episode, Sam-Erik meets Tiina Kujamäki, theentrepreneur behind Koli Free Time…
-
10 min
Lux Helsinki 2026: “Stop Time!” — A winter walk through light
Lux Helsinki 2026: “Stop Time!” — A winter walk through light, silence, and a climate wake-up call.In this episode of Helsinki Calling, I take you along my Lux Helsinki 2026 route—…
-
2 min
At Noon on Christmas Eve, Finland Presses Pause.
Every Christmas Eve at noon, Finland pauses as the Declaration of Christmas Peace is read in Turku—a tradition dating back to the Middle Ages and still deeply felt today.In this ep…
-
12 min
“Granite, Gold & Secrets: Helsinki’s Most Overlooked Masterpiece in Central Helsinki”
In this episode of Helsinki Calling, listeners are invited to step inside the Nordea Bank Museum and experience one of Helsinki’s most beautiful and least-expected interiors. Behin…
-
3 min
A New Face of Light: Lucia Challenges Finland’s Deepest Tradition
This episode of Helsinki Calling traces the remarkable journey of the Santa Lucia tradition from its dramatic Sicilian origins to its cherished role in Finland’s winter darkness. W…
-
15 min
🚀 Hospitality is changing fast, are we ready?
I had the privilege of moderating Helsinki’s first “Work Smart Not Hard” seminar at Lapland Hotel, where we explored how AI and smart tech are reshaping hospitality.Here’s what sto…
-
3 min
Mårten Gås: A Feast of Heritage at the Bourse Club
In this episode of Helsinki Calling, Sam-Erik Ruttmann takes you inside one of Helsinki’s most exclusive dining traditions, the Mårten Gås dinner at the historic Bourse Club. Blend…
-
12 min
Why Locals Love This Hidden Cultural Escape in Helsinki
Just a short tram ride (No.4) from Helsinki’s center lies Tarvaspää, the enchanting studio home of Finland’s national painter, Akseli Gallen-Kallela. Blending art, nature, and arch…
-
13 min
A summer visit to Hanko: Where History Meets Coastal Charm,
🎙️ Helsinki Calling: A Finnish Summer Story in HankoIn this heartfelt episode, join me on a personal summer escape to Hanko, Finland’s southernmost gem. We were there to celebrate…
-
4 min
Hotel Breakfasts in Helsinki Are Overpriced—Here’s Where to Go Instead
Hotel breakfasts in Helsinki can cost up to €38, but are they worth it? In this episode, Sam-Erik exposes the hidden costs behind the buffet and reveals smarter, better-value alter…
-
13 min
Why Midsummer brings a lot of unforgettable memories
Midsummer Memories: A Celebration of Light and NatureSharing my memories from my childhood.Midsummer in Finland is more than a celebration—it’s a sensory experience steeped in trad…
-
5 min
Step into the World of Scandinavia’s Beloved Crayfish Feast!
🎧 Welcome to "Crack, Sip, and Celebrate: Step into the World of Scandinavia’s Beloved Crayfish Feast!" 🎧 As the sun lingers in the Scandinavian sky, casting its golden hues over th…
-
6 min
"Uncover Porvoo: Finland’s Best-Kept Secret with a Hollywood Twist"
"Uncover Porvoo: Finland’s Best-Kept Secret with a Hollywood Twist" Porvoo is a picturesque town with charming streets, riverside views, and incredible restaurants. It is only a sh…
-
5 min
The Tall Ships Races Helsinki 2024: Bringing the Age of Sailing Closer
Ahoy, listeners! In this episode of "Sam-Erik Prive'," we embark on a journey through one of the most captivating maritime events of the year: The Tall Ships Races. Join us as we e…
-
9 min
Unlocking Helsinki’s Hotel Hotspots: The Top Picks and Predictions
Summary In this podcast episode, Sam-Erik discusses the latest edition of new hotels in Helsinki. He highlights three hotels in different segments and price points: The Maria Hotel…
-
9 min
Beneath the Ice Sheets: Unraveling Finland's Winter Swimming Culture"
"Picture this - it's freezing outside, snowflakes are falling, the lake nearby is almost frozen, and yet, you see people, clad in swimsuits, ready to jump in. In Finland, this isn'…
-
7 min
Why in the world spending Christmas time in Helsinki?
Sharing tips what is going on in Helsinki. #myhelsinki #Christmas
-
6 min
Why a hotel podcast is the next best thing of being there?
Sharing my tips for small hotel owners Airbnb owners how to get started with their own podcast channel.
-
4 min
"Sustainable Horizons: Insights from the 8th Mediterranean Tourism Forum with Gayle Murphy "
During the recent 8th edition of the Mediterranean Tourism Forum, I joined one of the Think Tanks at the Forum. The topic was ¨ Sustainability ESG requirements for the hospitality…
-
17 min
"Journey Through the Mediterranean: Exploring Tourism and Mediterranean Life"
Summary of my 3 day visit in Malta, at the Mediterranean Tourism Forum 8 edition