Let's take a peek into the summer mood of the Graniitti team

Summer is coming to its peak and it's time to take a peek at how the Granitites are enjoying the summer and hear about their plans.

Summer in Finland is magical and for many of us it means a time to stop, enjoy nature and appreciate the little moments. We asked four Graniitti residents what their summer looks like, what their plans are and what makes summer special for them.

Read below to see what's in the plans and pick up eight tips for unforgettable summer experiences and activities around Finland at the end!

Nick: Summer theater, renovation work and perfect cottage days by the grill

Where do you spend your summer vacation?

I spend my summer vacation working on my own home, doing minor surface renovations, but also visiting cottages and hiking.

What summer plans do you have?

In the summer, I especially enjoy cultural experiences, such as concerts and summer theater. There are many wonderful summer theater venues in Finland, where amateur groups perform shows that they have rehearsed all winter. I think this low-threshold culture is a great way to enjoy art and I warmly recommend it to others. At the cottage, I spend time in the sauna, swimming and grilling, and in the summer almost all the food is prepared on the grill.

What is your perfect summer day like?

A perfect summer day starts with a warm morning, when you can wake up in peace and enjoy breakfast outside in the sunshine. I often start the day by heating up the morning sauna at the cottage and jumping in for a morning swim. Music is playing in the background, or I just turn on the radio and pick up a book. I spend the evening by the grill preparing food and enjoying it outside.

Your tips for others on spending the summer?

Summer theaters are definitely worth experiencing and can also be combined with a comfortable overnight stay, for example in a local guesthouse, and a delicious meal in a summer restaurant. There are many restaurants in Finland that are only open in the summer, and they often offer a relaxed atmosphere and local ingredients. So it's worth taking advantage of these unique opportunities and enjoying both culture and good taste experiences.

Niko Oksanen | Kokenut projektiammattilainen

Jeddie: Cottages in the archipelago, day trips by boat and summer markets

Where do you spend your summer vacation?

In Pargas and at the cottage in the archipelago, in the summer landscapes of my childhood. I also like to take trips to nearby villages and sometimes go to Turku or even Åland.

How do you spend your summer days?

In the summer I enjoy being outdoors, spending time in the cottage and following the summer events that come to the archipelago town. Summer theatres, markets and concerts are my favourites. I also like to take day trips by boat and explore new places. Yard work and gardening are also part of my summer days.

Favorite summer food?

Grilled delicacies and fresh Finnish berries are absolute summer favorites. Traditional summer dishes, such as salad and pancakes from summer theater cafes, are also part of summer.

What's the best thing about summer?

Nature awakening and people's sense of community. A perfect summer day starts with a long morning without an alarm clock, a morning sauna at the cottage and a refreshing dip. The day is spent outdoors, sometimes hiking, sometimes relaxing in the garden, and in the evening we enjoy good food and the peace of a summer evening on the terrace.

What is that one place, moment or atmosphere that sums up summer for you?

At an archipelago cottage, when after a hot day you can take a leisurely sauna, swim and sit on the terrace enjoying the sunset and the silence of a summer evening.

Your tips for others on spending the summer?

I recommend exploring the villages of the archipelago and using the ferry connections to get around. Summer theaters and local events offer wonderful experiences. It is also worth combining your trips with good food in local summer restaurants, which often use local food.

Jeddie Rosenqvist |Kokenut projektiammattilainen

Thomas: Cycling in France, cottage days in South Savo and relaxing in a hammock

Where do you spend your summer vacation?

My summer is divided into two very different landscapes: I'm cycling in France for a charity event and spending time at a cottage in South Savo.

How do you spend your summer days?

Summer includes spending time at the cottage and all the activities that go with it. I also do sports and hike in Lapland, where I can be in the middle of nature in peace.

What's the best thing about summer?

Light and warmth. Nothing beats warm summer evenings and being able to be outside from morning to night.

What is that one place, moment or atmosphere that sums up summer for you?

Surprise surprise – being at the cottage. Especially after the sauna, when you sit in complete silence on the cottage terrace, that's when everything is just right.

Your tips for others on spending the summer?

A charity cycling trip to Paris that combines exercise with a wonderful experience.

Tuomas Silvonen | Projektipäällikkö PMO, sovelluskehitys, pankkijärjestelmät

Soil frost: A summer full of cottage atmosphere, city life and touring Central Europe

Where do you spend your summer vacation?

This summer I plan to spend my vacation both in the city and at a cottage. I also plan to take a trip to Central Europe, where I plan to visit various destinations.

How do you spend your summer days?

In the summer I enjoy being outdoors and spending time at the cottage. Often, summer vacations also include a trip abroad, like this time. At the cottage I enjoy the quiet and relaxation, while traveling brings variety and new experiences.

Favorite summer food?

Summer definitely includes salads, grilled vegetables, pancakes and of course, domestic berries.

What is that one place, moment or atmosphere that sums up summer for you?

The summer atmosphere is intensified at a summer cottage, when after a hot day you can go to the sauna and swim without rushing and then sit on the sunny terrace enjoying the summer evening.

Kirsi Kekki | Kokenut projektiammattilainen

8 summer experiences to try all over Finland: Explore beautiful destinations and enjoy various summer activities!

1. Take a day trip to Fiskars Ironworks

Explore the area's designer shops, enjoy the best pastries in the café, and stroll through the peaceful gardens.

2. Book your own sauna session at Löyly and take a dip in the refreshing seawater

On the summer terrace you can eat salmon soup, drink a glass of wine and stay to listen to live music as the evening falls.

3. Visit Billnäs Gård, a historic manor house built in 1912

Billnäs Gård now operates as a boutique hotel focused on wellness. Enjoy seasonal flavors inspired by local ingredients, stop by the summer pop-up event for bubbles and waffles, and relax with pampering spa treatments.

4. Head to Kuopio and climb the Puijo Tower there

Puijo Tower offers a magnificent view of the lakes of Central Finland. When you feel hungry, stop by Kuopio Market Square and try the famous fish cake.

5. Sunset cruise on Lake Saimaa

Take an evening cruise on Lake Saimaa, admire the beautiful archipelago scenery as the sun sets and enjoy the peace of a summer evening on the ship's deck. Many cruises also offer dinner or live music.

6. Culture Day in the cafes and art galleries of Porvoo's old town

Feel the atmosphere of Porvoo's old town, walk along the cobblestone streets of Porvoo and stop by the small art boutiques. Finally, enjoy a coffee and a pastry in the atmospheric summer café. In the summer, the city is full of various events and art exhibitions.

7. Pack a lunch and go explore Espoo's nature trails

For example, in the forests of Nuuksio there are several different and long nature trails and sites that are not worth missing. After the hike, you can grill sausages at the campfire and go for a swim.

8. Take a ferry to the islands off Helsinki – Lonna, Vallisaari or Pihlajasaari offer the perfect summer day by the sea

Enjoy the sun on the cliffs, swim in the clear water and stop by the island's summer restaurant for a meal. For example, there are atmospheric restaurants in Lonna and Vallisaari. On Pihlajasaari you can rent a wood-fired sauna with stunning views of the open sea.

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