KT's Finland snow and ice capades: So much salmon, the coolest library ever, and torch light skating

Today we blitzed Helsinki before we headed to Kuopio. Fallon said to check out the public library, Oodi, so that's what we did. Interestingly, there isn't anything online in "things to do in Helsinki" about seeing the library, but we are super glad thankful for Fallon's recommendation.

Torches along the ice skating track

Sherlock on his liar.

Sarah likes her blueberry juice.

The view right near Fallon's apartment.

Oodi (the public library) is all about community. Everything about it is inviting and caters to tons of different interests. From a chess area, to a children's yoga area, to a sewing space, to rooms for gaming, to a yummy cafe, and more - this place was incredible. So many people of different walks of life were there. Clearly, this is a well used space.

A bunch of rooms for gaming

Reading about Oodi after polishing off breakfast.

Breakfast from the cafe.

A super cool staircase with words that people from the community wanted on it.

The staircase is a work of art

Walking up to the "bow" of the ship-like library through the stacks.

Even the bathrooms felt "communal" - no gender separation and sinks in the middle.

Right after we finished eating breakfast, we saw people lining up at 10:59 for what turned out to be a yummy and affordable buffet lunch. So of course we had to try it even though we had just eaten breakfast.

Lunch buffet at the library

Beautiful, delicious, and a good deal!

Cool spots to just sit and do work.

Info about the staircase.

Plowing the snow into a giant pile outdoor of the library.

In the "bow" of the ship - so many windows.

Tons of families were at the library which means lots of snowsuits.

An area for kids to play.

Sarah found Mr. Toad's car (which is like our rental).

Lots of chess boards

One of the entrances

Outside of the library

A sewing space

After we left the library, we headed to the Esplanade where we walked around. There was a cool park, a cathedral, and the marketplace. Inside the marketplace there was so much fish! I had no idea how many different ways salmon can be prepared.

Fresh fish for sale

Another view of Allas Sea Pools

A nice cathedral

The Helsinki Marketplace

I restrained myself from getting a gelato - felt kind of wrong when it's totally winter outside.

After zipping around a few spots in Helsinki, we headed to Kuopio to check-in for the Finland Ice Marathon and the torch light skating. It was a long drive (4.5 hrs) so we were psyched when we arrived.

Inside our lodging

We had our own sauna.

The marathon check-in was at a fancier hotel where we picked up our bibs and timing chips. When we stepped out onto the skating area, it was such a festive atmosphere. There was music, grilled sausages, cool lights, and so many people outside skating along the torch lite track - young families, grandparents, groups of teens, couples, singles, expert and novice skaters, and more. The energy was superb. It felt like authentic Finland.