The City Where Life Happens Underground

One of my best friends grew up attending weekly swim lessons in a bunker in Helsinki. While an interesting story to trot out at dinner parties, her personal fun fact seemed wildly disconnected from the Helsinki I’ve come to know.

The Finnish capital has always prided itself on its connection to nature. Built on an archipelago, there’s plenty to go around. Whether it’s the ocean, parks, or a combination of the two in the Töölö district, residents are never more than a few minutes away from literally touching grass.

And while Nordic summers give way to intense winters, newer constructions, like the Helsinki Central Library and surrounding buildings in Kansalaistori square feature oversized windows—helpful whether letting in Nordic sun or views of snow flurries. Sure, swimming underground might be unique, but then again so is the Allas Sea Pool, a recreation center that literally overlooks the Helsinki Presidential Palace.

Read more at The Daily Beast.