A Food-Allergy-Friendly Getaway to the Helsinki Archipelago: 4 Days of Nature, Music, and Good Food
- Laura Drazniece
- Jun 30
- 4 min read
I recently returned from a 4-day escape to the Helsinki archipelago, and I have to say — it was not only beautiful and refreshing but surprisingly easy to manage with food allergies. While the trip was short, it felt rich in experiences, from exploring national parks and islands to singing along with Coldplay under the northern sky. If you’re someone navigating food restrictions and dreaming of Finland, I hope this story will inspire and reassure you.
Day 1: Cinnamon Roll Cravings and a Countryside Retreat
We started our first morning in Helsinki with a visit to the cozy and popular Café Regatta, a little red wooden cabin right by the water. It’s famous for its cinnamon rolls, coffee, and traditional Finnish treats — and the smell alone was enough to make my mouth water.
Unfortunately, nothing there was safe for me to eat. All the baked goods, including the cinnamon rolls, were placed together on one large tray, and the staff couldn't guarantee there wouldn't be cross-contamination with nuts. I understood and appreciated the honesty, but I’ll admit, I was disappointed. From that moment on, I developed a serious craving for a proper Finnish cinnamon roll — one I could actually eat. (Spoiler: the first thing I did when I got home was bake my own allergy-safe cinnamon rolls. They were incredible and 100% satisfying!)
From there, we headed out of the city to our accommodation: Backbyn Kartano, a peaceful hotel set in a historic estate just outside Helsinki. Since we had a car, the location was perfect — surrounded by nature, more affordable than city hotels, and a great base for exploring the region.
The hotel’s restaurant turned out to be a real highlight. The staff were incredibly supportive, modifying dishes to suit my allergies without any fuss. While the sleeping area was a bit basic, the setting was lovely, and we enjoyed relaxing in the sauna and swimming pool in the evenings. Breakfast was a bit tricky — no food labels and limited allergy-safe options — so I picked up some groceries nearby and prepared my own breakfast each morning. A small adjustment that made the rest of the stay much easier. https://www.backby.fi/fi/
Day 2: City Strolls, Food Markets, and Coldplay
Our second day brought the biggest event of the trip: Coldplay live in Helsinki. It was everything I hoped for — vibrant, emotional, and full of light. But before the concert, we spent the day exploring the city and checking out Helsinki’s local food scene.
At the harbor market, we found fresh vegetables and summer berries like wild blueberries and cloudberries, which quickly became my go-to snack. Just beside the harbor is the Old Market Hall, an indoor food market in a beautiful old building. It's a fun visit, though more catered to tourists with higher prices. For a more practical (and affordable) option, we visited Stockmann’s food hall, where we stocked up on snacks and allergy-safe foods.
Day 3: Into the Forests of Finland
The third day was all about nature. We set out for one of Finland’s many national parks, where we hiked through forests, breathed in fresh air, and enjoyed some quiet time away from crowds. Since restaurants aren’t available in the parks, we packed a selection of allergy-safe travel food — a must for anyone with dietary restrictions.
There’s something special about enjoying a simple, safe meal outdoors, surrounded by pine trees and the sound of birds. It’s an experience I’ll definitely repeat.
Day 4: Island Dining at Its Finest
On our final day, we reserved a table at Restaurant Saari, a hidden gem located on a small island just off Helsinki’s coast. You reach it by a short ferry ride — run by the restaurant itself — and stepping onto the island feels like entering a slower-paced, nostalgic world.
The interior was a bit of a time warp (think 1980s charm), but the service and food were anything but dated. I had informed them about my allergies ahead of time, and they went above and beyond to prepare a custom three-course meal just for me — including a safe dessert! It was one of the best meals I’ve had while traveling, not just in taste but in the care they put into making it allergen-free. https://ravintolasaari.fi/
Lessons, Tips, and a Happy Ending
Looking back, this trip taught me that traveling with food allergies doesn’t have to mean missing out. Finnish restaurants, in particular, were very allergy-aware and happy to adjust meals. Grocery shopping was the trickiest part — most labels were only in Finnish or Swedish, and my Google Translate app sometimes gave me more confusion than clarity. Asking staff for help made a big difference.
We fell in love with a few local favorites:
Rye bread – hearty and flavorful
Lapland cheese – delicious paired with berries
Wild blueberries and cloudberries – so sweet and fresh
Fish and potatoes – simple, clean, and always available
And of course, my cinnamon roll saga ended sweetly back home, when I finally baked a tray of allergy-safe rolls in my own kitchen. The craving had built up over the whole trip, and that first bite? Pure joy.
Final Thought: Would I Recommend It?
Without hesitation. If you're traveling with food allergies and thinking about Finland, don’t be discouraged. With a little planning, this country offers delicious food, clean nature, allergy-aware dining, and unforgettable experiences — from harbor markets to island restaurants, and from berry picking to concert nights.
Just don’t forget to pack a few cinnamon rolls. Or better yet, learn to bake your own.
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