During a proper, snowy winter with crisp, sub-zero temperatures, Helsinkians embrace ice and snow sculptures with irresistible enthusiasm.
In a residential neighbourhood in northern Helsinki, the Groke – familiar from the Moomin stories by Finnish author and artist Tove Jansson – has appeared. She is joined by other Moomin characters: Stinky and, sitting on the table, the tiny duo Thingumy and Bob.
The courtyard of the Finnish Museum of Natural History is guarded by a majestic elk crowned with ice, but also by snow-sculpture animals playfully threatening to steal the show.
On the shores of Lauttasaari, residents have created a communal artwork: a vast ice castle. Anyone can contribute by freezing their own building block and adding it to the walls.
Lauttasaari is also home to a snow dinosaur.
City residents of all ages are invited to take part in creating this frozen environmental artwork.
In the Linjat neighbourhood, a giant hen waits patiently for spring to arrive.
A solitary gnome stands guard by the beach on Lauttasaari.
The beloved Hattifatteners from Tove Jansson’s Moomin stories always travel in groups. In this Helsinki neighbourhood, they have appeared in impressive numbers.
A Tyrannosaurus rex brings passers-by to a halt in the Linjat district.
Photos by Aarni Holappa, text by Emilia Kangasluoma, February 2026
Source: finland.fi
