By Clara Robin from The Thousand Tales
The season of pumpkin lattes and spooky decor is upon us - and Finland is the perfect place to get cozy.
This time of year, the leaves have started to fall. Everything is a flurry of color: changing from green to orange and red. The rain is often falling steadily outside and the temperature is dropping. Some afternoons are still bright and sunny while crispy and chilly.
Spooky season is my favorite cozy season, especially in Finland - and I’m not one for horror. Some people might find this time of year boring, but I think it’s just about finding the right pathway to "hygge". Autumn has come to Turku, and the time has come to look to indoor activities. If you’re like me and not a big fan of horror movies - or if you just want some suggestions for other activities, too - here are some recommendations for you!
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So, what to do when the outside is beautiful - but best observed from indoors?
As a literature student, my first suggestion will, of course, be reading. Autumn is the perfect time to catch up on all the reading you were too busy to do during the previous months. Aside from going to the library which offers many nooks and crannies to occupy, my favorite place in Turku to go cozy up with a book is Kirjakahvila. Kirjakahvila is an anti-capitalistic and community oriented book café - with the best vegan sandwiches in town, in my personal opinion - where you can bring your own book, or you can browse the shelves and get inspired. It’s also a nice place to meet new, friendly people, and there’s even a section of free items that people donate.
If you’re a cat person and missing a snuggly friend in these increasingly cold times, Kissakahvila Mirri is another lovely café. With its three cats, amazing pastries, and great view of the autumn landscape on the second floor, it’s a lovely place to spend an afternoon.
As a cozy gamer myself, I must also suggest gaming. Is there anything cozier than playing video games while the rain is pitter-pattering on the windows? Well, playing games together might be even cozier. Hunter’s Inn is a bar that also offers more than just drinks - they have a small arcade room with different arcade games; a retro, fun and whimsical atmosphere on a chilly autumn evening.
Maybe you’re looking to cut down your screen time, though, and luckily there are options for that, too. Is there a cozier group activity than playing board games? Happy Badger is a board game café in Turku that has more board game options than you need. You can reserve a table beforehand or try your luck by just showing up; pay a small fee to use the board games; and make your choice of the day! Bring your group of friends and enjoy an afternoon or evening with the most indoor friendly group activity. Cosmic Comic Café is another bar that also offers a selection of both comic books and board games.
Or, if you’re looking for something still playful, but a bit more active, why not take your friends bowling? Bowler is a great place for that - and that’s not all! At Bowler you can also play table football or air hockey. Plus, they have great drinks.
My personal favorite bars to hang out in - no matter the weather, but especially when looking for shelter for the increasing cold! - are Bar Ö and Kummastus Café/Bar. Both have warm and welcoming atmospheres. Bar Ö often offers evenings of live music, DJ gigs, or other performances, while Kummastus has artsy events and lovely little booths to sit in.
No matter where you go, I wish you the coziest of autumns in Turku!