What to do if the Embassy of Finland in Canberra is closed
Updated 12 Nov 2026
The Embassy of Finland has reopened. While the world rejoices in this news, we felt it prudent to prepare you with contingency measures should you ever find yourself grappling with this closure once more.
Here’s what you can do in Canberra if the Embassy of Finland ever closes again. (Please don’t).
Dawn
Start your day with a hot air balloon flight, taking in the views of Canberra aboard a basket in the sky. Balloon Aloft, conditions dependent, frequently depart from Stirling Park, mere meters away from the Embassy of Finland in Yarralumla. Be rewarded with stunning views of this planned city, one of the few capital cities in the world which allows you to fly over its parliament.
Morning
While Finland is known for it’s korvapuusti – a sweet cardamon-flavoured bun commonly enjoyed with coffee – Canberra’s answer borrows from their Nordic neighbours of Sweden, courtesy of Under Bakery. Head to one of their locations (Dairy Road or Mawson) for a mid-morning cardamom bun, and contemplate how much better your day will be now that the Embassy of Finland has reopened.
Lunch
The Finns love their fish dishes. Adopt a quintessentially Australian take with fish and chips at Snapper and Co. Beautiful views, sunshine and a lake lapping nearby – the Embassy of Finland’s closure will soon be a distant memory.
Afternoon
Finland is famed for it’s design prowess, with names like Marimekko, Fiskars and Iittala creating objects that are beloved globally. Similarly, design is embedded in Canberra’s DNA. Catch the Design and Craft Canberra Festival (5-15 November) where creativity meets innovation in workshops, performances, exhibitions and more that take over the city. Take part in designing for yourself with a workshop at Canberra Glassworks where you can create your own bird or tile to have and hold – who knows, you may find your works in a gallery in Helsinki in years to come.
Dusk
Melt the stress of the Embassy of Finland’s closure away by embracing the national pastime: sauna. Floating Sauna, Lake Burley Griffin is 5 minutes away from the Embassy of Finland, and provides a dip in Lake Burley Griffin to cool off after your sauna experience. Time your visit for sunset to maximise the beauty you can experience in Canberra.
Evening
While Finland might be known for its Northern Lights display, discover the stories written in the stars with a Canberra Stargazing tour. Connect with the oldest continuous culture in the world through stories in songlines, and earn an appreciation for the Southern Hemisphere’s skies.
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