Aukio, the new central plaza of Helsinki Airport, is the heart of the airport’s long-haul traffic. Aukio is an important place to showcase Finland especially for transfer passengers, so Finnishness is big theme in both the décor and the shops at Aukio. For instance, visitors will find a huge, curved video wall displaying scenes of Finnish nature as well as many iconic Finnish brands that are presented in the shops around Aukio.
Especially those Finnish brands that are popular among Asian consumers, like Marimekko, Iittala and the Moomins, have a strong presence at Aukio. In addition, Finnspiration shop offers Finland-themed souvenirs like stuffed elk toys, wooden kuksa-cups and woollen jumpers. The Moomin Shop displays a wide range of Moomin products from dishes and toys to Moomin books in several different languages, and Kalevala Koru, Lapponia and Suunto offer Finnish-designed jewellery and watches.
Previously, many of these brands only had a presence in the Schengen area, so now long-haul travellers can also enjoy them at Aukio.
Nordic and Asian flavours
In Aukio’s restaurants, you can find Nordic-style cuisine in Nordic Kitchen, which has been open for passengers for a few years already.
In addition, passengers can find some Asian flavours at Aukio. The widely popular Asian restaurant chain Ajisen Ramen, which specialises in ramen soups and sushi, opened its only second European restaurant at Helsinki Airport. The chain is well-established in Japan and China, where they have almost 700 restaurants. But besides the new addition in Helsinki, there’s only one other European Ajisen Ramen in Rome.
Moomin Coffee and Jamie’s Deli to open in new West Pier
In May 2019, Helsinki Airport opened the new West Pier, which brought an even wider offering of shops and restaurants to the non-Schengen side of the airport.
One specialty in the new area was the Moomin Coffee café, which has been designed in cooperation with the Moomin brand. The café itself will resemble a big Moomin house, where coffees and other products are served.
In addition, the new West Pier also features Jamie Oliver’s famous “Jamie’s Deli” restaurant concept, the first of its kind in Finland. The restaurants focus on sustainability, as the food will be organic and ethically produced.
Relax before you fly
Between the gates 34 and 40, you can find Plaza Premium Lounge, offering relaxation before and between flights. The pay-in lounge also offers showers, a bar and working stations. The lounge's kitchen provides both international and Nordic cuisine. Families with kids can enjoy the play area with educational and eco-friendly toys.
Read about a test day where 200 travellers visited Aukio before it opened
