I had a chance to visit the Finnair Platinum Wing in Helsinki and quickly ascertained that this is one of the nicest airport lounges in the world. It was truly a pleasure to spend several hours here.
Access is reserved Finnair Plus Platinum Lumo, Platinum, and oneworld emerald members, meaning it is not a business class lounge, but a status-based lounge.
I arrived when it opened at 5:30AM and had the lounge to myself for nearly 30 minutes…even in the afternoon the lounge never got crowded.
Barista-made coffee is available at the bar and was just perfect after a short night.
In the morning, an expansive breakfast buffet is offered along with omelets made to order.
At midday, an a la carte menu is offered featuring a trio of main courses, usually including a fish option, meat or chicken option, and vegetarian option. The food was high quality and nicely presented.
But my favorite part of the lounge was the sauna…yes, a sauna in an airport lounge. I essentially had a spa day in an airport lounge, enjoying three extended sessions in the sauna.
CONCLUSION
I took a lot of pictures and will provide far more details in my full review, but did not want to wait any longer to share what a superb lounge this is. This lounge, located in the non-schengen gate area, is totally worth your time if you have access. While the newly-renovated business class lounge next door is nice, this lounge is first class quality with great service, great food, and a lovely sauna.
1. Beautiful classic Marimekko cups. It’s hard to beat Finnish design.
2. Is Chicken Wallenberg named after Raoul Wallenberg or does it have some other origin? I know some Jewish dishes are named in his honour. ( …not that I’d eat the chicken, just curious…)
3 I live transiting Helsinki: they make 45 minute connections work (…but not great for visiting the lounge)
Chicken Wallenberg is a chicken version of the Beef Wallenberg, a swedish dish. They are named after the Wallenberg family in Sweden.
It was invented in the 30’s by Marcus Wallenberg’s wife, Amalia, to soothe his husband’s stomach pains.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wallenberg_family
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wallenbergare
Thanks for the information…
Asparagus hotdog?!
Oh, it was delicious! Stay tuned for the full review.
Is the sauna nude?
Because this wasn’t Germany and I wasn’t sure of sauna etiquette, I wore a towel.
You can find a sauna practically everywhere in Helsinki (or Finland for that matter). They even have one in one of their branches at Burger King!