Aalto University Winter School
The application period for Winter School runs from 1 October to 30 November.
Winter School social programme and events
Discover the amazing people in your class and uncover the wonders of Finland with exciting cultural and nature activities and social events arranged by the Winter School team.
Get the most out of your stay in Finland by signing up for the Winter School social programme.
Social program briefly
The social program at Aalto University Winter School offers you an incredible opportunity to build meaningful connections with your peers while getting to know the Helsinki region and Finland.
You can choose between the fun Winter Experience Package and the unforgettable Nuuksio Nature Experience, or add both to your stay to get the most out of your adventure in Finland!
Please note that the Farewell event is a free open event for all Winter School students.
How to sign up?
- You can register for the social program through a portal similar to the tuition fee portal.
- Once you have paid the course tuition fee, you will receive the payment link to the social program portal.
What is the deadline for signing up?
The deadline to purchase the social program Winter Experience Package and/or Nuuksio Nature Experience ticket is Sunday 11 January 2026.
Winter Experience Package
The Winter Experience Package includes four events:
- Welcome mingle event
- Guided Helsinki tour
- Winter Garden visit and scavenger hunt
- Visit to the Olympic Stadium
The Farewell event is open and free for all Winter School students.
Nuuksio Nature Experience
The Nuuksio Nature Experience is a separate event from the winter experience package with an additional fee of 78€.
| Package | Price |
|---|---|
| Winter Experience Package | 50€ (incl VAT 25,5%) |
| Nuuksio Nature Experience | 78€ (incl VAT 25,5%) |
| Total for both packages | 128€ (incl VAT 25,5%) |
Events and trips for Winter School 2026
| WEEK 1 | Monday 2 February | Tuesday 3 February | Wednesday 4 February | Thursday 5 February | Friday 6 February |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning (9-12) | Course sessions | Course sessions | Course sessions | Course sessions | Course sessions |
| Afternoon & evening | Welcome Mingle | Guided Helsinki Tour | Olympic Stadium |
| WEEK 2 | Monday 9 February | Tuesday 10 February | Wednesday 11 February | Thursday 12 February | Friday 13 February |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning (9-12) | Course sessions | Course sessions | Course sessions | Course sessions | Course sessions |
| Afternoon & evening | Nuuksio Experience | Winter Garden | Farewell event |
Welcome Mingle
On the first day of Winter School, we organize a relaxed welcome event where you will have the chance to get to know fellow winter school course participants while enjoying some cocktail bites and refreshments in an inspiring environment. During the event, you will have the time to network with your peers as well as approach the Winter School staff with any questions you might have.
The event venue is located next to some of most important landmarks in the city, like the Senate Square, Market Square and Esplanadi park.
Date: Monday 2 February
Location: Sofia Helsinki
What's included
- Refreshments
- Speed networking provided by the Winter School team
Helsinki Walking Tour
Explore wintry Helsinki on foot with a certified tour guide, and discover the city’s blend of historic and modern architecture.
The tour will visit these locations: Senate Square, Helsinki Cathedral, Market Square, Uspenski Cathedral, Gulf of Finland, Allas Sauna, Havis Amanda, Espa, Runeberg Statue, and Central Railway Station.
The tour lasts 75 minutes, which means that we will see the the buildings from the outside.
Date: Tuesday 3 February
Visit to the Olympic Stadium Tower & hot chocolate at Cafe Regatta
The Helsinki Olympic Stadium is the largest stadium in the country. The stadium is best known for being the centre of activities in the 1952 Summer Olympics. The tower of the stadium, a distinct landmark with a height of 72.71 meters, is equivalent to the length of the gold-medal win by Matti Järvinen in javelin throw during the Summer Olympics in 1952. From the top, you can glance one of the best views of Helsinki.
After the stadium visit, we walk to the favourite outdoor winter café in Helsinki, Cafe Regatta.
Date: Thursday 5 February
What is included:
- Entrance fee to the Olympic Stadium tower
- Hot chocolate with whipped cream at Cafe Regatta, a close-by cozy outdoor cafe by the sea
Winter Garden
Are you ready to explore one of the most beautiful and unique buildings in Helsinki? The Winter Garden, founded in 1893, has been a recreational meeting place for the residents of Helsinki for over a century. This historic house of plants features more than 200 different plants that flourish in three rooms: the Cactus Room, the Palm Room and the Western Wing. In addition to the plants, the splashing barbels in the pools are quite a sight, too. After strolling around the Winter Garden, we will divide you into teams and engage in a playful scavenger hunt.
Date: Wednesday 11 February
What is included:
- A thrilling scavenger hunt
Farewell event
As your winter school course is coming to an end, it's time to bid farewell to the new friends you made during the program. The farewell event is scheduled for the final Friday of the course, and it offers you a relaxed opportunity to enjoy the company of your peers one last time before you part ways. The event will be a great way to celebrate the memories you've made together and cherish the valuable experiences you've had during the course.
Date: Friday 13 February
This event is open and free for all Winter School students.
Nuuksio Nature Experience
Elevate your stay with an additional trip to Nuuksio National Park! A separate fee of 78€ applies for this event.
Unwind in the Finnish nature after a day of studies! A bus will take us straight from campus to Nuuksio National Park, where you can enjoy the fresh forest air and gorgeous lake views.
The Nuuksio area is truly the essence of Finnish nature, even more special and unique in the winter with a break by the campfire and a visit to the reindeer park on the agenda.
Date: Tuesday 10 February
What is included:
- Private bus transportation
- Light lunch
- A short walk in the forest
- A visit to the Reindeer Park where you'll get to feed the reindeer
- Coffee/tea and pastry by the campfire
Frequently asked questions
- You will receive the payment link by email once you have confirmed your participation by paying the tuition fee.
- The deadline to purchase the social program Winter Experience Package and/or Nuuksio Nature Experience ticket is Sunday 11 January 2026.
Aalto University Winter School does not organise any extracurricular activities on weekends.
Most of our students prefer to explore Finland or our neighbouring countries independently during the break between lecture weeks. However, before the arrival, we give our students tips on what to see and do during their free time.
No, accommodation and daily meals are not included in our fees. Each event description will state if any food is included.
- The same terms and conditions apply to both the summer school courses and the social program. The full terms will be provided before making any payments.
- You can find a summary of the cancellation terms on our website.
Summer School team
If you have any questions about Winter School 2026, please contact the Summer / Winter School team. We're here to help!
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