Social Integration
Through City Adventure
House of Helsinki has launched a new project called Kaupunki Kaverit (City Buddies) which promotes two-way integration. The goal is to build a community where all residents locally can learn from one another and share everyday life together.
Our volunteers from across Finland organize city walks in different neighborhoods. The walks explore the areas from cultural, historical, and built-environment perspectives.
Participants include volunteers from diverse backgrounds – both with migrant and Finnish roots. The walks provide opportunities for encounters, shared experiences, and discovering new perspectives on familiar surroundings.
Why It Matters
Moving to a new country can be lonely and stressful and many people struggle with isolation, anxiety, and not knowing how to connect with their new environment. Kaupunki Kaverit helps by creating a safe and welcoming space where people can explore together, build friendships, and feel part of the community. Just walking, talking, and sharing everyday experiences can be powerful.
Key Activities
We organize exciting 2–4 hour city adventures where participants discover local spots and enjoy playful, interactive activities. Each event is co-led by volunteers who plan and guide the experience so that they run smoothly and are enjoyable for all participants.
Each event features different themes and takes place in various parts of the city, often in collaboration with local organizations and companies. This allows people to gain diverse experiences and deeper insights into the local culture and community services. Volunteers help design the themes, set up the exploration activities, and guide the participants throughout the event.
Interested to collaborate? Email: hello@houseofhelsinki.fi
Kaupunki Kaverit walks 2025
Piloting Kaupunki Kaverit at Vappu 2025
Our pilot walk took place in Helsinki during Vappu celebrations. The pilot was coordinated by the REFUFIN project team, who wanted to bring volunteers together to experience one of Finland’s most joyful and community-oriented holidays.
Before heading out, we gathered at the House of Helsinki office for a short introduction about the history and traditions of Vappu. For many newcomers, this was the first time hearing about how the celebration connects students, workers, and families and how it marks the arrival of spring in Finland.
After our short onboarding, we joined the city’s festive energy by heading to the Havis Amanda statue to watch the traditional capping ceremony, where students place the white cap on the statue’s head.
From there, we continued to Vallila’s Vappu Dance, where our group enjoyed live music and the relaxed, cheerful atmosphere that fills the city every year on May 1st. It was a simple but meaningful way to spend time together — sharing the celebration, exchanging experiences, and helping newcomers feel part of the community.
Kaupunki Kaverit at the Finnish Parliament
Our wonderful House of Helsinki volunteer Maria organised a small excursion to the Finnish Parliament for the REFUFIN team. Together, we attended kyselytunti — the weekly parliamentary Q&A session where the opposition questions the government.
For some participants, especially those still learning Finnish, it was a nice chance to listen to Finnish government in action. Those who have lived in Finland longer took the opportunity to "onboard" others by explaining key points and giving context about the structure and history of the Finnish political system.
Kaupunki Kaverit Goes Into the Woods
In Finland, nature is part of everyday life — and learning to enjoy it together is a true step toward integration for those who just moved here. Our volunteer Mariia Godunova, an experienced mushroom enthusiast, led the group into the forest to explore local nature trails and taught everyone how to identify and pick edible mushrooms and berries safely.
Kaupunki Kaverit Walk in Vallila and Hermanni
Our volunteer Yuno Tikhomirov guided a walk through the historic districts of Vallila and Hermanni, showing how everyday streets carry layers of Helsinki’s past. With old photos on a tablet and stories from the city’s history, participants saw familiar places from a new perspective — through someone else’s eyes.
Kaupunki Kaverit Walk in Aurinkolahti
Our volunteer Yuno Tikhomirov guided a walk through the historic districts of Vallila and Hermanni, showing how everyday streets carry layers of Helsinki’s past. With old photos on a tablet and stories from the city’s history, participants saw familiar places from a new perspective — through someone else’s eyes.