Yesterday we went to do some shopping and have lunch in Helsinki. This messy One Word Sunday snow was the attraction to these tourists. The sidewalks are kept warm so mostly they are snow free, but this pile of snow as there to entertain these kids. The parents were not too happy about it.
This was also suitable for Cellpic Sunday is hosted by John at Travels with Johnbo as I took it with my Iphone
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 
The thought of heated sidewalks makes me happy. Icy walks are one of the reasons we head south for the winter. That part of the world is lucky to have a plentiful supply of nature’s heated core.
They are only in the center, otherwise we have walk carefully
Yay for snow and kids playing in it. ☃️
😀
How do you keep pavements warm??? Whatever next?
The New York Times wrote a story in November 2025 titled, Deep Beneath Helsinki, the Playgrounds Are Really Bomb Shelters — photos and explanation in detail.
Basically, there are underground emergency shelters, tunnels, and caverns to accommodate residents should imminent danger or attack take place. Many Helsinki residents utilize the tunnels which are warm to avoid rain, snow, etc…
How interesting! Thanks so much for that Kate – really appreciated.
Kate 😀
Heated sidewalks are urban design solutions in bigger cities that often use waste heat or electricity from utilities to melt snow and ice, improving safety and reducing the need for sanding, as well as bringing people to services. It’s often slippery here in the winter, so….