I flew from Helsinki to London. My flight was delayed but the Finnish airport was so relaxing I barely noticed.

A seating area in Helsinki-Vantaa Airport.Shutterstock

• I flew from Helsinki to London with the low-cost European airline Ryanair.
• My flight was due to leave just before 11 p.m. but was delayed for an hour.

I flew from Helsinki to London with the low-cost European airline Ryanair.

Insider

My flight was due to leave just before 11 p.m. but when I arrived at the airport it was delayed by almost an hour.

Finavia

I was dreading the wait but the Finnish airport turned out to be so relaxing I barely noticed the delay.

Sergei Gapon/Getty Images

Security was quick due to Helsinki airport's 3D scanners. I didn't have to remove my laptop or liquids and was through to the gates within 15 minutes.

Finavia

The airport was full of big open spaces featuring traditional Finnish wood paneling and lots of natural light.

Getty Images

The pre-security area even had a small garden with a tree. Finnish design is known for trying to bring the outside in.

Insider

The airport had a range of shops that were open late including a Finnish designer store, Marimekko. It's known for its original prints and bright colors.

Budrul Chukrut/Getty Images

The airport was quiet and there was no queue for passport control. I was the only traveler going through the gates and had my pick of five border control officials.

Insider

Through security, there were lots of different restaurants and cuisines, including a Moomin cafe.

Insider

The airport even had an interactive map — like one you'd find in a mall — so I could see what was still open.

Insider

Even though it was late, I found a Nordic restaurant and a kiosk selling hot dogs and pizza.

Insider

The restaurant was a bit pricey so I opted for the 4 euro ($4.30) pizza.

Insider

There was a range of different seating options in the airport, including rocking chairs, all with multiple places to charge devices.

Helsinki-Vantaa Airport      Shutterstock

I took my food and settled down in one of the reclining seats to watch the sunset.

Insider

The airport was peaceful and even had birdsong playing in the bathrooms.

Insider

The airport also had excellent Wifi that was fast enough to stream a movie.

Insider

There was even hot water on tap and a shop selling tea bags.

Insider

By the time they called my flight, I felt relaxed and ready to fly.

Insider