A Helsinki Secondhand Oy Review: A Subterranean Vault Where Design Meets Music
Helsinki, the capital of Finland, offers a diverse tapestry of experiences for any traveler. For instance, there’s the profound ritual of a Finnish sauna to cleanse both body and soul. Alternatively, one can enjoy a quiet moment in a historic café. Of course, a trip wouldn’t be complete without visiting the Marimekko outlet or grabbing lunch at their staff canteen, Maritori. However, for many design aficionados, the true pilgrimage is the hunt for vintage Iittala and Arabia tableware.
While brand-new pieces have their own shine, there’s an undeniable allure to objects that carry a history. The stage for discovering these stories isn’t limited to authorized dealers or high-end antique shops. In fact, it is within the city’s second-hand shops and flea markets, where the local pulse beats strongest, that unexpected treasures lie in wait.
On a gentle summer afternoon in July 2025, I, CityNomix, had a dual purpose. My passion for vintage tableware was matched only by my love for vinyl record hunting. The thrill of unearthing a record on a European street corner, a pressing unique to its region, is incomparable. I chose a place reputed to satisfy both cravings: the locally beloved Helsinki secondhand oy.
The shop’s presence on a Helsinki street corner is unassuming. Yet, through the glass entrance at the end of a concrete corridor, you can feel the energy of countless objects packed within. A Finnish welcome, “Liike on avoinna. TERVETULOA!” (The shop is open. Welcome!), beckoned me into a world of hidden gems.
The Helsinki Secondhand Oy Experience: More Than Just a Thrift Store
Helsinki secondhand oy, also known locally as Fasaani, was founded in 1978. It’s far more than a simple resale shop. Indeed, it serves as a cultural hub, passing down furniture, tableware, art, and culture cherished in Finnish homes to the next generation. By consistently offering high-quality vintage and antique goods at fair prices, it has earned the trust of locals and collectors worldwide.
Stepping inside is like descending into a labyrinthine archive of time. The space unfolds into a basement, a curated chaos of history’s fragments. The warmth of well-used wooden furniture, the delicate gleam of glassware, and the scent of old books mingle in the air. This isn’t a place for mere consumption; it’s a place to converse with objects and imagine the stories they hold.
Is Helsinki Secondhand Oy Worth It? A Deep Dive into Vintage Tableware
The main draw of this establishment is its sheer volume and high quality of items. The collection of vintage tableware, one of my primary missions, was truly breathtaking. Compared to other second-hand shops, the extensive selection and excellent condition of the pieces here felt superior.
Navigating a Sea of Vintage Finnish Design
The treasure hunt begins the moment you start down the passage to the basement. On wooden tables and shelves, Arabia cups and saucers and Iittala glasses are packed together, displayed like art installations, yet with a charming randomness.
From rustic patterns to intricate designs, each piece tells a story. Holding them, you can almost feel the touch of the artisan and glimpse the life of the previous owner. I lost all track of time wandering through this forest of porcelain and glass, listening to their silent tales.
The shelves create a microcosm of Iittala glassware. Glasses from various eras and series catch the light, sparkling brilliantly. The sight of such a vast collection in one place is magnificent. Even if you’re not a collector, the beauty is simply undeniable.
What to Buy at Helsinki Secondhand Oy: My Arabia Find
Now, let’s talk about price. It’s not “dirt cheap.” However, it is by no means expensive. Rather, I found the pricing to be eminently fair, considering the rarity and condition of each item. This reflects the store’s expertise and respect for the goods they handle. Consequently, you can shop with confidence, knowing you are paying a reasonable price for authentic value.
Amidst this sea of design, a particular set caught my eye: an Arabia coffee cup and saucer with a warm beige glaze and a hand-painted botanical pattern.
Coffee mugs of this specific size are a rare find, especially in flea markets. I knew this was a now-or-never moment. Without hesitation, I decided to purchase it. At 45 euros for the set, it felt like I had acquired the perfect companion, a tangible memory of this trip.
The Unexpected Turn: My Helsinki Secondhand Oy Review of the Vinyl Section
Still buzzing from my tableware discovery, I ventured deeper into the store. Then, in a corner, I spotted a section that ignited my other passion. It was the used records and CDs area.
Wooden crates overflowing with vinyl and a wall of shelves packed with CDs—this is a promised land for any music lover. My second treasure hunt of the day had officially begun.
The Best Thrift Stores in Helsinki for Music Lovers
The simple act of flipping through jackets with your fingertips—the dig—is the essence of record hunting. Each album, once a part of someone’s personal library, waits silently for its next listener. From the stacks, I pulled out two records that piqued my interest.
One was Lenny Kravitz’s second album, ‘Mama Said.’ Its iconic black and white cover stood out boldly. The price was 25 euros. The other was Simon & Garfunkel’s timeless masterpiece, ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water,’ priced at 10 euros.
Both were European pressings. These can often be hidden gems, featuring different mastering or being part of smaller, less common reissues. My digital marketing instincts kicked in. I took out my smartphone, snapped photos of the record labels, and used an image recognition AI to check their market value.
The results were fascinating. The AI confirmed that 10 euros was a fair price for the Simon & Garfunkel record. However, it revealed that the first European pressing of Lenny Kravitz’s album was a genuine rarity. Technology had just validated my gut feeling. I decisively kept the Lenny Kravitz record and gently placed the Simon & Garfunkel back in its crate.
A Unique Souvenir: The Story of Star Wars on Vinyl
As I continued my dig, I stumbled upon a truly incredible find: ‘The Story of STAR WARS.’ It was a record that narrated the movie’s plot with dialogue and music. Released in 1977, the vintage jacket art featuring C-3PO and R2-D2 was irresistible.
This was clearly a unique collector’s item. For just 10 euros, it felt like a steal. While standard souvenirs are nice, a unique piece like this, discovered by chance in the heart of a city’s culture, makes for the best kind of travel memento. I decided this story from a galaxy far, far away would be coming home with me.
Conclusion: My Final Helsinki Secondhand Oy Review
My visit to Helsinki secondhand oy proved it is more than just a place to buy used goods. It is a living museum, a space filled with the memories of Finnish design, music, and daily life. The fair pricing demonstrates a respect for and knowledge of the items, giving visitors a sense of trust and security.
Now, when I drink coffee from my vintage Arabia cup while listening to my Lenny Kravitz record, I will be transported back. I’ll remember the wonderfully cluttered atmosphere of that shop and the exhilarating rush of discovering a treasure.
If you find yourself in Helsinki, I highly recommend setting aside time to explore its second-hand shops. You are sure to find a special treasure with a story all its own. I hope you find that perfect piece you’ve been looking for.
How to Get to Helsinki secondhand oy (Fasaani)
Official Website: http://www.helsinkisecondhand.fi/
Address: Korkeavuorenkatu 5, 00140 Helsinki, Finland
Hours: Mon-Fri 11:00-18:00, Sat 11:00-16:00, Closed Sundays (Please check the official website for the latest information before your visit)
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