Helsinki

Helsinki, the coldest European city

The capital of Finland is a modern, sustainable city with an impeccable quality of life. The archipelago of Helsinki consists of about 300 islands, creating a unique landscape. Green and blue blends naturally with buildings of fine architecture. The city has one of the best public transport systems in the world and you won’t need a car to move around. You can see Helsinki on foot or by bike. You can also visit the islands or a national park with a ferry or bus, and the journey only takes up to 15 minutes. For information and ferry tickets to Helsinki, visit Let’s Ferry.

View of Helsinki

Attractions in Helsinki
• Start your city tour from the Senaatintori square, where you will see the Cathedral, one of Helsinki’s most popular landmarks.
• In the same area you will find the Helsingin kaupunginmuseo (Helsinki City Museum). See the history and culture of the Finnish capital and in the same building you can also visit the Lasten kaupunki, which is the Children’s History Museum.
• The Kauppatori is at the port and is the city’s old market where you can buy food and drink coffee.
• The city centre has many museums for culture lovers to visit: The Suomen kansallismuseo (National Museum of Finland), the Luonnontieteellinen museo (Natural History Museum), the Ateneum which is part of the National Gallery of Finland, as well the Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma.
• Discover two of the most impressive churches in Europe: The Temppeliaukion Church, which is also known as the “Rock Church”, as it is surrendered by a huge rock. The Johanneksen kirkko is a fine example of neogothic architecture. Both of them are also concert venues.
• The Sibelius Monument is dedicated to the Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. It consists of 600 steel pipes, and the air that flows through them, gives off sounds that sound like the composer’s melodies.

View of the Helsinki Cathedral

Beaches in Helsinki
• The Hietaranta is sandy and 3 km from the port. Every summer a beach volley tournament takes place here, as well as music gigs.
• The Rastilan Uimaranta is 13 km away from the port and has shallow waters. The beach has a water park and a beautiful forest is in a short distance. Across this beach there is another one, the Puotilan Uimaranta, with the two of them forming a lake-like scenery.
• The Tuorinniemi is ideal for a swim and a walk.

View of the Market Square, Helsinki's famous market

Activities at Helsinki
• Take the ferry to the Mustassari islet and visit the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress. The star-shaped fortress was constructed in the 18th century and has been declared as an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Visit one of the city’s parks for a picnic, a bike ride or a walk. The Kaivopuisto park is the oldest and the most well-known, in which during the winter you can ski.
• If you happen to travel to Helsinki during the winter, take a sauna. It’s one of the best things you can do and it’s really easy to find a public sauna very close to the city centre.
• Children will love the Linnanmaki playground and the aquarium Sea Life Helsinki which is nearby.

Access to Helsinki: You can reach the port by car, plane, bus, train, tram or ferry. Helsinki’s airport is 20 km away and there is a bus that connects the port to the airport.

The port of Helsinki

Only in Helsinki: Visit the Korkeassari Zoo, which is located on an island. You can reach it easily by bus and during the summer by ferry. See 150 different animal species and 1.000 plant species. From the island you have a special view to Helsinki and to some of its attractions. You will also find a restaurant and café.