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Guide to Helsinki, Finland
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Helsinki The beautiful capital city of Finland, Helsinki, is a marvelous concoction of architecture and culture. Youll see beautiful historic and modern buildings dotting the city streets and islands, and see much of the Finnish spirit in the people of Helsinki. Technology has not left the city behind, nor has international commerce. Helsinki is Finlands largest center of culture, finance, and economics. In addition, the beautiful green parks and waterside views give you an entirely pleasing experience in one of the most unique destinations in the world.
When to go:
Helsinki is unusual in that it holds somewhat of a different climate than the rest of the country. This is due in part to the fact that Helsinki resides on a peninsula, and the Gulf Stream brings warm winds that make it yearly temperatures more moderate than locations in many other countries in the northern hemisphere. This is good for the traveler, because in summer, when many locals go for vacation, the climate in Helsinki is nearly perfect everyday. If you visit during August, be sure to visit the Helsinki Festival, although it would be difficult to miss, since it occurs over much of the city.
Getting there and around:
Vantaa, a town about 19km away from Helsinki, is where the international and domestic flights to the Finlands capital city arrive. This may seem like quite a large distance to cover, however, the transport services at the airport are top-notch, and will get you to the city speedily. You get to choose from taxis, buses, or shuttle buses. We prefer the buses which transport you to Railway Square in the city centre (this gives you access to the multitude of public transit services available in Helsinki.
Helsinkis public transit service, Helsingen Kaupungin Liikennelaitos, controls the buses, metro trains, trams, local trains, and ferries that make up much of your options for getting around. You can purchase single tickets, multiple tickets, or if youre planning on staying a while, you can purchase the Helsinki Card, which gives you access to unlimited rides on all of HKLs services, and access to more than 50 sights and attractions around the city.
Attractions:
Helsinkis famous fish market, Kauppatori, may not be the ideal destination for tourists. However, being a market about much more than just fish fruit, sausage, crafts, hats, dolls, clothing, etc. youll see why its so well known. Furthermore, the market is surrounded by a series of 19^th century buildings, which give the market a very traditional setting.
From the fish market, you can get access to the few islands around the peninsula; one of which is home to Helsinki Zoo, Korkeasaari Island. You can travel by boat to the island, where youll see some wonderful exhibits, with some of the highlights being: snow leopards, snowy owls, and golden vultures.
On another island, Katajanokka, you will find the beautiful Uspenski Cathedral, which was constructed as a unique red-brick structure. It is the largest Orthodox cathedral in Western Europe, and its setting is absolutely amazing; it would be hard to find a cathedral with such beautiful views of the landscape and waterscape.
In the city, you will find the National Gallery (Ateneum), home to a great number of famous sculptures and paintings. Youll get to see Auguste Rodins bronze The Thinker, as well as works by Van Gogh, Gaugin, Cezanne, and more. The building in which these pieces are housed is quite extraordinary as well, and was built in 1887.
Kiasma Museum of Modern Art is another wonderful attraction, where youll see loads of contemporary Finnish art as well as quite a few international exhibits. In the summertime, many visitors enjoy lounging out in the museums caf and bar. Performance art, musical performances, and film viewings are all held here as well.
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