Helsinki is the most visited city in Finland by tourists. According to border service, approximately 4.9 million of those who came to Finland foreign tourists indicated the purpose of their trip was to visit Helsinki in 2015 ( total 7.4 million people). Approximately 13% of them are Russian citizens. According to statistics, tourists most often visited the Linnanmäki amusement park, Korkeasaari Zoo, Suomenlinna Fortress, museums and city attractions.
- (attractions, museums, shops).
- (hotels, hostels, camping).
- (by car, by bus, by train or by plane).
Tourists come to Helsinki using different modes of transport. Helsinki Airport served 16.42 million passengers. The passenger port of Helsinki served 12 million passengers. Cruise ships brought 437,000 tourists to Helsinki. Residents of Russia often travel to Finland by their cars, buses and by rail. High-speed train Allegro is the fastest way to travel between and Helsinki.
The activity of tourists can be indirectly assessed by the number of clients in hotels. In 2015, there were 3.5 million overnight stays in Helsinki hotels. Foreigners and local residents each accounted for approximately 50% of the total number of hotel clients. The largest number of clients came from Germany. The next in the ranking of tourist sources are Russia, Great Britain, Sweden, Japan and China. Approximately 52% of hotel customers arrived for tourism purposes and 48% for business purposes.
Foreign tourists spent approximately 1.47 billion euros in Helsinki in 20015. (Spending by tourists from China exceeded spending by tourists from Russia for the first time.)
Information about Helsinki
Helsinki is located in the southern part of Finland, on the shores of the Gulf of Finland Baltic Sea. The city is located approximately 280 kilometers west of St. Petersburg, approximately 370 kilometers east of Stockholm and 80 kilometers north of Tallinn. You can check the location of the city of Helsinki.
The city of Helsinki is the capital of Finland. This is the most Big city Finland. Helsinki is home to approximately 600 thousand people. The population of Helsinki together with the nearest suburbs (the cities of Espoo, Vantaa and Kauniainen) is approximately 1,300,000 people. There are more than ten higher education institutions in Helsinki educational institutions. The capital of Finland has representative offices of most foreign companies operating in Finland.
The land area of Helsinki is 213 square kilometers (total area including sea territory is 715 square kilometers). Helsinki has many parks and state-protected natural areas. In 2011, Helsinki took first place in the ranking of 25 best cities world, compiled by the British magazine Monocle.
Helsinki is divided into eight administrative districts. The southern district of Helsinki is of greatest interest to tourists. Here is located historical Center city, most places are located here. Here, for example, are located: Presidential Palace, Government Palace, Senate Square, Bank of Finland, University of Helsinki, Central, Sokos and Stockmann department stores, Ateneum and Concert Hall museums.
The year the city was founded is 1550.
The capital of Finland since 1812.
Number of museums - 72.
Number of swimming pools - 14.
Number of beaches - 27.
The number of places (berths) for boats, boats and yachts is 12,063.
The most popular museums in Helsinki. Number of museum visitors.
Helsinki City Museum - 242,650 (total number across several sites).
The city of Helsinki hosts many interesting events for tourists every year. Here are some of them. If you are in Helsinki these days, try not to miss these events.
Helsinki City Day Held annually on June 12th. On this day, interesting events are organized for residents and guests of the city in many places in the city. The biggest event of Helsinki City Day can be considered the concert in Kaivopuisto Park (Kaivopuiston kesäkonsertti).
The biggest rock festival in Finland, the Tuska Open Air Metal Festival (Tuska) is held at the end of June or beginning of July in the Suvilahti region. This is the largest rock festival in northern Europe.
Fireworks Competition held in Helsinki in August. This colorful spectacle attracts a large number (more than 100 thousand people) of spectators every year. The fireworks championship is organized by Channel 4 in Finland.
Perhaps the most famous event in Helsinki is Holiday weeks in Helsinki(Helsingin Juhlaviikot). Holiday weeks are held at the end of summer, in August - September in many places in the city. Many different events are held at this time. These days, classical music, dance, drama, opera and much more related to various genres of art are presented in all their diversity in Helsinki. These events are interesting for many tourists. During Holiday weeks The city center also hosts the Night of the Arts (Taiteiden yö, The Night of the Arts).
Love and Anarchy(Rakkautta ja Anarkiaa, Helsinki International Film Festival
Rakkautta & Anarkiaa) is the name of the film festival taking place in September in Helsinki. This is the biggest event in the world of Cinema in Finland. The festival presents films from different countries.
Preparing for Christmas begins with the opening of Aleksanterinkatu Christmas Street. The celebrations begin in the afternoon on Senate Square on November 25. The ceremonial lighting of the festive lights at 15:00 on Aleksanterinkatu Street is the culmination of the holiday.
Find an excursion to Helsinki.
Where to stay
There are a sufficient number of hotels in different price categories in Helsinki. The most popular hotels are those located in the city center, close to the railway station and passenger port. See located near popular places in Helsinki.
Helsinki has two large water parks: Serena and Flamingo. They are especially popular in winter. Residents of both Finland and Russia like to rent a hotel room next to the water park and spend a few days here with pleasure.
There is also a campsite near Helsinki. Camping Rastila is located approximately 12 kilometers from the center, next to the beach. There are places for setting up tents, motorhomes, as well as small cottages.
How to get there
You can travel to Helsinki using various modes of transport. The choice of transport depends on your departure location. The most convenient way is from St. Petersburg. You can get to the capital of Finland by train, bus, ferry or plane.
By rail from St. Petersburg The most convenient way to arrive in Helsinki is by high-speed train Allegro. A comfortable train will take you to the capital of Finland in approximately four hours. The train departs from Finland Station. You can also take the Moscow – Helsinki train at Ladozhsky Station.
From St. Petersburg to Helsinki Buses from different transport companies depart daily. You can find interesting offers on our website.
Getting from Moscow to Helsinki The most convenient way is by rail or plane. Trains to Helsinki depart from Leningradsky Station in Moscow. Travel time is approximately 14 hours.
Planes to Helsinki usually depart from Sheremetyevo Airport. Flight time is about two hours. You can buy a plane ticket online.
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Helsinki.
About transport in Helsinki.
Helsinki
Helsinki
Helsingfors, capital of Finland. The city was founded in 1550 under the Swedish name Helsingfors; helsing base is often found in scand. toponymy, but its meaning is unclear, fors Swede, "waterfall". Fin. name Helsinki (Helsinki) derived from Swede. names of the waterfall. In Russia until 1917 G. was adopted by Helsingfors.
Geographical names of the world: Toponymic dictionary. - M: AST. Pospelov E.M.
2001.
(Helsinki, Helsinki Helsingfors ), Swedish Helsingfors , capital Finland . The city is located in the south of the country, on the shore Finnish hall. Baltic Sea. 539 thousand inhabitants (1998), in the agglomeration, incl. cities of Vanta and Espoo, more than 800 thousand people. The climate is temperate, transitional to continental. Avg. January temperature -9.7 °C, July 16.8 °C, precipitation approx. 700 mm per year. The bay freezes briefly in winter. X. was founded in 1550 by decree of the Swedish king, in 1641 it was moved 5 km to the south, in the 2nd half of the 18th century. The Swedes built the Sveaborg fortress at the entrance to the harbor. Since 1812, the capital of the Grand Duchy of Finland (as part of the Russian Empire), since December 1917 - of independent Finland. The historical core of X. is the Estnes Peninsula and the Sveaborg fortress. The main architectural monuments date back to the era of classicism of the 1st half of the 19th century: the former building. Senate (1822), St. Nicholas Cathedral (1830–52), Helsinki University with a library (1828–45). Archit. The buildings of the Finnish National Park are also valuable. theater (1901), national museum (1906–09), center. station (1904–14), parliament (1927–31). University, Academy of Music named after. J. Sibelius, Academy fine arts with Tallinn. Mashing; chemical, ceramic, text, sewing, knitwear, leather footwear, furniture, paper, printing, food industry Metropolitan. In 1952, the Games of the XV Olympiad were held in X. In 1975, the final act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe was signed here.
Dictionary of modern geographical names. - Ekaterinburg: U-Factoria. Under the general editorship of academician. V. M. Kotlyakova. 2006 .
HELSINKI
FINLAND
Helsinki (Swedish name - Helsingfors) is the capital of Finland and the administrative center of the county of Usema. The city stands on the shores of the Gulf of Bothnia on the Baltic Sea. The population of the capital is about 508 thousand inhabitants. Helsinki was founded in 1550 and since 1812 has been the main city of the Grand Duchy of Finland (as part of the Russian Empire). At the end of 1917, the city became the capital of independent Finland.
Helsinki is modern city, whose life is characterized by an international character, connections with East and West, as well as powerful cultural development. Busy business life gives the entire region a new dynamic.
The sea surrounding Helsinki gives the city a special charm. This is an integral part of the urban appearance of the capital. The coastline of the city is almost 100 km, and there are 300 islands in the water area. In summer, visiting the islands of the archipelago is very popular. IN winter time the islands can be reached by sea ice.
Residents of Finland affectionately call their capital the daughter of the Baltic Sea. The city center is located on a cape surrounded by the sea. Today's Helsinki has a wonderful combination of old and new, the beauty of the city with the beauty of nature. A specific feature of the city’s architecture are quite significant areas built up according to a single plan, which represent various directions in architecture from neoclassicism to the modern school, such as Ruoholati. The buildings in the Empire style on Senate Square are true masterpieces of architecture: the cathedral, the university, and the state council.
Cultural life is at its best, which is recognized by the election of Helsinki as one of cultural capitals Europe 2000. Diversity cultural life provided by three symphony orchestras. National Opera and ballet, almost 70 museums, a large number of art galleries, wonderful concert halls, 8 theaters, etc. The National Opera is a meeting place for lovers of theater, ballet and opera, and at the Museum of Modern Art, lovers of the avant-garde movement can see Finnish and world avant-garde art of our time.
The parish center of Helsinki, located in Vanta, is an example of a preserved compositionally intact rural village of the 17th-19th centuries. It has been declared a monument of national significance and is subject to protection as a landscape complex. Nissbakka Manor dates back to the 16th century. In the summer, temporary art exhibitions are held in its park and exhibition spaces, where the works of sculptor Laila Pullinet are also displayed.
At the turn of the century, the Jugend style appeared in Helsinki, examples of which can be seen in the Katajanokka area. Other important attractions are e.g. Finlandia Palace, the rock-cut church on Cathedral Square, the Sibelius monument, the Olympic Stadium and new Palace operas. A suitable place for a walk by the sea is the zoo on the island of Korkeasaari, located near the center.
The Esplanade is the busiest shopping street in the city, which starts from the Trade Square located on the seashore. The capital's largest department stores are located nearby. Along with popularity trading city Helsinki has also gained fame as a city of traditional diplomatic meetings, international conferences and congresses, so it can rightfully be called the Geneva of the North. In 1952, the games of the XV Olympiad were held here.
Helsinki is interesting for tourists at any time of the year. In summer, bright nights and the sea, in winter, snow and the intense rhythm of the city attract you. On Christmas and New Year's Eve, department stores attract with a wide selection of gifts. But even then, many concerts and theatrical performances are held.
Helsinki is large seaport and the main industrial center of the country. Mechanical engineering, shipbuilding, electrical, textile, chemical, ceramic, and food industries are developed here. The city has a metro. International transportation is provided by Malmi Airport.
In the capital there is the University of Helsinki, the J. Sibelius Academy of Music (1882), the Academy of Fine Arts, the Suomenlinna Fortress Museum (Sveaborg), the Athenaeum Art Museum, the Architectural, National, Customs, Ethnographic and other museums.
In 2000, Helsinki will celebrate the city's 450th anniversary.
Encyclopedia: cities and countries. 2008 .
Helsinki
Helsinki (population - about 546 thousand people) - the capital of Finland (cm. Finland)- called White City North. It stands on the shores of the Gulf of Bothnia in the southernmost part of Finland. The main Finnish port is located here. The city center is located on a cape surrounded by the sea. The sea is an integral feature of the city. It’s not for nothing that residents call Helsinki “the daughter of the Baltic Sea.” The region of Helsinki, or Greater Helsinki, is adjacent to the capital. The cities of Vantaa with Espoo International Airport, Tikkurila, Kauniainen, Järvenpää and Kerava, and the municipal districts of Tuusula, Nurmijärvi and Vihti are located in this area.
Helsinki was founded by King Gustav Vasa of Sweden in 1550 at the mouth of the Vantaa River. In 1640, the Governor-General of Finland, Peter Braache, ordered the city to be moved to the peninsula where the city center is now located. Four years later, a fire destroyed the main part of Helsinki. In 1710, a plague broke out in Helsinki, killing about half the population. Not much more than three hundred people survived. After the war of 1808-1809, when Finland became an autonomous Grand Duchy of Finland within the Russian Empire, the city became the capital of Finland in 1812 by imperial decree of Alexander the First. Since 1917, Helsinki has been the capital of independent Finland. During the Second World War, Helsinki, along with London and Moscow, was the only capital of a country that took part in the war in Europe that was not occupied during the entire war. After the war, Helsinki was the site of many important international events: Olympic Games 1952, Consultative Meeting on the Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms in 1970, Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe in 1975.
What attracts people in today's Helsinki is the wonderful combination of old and new, the beauty of the city with the beauty of nature. A significant part of the city was built according to a single plan; these areas represent different directions in architecture from neoclassicism to the modern school, such as Ruoholati.
The buildings in the Empire style on Senate Square are true masterpieces of architecture: the Cathedral, the University, and the State Council. Senate Square with the surrounding buildings was built according to the designs of K. L. Engel. All buildings were erected between 1818 and 1852. The main merit of the architect is that he was able to create a harmonious and integral ensemble, consistent with neoclassicism, in an area rugged by hills and rocks.
In the center of the square there is a monument to Alexander II, created in 1894 by Walter Runeberg. Emperor Alexander II was loved by the Finnish people because he granted autonomy to the Finns. Alexander II is depicted in the uniform of a guards officer while delivering a speech. Around the imperial figure there is a sculptural group: “Law”, “Peace”, “Light” and “Labor”.
Project cathedral, the old name of St. Nicholas Cathedral, was created in early 1818 by the architect Angel, but construction work began only in 1830. In 1852 the Temple was consecrated. Angel was very pleased with the progress of the construction of the Temple. In his last letter, dated September 3, 1839, he wrote: “An elegance which is difficult to surpass prevails in the appearance of the Temple.” Unfortunately, the architect never saw his creation fully completed.
In cross-section, the Temple has the shape of a Byzantine cross. The cathedral is crowned with a high central dome and Corinthian columns on each side. Angel's successor, E. B. Lohrmann, added 4 small towers and two buildings on the Senate Square side to the building's structure. Later, statues of the 12 apostles were added.
The university building was built in 1832, but the university itself is much older: it is more than 350 years old. The university was founded in the city of Turku, and after the fire it was moved to Helsinki.
One of the most interesting sights of Helsinki is the church on Temppelinaukio Square, carved right into the rock. Its only decoration is the copper plates that line the ceiling; the church does not even have a dome. The church in the rock is perhaps the most successful monument of architecture in the Art Nouveau style. It was built in just a year according to the design of Finnish architects Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen. In 1969, the church was consecrated, and very soon it received the status of an international church. The church premises have the best acoustics in the world. Concerts of organ and violin music are held here.
The oldest building in the city is the sea fortress Sveaborg (Finnish name Suomenlinna). Its construction began in 1748, when Finland was part of Sweden. The architect and construction manager is the famous Swedish military leader, Count A. Ehrensvard. In 1808, during the Russian-Swedish war, the fortress passed to Russia. With the transfer of the capital of the Grand Duchy of Finland to Helsinki, Sveaborg acquired important strategic importance as a military base guarding the sea approaches to the city. After Finland gained independence, the fortress was first used as a concentration camp for soldiers of the Finnish Red Guard. Then a military garrison was located here, and in 1973 Sveaborg came under civilian control and turned into a unique archipelago museum under open air, which preserves the history of three countries - Sweden, Russia and Finland.
Among the main attractions, in addition to the fortifications themselves, are a Finnish submarine from the Second World War, the Manege military museum, museums of dolls and toys, customs, and several art galleries.
The largest Orthodox Cathedral in Europe, the Assumption Cathedral, is located in Helsinki. The cathedral was built in 1868 by the architect Alexander Gornostaev. Architectural solutions go back to the wooden church architecture of the 14th century. According to the Orthodox tradition, there is a lot of symbolism in the architecture of the cathedral: 13 onion domes are a symbol of Christ and the twelve apostles. The interior is made in Byzantine and Russian traditions.
One of the most visited attractions in Helsinki is the monument to the composer Sibelius.
The competition for the best project, held by the Sibelius Society, was won by Eila Hiltunen. The competition aroused enormous public interest: the debate between abstractionists and figurative artists was resolved when a bust of Sibelius was added to Hiltunen's composition. What makes this monument unique is its spatial design, which allows visitors to go inside, where various acoustic effects are achieved.
In the center of Helsinki stands out the huge station building, built at the beginning of the 20th century by the architect E. Saarinen in the style of national romanticism using decorative elements of medieval Finnish architecture.
The Parliament building, a symbol of Finnish independence, is impressive with its massiveness, built in the late 1920s by the architect J. Siren in the neoclassical style. A monument to Marshal K. G. Mannerheim was erected not far from the Parliament; the central avenue of the city is named after him. Next to the Parliament is the National Museum, built in the shape of a medieval castle.
The statue of a cheerful nymph, created by sculptor Ville Wallgren, was installed in the fall of 1908. For almost 100 years it has been one of the symbols of Helsinki. Unlike other monuments to great figures located in the city center, this fountain is playful and casual. The statue was named "Havis Amanda", which means "sea nymph" in Swedish. In the 1930s, a tradition arose for the student holiday “Vappa”, which falls on May 1, to put a student cap on the head of Manta (as the Finns call the statue).
Encyclopedia of tourism Cyril and Methodius. 2008 .
Synonyms:
See what "Helsinki" is in other dictionaries:
Helsinki- Helsinki. The building of the Finnish National Theater. HELSINKI (Swedish Helsingfors), capital (since 1917) of Finland. 502 thousand inhabitants. Port on the shore of the Gulf of Finland; international Airport. Metropolitan. Mechanical engineering (shipbuilding,... ... Illustrated Encyclopedic Dictionary
- (Helsinki), Swedish Helsingfors, capital of Finland. Located on the shores of the Gulf of Finland of the Baltic Sea. The city was founded in 1550. Systematic development has been carried out since the beginning of the 19th century. according to a regular plan (1808 17, architect I. ... ... Art encyclopedia
- [Finnish] Helsinki is the name of the capital of Finland] watered. abbreviated name of the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE), signed by the heads of 35 participating countries (including the USSR and the USA) in 1975 in Helsinki with... ... Dictionary of foreign words of the Russian language
Helsinki is the capital of which country? Anyone who is asking this question should definitely read our article. Here we will talk not only about where the city is located, but also about the history and tourist attractions of this northern
The capital of Helsinki is the country of Finland
The main city of Finland is located in an extremely unfavorable location, with geographical point view, location - on 315 islands. Sometimes, to get from one district of the capital to another, you need to cross a dozen bridges or even cross one of the straits by ferry. This city is completely saturated with the smell of the sea and the roar of arriving and departing ships.
Helsinki is not a small capital. The city covers an area of 1140 square kilometers. Moreover, 30% of this territory is city parks, squares and undeveloped areas. In other words, a traveler feels quite light and spacious in Helsinki. In addition, the bulk of the interesting things and tourist attractions are compactly concentrated within one peninsula.
Brief history of the city
Modern Helsinki appeared on the map of Europe back in the middle of the 16th century. In 1550, the city was founded by the Swedish king Gustav I.
Helsinki is a capital with a rich and interesting history. The city was created with a single goal: to create real competition for another major port in the Baltic region - Tallinn. Of course, the first inhabitants of Helsinki had a hard time: poverty, disease and constant wars crushed many. The situation changed somewhat for the better after the construction of a powerful fortress here. Well, the city changed significantly at the beginning of the 19th century, when it was annexed to Russia (as a result of the latter’s victory in the Finnish War).
By order of the Russian Tsar Alexander I, the capital of the duchy was moved to Helsinki. The only university in Finland, the Abo Academy, soon moved here. The “Russian trace” is noticeable in Helsinki and in the business center of the capital, where all the buildings were built in a strictly classical style. This part of the city is very reminiscent of old St. Petersburg.
The first half of the twentieth century brought many troubles and misfortunes to Helsinki. Nevertheless, the city continued to actively develop: already in the 70s, its population tripled. And today the capital of Finland is one of the fastest growing in Europe.
The country with its capital Helsinki is located in Northern Europe, on You can get here in a variety of ways: by land, by sea, by air.
Travelers arriving in Helsinki by plane are served by Vanta Airport, which is located twenty kilometers from the center of the capital. From the airport you can easily and quickly get to anywhere in the city by taxi or by municipal bus.
The location of the train station in the center of Helsinki is also very convenient. In addition, the station building is connected directly to the city metro via underground passages. Regular bus services connect the Finnish capital with many cities in Russia, Sweden, and Norway.
Tourists are advised to visit Helsinki (and Finland in general) in the summer, from mid-June to mid-August. And of course, a huge number of foreign guests come here for the New Year and Christmas holidays. Springs in Finland are beautiful, but very short: summer here can change to winter in almost one week.
Helsinki - the capital of joyful holidays
Severe natural conditions(in particular, the long autumn and winter nights) taught the Finns to have good and quality fun. They are truly great masters at this!
Perhaps the most interesting and noisy holiday in Finland is celebrated on the night of May 1st. This is Vappu, or the celebration of welcoming spring. On this night, the city of Helsinki turns into one huge open-air party.
The grandiose Arts Festival takes place in Helsinki every year in early autumn. Dance, street plays and theater performances, art exhibitions, classical and contemporary music are all included in its program. Tens of thousands of guests flock to the Finnish capital these days to enjoy various types art.
Well, gastronomic tourists and just people who love to eat well are invited to the annual Baltic Herring Fair by Helsinki. It has been held in this city for more than two hundred years! Few of the visiting tourists realize how many exquisite and delicious dishes can be prepared from ordinary herring - the main product of the Baltic region.
City of Christmas Lights
Helsinki is the capital where thousands of tourists come for Christmas. As a rule (exceptions are extremely rare), these days there is already snow in the city, and the legendary St. Thomas begins its work in the center of the capital.
Fragrant mulled wine, bright festive lights on the streets and cozy decorated restaurants - these are the indispensable attributes of Christmas in the Finnish capital. Without a doubt, this is one of the best places on the planet where you can celebrate the New Year!
Finally...
Now you know where the city of Helsinki is located and whose capital it is. Here you can have a wonderful and wonderful time, both in summer and winter. Especially many tourists prefer to come to the fabulous city of Helsinki for the Christmas and New Year holidays.
Built on the peninsulas and islands of the Baltic coastline, Helsinki is a maritime city. Streets wrap around bays, bridges connect islands, and ferries provide connections to distant islands. It is saturated with the smell of the sea, and the ports are constantly noisy from arriving and departing ships.
Helsinki covers an area of 1140 sq. km and includes 315 islands; at least 30% of the city is dedicated to parks and open areas. However, most of the city's attractions are concentrated within one peninsula.
Story
Founded in 1550 by the Swedish king Gustav I as a trade rival to Tallinn, Helsinki had a difficult time in its early years. The fledgling settlement was threatened by poverty, war and disease. For a long time it remained an insignificant coastal city, dominated by other, prosperous trading centers in the Baltic region. Construction of Suomenlinna ( sea fortress) helped raise the status of Helsinki, but dramatic changes began to occur in the city after the Russian victory over Sweden in the Finnish War, as a result of which Finland was annexed to Russia as the Grand Duchy of Finland in 1809.
In order to reduce Swedish influence in the country, Tsar Alexander I moved the capital from Turku to Helsinki. Åbo Academy, Finland's only university, also moved here in 1827, and eventually became a University. This move reinforced the city's new role, and in the following decades the city grew and developed at a rate never before seen; All the prerequisites were created for the birth of the modern capital of Finland - Helsinki. These changes are best seen in the business part of the city, which was rebuilt in a neoclassical style and is somewhat reminiscent of St. Petersburg. Just as in other cities, the progress of science and technology was a key factor behind the rapid development.
Although the first half of the 20th century was a difficult and destructive time for Helsinki, the city continued to develop. Modern post-war urbanization of the 70s of the last century tripled the urban population, and this made the city one of the fastest growing centers of the European Union in the 90s of the 20th century.
How to get to Helsinki
You can get here by air, land and water.
Vanta Airport is located 19 km north of the city center. A taxi from the airport to the city center costs 30 euros, the trip will take about 30-40 minutes. There are also special eight-person taxi buses that can take passengers anywhere, the cost of such a trip can vary from 40 to 50 euros. Bus 615 runs regularly between the airport and the train station square in central Helsinki.
You can get to the city by land either by train or by bus. Train Station located in the city center and connected by special passages to the metro. The capital is located at the intersection of three main railway lines, with trains departing from its station to Turku in the west, Tampere in the north and Lahti in the northeast. Bus routes connect the Finnish capital with Sweden, Norway and Russia. Helsinki's main bus station is located between Kamppi metro station and Mannerheim Street. Local and regional routes also depart from this station.
When to go
The summer tourist season runs from mid-June to mid-August and is characterized by long days and cool nights. It is worth saying that spring and summer in the south of Finland begin a month earlier than in the north. Although many establishments and attractions in Helsinki are reducing access hours after tourist season, this time also offers many advantages: you can avoid the period of mosquito activity, especially in the north; enjoy the picturesque foliage of the trees in autumn and enjoy skiing in winter. Spring here is short, but magical: the snow melts and the ice breaks up, and nature explodes with life, making the transition from winter to summer in almost one day.
You can hope for warm (but not hot) days in Helsinki from mid-May. Summer nights are short and never too dark, while in winter the days are very short and last only a few hours.
Transport
The capital has a very convenient transport network, including buses, trams, metro, ferries and taxis.
Visitors to Helsinki can purchase a single pass for 1, 2 or 3 days, which allows unlimited travel on buses, trams, metro and ferries, and allows one guided bus trip to the main attractions. This ticket also allows you to visit about 50 museums in the city. The cost of such a pass (Helsinki Kortti) for an adult is 25 euros for 1 day, 35 euros for 2 days and 45 euros for 3 days, for children from 7 to 16 years old - 10, 13 and 16 euros for 1, 2 and 3 days respectively. Tickets can be purchased at travel agencies and hotels.
You can also purchase a tourist ticket for 1, 3 or 5 days. With this ticket you can travel within Helsinki on all types of public transport, except regional buses. An adult ticket for 1 day costs 5.40 euros, for 3 days - 11 euros, for 5 days - 16 euros. A ticket for children costs 2.70 euros for 1 day, 5.40 euros for 3 days, 8.10 euros for 5 days. Children under 7 years old travel free of charge. Tickets can be purchased at tourist offices and metro stations.
Metro/bus/train
The Helsinki City Transport Office is located at Rautatientori metro station and is open Monday to Thursday from 7:30 to 19:00 and Friday from 7:30 to 17:00. Transport system The city is open daily from half past six in the morning until half past one at night. A ticket for one trip with transfer rights costs 2 euros for adults and 1 euro for children, a tram ticket costs 1.8 euros without transfer rights.
Ferry
Ferries depart from the South Esplanade (Eteläesplanadi) and head to the islands of Suomenlinna and Korkeasaari.
Taxi
All taxis in Helsinki are equipped with a yellow TAKSI/TAXI sign. Landing fee - 5 euros, then - according to the meter, depending on the mileage. Rates depend on the time of day, they are higher in the evening - from six to ten in the evening, on Saturdays - after two in the afternoon, and on Sundays - from ten in the evening to six in the morning.
Automobile
It is not recommended to travel around Helsinki by car due to the limited number of parking lots; it is better to walk or use public transport. However, for the outskirts of the city the car is perfectly suited. You can rent a car at the airport or in the city center.
Bike
Bicycle rental costs range from 10 to 15 euros per day. A deposit of 16 euros is required and a passport must be presented.
Nightlife in Helsinki
In recent years, the city has experienced a significant increase in leisure options at night. Friday and Saturday evenings are the busiest times, so if you are planning to go to a club, it is better to show up as early as possible, as you may not be allowed in later. Mostly people gather in the bars of popular hotels, for example, at the Scandic Hotel Continental.
Almost all theater performances are in Finnish or Swedish. However, the language of music is universal, and the cultural landscape of Helsinki is rich in musical events at any time of the year. The main concerts take place in Finlandia Hall. Operas are performed in their original language at the Finnish National Opera.
Some nightclubs have small casinos. If you want something more serious in this regard, go straight to Casino Rey.
The best source of information about what's happening on this moment events - a small magazine "Helsinki Guide", which can be found in most hotels and travel agencies.
Holidays
Finns know how to have fun, so they take the holidays seriously. One of the noisiest and most fun festivals in Helsinki, especially for students, is the Vappu holiday, celebrated on the night of April 30 to May 1. Each area of the city welcomes the arrival of spring in its own way; The main event takes place in the market square along the esplanade, where crowds gather on April 30 to watch the statue of Amanda Havis wear a white cap specially made for the occasion. The cap is a symbol of the transition to a new stage of life; all graduates of Finnish lyceums receive it. From this moment on, general fun begins, taking the form of a grandiose party on the streets of Helsinki.
The festival takes place in the capital of Finland in late August - early September. This festival, founded in 1968, is dedicated to Finnish and international art and its various types. Every year, approximately 300 thousand people come here to enjoy a full program of classical and contemporary music, dance, theater programs, films and art exhibitions. One of the most famous moments of the festival is the Night of the Arts, when the city streets, parks, churches and galleries are filled with dance groups, orchestras and street singers. Within the framework of this festival there is also a Children's Festival.
The Helsinki City Marathon attracts thousands of runners from all over the world in August. Perhaps one of the reasons for such popularity is that the marathon route passes through the most picturesque places along sea coast in and around the city.
The Baltic Herring Fair is the oldest tradition in the city, its history goes back about 200 years. At the fair, the main Scandinavian product is presented to visitors in different types, and the number of dishes and serving amazes the eye and taste.
Shopping
Finland is famous for its creative approach to interior design. Here you can buy ceramic and glassware, hand-knitted clothes, wood products and rugs. Textiles and jewelry also carry a distinct Finnish spirit, and toy stores are filled with educational toys for all ages. Souvenir abundance is represented by leather goods reindeer, dolls in national costumes, baskets, spicy liqueur made from yellow cloudberries, gooseberries and stone fruits. And, of course, here you can buy everything you need to go to the sauna.
The most Famous places for shopping are located in the center of Helsinki - these are the Esplanades, Market Square, Aleksanterinkatu, Iso Roobertinkatu and Bulevardi streets.
Most stores are open Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 17:00 and Saturday from 9:00 to 14:00. Sometimes, especially in summer, shops are open until four in the afternoon on Saturday. Residents of countries outside the European Union can shop in stores with EUROPE TAX-FREE SHOPPING signs, with the expectation that when leaving the country they will receive a refund of value added tax (usually 16%). The amount for which purchases are made must exceed 40 euros.
Ketch "Valborg"Helsinki is very beautiful city With amazing architecture. A rich history left its mark on its appearance. Arriving here, vacationers will be able to visit squares and museums, admire the beauty of churches and parks. Even a week may not be enough to get to know the capital - attractions here are located literally at every step.
Senate Square (Senaatintori)
It is best to start exploring the city from its cultural and historical center. The name speaks for itself: this is where the building of the Senate (now the State Council) is located. The University is located nearby, and opposite you can see the former residences of wealthy merchants of the century before last. In the middle of the square stands a monument to the Emperor of the Russian Empire, Alexander II, who did a lot for the Principality of Finland. Next to him are four figures, personifying law, peace, labor and light. The houses surrounding the square in a ring form a harmonious architectural ensemble.
Church in the rock (Tempeliaukio kirkko)
There are many religious sites in Helsinki, but the most unusual of all can rightfully be called the Lutheran Church in a granite rock. The avant-garde building caused a mixed reaction from society, but now Temppeliaukio is considered one of the symbols of the city, and even the most skeptical townspeople have come to terms with its original style.
The church hall is spacious, and part of the walls is made of raw rock. Light enters through the windows surrounding the huge dome, making it feel unfettered. The acoustics here are excellent, which is why the temple is often used for concerts. However, even on ordinary days it is worth coming here to listen to the magnificent organ, which has more than 3,000 pipes. There are no bells in Temppeliaukio; instead, speakers are installed in the walls, through which bell music written by Tanel Kuusisto is broadcast.
Entrance to the church is free, but you need to pay attention to the schedule of services. In summer, from Monday to Saturday, it is open from 10:00 to 17:45, and in winter from 10:00 to 17:00. On Sundays, Temppeliaukio Church starts an hour later.
Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Another religious building, whose appearance will not leave anyone indifferent, is made in the classical pseudo-Byzantine style. The Assumption Cathedral, built at the end of the 19th century on the basis of the Katajanokka peninsula, is considered one of the most beautiful in all of Finland. It is built on a rock and proudly towers over nearby buildings. The outer walls are made of red brick, and the thirteen onion-shaped domes are covered with gold leaf. The main dome rises in the central part of the square structure, while the bell tower is located on the south side. From the platform in front of the cathedral there is a beautiful view of the whole of Helsinki.
The cathedral can be visited on all days except Monday. Opening hours: Tuesday-Friday - 9:30-16:00, Saturday - 9:30-14:00, Sunday - 12:00-15:00. If tourists want to attend a service, the time must be specified separately.
Market Square (Kauppatori)
Helsinki Market Square is worth a visit not only for shopping lovers, but also for those who want to see daily life cities. Along its perimeter there are retail outlets where everything your heart desires is sold - from delicacies to clothes and souvenirs. You should stroll here slowly, because Helsinki does not tolerate fuss. In addition to the tents, there is one of the symbols of the city - the Sea Nymph fountain, as well as an obelisk in honor of the Russian Empress Alexandra Feodorovna.
As with any market, trading takes place on weekends in the morning. It is especially interesting in the square during the Christmas holidays, when everything around is decorated with garlands. You can refresh yourself after shopping, and warm up in winter, in small cafes.
Sveaborg Fortress (Suomenlinna)
Sveaborg (“Swedish Fortress”) or Suomenlinna (“Finnish Fortress”) are the names of the same historical site, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Currently, the fortification has passed to civilian control, but previously it served an important defensive function.
The fortress was built on islands located two kilometers from Helsinki. Lovers of history, architecture and military affairs will find a lot of interesting things here. Among the tourist sites are:
- Suomenlinna Museum (Suomenlinna-museo) – ticket from 5 euros;
- Toy Museum (Suomenlinnan Lelumuseo) – entrance from 5 euros;
- Military Museum (Sotamuseon Maneesi) – ticket costs 4 euros;
- Field Marshal Ehrensvärd Museum (Ehrensvärd-museo) ticket from 3 euros;
- Customs Museum (Tullimuseo) – free admission;
- Submarine museum "Vesikko" (Vesikko) ticket price from 4 euros.
Not the entire fortress is open to the public - part of it is reserved for the naval academy, and there is also a prison here. Interestingly, it is the prisoners who are responsible for maintaining order in Sveaborg.
You can only get here by ferry or water bus from Market Square. A one-way ticket costs 4 euros. Tourists who decide to visit the attraction for the first time should remember that there is no transport on the territory of the fortress, so you need to wear the most comfortable shoes.
Winter Garden
The winter garden is a wonderful romantic place, perfect for leisurely walks. This is a kind of oasis of wild nature in the middle of the metropolis. Having crossed the threshold, you immediately find yourself in a tropical forest: birds are singing, vines are hanging from the ceiling. However, having walked a little further, one cannot help but notice the order prevailing here: the paths are strewn with gravel, and the animals are located in cages.
The territory is divided into several parts: a pool with fish, a cactus garden and an area of exotic plants and flowers. Entrance to the Winter Garden is free, but it is only open until 15:00, and on Saturday and Sunday - until 16:00, closed on Monday. You can get here by tram No. 2, 4 and 7A, stop Töölön halli.
Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma
The Kiasma Museum is one of the “youngest” in Helsinki. It is dedicated to contemporary art in the broad sense of the word. The museum is not like classical galleries - rather, it is several creative platforms gathered in one place. There are a total of 25 departments, covering such areas as painting, cinema, photography, sculpture, music, architecture and so on. Exhibitions are constantly updated, and so that visitors can freely navigate the exhibitions, audio guides are issued at the entrance.
The museum is located at Mannerheiminaukio Square 2. Kiasma opens at 10:00, but the opening hours vary: on Tuesday it is open until 17:00, on Wednesday and Thursday - until 20:30, on Friday - until 20:00, on Saturday – until 18:00, on Sunday – until 17:00. Closed on Monday. Admission ticket costs 12 euros, for students – 8 euros.
Aleksanterinkatu street
Aleksanterinkatu or Alexander Street is the historical center of Helsinki, the richest street in the city. Trade took place here several centuries ago, and nothing has changed in this regard since then. It is here that the stores of the most famous brands are located, as well as the largest in the capital shopping mall– Stockmann. A visit to Aleksanterinkatu will be interesting not only for shopping purposes - the street itself is very beautiful. You can get here by bus (No. 4, 4A, 7A and 7B) or tram (3B).
Getting to know the city
By bus or tram
Bus tours around Helsinki start at the central station (Simonkatu 1) or at the port (Silja and Viking terminals). Inexpensive but very exciting alternative bus tour– exploring the city by tram line 3T. In this case, we recommend starting the excursion from the station, then the tram goes past almost all the main attractions of Helsinki. Along with the ticket, it would be nice to buy an accompanying brochure with a description of the objects that the tram rolls past.
On foot or by bike
The Helsinki Information Center brochure lists popular routes to explore the city and bicycle rental points.
On a boat around Helsinki
In summer, pleasure boats leave every hour (from 10.00) from the Market Square and from Hakanie Square - you can take a trip to the islands off the coast of Helsinki.
Leisure
Holidays in Helsinki do not have to be limited to visiting the sights - the city has a huge selection of places where you can spend time actively and fun. Of course, first of all, tourists will want to go on a trip by water. This can be either access to the open sea or a walk along the coastline on a boat. You can get acquainted with underwater inhabitants without leaving the mainland - at the Sea Life Aquarium. It has more than 50 aquariums, and under the largest of them, where sharks are kept, there is a glass tunnel.
The Vanhankaupunki Historic District is a must-visit for fishing enthusiasts. To catch fish in law-abiding Finland, you need to have a license, but you can freely buy it at the Meri-Info kiosks located in the Stockmann department store on the street. Aleksanterinkatu 52, or at the address: st. Unioninkatu 23.
Winter is perhaps the Finns' favorite time of year, and how can you resist the temptation to go ice skating or skiing, especially if all these activities are available in the city center. In addition to indoor ice parks and sports complexes located in Helsinki and surrounding areas, ski slopes and the skating rinks are also filled directly in the open air.
A Finnish sauna is a must-see for any tourist visiting Helsinki. Steam rooms are installed right in houses, on roofs, and sometimes even on buses, and visiting them is an important part of the culture. One of the most colorful of public saunas is Rauhaniemi. Its peculiarity is that instead of an artificial pool, visitors plunge into the wormwood of Lake Näsijärvi.
Every year, from late August to mid-September, Helsinki is filled with a festive atmosphere for three weeks. There are concerts, performances, and various events organized everywhere. All kinds of performances are organized in the capital's cafes and restaurants. The culmination of the festival is “The Long Night of Art”.
Shopping
Finnish-made goods, in particular clothing, shoes and interior items, are of high quality, for which they are highly valued all over the world. The choice of place to shop depends on the product - for souvenirs and colorful products self made It’s worth going to the market, but branded items can be purchased profitably in large shopping centers.
Woolen hats and sweaters with a characteristic pattern are usually brought as gifts from Helsinki. Warm and original, they will find a place in every wardrobe. From national brands V Lately Marimeko is popular - the items have an unusual bright design, but at the same time fit well with any style.
In addition, you can pay attention to bath accessories. They are sold both individually and as gift sets.
A traditional souvenir is also a kuksa - a wooden cup with a ring handle. In ancient times, the Finns took them on hikes, tying them to their belts.
On the main shopping streets The Esplanade and Aleksanterinkatu are home to branded stores and small boutiques.
All the favorite foods of Finns (and sometimes visiting foreigners) can be bought at the market near the port. Opening hours: Mon. Sat. 6.30-14.00; in summer 15.30-20.00.
Not far from the Pitkasilta Bridge there is a market on Hakaniemi Square. The products here are a little cheaper than at the market near the port.
At the end of Bulevardi Boulevard is the Hietalahdentori market. It's worth visiting the central pavilion. Opening hours: Monday to Friday – 8.00-18.00, Saturday and Sunday – until 15.00.
How to save money in Helsinki
The national currency of Finland is the euro, and at the current exchange rate, even a short trip can be very expensive. To have a good rest and save money, it’s worth remembering some travel tips.
Free entry to museums
The schedule of most cultural sites includes days or hours of free visiting. So, in the Museum of Culture this time is from 17:00 to 20:00 on the first Tuesday of every month, the next day you can freely go to the Ateneum and Kiasma museums at the same time. On Fridays from 11:00 to 16:00 there is no need to pay for a ticket to the Museum of Finnish Architecture. In addition, the city has a huge number of free facilities, including churches and parks.
Saving on food
On most trips, food will be the most significant expense. However, if you cook your own food and buy food at the supermarket, you can save a lot.
Savings on purchases
Avid shopaholics should pay attention to outlets, of which there are many in Helsinki. Discounts can reach up to 70%.
When buying items as a gift, you should ask whether you can get a refund Tax Free. In stores operating under this system, you need to take a special receipt, which is stamped when leaving the country. A refund of paid VAT can be obtained directly from customs.
Directions
Of course, the best way to save on travel is to stay close to attractions. If this is not possible, and the tourist will have to use public transport every day, it is worth purchasing a single ticket. To do this, you need to contact the city transport department or the tourist office.
Accommodation in Helsinki
Visiting all the sights is a pleasant, but rather tiring experience, so you need to take care of accommodation in advance. Traditionally, most travelers choose hotels. The capital of Finland is a place where you can choose a suitable hotel that meets all the requirements for comfort, price per room, and range of services. Chain establishments such as Hilton and Radisson do not need a separate description, however, besides them, there are many interesting options. For example, Hotel Kämp is the epitome of elegance and chic. It is not surprising that this is where the world's elite prefer to stay. You can book a room and feel like you belong to the highest strata of society for as little as 200 euros per night.
Entrance to Glo Hotel ArtThere are many more economical, but no less interesting hotels in the capital. Thus, Glo Hotel Art is a real medieval castle, Radisson Blu Seaside Hotel is an eco-hotel, all the interiors of the rooms are made exclusively from natural materials.
For those who plan to stay in Helsinki for at least a week, as well as tourists with children, it is better to consider this option as renting apartments (apart-hotels). Among them are Citykoti Downtown Apartments, Helsinki Central Apartments, Forenom Helsinki City Aparthotel.
There are also quite a few hostels in the city that will appeal to young people, as accommodation is inexpensive. Not far from the city center there are Eurohostel, Hostel Erottajanpuisto, Domus Academica and others. At the height of the tourist season, it is better not to delay choosing housing, since good profitable options are quickly sold out. You can find and book a room through our website using the link.
How to get to Helsinki
The fastest way to get to the capital of Finland from Russia is by plane. There are direct flights in this direction from Moscow every day. The journey will take no more than 2.5 hours.
Those who air Transport for some reason is not suitable, they can use the services of Russian Railways. A high-speed train will take tourists from St. Petersburg to their destination in just 3.5 hours. But the journey from Moscow will last significantly longer - 15.5 hours.
Another option, which is also popular, is the ferry from the Northern capital. The approximate travel time is 13 hours, but this solution will be the most profitable for those who are used to traveling abroad in their own car - a car deck is available to passengers.
