Helsinki
Travel Guide > Europe > Finland > Helsinki
Introduction
Helsinki has been the capital of Finland since 1812 and is located on the southern coast, directly across from Tallinn in Estonia with only the Gulf of Finland separating the two. It is also Finland's biggest city, with a population of 570 000. Helsinki Metropolitan Area which includes a number of other cities (Espoo, Vantaa, Kirkkonummi, Kauniainen, Sipoo, Tuusula, Kerava, Järvenpää, Nurmijärvi, Hyvinkää and Vihti) has a population of around 1 million.
Located halfway between Stockholm and St Petersburg and with a coastal location that makes it seem as if the city is surrounded by water, it's no surprise that the city was founded as a fishing village and harbour. Taking a boat tour is a great way to get a better feeling for the city. The city itself consists of wide, often cobbled, streets, lots of parks and squares and generally gives an impression as a spacious city. As is the case for most Nordic cities however, Helsinki is compact and therefore easy to explore on foot or using
public transport.
Neighbourhoods
Sights and Activities
- The fortress island of Suomenlinna (Sveaborg)
- Seurasaari (open air museum)
- Helsinki Cathedral
- Russian Orthodox Church
- Temppeliaukio Church
- Kauppatori
- 1952 Olympic Stadium & Museum
- Mannerheim Museum
Events and Festivals
Weather
Helsinki enjoys a slightly warmer temperature than other places as far north, thanks to the influence of the Baltic Sea and Gulf Stream. During winter, temperatures are around -6º C. Days are around 6 hours long due to the winter solstice.
In summer, Helsinki has much longer days (up to 18 hours) and temperatures range between 18º C and 25º C.
See the Finnish Meteorological Institute website for a Helsinki weather forecast.
Getting There and Away
By Plane
Just north of Helsinki in Vantaa is the Helsinki-Vantaa International Airport (HEL/EFHK), Finland's major airport. Thirty airlines have flights through Helsinki, providing services to over 120 destinations worldwide.[1]
From the airport, there are buses and taxis to the city centre. The cheapest is the regional bus 615, which costs €3.80, takes about 40 minutes, and arrives at the Central Railway Station; more expensive but quicker is the bus service operated by Finnair.
By Train
There are several daily connections from Helsinki to all major cities within Finland. Train connections to other countries are restricted to Russia because of the different rail width between Finland and other neighboring countries. St. Petersburg (Russia) can be reached by daily train.
By Car
Driving to Helsinki from other European countries is a long trip, and you need to either drive around the Baltic sea, or drive through Russia. The other option is to get on one of the ferries to Helsinki or Hanko, or if you cross the sea from Sweden, one of the ferries to Turku.
By Bus
By Boat
Helsinki has well established boat connections to nearby capitals Stockholm (Sweden) and Tallinn (Estonia). Nearby Hanko is the arrival place of many of the ferries from eg. Germany and Poland among other countries.
Getting Around
By Car
By Public Transport
Helsinki has one metroline running from East to West under the city. For visitors this line can be ignored. Trams and city run across the city, making it a good way to get around town. Tramline 3T is a circular line, linking most of the sights in Helsinki.
By Foot
The city center is compact enough to explore by foot, because the city has plenty of parks it is very enjoyable to walk in this city.
By Boat
Some of the sights (like Suomenlinne and the Zoo) can be visited by boat. If you buy a ticket for public transport that last multiple days, trips by boat can be included in the ticket. Nearby Porvoo and Loviisacan also be visited by boat. The J.L. Runeberg travels between Helsinki and Porvoo several times a week.
By Bike
Helsinki has a free-bike plan. At some points in the city you can grab a bike, pedal around, and place the bike back at one off the other points. Although these bikes are available, it can be hard to find one.
Eat
Drink
Sleep
Budget
- Academica Summer Hostel(Hietaniemenkatu 14, FI-00100 Helsinki, Telephone +358 (0)9 1311 4334, hostel.academica@hyy.fi) is part of the HYY Group and nice summer hostel. It has an excellent location in the dorms of a downtown University. Remember to book ahead during the busy times of the year. There are single, doubles, tripples and quads avaible, a dorm bed is 23 € a night.
Mid-Range
Upscale
Work
Learn
References
- 1 Helsinki-Vantaa Destinations - http://www.helsinki-vantaa.fi/destinations
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