Click on the picture to see more photos.

 

Helsinki

Attractions and tours.The steps leading up to Helsinki Cathedral are one of the best places to get a sense of this city's unique atmosphere. Behind you is the majestic white cathedral and directly in front of you the historic Senate Square.Sit awhile and imagine how the scenery changes through the dramatically different seasons.
For a more immediate experience, walk down to the Market Square and enjoy a coffee and donut among all the stands selling seasonal berries, vegetables and fish. Sightseeing cruises depart from the waterfront.
Many of the most popular attractions in Helsinki are great destinations for outings. For example, at the island of Seurasaari you can visit the open-air museum, feed the squirrels and enjoy the nature as you follow the path around the perimeter. The historic wooden Karuna church is also well worth a visit.
Nestled behind Parliament House in the city centre, Temppeliaukio Church is a stunning achievement of modern architecture. Blasted out of the granite bedrock, it has a breathtaking copper roof that glitters and shines. The church is among the most popular tourist attractions in Helsinki, and the atmosphere inside is especially magical during the Christmas season..

Historic centreHistoric centre
Tori- kortte- lit
5. Sederholm House, the oldest stone building in the city centre dating back to 1757, presents "Children's Town", inviting visitors to discover the history of Helsinki through the experiences of children.
Aleksanterinkatu 16–18 Open: Tue–Fri 1pm–5pm, Sat–Sun 11am–5pm Free admission
6. MARKET SQUARE
Helsinki's iconic habourfront mar- ket sells traditional and seasonal foods, as well as handicrafts and souvenirs. Heated café tents allow you to sit in comfort and enjoy steaming hot coffee even on the coldest days in winter. Eteläsatama
Open: Mon–Fri 6:30am–6pm, Sat 6:30am–4pm, May–Septem- ber also Sun 10am–5pm
7. OLD MARKET HALL
Situated alongside the Market Square, the Old Market Hall will undergo a complete renovation in 2013 (1.2.13 >), during which time the stalls will be situated
in Hietalahti Market Hall (Lön- nrotinkatu 34). Open: Mon–Fri 8am–6pm, Sat 8am–4pm, summertime also Sun 10am–4pm
The status of Helsinki was raised to that of capital of the autono- mous Grand Duchy of Finland in 1812.
1. HELSINKI CATHEDRAL AND SENATE SQUARE Senate Square and its surround- ings form a unique and cohesive example of Neoclassical archi- tecture. The square is dominated by four buildings designed by Carl Ludwig Engel between 1822 and 1852: Helsinki Cathe- dral, the Government Palace, the main building of the University of Helsinki and the National Li- brary of Finland. Exhibitions and concerts are held in the Crypt of Helsinki Cathedral (Kirkkokatu 8), where in summertime Café Krypta is open Mon–Sat 11am– 5pm and Sun 12noon–5pm. The Cathedral Shop in the belfry sells souvenirs and is open Mon–Fri 10am–5pm, Sat 9am–5pm and Sun 12noon–6pm.
Helsinki Cathedral, Unioninkatu 29 Open: daily 9am–6pm, June– August 9am–12midnight (Closed during private ceremonies. Many weddings are held on Saturdays throughout the summer between 11:30am and 6pm.)
Free admission
2. CITY HALL
City Hall was designed by Carl Ludwig Engel and origi- nally built in 1833 as the Hotel Seurahuone. The ground floor originally housed commercial premises, there was a large ban- queting hall on the second floor, and the hotel offered 27 rooms. Seurahuone was the scene of many premieres: in 1852 the first Finnish opera debuted here, and in 1896 the Lumière broth- ers presented the first moving pictures in Finland. The building served as a hotel until 1913. The building was converted for use as city hall after major renova- tions in the 1920s.
Virka Info & Galleria
is a public information and ex- hibition centre inside City Hall. Services include public comput- ers and a wireless network. Pohjoisesplanadi 11-13
Open: Mon–Fri 9am–7pm, Sat–Sun 10am–4pm Free admission
3. TORI QUARTER
The Tori Quarter between the Market Square and Senate Square dates back originally to the 1700s. Carl Ludwig Engel later updated the buildings in the Empire style to fit in with the Senate Square. Until the early years of the 1900s the Tori Quarter was the centre of com- merce and social life in Helsinki. Today the quarter is once again being revitalised as an active centre of urban culture in the form of numerous events, design boutiques, restaurants and cafés. Helsinki City Museum can also be found in the Tori Quarter. Between the Market Square and Senate Square
4. HELSINKI CITY MUSEUM
The exhibition "Design in Helsinki Films" runs until 13 January 2013 and presents gems of design and architec- ture in Helsinki through classic Finnish films. A new exhibition on the history of Helsinki opens in June. The Kino Engel cinema shows daily films about Helsinki in Finnish and Swedish, as well as in English during the summer. Sofiankatu 4,
tel. +358 (0)9 3103 6630 Open until 13 January 2013 and from June onwards: Mon–Fri 9am–5pm, Thu 9am–7pm, Sat–Sun 11am–5pm Free admission

8. ESPLANADE PARK
The Esplanade has been the main promenade for residents and visitors alike for the past 200 years, and people still flock to the park in summertime to sit on the lawns and terraces. The statue of Johan Ludvig Runeberg, the national poet of Finland, was unveiled in 1885. Free concerts are held through- out the summer on Espa Stage.
9. HAVIS AMANDA
Designed by Ville Vallgren and built in Paris in 1906, this famous bronze fountain was erected beside the Market Square in 1908. According to Vallgren, the figure of the maiden rising out of the Baltic Sea symbolises Helsinki and its birth. Each year on the evening before May Day, students gather at the fountain to celebrate and place a cap on the statue. Between the Market Square and Esplanade Park
10. PRESIDENTIAL PALACE
Originally designed by Pehr Granstedt and completed in 1820, the building was later adapted for use by the Tsar by C. L. Engel. Since Finland's independence the building served as the official residence of the President and for hosting presidential functions. Today the official residence of the President is Mäntyniemi in the Meilahti district. The Presidential Palace is closed to the public
in 2013 due to renovation. The Office of the President will be situated during the renovation at Aleksanterinkatu 14. Pohjoisesplanadi 1
11. USPENSKI CATHEDRAL
Completed in 1868 in the Katajanokka district of Helsinki, Uspenski Cathedral is the larg- est Orthodox church edifice in Western Europe. Designed by the Russian architect Aleksei M. Gornostajev, the cathedral is framed by a park. The redbrick edifice combines Eastern and Western influences: the facade represents classic Slavic tradi- tions, while the interior reflects both Byzantine traditions and the influence of Italian art. Kanavakatu 1
Open: Mon closed, Tue–Fri 9:30am–4pm, Sat 9:30am–2pm, Sun 12noon–3pm (on holidays and preceding evenings open only during services) Free admission

 

City centre and Kamppi

1. CENTRAL RAILWAY STATION
Designed by legendary Finnish architect Eliel Saarinen, Helsinki's Central Railway Station is one of the most famous buildings in Fin- land and a landmark in Helsinki. The granite monument represents late Jugend architecture, and
the main entrance is flanked by giant torchbearers designed by Emil Wikström. The station was inaugurated in 1919.
The Tourist Information and Helsinki Expert offices inside the station are open year round Mon–Fri 10am–4:30pm and Sat 10am-4pm (summertime Mon–Fri 9am–6pm, Sat–Sun 9am–5pm). Asema-aukio – Kaivokatu 1 Main Hall open daily 5am to 2am (locker room open 5:20am–11pm)
2. ATENEUM ART MUSEUM
Ateneum is the National Gallery of Finland and is celebrating its 125th anniversary in 2013. The collections include Finnish art from the 1750s to the 1960s and western art from the latter half of the 1800s to the 1950s, including many national treas- ures. Exhibitions in 2013 include "52 Souls – Symbolist Land- scape 1880-1910", "Treasures of the Palace", "Eero Järnefelt 150 Years" and "Tuusula Artist Community".
Kaivokatu 2 Open: Tue, Fri 10am–6pm, Wed–Thu 10am–8pm, Sat–Sun 11am–5pm Admission: adults €12/10, visitors under 18 free of charge
3. MUSEUM OF CONTEMPO- RARY ART KIASMA Opened in 1998, Kiasma presents three major new exhibi- tions a year alongside numerous smaller projects. The programme includes exhibitions of Finn-
ish and international art and thematic group exhibitions. The intriguing building was designed by Steven Holl and uses natural light that filters in through the glass surfaces. Mannerheiminaukio 2
tel. +358 (0)9 1733 6501 Open: Tue 10am–5pm, Wed–Thu 10am-8:30pm, Fri 10am–10pm, Sat 10am–6pm, Sun 10am–5pm Admission: adults €10/8, visitors under 18 free of charge. Free admission on the first Friday of each month 5pm–10pm.

4. KAISANIEMI BOTANIC GARDEN Founded in 1829, the University of Helsinki's botanic garden and its fabulous greenhouses can be admired year round. The garden is situated next to Kaisaniemi Park, which hosts a variety of events.
Unioninkatu 44 Greenhouses open: Tue, Wed & Fri 9am–4pm, Thu 9am–6pm, Sat–Sun 10am–4pm. Garden gates open daily 9am–8pm Admission: adults €6, children and discount groups €3. Free admission to outside garden.
Arto Wiikari
5. HELSINKI MUSIC CENTRE
A first-class concert venue and meeting point, Helsinki Music Centre also has a café, restaurant, shop and the Sibelius Academy Library for visitors
to enjoy. The sculpture "Gaia" (2011) by Kirsi Kaulanen adorns the Main Lobby, while the sculpture "Laulupuut" (2012) by Reijo Hukkanen can be admired outside. Helsinki Music Centre is home to the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, Radio Symphony Orchestra and Sibel- ius Academy.
Mannerheimintie 13 a Concert tickets: €3 (rehearsals) to €140 Open: weekdays 8am–10pm, weekends 9am–10pm Free admission
6. HELSINKI GENERAL POST OFFICE AND LIBRARY 10 The General Post Office also houses the post office shop and a modern music library, Library 10. Elielinaukio 2 F (opposite Central Railway Station)
Open: Mon–Fri 8am–8pm, Sat–Sun 10am–2pm Free admission
Local specialties!
Tram rides
The best way to get from one attraction to the next is by tram. Routes 3B and 8 are especially scenic: 3B circles between the prestig- ious district of Eira and the bohemian distrit of Kallio, while 8 operates between the Arabia design district and the contemporary Ruoholahti district, passing by Linnanmäki Amusement Park, Töölönlahti Bay and the Olympic Stadium on the way.
Schedules and routes: www.hsl.fi

7. SANOMATALO
Situated at one end of Finlandia Park next to Helsinki Music Centre and the Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma, Sanomatalo houses the editorial offices of the daily newspapers Helsingin Sanomat, Ilta-Sanomat and Taloussanomat. The glass building was designed by Jan Söderlund and Antti-Matti Siikala. Cafés, restaurants and shops are located on the first and second floors. The atrium
is often used for events and exhibitions. Töölönlahdenkatu 2 Open: Mon–Fri 7am–10pm, weekends and public holidays 9am–10pm
Free admission
Mika Huisman
8. LASIPALATSI
The "Glass Palace" is an icon of modern Functionalist architecture designed by three architects: Viljo Revell, Heimo Riihimäki and Niilo Kokko. Com- pleted in the 1930s, Lasipalatsi today houses restaurants, cafés and shops. Public computers can be found throughout the build- ing and used for free, and there is also a free wireless network. Mannerheimintie 22–24
Esko Jämsä
9. KAMPPI CHAPEL OF SILENCE A fine example of Finnish wooden architecture, this futuristic chapel is a place for quiet meditation amidst the hustle and bustle of the city centre. Completed in May 2012, the chapel was designed by the architecture firm K2S Oy. Simonkatu 7, Narinkkatori Open: daily 7am–8pm, weekends and public holidays 10am–6pm.
Free admission
10. KAMPPI CENTRE AND NARINKKATORI SQUARE This shopping and travel centre houses over 120 shops, 30 restaurants, a gym, a dance school, a bowling hall and two underground bus terminals and a metro station. The adjacent Narinkkatori Square hosts a variety of events.
Urho Kekkosen katu 1 Shops open: Mon–Fri 9am–9pm, Sat 9am–6pm, Sun 12noon–6pm

11. LAITURI – CITY PLAN- NING DEPARTMENT'S INFOR- MATION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE Topical exhibitions, public events and information services provide visitors of all ages with informa- tion about how Helsinki is developing and its architecture. Narinkka 2 Open: Tue–Fri 10am–6pm, Sat 12noon–4pm, Free admission
12. TENNISPALATSI
A Functionalist building that was completed in 1937, the "Tennis Palace" allows visitors to enjoy movies and the arts, as well as cafés and restaurants, all under the same roof. Finnkino oper- ates a 14-screen cinema on the premises (see page 46). Tennis Palace Art Museum presents several international exhibitions each year.
Salomonkatu 15 Shops and ticket desks open: Mon–Fri 10am–9pm, Sat–Sun 10am–11pm Cinema tickets: adults €6–14.50 Museum tickets: €10/8, visitors under 18 free of charge (free admission on the first Friday of each month)
13. NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM The museum presents four permanent exhibitions: Finnish Nature, World Nature, History of Life, and Story of the Bones. Visitors can dive beneath the surface of the Baltic Sea and marvel at the collection of bones and magnificent dinosaurs. There is also a fascinating new exhibition on the secret world
of bats.
Pohjoinen Rautatiekatu 13 Open: Tue–Wed and Fri 9am–4pm, Thu 9am–6pm, Sat–Sun 10am–4pm Admission: adults €6, children and discount groups €3, free ad- mission on Thursdays 4pm–6pm
14. KUNSTHALLE HELSINKI
Designed by Jarl Eklund (1876– 1962) and Hilding Ekelund (1893–1984), Kunsthalle has ex- hibited contemporary art, design and architecture since 1928. Each year Kunsthalle hosts 8 to 10 major exhibitions, as well as a similar number of studio shows, events, concerts and a cross- disciplinary programme. Nervanderinkatu 3
Open: Tue, Thu, Fri 11am–6pm, Wed 11am–8pm, Sat–Sun 11am–5pm Admission: €12/8, visitors under 18 free of charge
15. PARLIAMENT HOUSE
Finland's 200-seat parliament gathers in this impressive build- ing representing 1920s Classi- cism. Sessions of the parliament can be observed by the public on Tuesdays to Fridays. Mannerheimintie 30
Guided tours in English, Finnish and Swedish: Sat 11am and 12:30pm (except in July–Au- gust), July–August Mon–Fri at 11am (Finnish, Swedish) and 1pm (English).
Free admission
The Parliament extension
houses the offices of parliamen- tarians, an info desk and the Café Pikku Parlamentti. Arkadiankatu 3
Info open: Mon–Tue 10am–4:15pm, Wed 10am–6pm, Thu–Fri 10am–4:15pm Free admission

Töölönlahti

The park around Töölönlahti Bay begins in the heart of Helsinki. A popular walking path circles the bay. The wooden villas of the Linnunlaulu ("Birdsong") district are an evocative reminder of Helsinki's building heritage,
and the summer café at Sininen Huvila (the "Blue Villa") offers a beautiful view over the bay. Finlandia Park is a new oasis
for culture and city events that is being developed along the southern shoreline.
1. FINLANDIA HALL
This famous concert and meeting hall was designed by legendary Finnish architect Alvar Aalto. Guided tours are available and take around one hour, and you can visit the photography exhibitions in Galleria & Café Veranda. Mannerheimintie 13 e Open: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm (service desk), Café Veranda & Galleria Veranda: weekdays 9am-5pm. Free admission. Guided tours in English: adults €11.50, students, pensioners and children (under 16) €9.50
2. HAKASALMI VILLA
Part of Helsinki City Museum, Hakasalmi Villa presents the exhibition "Made in Helsinki 1700-2012", showcasing the roots of Helsinki design. Mannerheimintie 13d
Open: until 1 September 2013, Wed–Sun 11am–5pm, Thu 11am–7pm. Free admission
3. NATIONAL MUSEUM OF FINLAND The museum's main exhibi- tions present Finnish life from prehistoric times to the present. The magnificent Jugend build- ing was designed by legendary architect trio Gesellius-Lindgren- Saarinen and was completed in 1910. The workshop VINTTI is an interactive exhibition espe- cially for children that is open 12noon-4pm.
Mannerheimintie 34 Open: Tue–Sun 11am–6pm Admission: adults €8/6, visitors under 18 free of charge, free admission on Fridays 4pm–6pm
4. FINNISH NATIONAL OPERA
Completed in 1993, the opera house has hosted scores of opera and ballet performances. The building was designed by the architectural firm Hyvämäki- Karhunen-Parkkinen. Guided tours are offered in Finnish between August and May on the first Wednesday of each month at 2:30pm and take approxi- mately one hour.
Helsinginkatu 58 Guided tours: adults €8, students and children €5 Opera tickets: €14–107
5. WINTER GARDEN
The Winter Garden has been a recreational meeting place for the residents of Helsinki for over a century. This refined oasis invites visitors to enjoy over 200 plant species throughout the year. Guided tours are available upon request in advance. Hammarskjöldintie 1
Open: Tue 9am–3pm, Wed–Fri 12noon–3pm, Sat–Sun 12noon–4pm. Free admission
6. OLYMPIC STADIUM
The Olympic Stadium is one of the most famous landmarks in Helsinki, and it has been described as one of the most beautiful stadiums in the world. It has been the arena of great sporting and musical events since 1938. The Games of the XV Olympiad were held here in 1952. The stadium tower is 72 metres high and offers a spectacular view over Helsinki. The stadium design was the result of an architectural competition won by Yrjö Lindegren and Toivo Jäntti with their aesthetically pure Functionalist design. The stadium also houses a hostel, the Sports Museum and Olympia Bistro. Olympic Stadium, Paavo Nurmentie Tower open: Mon–Fri 9am–9pm, Sat–Sun 9am–6pm, closed during stadium events Admission: adults €5, children (ages 6–17) €2, family ticket (2 adults + 1–3 children) €12. Students, pensioners and con- scripts €3 €2 discount to the Sports Museum when you show your ticket to the Tower. Children free of charge. Adult admission to the Tower is €3 when you show your ticket to the Sports Museum.

Come visit the most exciting part of town!
Summer just wouldn't be the same without an unforgettable day at Linnanmäki. Experience the widest selection of rides in Scandinavia and eat out at our fancy restaurants and convenient kiosks. Free admission to the amusement park – now and forever! Welcome!
www.linnanmaki.fi

Töölo
1. TEMPPELIAUKIO CHURCH
Quarried out of the natural bed- rock, Temppeliaukio Church was designed by Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen and completed
in 1969. Today it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Helsinki, as well as a popular venue for concerts. Lutherinkatu 3
Open summertime (1.6–30.9): Mon–Sat 10am–5:45pm, Sun 11:45am–5:45pm Open wintertime (1.10–31.5): Mon–Sat 10am–5pm,
Sun 11:45am–5pm Closed during religious services Free admission
Helsinki City Museum
2. KORJAAMO CULTURE FACTORY Situated in a converted tram depot, Korjaamo is one of the largest cultural centres in Northern Europe. It offers a complete programme of music, theatre, exhibitions, markets and other events. In summertime
the action overflows into the courtyard, with acoustic jam sessions and DJs spinning the music into the night. Korjaamo also has its own bar, restaurant and café, as well as a gallery where you can borrow works of art, a design pop-up shop and a bookshop. Families with children will also enjoy visiting the Tram Museum.
Töölönkatu 51 a–b Café open daily 11am–5pm Free admission
3. SIBELIUS MONUMENT
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Helsinki, the Sibelius Monument can be found in Sibelius Park in the Taka-Töölö district. Unveiled in 1967, Sibelius Monument was designed by Eila Hiltunen to allow visitors to interact with the design and create sounds and echoes in the pipes. Mechelininkatu 38
A stone's throw from the Sibe- lius Monument is Café Regatta (Merikannontie 10), where you can enjoy delicious cinnamon buns in an idyllic setting. In the yard you can even grill sausages while admiring the view to the sea. Open year round (weather permitting).

Magnificent flowers at the Winter Garden
Opening hours: Tue 9am-3pm, Wed-Fri 12noon-3pm, Sat- Sun 12noon-4pm. Closed Mondays, Christmas Eve and Day, and Midsummer's Eve and Day. Free admission. Wheelchair access. Location: Hammarskjöldintie 1 www.hkr.hel.fi/viher/english

Kaivopuisto
Situated on the southern tip of Helsinki, Kaivopuisto is one of the oldest and most popular parks in the city. The proximity of the sea, rock cliffs and green lawns offer many opportunities to relax and enjoy the outdoors. At the highest point of the park is the Ursa Observatory. Along the shore and on the nearby islands you can find many cafés and summer restaurants. Along the shoreline to the west is the prestigious district of Eira, which has many fine examples of Ju- gend and Classical architecture. Between Kaivopuisto and the city centre, the park atop Observatory Hill (Tähtitornin- vuori) was designed by Svante Olsson and completed in 1904. The park is considered to be one of the most important his- torical city parks in Finland. The impressive Helsinki University Observatory (Kopernikuksentie) was designed by C.L. Engel and completed in 1834. The obser- vatory underwent a complete renovation in 2012 and now houses a visitors' centre where you can learn more about space and astronomy. There is also a planetarium and café.
It is easy to get to Kaivopuisto on foot or by tram (3B or 3T).

Kallio
The former working-class district of Kallio is one of the most characterful parts of Helsinki. Favoured these days by artists and students, the district's bohe- mian bars and trendy boutiques attract visitors with a sense of adventure.
Pitkäsiltä, the "Long Bridge", connects the Kallio and Kai- saniemi districts – it was once said that the bridge separated the working classes from the bourgeoisie. Two-storey wooden houses and neighbourhoods originally characterised the neighbourhood until stone apart- ment buildings began to appear in the early 20th century along
Up with Kallio
with industry and settlers from the countryside. Subsequently, Kallio developed into a working class district.
Kallio has retained its own unique identity. The densely populated district offers lots of services – nearly every building has shops on the ground floor. The district is also famous for its bohemian local bars and sharp contrasts. The image of Kallio has since been immortalised in the films of world-famous Finn- ish film director Aki Kaurismäki. The adjacent district of Alppila is a colourful neighbourhood of wooden buildings and home to Linnanmäki Amusement Park,
the Worker Housing Museum and the Kulttuuritalo "House of Culture". The new home of contemporary food culture in Helsinki, the Abattoir, can also be found nearby (see page 62).
The local network Up with Kallio invites visitors to discover the neighbourhood's unique boutiques and restaurants. See the map, blog and descriptions online at www.upwithkallio.fi.
You can also explore Kallio with the help of our brochure See Helsinki on Foot, which is available from Tourist Informa- tion or from our website www.visithelsinki.fi.

Old Town and Arabia
Helsinki was originally estab- lished at the mouth of the Van- taanjoki river in 1550 by King Gustav Vasa of Sweden, who wanted the town to compete with Tallinn. Due to the shallow water in the bay, the town was moved to its current location further down the peninsula in the 1640s.
Today the "Old Town" area is a modern centre for sciences and the arts, as well as a waterfront residential district that can be easily reached by Tram 6 or 8.
The area is home to the 130-year-old Arabia porcelain factory, museum and gallery, as well as factory outlets. Works of art throughout the area describe history, nature and the unique Finnish design heritage. The inspiration of artists, designers and craftsmen can be seen in the buildings and in the spirited sense of community.
You can pick up a special brochure about the Arabianranta district from Tourist Information or by going online to www.arabiahelsinki.fi.
1. ARABIA FACTORY, MUSE- UM, GALLERY AND FACTORY OUTLET The Arabia brand is a pioneer in Scandinavian design charac- terised by stylish simplicity and practicality. Arabia's roots go back to 1873, when the Swedish company Rörstrand established a porcelain factory on the site and named after the local area. Today Arabia belongs to Fiskars, the oldest industrial company in Finland. A factory tour is a great way to discover the fascinat-
ing history of Finnish porcelain industry. In addition to Arabia's own factory outlet, you can also visit those of Iittala, Finlayson, Opa and Pentik on the same premises.
Hämeentie 135, 9th floor Museum open: Wed–Fri 12noon–6pm, Sat-Sun 10am–4pm Admission: adults €4, children (under 12), pensioners and students €2 Factory tours:
Bookings tel. +358 (0)204 39 5326 or e-mail arabia.visitors@fiskars.com Shops open: Mon–Fri 10am–8pm, Sat–Sun 10am–4pm
2. MUSEUM OF TECHNOLOGY
The Museum of Technology relates the history of technology and industrialisation in Finland. The collections tell the story of Finland's development from an agricultural society to a high-tech country. Situated next to the Old Town Rapids, the Museum of Technology is the only national public museum specialised in technology. Viikintie 1 Open Tue–Fri 9am-5pm, Sat–Sun 11am–5pm (5.6-31.8. Tue-Sun 11-17) Admission: adults €6/2–5, children (7–17) €1 www.tekniikanmuseo.fi

3. KUMPULA BOTANIC GARDEN Situated on the historical lands of Kumpula Manor, Kumpula Botanic Garden comprises two parts: a garden of cultivated plants and a geobotanical garden. Travel around the world in one hour.
Jyrängöntie 2 Open: 1.5–30.9. daily 11am–6pm, closed in winter Admission: adults €4, children and discount groups €2
4. ANNALA
Annala is a gardening and recreational area with various cultivated plots and theme gar- dens, such as a kitchen garden, a pharmacist's garden, dyeing plants and a butterfly garden. Annala also has one of the old- est orangeries in Finland.
5. VANHANKAUPUNGIN- LAHTI AND LAMMASSAARI Over three hundred bird species have been identified at the nature reserve around Vanhankaupunginlahti ("Old Town Bay") and Lammassaari Island. Visitors can hike along wooden causeways and climb up the bird watching towers for a better view. Lammassaari is in the middle of the bay and has small summer cottages.
6. KOSKENRANTA
Next to the rapids you will find the Restaurant Koskenranta. Katariina Saksilaisen katu 9 Open: Mon–Fri 11am–3pm and by reservation

Sightseeing tours and Rami Hanafi excursions
Helsinki is a pocket-sized me- tropolis that is easy to explore on foot. You can get even more out of the city by taking a sightseeing bus ride or cruise (see page 37) or with a guided walking tour. Another great way the Kamppi Chapel of Silence, of seeing the city is by jumping
BY YOURSELF Tram 3T offers a simple and af- fordable way to explore Helsinki. The route passes many interesting sights, such as the Market Square, Senate Square, Railway Square,
on a tram.
Temppeliaukio Church, the Olympic Stadium, the Finnish National Op- era, Linnanmäki Amusement Park, Hakaniemi and the Design District. You can pick up the "Sightseeing on 3T/3B" brochure from Helsinki Region Transport ticket desks or Tourist Information. The brochure includes descriptions of the sights along the route You can board the tram from any stop along the way. Each loop takes approximately one hour. For more information about public transport tickets and prices, see page 97.

HOW TO GET THERE?
Buses and other forms of public transport (tram numbers in bold)
Ateneum Art Museum Finlandia Hall Hakasalmi Villa Hartwall Arena Hietaranta Beach Kaapelitehdas Kaivopuisto
National Museum Botanic Gardens Market Square Helsinki City Museum Kiasma
Helsinki Zoo Linnanmäki Messukeskus Olympic Stadium National Opera Tram Museum Rastila Camping Senate Square Seurasaari Sibelius Park Suomenlinna Kekkonen Museum Tuomarinkylä Museum
3T, 3B, 6, 9, 18, 55, 55A, 65A, 66A 4, 4T, 7A, 7B, 10, 42 4, 4T, 7A, 7B, 10, 42 22, 23/23N, 57, 59, 69, local trains to Pasila 24, 55A
8, 20, 20N, 21V, 65A, 66A 1A, 3B, 3T, 14 4, 4T, 7A, 7B, 10, 42 3B, 6, 9
1, 1A, 3T 1, 1A, 3T, 4, 4T, 7A, 7B 4, 4T, 7A, 7B, 10 16 3B, 8, 23, 23N, 53, 70T, 503 7A, 7B, 9 3T, 4, 4T, 7A, 7B, 8, 10, 20N, 40, 42, 43, 53, 63, 69, 70T, 503 3T, 4, 4T, 7A, 7B, 8, 10, 70T 3T, 4, 4T, 7A, 7B, 10, 53, 503 metro, 90A, 90N, 96, 96N, 98, 98A 1, 1A, 3T, 4, 4T, 7A, 7B 24 24 ferry 24 64

Sightseeing tours and excursions

GUIDED WALKING TOURS
Helsinki Expert offers design walking tours and Archtours architecture tours. Helsinki Expert
tel. +358 (0)9 2288 1600 www.helsinkiexpert.com Archtours tel. +358 (0)10 2350 560 www.archtours.fi
The brochure See Helsinki on Foot is also available from Tour- ist Information. The brochure makes it easy to explore the city along five well-marked routes highlighting Helsinki's architecture, design, museums and shops.
Languages: English, Finnish, Swedish and Russian Online version: www.visithelsinki.fi
SIGHTSEEING TOURS BY BUS
Sightseeing tours are offered daily all year round and depart from Esplanade Park (Fabi- aninkatu), the Olympic Terminal and Katajanokka Terminal. Helsinki Panorama Sightsee- ing Audio Tour introduces
you to Helsinki's main sights in 12 languages. Each tour is accompanied by a hostess. In summertime guided sightsee- ing tours are also offered in English and Swedish.
Prices: adults €29, children (7–16) €15 and children (2–6) €11. The Helsinki Panorama Sightseeing Audio Tour is free of charge with the adult Helsinki Card.
Purchase your tickets from the point of departure or from Helsinki Expert's sales points at the Central Railway Station and Pohjoisesplanadi 19 Helsinki Expert, tel. +358 (0)9 2288 1600 www.helsinkiexpert.com
Hop-on Hop-off bus tours Open Top Tours Helsinki offers hop-on hop-off sightseeing tours with its fleet of five mod- ern double-decker buses. The routes let you enjoy the most interesting sights in Helsinki according to your own schedule. There are two routes to choose from with 15 stops along the way. The buses operate every half hour. You can get on and get off as many times as you want within 24 hours. Com- mentaries are provided in eight languages through individual headsets.
Departures from Senate Square daily 2.5–29.9 Strömma tel. +358 (0)9 2288 1600 www.stromma.fi
City Tour offers two hop-on hop-off routes. The Blue Tour reveals the Spirit of Helsinki, while the Red Tour presents Imperial Helsinki.
Season: May-September every half hour Duration: approx. 1 h/tour City Tour
tel. +358 (0)207 118 338 www.citytour.fi
TRY ALSO THESE ALTERNATIVES The Kulttuuriratikka "Culture Tram" operates along a special route (Number 5) from Töölö to Kallio via the Central Railway Station. You can board the tram at any stop along the way for the price of a regular tram ticket. The tram presents new cultural experiences each week produced by Korjaamo Culture Factory in co-operation with Helsinki Region Transport and Helsinki City Transport. www.hsl.fi and www.korjaamo.fi
Stadin Ratikat offers vintage tram tours in summertime departing from the Market Square. The vintage tram and open trailer from 1919 operates on weekends from mid-May to the end of August. www.stadinratikat.fi
Helsinki City Ride offers a wide range of guided tours in English and French, as well as regularly scheduled guided bike tours. Tours depart throughout the summer from in front of Tourist Information. www.helsinkicityride.com
Helsinki Running Tours offers running tours of Helsinki in summertime. See page 81. www.helsinkirunningtours.fi
Outdoor Helsinki and Natura Viva offer nature hikes in and around Helsinki. www.outdoorhelsinki.fi www.naturaviva.fi

Design & Architecture You can easily spend hours stroll- ing around Helsinki's Design District. The streets are lined with intriguing boutiques, each offering something dif- ferent to impress you: antiques and art, interiors and design, clothing and jewel- lery, and so much more. The heart of the Design District is Dianapuisto Park, next to which you will find Design Forum Fin- land presenting contemporary Finnish design in its exhibitions and shop.
After exploring the Design District, you should hop on a tram and head for Arabianranta, a district where design and architecture can be admired eve- rywhere you look. Pieces of Moomin mugs can be seen adorning the wall of an apartment building. A mother pushes a stroller while wearing stylish turquoise Hai boots, and children play tag on a giant oriental carpet made of ceramic tiles. The unmistakable patterns of Marimekko curtains can be seen in the windows.
On a walking tour you can learn more about the contemporary architecture and the countless works of art on the walls, entrance ways and courtyards
of the buildings. Guided tours are also available of the Arabia Factory, the liv- ing heart of the district.
In addition to Arabianranta and the Design District, Helsinki offers many other design and architecture attrac- tions. After serving as World Design Capital in 2012, the city is simply buzz- ing. So head out for a walk and keep your eyes open – pop into the local boutiques, take a peek into the charm- ing courtyards, peer up at the rooftops and take a ride on the metro. Design is an integral part of everyday life here in Helsinki!

Design, Helsinki, World Design Capital 2012, and is the perfect city for both design shopping and dis- covering Finland's unique design culture. Minimalistic, functional and clean Finnish design has enjoyed an enviable international reputation for decades. The most famous names in Finnish design include Eero Aarnio, Kaj Franck, Timo Sarpaneva, Nanny Still and Tapio Wirkkala. In the fashion industry, Tiia Vanhatapio, Paola Suhonen, Teemu Muurimäki, Katri Niskanen, Aki Chocklat and Minna Parikka have followed in the footsteps of design icon Ma- rimekko and wowed audiences the world over.

DESIGN DISTRICT
Fans of design must visit the Design District. The area is home to around 200 designer shops, interior decorating stu- dios, antique dealers, clothing and jewellery boutiques, galler- ies, museums and restaurants. The symbolic centre of the district is Dianapuisto Park. From here the Design District stretches into the districts of Kaartinkaupunki, Kamppi, Puna- vuori and Ullanlinna. Members of the Design District network can be identified by the "Design District Helsinki" sticker. The Design District is also home to the Design Museum (Korkea- vuorenkatu 23), which presents exhibitions on the history of Finnish design and current trends.
www.designdistrict.fi and www.designmuseum.fi
A map of the Design District is available from Tourist Informa- tion or from Design District lo- cations. An easy way to discover the Design District is to take the Helsinki Design Walk, a two-hour guided tour in English of the top sights. Helsinki Expert tel. +358 (0)9 2288 1600 www.helsinkiexpert.com
DESIGN FORUM FINLAND
Design Forum Finland is situated in the heart of the Design Dis- trict alongside Dianapuisto Park. The Design Forum Shop offers a wide range of products by Finn- ish designers, from clothing to interior design and gifts. Design Forum Finland is the promotion organisation of Finnish design. It is maintained by the Finnish Society of Crafts and Design, which was founded in 1875. Erottajankatu 7
Open: Mon–Fri 10am–7pm, Sat 10am–6pm Free admission
Tip! Our brochure See Helsinki on Foot also includes a design route. The brochure is available from Tourist Information or on- line from www.visithelsinki.fi.
OTHER DESIGN NEIGHBOURHOODS Other design neighbourhoods can be found in the Tori Quarter (see page 8), Arabia (see page 20) and Kallio (see page 19). www.torikorttelit.fi www.arabiahelsinki.fi www.upwithkallio.fi

DESIGN HELSINKI TOP 10
1. Design Forum Finland 2. Design District & Helsinki
Design Walk 3. Design Museum & Museum
of Finnish Architecture 4. Arabia Factory and Factory
Outlets, see page 20 5. Design events: Helsinki Design Week, Habitare, Ornamo Christmas Fair,
see page 50 6. Handicrafts: Suomenlinna
artisans, Old Student House Christmas Market, St.Thomas Christmas Market, Tori Quarter and Craft Corner (Aleksanterinkatu 26)
7. Design hotels: Klaus K, GLO, Haven, Fabian, Torni, Helka, Plaza
8. Food Sightseeing's Helsinki Food Tour,
www.foodsightseeing.fi 9. Design shops in Kallio,
see page 19 10. The Abattoir, see page 6

ArchitectureThe architecture in Helsinki is typified by Nordic modesty and refinement. The city centre, especially around the Senate Square, is a unique and cohesive example of Neoclassical archi- tecture.
The buildings at the Suomen- linna Maritime Fortress interweave three unique periods – the Swedish, Russian and Finnish – into a fascinating entity.
The Byzantine-Russian archi- tectural tradition is represented by Alexander M. Gornostajev's Uspenski Cathedral (1868), the largest orthodox church edifice in Western Europe. The city centre features many buildings that typify a specific style of architecture, such as Gustaf Nyström's House of the Estates (1890). The Neo-Renaissance work of Theodor Höijer can be admired along the north side of the Esplanade, as well as in the Ateneum Art Museum (1883).
Art Nouveau or Jugend architecture was interpreted in Finland according to its own form of National Romanticism. Some of the finest examples include Lars Sonck's Jugendsali Hall (1904) and the National Museum (1910) by famous architect trio Gesellius-Lind- gren-Saarinen. Late-Jugend is represented by Eliel Saarinen's Central Railway Station (1914). Nordic Classicism of the 1920s is represented by J. S. Siren's Parliament House (1931).
Wooden architecture can be admired in the Käpylä, Puu- Vallila and Etu-Töölö districts. The architecture of the Käpylä district represents 1920s Clas- sicism. The newest examples of wooden architecture are the
Kamppi Chapel of Silence and the Kulttuurisauna "Culture Sauna", both of which were completed in 2012.
Bold examples of Functional- ism include the Olympic Stadium (1938) and the Lasipalatsi "Glass Palace" (1935).
The works of world-famous Finnish architect Alvar Aalto represent Modernism at its fin- est. These include the Academic Bookstore (1969) and Finlandia Hall (1971/1975). One of the most popular tourist destinations in Helsinki is the Temppeliaukio "Rock" Church (1969), designed by Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen as part of the natural bedrock.
The Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma (1998) designed by American architect Steven Holl represents the best of contemporary architecture. Minimalist glass and steel design is represented by the Sanomatalo (1999) and the High Tech Centre (2001) in Ruoholahti. Helsinki Music Centre opened next to Fin- landia Hall in autumn 2011 and was designed by LPR-arkkite- htitoimisto. The Main Library of the University of Helsinki, Kaisa House, was completed in 2012 and represents glass architecture. Kaisa House was designed by Anttinen Oiva Arkkitehdit Oy.
ARCHITECTURE TOURS
Archtours organises special tours focusing on architecture, the environment and design. "Inside Helsinki" is a regularly scheduled tour in English that presents in summertime most impressive public interiors with architecture capable of revoking the most splendid history of the capital. Archtours
tel. +358 (0)10 2350 560 www.archtours.com
An Architecture Map can be purchased from Tourist Informa- tion. You can also discover the architecture of Helsinki con- veniently with our brochure See Helsinki on Foot. Ask about our Jugend Helsinki brochure too!

¡Local specialties!
Design Museum and Museum of Finnish Architecture The best places to discover Finnish design and architecture from yesteryear and today. The museums are conveniently located back-to-back to each other. designmuseum.fi, mfa.fi
Café Aalto and Artek
Take a break surrounded by the aura of legendary Finnish architect Alvar Aalto. Order a coffee and pastry while browsing through a book. The café's brass lamps and other furniture designed by Aalto can be found just across the street in the Artek shop. cafeaalto.fi, artek.fi
Kamppi Chapel of Silence and Salakauppa Designed by Finnish architect Mikko Summanen, the Kamppi Chapel of Silence is an impressive new landmark in Helsinki. The chapel offers passersby a beautiful place in which to rest body and soul amidst the hullabaloo of
the city centre. Your batteries re- charged, you can then head to the Salakauppa shop for some unique Finnish souvenirs, such as modern felt slippers or a birch-bark bag. Kamppi Chapel of Silence, Narinkkatori
salakauppa.fi, www.evl.fi

 

ARCHITECTURE IN HELSINKI TOP 10

1. Buildings designed by Alvar Aalto:
- Finlandia Hall, Mannerheimintie 13, 1962-1971 - Academic Bookstore, Pohjoisesplanadi 39, 1961-86 - House of Culture, Sturenkatu 4, 1952-1958 - Stora Enso Oyj (former Enso Gutzeit) headquarters,
Kanavakatu 1, 1959-1962 - The Aalto House, Riihitie 20, 1934-1936 - Studio Alvar Aalto, Tiilimäki 20, 1954-55, 1962-63 - Restaurant Savoy, interior, Eteläesplanadi 14, 1936-37 - Erottaja pavillion, Erottaja 1951 - Finnish Engineers' Association Building, Ratakatu 9,1948-53 - Rautatalo Office Building, Keskuskatu 3, 1951, 1955, 1957 - Sähkötalo Office Building, Kampinkuja 1965-1975 - The Social Insurance Institution, Nordenskiöldinkatu 12,
1953-1957 - Former Union Bank, Fabianinkatu 31, 1960-1965 - Residential Buildings, Riihitie 12-14,1952-1954
2. Temppeliaukio Church 3. Senate Square & Tori Quarter 4. Katajanokka district 5. Ullanlinna and Eira districts 6. Central Railway Station 7. Olympic Stadium & Lasipalatsi 8. Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma 9. Kamppi Chapel of Silence

 

Maritime attractions Helsinki is a city by the sea. As you walk along the shorefront the wind ruffles your hair while the waves cre- ate a beat for your footsteps. Seagulls circle above and keep a sharp lookout for ice cream cones and other human treats. Cargo ships, cruise vessels and sailing boats float by on the horizon.
One of the finest places to admire the sea is Suomenlinna. The majestic and romantic granite rocks on the southern tip are ideal for a peaceful
sit-down. If you are fortunate to visit the islands in early summer, you can enjoy not only the historic fortifica- tions but also the blossoming lilac bushes, which give off an intoxicating scent everywhere you walk. Originally introduced to the islands by soldiers, today the lilac bushes can be seen especially in Piper Park. At the nearby shipyard, the oldest in Finland, you can ponder the size of the vessels that were once built here.The locals love the sea, often packing a picnic basket and heading for one of the many islands just off the coast. Sunbathers board ferries for the sandy beaches on Pihlajasaari, families head to Mustasaari to see the sheep, and nature lov- ers venture to the forest paths on Vartiosaari. Those who live by the sea will stroll down to their local beach and cool off their feet in the water.
Helsinki has a long shoreline that is best appreciated from the sea. Sightseeing cruises de- part from the Market Square – one of the finest routes travels through the archipelago of East Helsinki. Alternatively, kayaks or canoes can be rented in Töölö and Vuosaari, for example.

Suomenlinna

Suomenlinna is a maritime fortress that was built off the coast of Helsinki in 1748. Here you can get a real feel for Finland's position between East and West; Suomenlinna was shaped by
three distinct historic eras when helped defend first Sweden, then Russia and ultimately Finland. Suomenlinna is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as a notable example of European military architecture. Suomenlinna is among the most popular sights in Finland and a living district that is home to 850 city residents. With its museums and events, Suomenlinna offers a unique experience for visitors of all ages, who can also enjoy the islands' enchanting cafes and cosy restaurants. Children can have a great time exploring the many tunnels of the old fortress.
VISIT YEAR ROUND
It is good to reserve at least 2 to 4 hours for visiting Suomenlinna. The vast fortress is best explored on foot, so prepare for some hik- ing with good shoes and a wind- breaker. Suomenlinna is open year round, although some facilities are open only in the summer months. To get to Suomenlinna you have take a boat. The municipal ferry from the Market Square operates year round, while the JT-Line waterbus operates in summertime. The crossing takes between 15 and 20 minutes. The municipal ferry accepts Helsinki Region Transport tickets and the Helsinki Card as payment.
GUIDED TOURS
The Ehrensvärd Society offers guided tours that bring to life the colourful history of the fortress. In summertime from 1 June to 31 August guided tours are offered in English, Finnish, Swedish and Russian. In winter- time guided tours are offered in English and Russian. Tours can also be ordered in advance in many other languages.
Guided walking tours: adults €9, children (ages 7–17) €4, children under 7 and with the Helsinki Card free of charge, family ticket (2+2) €18 (family)
In wintertime the fortress is brought to life with special walk- ing tours in English and Russian. Discover the secrets behind the walls and embankments, and learn about life on the islands in war and peace during the Swed- ish and Russian periods. Weekends 5 January–26 May & 7 September–22 December 2013: In Russian at 12:30pm and in English at 1:30pm. Additional tours in Russian from 29 December 2012 to 9 January 2013 (except 1 January) daily at 12:30pm. Tours depart from the Suomenlinna Visitor Centre. Price: adults €9 and children €4 (free of charge with the Helsinki Card)
CULTURAL EXPERIENCES
Each year dozens of high-quality cultural and music events are held at Suomenlinna, including the Les Lumières and Guard's Band festivals, the Suomenlinna Summer Theatre, Viapori Jazz and Viapori Winter Blues.
MUSEUMS Suomenlinna Museum The Suomenlinna Museum at the Visitor Centre presents the history of the fortress from the 1700s to today. The widescreen multivisual presentation "Suomenlinna Experi- ence" is shown every half-hour in the museum auditorium, taking the audience through the fascinating phases of Suomenlinna's over 260- year history. Visitor Centre open 2 January–30 April: daily 10:30am–4:30pm 2 May–30 September: daily 10am–6pm 1 October–31 December: daily 10:30am–4:30pm (Closed: 1 January, 29 March, 1 May, 6 December, 24–25 December) Suomenlinna Museum: adults €6.50, children (ages 7–17) €4, visitors under 7 and with the Helsinki Card free of charge
Other museums at Suomenlinna:
Ehrensvärd Museum Toy Museum Vesikko Submarine Manege Military Museum Customs Museum

SUOMENLINNA CHURCH
Suomenlinna Church was origi- nally built as a Russian Orthodox garrison church in 1854 and dedicated to Alexander Nevski. At the time the church featured five towers with onion-shaped domes. The appearance of the church was changed soon after Finland gained independence, and it was converted into an Evangelical Lutheran church in 1918. The church steeple doubles as a lighthouse that still guides ships and airplanes. The lighthouse beacon transmits a message in Morse Code of four short flashes denoting the letter H for Helsinki. Suomenlinna Church is one of the most popular venues in Helsinki for weddings.
Open: Wed–Sun 12noon–4pm (June-August: Tue–Sun 12noon–4pm) Closed during private events.
SHIP TYKKISLUUPPI
An exact replica of an 18th century ship named "Tykki- sluuppi" is currently being built at Suomenlinna according to the original drawings. Visitors can watch the ship being built at the shipyard. Upon completion the ship will be launched and used for various cultural tourism events.
Tickets for guided tours:
Suomenlinna Visitor Centres, www.suomenlinnatours.com Further information: info@suomenlinna.fi, www.suomenlinna.fi, www.facebook.com/ suomenlinna, www.suomenlinnatours.com

Seurasaari

Seurasaari is a popular museum island and recreational area located twenty minutes by bus from the city centre.
The wooden buildings at the Open-Air Museum represent Finnish building traditions from the 18th to the 20th cen- tury. Built in 1685, the Karuna Church is one of the most popular venues in Helsinki for summer weddings. During the summer season various work- shops and events are organised at the museum presenting traditional handicrafts, customs and folklore. Folk dancing performances are also held in summertime.
Traditional Midsummer Eve cel- ebrations and bonfires are held each year at Seurasaari. Fun family events are also held on the island during the Christmas, Epiphany and Easter holidays. The Restaurant Seurasaari serves visitors throughout the year.
Across the bridge from the island on the mainland is the entrance to the Urho Kekkonen Museum Tamminiemi. Halfway along the bridge, a path leads to the Pukkisaari ancient village.
Seurasaari Open-Air Museum open: 15–31 May and 1–15 September, Mon-Fri 9am-3pm, Sat-Sun 11am-5pm; 1 June–31 August, Mon-Sun 11am-5pm Admission to Open-Air Museum: €8/6, children under 7 free of charge. Access to the island is free of charge.
Cafe Shop Mieritz open: Mon-Tue 11am–5pm and Wed-Sun 11am-7pm Kiosk at Juhlakenttä open year round on weekends and public holidays 11am–4pm
To get there, take Bus 24 from Erottaja next to Svenska Teatern
Further information: www.seurasaarisaatio.fi and www.nba.fi/fi/museot/ seurasaaren_ulkomuseo
Sakke Somerma
1. Ticket Office for Open-Air Museum 2. Karuna Church 3. Festival Grounds 4. Kyykkä Playground
5. Seurasaari Summer Restaurant 6. Seurasaari Nude Bathing Beach 7. Pukkisaari Ancient Village 8. Urho Kekkonen Museum,
Tamminiemi 9. Cafe Shop Mieritz

Sightseeing cruises

Marvel at Helsinki's breathtak- ing archipelago aboard a relaxing sightseeing cruise. Enjoy the summer with a seafood lunch or romantic dinner onboard. There are regular departures from the Market Square throughout the summer, and as many as 10 languages are offered. IHA-Lines tel. +358 (0)9 6874 5050 www.ihalines.fi Royal Line tel. +358 (0)207 118 333 www.royalline.fi Strömma tel. +358 (0)9 2288 1600 www.stromma.fi Scheduled tours to Suomen- linna and Pihlajasaari JT-Line tel. +358 (0)9 534 806 www.jt-line.fi Helsingin Vesibussit Oy tel. +358 (0)207 598 393 www.helsinginvesibussit.fi/ All ferry companies also offer charter cruises
ARCHIPELAGO EXCURSIONS
From the Market Square you can catch a ferry to Suomenlinna or, in summertime, a cruise to Helsinki Zoo or Porvoo. Many of the nearby islands are open to the public for recreational use. The is- lands of Pihlajasaari and Uunisaari are particular popular places for spending sunny days in the ar- chipelago; ferries to these islands depart from the shoreline south of Kaivopuisto Park. Uunisaari is also accessible in wintertime over a pontoon bridge.
SeaHelsinki's Hop On Hop Off ferry operates between Hernesaari and Hakaniemi via the Market Square during the summer season daily from 9am to 5pm. The ferry stops along the way at cafés and restaurants, so you can disembark and enjoy a drink or snack before continu- ing on the next ferry. The nearby island restaurants and cafés are also served by regular ferry con- nections from the mainland. The Hop On Hop Off ferry stops at the Market Square alongside the Old Market Hall.
Tickets from €5, 1-day ticket €10 (tickets sold onboard)
In summertime you can also make an outing to Söderskär lighthouse, the inspiration be- hind some of the Moomin tales by Tove Jansson. www.soderskar.fi
MARITIME CUISINE Helsinki's island restaurants off the coast of Kaivopuisto Park are open from May to the end of September and can be reached by ferry from the mainland. Try also the popular lunch and din- ner cruises departing from the Market Square. Participating HelsinkiMenu res- taurants serve the best seasonal seafood dishes, including burbot and burbot roe in wintertime, and perch, whitefish, pikeperch and salmon served with new potatoes in summertime.
The crayfish season begins in August and can be celebrated at any of the island restaurants, for example. The Herring Market, the oldest annual event in Hel- sinki, takes place in October. You can also enjoy a relaxing cup of coffee by the sea in the old Relandersgrund lighthouse ship at the end of Aleksanterinkatu street, at Suomenlinna, or any of the cafés along the shoreline by Kaivopuisto Park and Hakaniemi.
GUEST HARBOURS Katajanokka Guest Harbour (100 mooring places), tel. +358 (0)9 310 64813 www.helsinkimarina.fi Suomenlinna Guest Harbour (40 mooring places), tel. +358 (0)9 692 6450 www.valimo.org Further information: www.hel.fi/liikunta > Boating
WATER TAXIS
Chart your maritime voyage your- self and hire a water taxi (main season: May-September): Water Taxi Helsinki
tel. +358 (0)400 618 946 www.watertaxi.fi Cardinal Marine Charter tel. +358 (0)9 6842 6842 www.cardinalmarine.fi Water Taxi M/S Pti Trou Noir tel. +358 (0)40 523 0424 www.trounoir.fi
Helsinki Taxi Boat
tel. +358 (0)50 556 6711 www.helsinginvenetaksi.fi

Local specialties!
Söderskär Lighthouse
Experience the romance of the sea at its best! At the 150-year- old Söderskär Lighthouse in the Porvoo archipelago the granite rocks seem smoother, the wind more blustery and the surround- ing sea more vast. The lighthouse is the perfect destination for a one-day excursion, but you can also stay overnight for the full www.experience.soderskar.fi
Kaivopuisto shoreline
The shoreline that wraps around the Kaivopuisto park is the heart of maritime Helsinki. Enjoy a picnic atop the hill in the park, a drink on the terrace by the rug washing piers, or an ice cream from one of the kiosks. Then just relax and enjoy the scenery.
Pihlajasaari island
In the late 19th century, the island of Pihlajasaari was home to dozens of Russian villas con- nected by paths built by Chinese prisoners of war. In the 1930s the island became a popular retreat for locals, who put on their swimming suits in the changing huts. Traces of the island's his- tory can still be seen, but for the most part people are attracted to Pihlajasaari by the smooth granite rocks, the sandy beaches and the traditional donuts at the restaurant.

 

Culture memories of tomorrow
Experiences and

Once upon a time in the Design Mu- seum, the popular Finnish male artist M. A. Numminen dressed up in a giant red velvet dress. Members of the audi- ence were invited to sit around on its enormous hems and listen to nostalgic children's songs, creating a truly fairytale atmosphere.
This is what culture is all about: crea- tive madness, fun, the joy of doing and experiencing, surprising audiences and creating memories.
Culture is always a worthy pursuit, and in Helsinki it is easy to find. From one day and weekend to the next the city's cultural venues host performances by breathtaking sopranos, charming accordion players, magical conductors, fascinating video artists, hard rocking bands and passionate folk musicians.
You can begin your cultural tour with the big venues and names and end with the smaller ones, or vice versa. The exhi- bitions at the Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma are always surprising, and the impressive building is a joy to stroll through while enjoying the art. Ateneum Art Museum is the perfect accompani- ment to Kiasma; at the dignified national gallery you can discover the most famous works of Finnish national romantic art.
As evening approaches you should consider taking in a live performance. The brand new Helsinki Music Centre offers a comprehensive programme for all music lovers, from grandiose concerts to intimate clubs. And if you still have an appetite for culture, there are plenty of late night venues to choose from. Korjaamo Culture Factory is situated in
a converted tram depot and prides itself in offering new experiences in the form of theatre, music or something com- pletely cross-cultural. To complete your culture-rich day in Helsinki, head for the district of Kallio where you will find lots of energetic live gigs going on.

Museums and exhibitions

Helsinki has over 80 museums to choose from, but please remember that most museums are closed on Mondays. Many museums have charming cafés and gift shops that are worth a visit in themselves. If you have purchased the Helsinki Card, admission to most museums is free of charge.
MUSEUMS Helsinki City Museum Sofiankatu 4 www.helsinkicitymuseum.fi, Other Helsinki City exhibitions: *Hakasalmi Villa Mannerheimintie 13 d *Burgher's House Kristianinkatu 12 *Sederholm House Aleksanterinkatu 16-18 *Tuomarinkylä Manor Museum and Children's Museum Bus 64 *Worker Housing Museum Kirstinkuja 4 *Tram Museum Korjaamo Culture Factory, Töölönkatu 51 A
National Museum of Finland
Mannerheimintie 34 www.kansallismuseo.fi Design Museum Korkeavuorenkatu 23 www.designmuseum.fi Museum of
Finnish Architecture
Kasarmikatu 24 www.mfa.fi Military Museum Maurinkatu 1 www.sotamuseo.fi Theatre Museum Cable Factory, Tallberginkatu 1 G www.teatterimuseo.fi
Finnish Museum of Photography Cable Factory, Tallberginkatu 1 G www.valokuvataiteenmuseo.fi Natural History Museum Pohjoinen Rautatiekatu 13 www.luomus.fi Urho Kekkonen Museum Tamminiemi Seurasaarentie 15 www.nba.fi/fi/museot/urho_kek- kosen_museo Sports Museum of Finland Olympic Stadium, Paavo Nurmentie 1 www.urheilumuseo.fi
Museum of Cultures
Will move to the National Museum during 2013 www.nba.fi/fi/museot/kulttuu- rien_museo
Helsinki University Museum Arppeanum Snellmaninkatu 3 www.museo.helsinki.fi Mannerheim Museum Kalliolinnantie 14 www.mannerheim-museo.fi Päivälehti Museum Ludviginkatu 2-4 www.paivalehdenmuseo.fi Bank of Finland Museum Snellmaninkatu 2 www.rahamuseo.fi
Hotel and Restaurant Museum
Cable Factory, Tallberginkatu 1 G 60, 3rd floor www.hotellijaravintolamuseo.fi Arabia Museum and Gallery Hämeentie 135 www.designmuseum.fi/museot/ arabia-museo/
Bus 68, 71 or 71V, Tram 6
Museum of Technology
Viikintie 1 www.tekniikanmuseo.fi Bus 68, 71 or 74, Tram 6

Tip!
Museumgoers can pick up the free brochure Helsinki Region Museums, which contains plenty of useful in- formation in five languages. The brochure is available from Tourist Information and online from www.visithelsinki.fi > Brochures.

ART MUSEUMS
The Golden Age of Finnish art was in the late-19th and early- 20th centuries, a period when the visual arts truly blossomed. Today Helsinki still has an active and diverse art scene. Museum collections offer interesting and inspiring experiences.
Ateneum Art Museum
Kaivokatu 2 www.ateneum.fi Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma Mannerheiminaukio 2 www.kiasma.fi Tennis Palace Art Museum Salomonkatu 15 www.helsingintaidemuseo.fi Kunsthalle Helsinki Nervanderinkatu 3 www.taidehalli.fi Sinebrychoff Art Museum Bulevardi 40 www.sinebrychoffintaidemuseo.fi Amos Anderson Art Museum Yrjönkatu 27 www.amosanderson.fi Didrichsen Art Museum Kuusilahdenkuja 1 www.didrichsenmuseum.fi

Museums and exhibitions
KAAPELITEHDAS (CABLE FACTORY) The Cable Factory is the largest cultural centre in Finland, hous- ing three museums, 13 galleries, dance theatres, art schools, and numerous artists, bands and companies. Concerts, exhibi- tions, festivals and fairs are held here each year.
Tallberginkatu 1 C www.kaapelitehdas.fi
Petri Artturi Asikainen
Virka info & galleria Information about Helsinki • Exhibitions
Events • Films • Wlan • Concerts
Virka Info & Virka Galleria Free admission Sofiankatu 1, Helsinki City Hall Open Mon-Fri 9am–6pm, Sat-Sun 10am–4pm +358 (0)9 310 11111, www.virka.fi
ART GALLERIES
Helsinki has dozens of smaller art galleries specialising in con- temporary art. Many art galleries are located on Uudenmaankatu, Bulevard and Annankatu streets. www.nayttely.info www.galleriat.net and www.visithelsinki.fi
GUIDED GALLERY TOURS
On the first or second Sunday of each month, guided gallery tours are available by order. Each tour includes four or five thought-inspiring exhibitions, as well as meetings with artists, a programme and refreshments. Tickets: €10/5 www.galleriat.net
OTHER EXHIBITIONS
Virka Galleria inside Helsinki City Hall presents topical exhibitions. Sofiankatu 1 Open: Mon–Fri 9am–7pm, Sat–Sun 10am–4pm www.virka.fi
Laituri – City Planning Department's information and exhibition centre Narinkka 2 Open: Tue–Fri 10am–6pm, Sat 12noon–4pm laituri.hel.fi

MUSEUMS OUTSIDE HELSINKI WeeGee and EMMA Finland's largest exhibition centre offers excitement, events and high-quality art for the entire family. The complex houses five museums and a gallery: EMMA
– Espoo Museum of Modern Art, Espoo City Museum, Helinä Rautavaara Museum, Finnish Museum of Horology, Finnish Toy Museum and Gallery AARNI. There is also a museum shop and café-restaurant. Ahertajantie 5, Tapiola, Espoo Open: Tue, Thu, Fri 11am–6pm, Wed 11am–8pm, Sat–Sun 11am–5pm, Mon closed Bus 106 or 110 from Kamppi www.weegee.fi
Gallen-Kallela Museum
Finland's national artist Akseli Gallen-Kallela designed and built his studio and home at Tar- vaspää near Helsinki between 1911 and 1913. Today the museum presents exhibitions
of the art of Gallen-Kallela and his contemporaries, as well as contemporary art. Gallen-Kallelan tie 27,
02600 Espoo Open 1.9–14.5: Tue–Sat 11am–4pm Sun 11am–5pm Open 15.5–31.8: daily 11am–6pm www.gallen-kallela.fi

Theatres and cinemas

Ryhmäteatteri Pengerkatu 11 A 1
Stages throughout the city, incl.
Helsinki offers a broad range of theatre productions. Further information about performances is available online at www.teatteri.org or www.valiverho.com. Performances are generally in Finnish or Swedish.
The Finnish National Theatre was established over 130 years ago as the country's first profes- sional Finnish-language theatre. The theatre building by Railway Square is a monument itself
to National Romantic granite architecture. Inside you will find a restaurant. Läntinen Teatterikuja 1 www.kansallisteatteri.fi
Helsinki City Theatre (Ensi Linja 2) presents both traditional plays and spectacular musicals. Studio Pasila (Ratamestarinka- tu 5) stages interesting events, including stand-up comedy. The Arena stage (Hämeentie 2) hosts comedy. www.hkt.fi
Lilla Teatern serves as the Swedish-language stage of the Helsinki City Theatre. Yrjönkatu 30 www.lillateatern.fi
The superbly renovated Svenska Teatern presents Swedish-lan- guage theatre and musical performances.
Pohjoisesplanadi 2 www.svenskateatern.fi
Savoy Theatre hosts over 200 different performing groups every year from Finland and around the world.
Kasarmikatu 46–48 www.savoyteatteri.fi
Espoo Cultural Centre is the main scene for the performing arts and cultural life in Espoo and home to Tapiola Sinfonietta (Espoo city orchestra). Kaupinkalliontie 10/ Kulttuu- riaukio 2, Tapiola, Espoo www.espoo.fi kulttuurikeskus
Espoo City Theatre stages its own productions and hosts top Finnish and international per- formers.
Revontulentie 8 A, Tapiola, Espoo, www.espoonteatteri.fi
Other theatre venues KOM-teatteri Kapteeninkatu 26 www.komteatteri.fi Q-teatteri Tunturikatu 16 www.q-teatteri.fi
www.ryhmateatteri.fi
Theatre restaurants Kansallisteatterin Lavaklubi Läntinen teatterikuja 1 Piritta
Tokoinranta, Eläintarhantie 12
Kaksi Kanaa
Kanavakatu 3
Cinemas
Movies are usually shown in their original languages with subtitles in Finnish and Swedish.
Tennispalatsi
14 screens, Salomonkatu 15
Kinopalatsi
10 screens, Kaisaniemenkatu 2 Further information: Finnkino, tel. +358 (0)600 007 007 (€1.40/call+local network charge), www.finnkino.fi
The National Audiovisual Archive presents artistic and historic films at the Orion. Eerikinkatu 15
www.kava.fi
In summertime you can also enjoy films under the open sky in the charming courtyard of the Cafe Engel at the Summer Cinema Engel.
Sofiankatu 4 www.cinemamondo.fi

 

 

Music
Helsinki is filled with concert halls where you can choose between high-quality classical concerts or live performances by Finnish and international artists.
CLASSICAL MUSIC The impressive new Helsinki Music Centre is home to the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, Radio Symphony Orchestra and Sibelius Academy. Tickets and tours: Lippupiste outlets and online Mannerheimintie 13 a www.musiikkitalo.fi
Founded in 1882, Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra is the oldest professional symphony orchestra in Scandinavia. www.hel.fi/filharmonia
Radio Symphony Orchestra
plays an important role in the newest Finnish music. www.yle.fi/rso
Sibelius Academy is one of the biggest music colleges in Europe. The academy holds hun- dreds of concerts every year. www.siba.fi
Sello Hall presents a diverse programme for adults and children each week, with music ranging from baroque to rock. Soittoniekanaukio 1 A, Leppävaara, Espoo www.sellosali.fi
Lauri Rotko
OPERA AND BALLET
Enjoy breathtaking opera and ballet performances at the Finnish National Opera. The programme includes beautiful classics and intriguing modern works.
Helsinginkatu 58 Tickets: €14–107 www.ooppera.fi www.opera.fi
ROCK AND OTHER LIVE MUSIC Helsinki attracts many interna- tional pop and rock stars every year. Major concerts are held at Hartwall Arena, Olympic Stadium and Helsinki Ice Hall (Helsingin Jäähalli). Find out too about live music in restaurants and clubs on page 70! www.hartwall-areena.com www.stadion.fi www.helsinginjaahalli.fi www.kulttuuritalo.fi www.tavastiaklubi.fi www.storyville.fi
TICKETS TO CONCERTS AND OTHER EVENTS Lippupalvelu tel. +358 (0)600 10 800 (€1.96/ min+local network charge) www.lippupalvelu.fi
Lippupiste
tel. +358 (0)600 900 900 (€1.97/min+local call charge) www.lippu.fi Tiketti
tel. +358 (0)600 1 1616 (€1.69/ min+local network charge) www.tiketti.fi

Local specialties!
Tavastia
Helsinki's legendary rock club attracts large and enthusiastic local audiences to enjoy top Finnish and international bands. The magic of Tavastia is that bands always seem to want to perform their best there! www.tavastiaklubi.fi
Allotria & Kapsäkki
How about a spaghetti opera, or wistful melodies while you enjoy a coffee? Allotria is a restaurant that serves not only great food but also interest- ing cultural experiences, clubs, concerts and even theatre performances. More culture can be consumed at the adjacent Music Theatre Käpsäkki. www.allotria.fi, www.kapsakki.fi
Agricola Club
The Aino Ackté Chamber Festival will take place at the Agricola Club from 3 June to 26 September 2013. The festival includes classical and easy listening music, room theatre, poetry recitals, dance performances and an art exhibi- tion. The full programme will be published in March. www.ainoacktenhuvila.fi

Events

Tango in the park, choir singing in the church, herring in the market, walking tours of hidden courtyards or urban dance in the art museum. Helsinki of- fers unique happenings all through the year and for all tastes.
The line up of events is particularly impressive towards the end of sum- mer. As the nights gradually get darker in autumn, and the locals return from their countryside retreats, Helsinki truly comes to life. Restaurants and cafés are filled with music and theatre. You might come across light installations in markets, performances in streets and environmental art in parks. Each year the Huvila tent is erected to host top names in world music alongside top Finnish pop and rock stars.
One of the newest event venues in Helsinki is Suvilahti, a former power sta- tion that hosts the immensely popular Flow Festival at the beginning of Au- gust. The festival attracts the trendiest bands and musicians, as well as the most stylish hipsters in Helsinki.
In addition to big festivals, Helsinki also has lots of small, fun and plain strange happenings to offer. The Kallio district has its own annual festival where you might find dancing in the street, movies on the lawn behind the library, and lectures on the working class history of the neighbourhood. Musica Nova in turn presents contemporary classical music, while the World Village Festival gets your feet moving to exotic beats. Local residents also know how to celebrate their own unique culture, for example at the annual Herring Market in the Market Square.

Here we present a selection from the over 3000 events held each year in Helsinki. Further information: www.visithelsinki.fi > Events in Helsinki
JANUARY Until 6 1. Stable Elf's Winter, Helsinki Zoo Until 6.1. Winter Circus Afrikka, Dance Theatre Hurjaruuth, Kaapelitehdas 4–8.1. Lux Helsinki, light installations 12.1. The War of the Worlds, musical, Hartwall Arena 12.1. Schönbrunn Castle Orches- tra, Helsinki Music Centre 17–29.1. Nordic Travel Fair Matka 2013, Helsinki Exhibition & Convention Centre 18–20.1. Caravan 2013, Helsinki Exhibition & Convention Centre 22–27.1. Docpoint – Helsinki Documentary Film Festival 24–27.1. Disney on Ice, Hartwall Arena 31.1–3.2. MP 13, motorcycle exhibition, Helsinki Exhibition & Convention Centre
4–8.1. Lux Helsinki
The leading light art event in the Baltic Sea Region, Lux Helsinki illuminates the darkest time of the year. Spectacular light instal- lations transform familiar land- marks and urban landscapes into a new kind of viewing experience utilising energy efficient tech- nologies. The city event is free of charge and includes light installa- tions and fire performances. www.luxhelsinki.fi
FEBRUARY 2–3.2. Apassionata Horse Show, Hartwall Arena 8–16.2. Musica nova Helsinki, new music festival, Helsinki 8–17.2. Vene 13 Båt Boat Show, Helsinki Exhibition & Conven- tion Centre 10.2. Shrovetide sleigh rides, Seurasaari Open-Air Museum 14.2. Student graduation parades around Kaivopuisto and Esplanade parks 28.2–3.3. We Will Rock You, Queen musical, Hartwall Arena
MARCH 2–3.3. Helsinki Handicrafts Fair, Wanha Satama 2–4.3. GoExpo 2013, recreation, bicycle, outdoor, fitness, golf, hunting, ball sports and photo fairs, Helsinki Exhibition & Convention Centre 9–10.3. Helsinki Horse Fair 2013, Helsinki Exhibition & Convention Centre 13–16.3. Cirque du Soleil: Alegría, Hartwall Arena 29.3. Via Crucis – Stages of the Cross, Kaisaniemi – Senate Square 29.3–1.4. American Car Show 2013, Helsinki Exhibition & Convention Centre 30.3. Easter bonfires at Seurasaari Viapori Winter Blues, Suomenlinna
Ralph Larmann
APRIL 5–7.4. Helsinki Ink 13, interna- tional tattoo event, Kaapelitehdas 11–14.4. Oma Koti, Oma Mökki, Kevätpuutarha,Sisusta! 2013 (home, cottage, spring and interior decoration fairs), Helsinki Exhibition & Convention Centre 19–21.4. Animatricks, animation festival, Andorra Kulttuurikom- pleksi 24–25.4. Church Music Festival, various churches, incl. Helsinki Cathedral and Temppeliaukio 24–28.4. April Jazz Espoo 26.4. Justin Bieber in concert, Hartwall Arena 26-28.4. Lapsi, Kädentaito, OutletExpo, Model Expo 2013 (child, handicrafts, outlet and model fairs), Helsinki Exhibition & Convention Centre 27–28.4. Pet Expo 2013, Helsinki Exhibition & Convention Centre 30.4. May Day Eve celebrations – Students give Havis Amanda a wash and her graduation hat, 6pm, Market Square
MAY 1.5. May Day, student and national celebrations, including traditional picnics in Kaivopuisto Park 2–3.5. Patricia Kaas in concert, Finlandia Hall 3–19.5. Ice Hockey World Championship, Hartwall Arena 4.5. Helsinki City Run, half marathon, Olympic Stadium 16–19.5. Ihana Helsinki,
city event, Helsinki 25–26.5. World Village Festival, Kaisaniemi Park 26.5. Women's 10K Fun Run – start from Töölö Sports Hall 26.5. Giro d´Espoo – cycling race, start from Tapiola, distance 111km 28.5. Pink in concert, Hartwall Arena Cirko – Helsinki New Circus Festi- val, Cirko Centre
3–19.5. Ice Hockey World Championship For the second year in a row, Finland and Sweden will host the IIHF World Championship in 2013. One of the two prelimi- nary groups and the quarterfinal within that group will played in Helsinki at Hartwall Arena on 3-16 May. The group includes Finland, world champions Rus- siaand silver medalists Slovakia, plus the USA, Germany, Latvia, France and Austria. All other matches will be played at the Globa Arena in Stockholm on 18-19 May. www.iihfworlds2013.com
JUNE 1.6–31.8. Helsinki Organ Festi- val, concerts in churches 6.6–29.8. Organ Night and Aria Festival, Espoo Cathedral 7.6. Finland vs. Belarus, football, World Cup qualifyier, Olympic Stadium 7–8.6. Helsinki Samba Carnaval, Senate Square 7–8.6. Kivenlahti Rock Festival, Leppävaara, Espoo 7–9.6. Volvo Suursaari Race, Espoo 9.6. Mark Knopfler in concert, Hartwall Arena 10.6. Rush in concert, Hartwall Arena 10–16.6. Les Lumières – Cultural Festival of the Enlightment, Suomenlinna 12.6. Helsinki Day, birthday events throughout the city 21.6. Midsummer Eve celebra- tions at Seurasaari 28-30.6.Tuska Festival, Suvilahti Helsinki Pride Festival
Lauri Rotko
12.6. Helsinki Day & Helsinki Week Helsinki Day has been officially celebrated since 1959. This year, the city will also be celebrat- ing 200 years as the capital of Finland. The city's parks, streets and stages will be filled with a fun a diverse programme. Helsinki Week continues the celebrations, offering lots to see, experience and do for all tastes and all ages. The programme can be seen, heard and tasted throughout Helsinki, from the city centre to the outlying districts. www.helsinkiviikko.fi
JULY 1–31.7. Jazz Espa, Espa Stage, Esplanade Park 8–13.7. Helsinki Cup, interna- tional youth soccer tournament 17–20.7. The Tall Ships Races 2013 Helsinki URB 13 – urban festival, Kiasma
17–20.7. The Tall Ships Races 2013 Over a hundred imposing sailing vessels will glide into the city, when Helsinki is one of the hosts of the 2013 The Tall Ships Races. The Tall Ships Races is a competition for large sailing ships, and it comes to the Baltic Sea every four years. This year the race begins in Aarhus, Denmark, on 4 July and then continues to Helsinki, Riga, and Szczecin in Poland. The ships will be in Helsinki from 17 to 20 July. Members of the public have a chance to take a closer look at most of the ships when they are in port, and a full programme of related events will take place by the harbour in Hietalahti. The race is organised by Sail Training International with the aim of promoting sail training all over the world regardless of the social class of the participants. www.tallshipsraceshelsinki.fi
AUGUST 9.8–11.8. Flow Festival, elec- tronic music, Suvilahti 10.8. Viapori Trophy, Suomenlinna 16–25.8. Espoo Ciné Interna- tional Film Festival, Espoo 16.8–1.9. Helsinki Festival, events throughout the city 17.8. Helsinki City Marathon, Chiquita Kids Minimarathon, start and finish: Olympic Stadium 21–24.8. Viapori Jazz, Suomenlinna 22.8. Night of the Arts, cultural events throughout the city 31.8. Espoo Day, Espoo Etno-Espa, Espa Stage, Esplanade Park Art goes Kapakka, art events in restaurants
SEPTEMBER 6.9. Finland vs. Spain, football, World Cup qualifier, Olympic Stadium 6–8.9. Helsinki Comics Festival 14–15.9. Helsinki Handicrafts Fair, Wanha Satama 18–22.9. Habitare 2013, furniture, interior decorating, design and lighting fair, Helsinki Exhibition & Convention Centre 19–29.9. Love and Anarchy Film Festival 21–22.9. Seaside Marathon, Espoo Helsinki Design Week Tour de Helsinki, cycling event Finnish Fireworks Championships, Rajasaari
OCTOBER 6–12.10. Herring Market, the city's oldest annual event, Market Square 11–13.10. Kauneus, Muoti, Terveys 2013 (beauty, fashion and health fairs), Helsinki Exhi- bition & Convention Centre 15–20.10. PianoEspoo festival, Espoo
25–28.10. Helsingin Kirjames- sut, Helsingin Musiikkimessut, Ruoka, Viini & Hyvä Elämä, Art Forum Helsinki 2013 (book, music, food, wine and art fairs), Helsinki Exhibition & Convention Centre
Irish Festival in Finland Tall Ships Day, Market Square Carnival of Light, Linnanmäki Helsinki International Horse Show, Hartwall Arena Väkevä Viapori, local fair, Suomenlinna Sirkus Finlandia, Kaisaniemi Park
6–12.10. Herring Market The oldest traditional event in Helsinki, the Herring Market has been held in the Market Square since at least 1743. Originally, the market gave residents the chance to stock up on pickled herring before the winter ice arrived and fishermen could no longer get to the market in their boats. The market also coincided with the end of the herring fishing season. In addition to herring, other products from the archipelago are also sold today, including warm clothing made from archipelago sheep and delicious dark archipelago bread. www.visithelsinki.fi
NOVEMBER 1–3.11. SkiExpo, BoardExpo, Lätkä & Säbä, DigiExpo, HifiExpo 2013 (ski, snowboard, ice hockey and hi-fi fairs), Helsinki Exhibition & Convention Centre 6–10.11. Baltic Circle, international theatre festival 22–24.11. ELMA, Metsä, Kädentaito, OutletExpo 2013 (rural, forest, handicrafts and outlet fairs), Helsinki Exhibition & Convention Centre 23–24.11. Lemmikki 2013, pet fair, Helsinki Exhibition & Convention Centre 30.11–1.12. Suomenlinna Christmas Event Moving in November Dance Festival, contemporary dance Etnosoi!, ethnic music festival Opening of the Christmas Street, Aleksanterinkatu Winter Circus, Dance Theatre Hurjaruuth, Kaapelitehdas
DECEMBER 6.12. Finnish Independence Day, ceremonial events and festivities 13.12. Lucia Parade from Helsinki Cathedral 13–15.12. Voittaja 2013, international dog show, Helsinki Exhibition & Convention Centre 15.12. Seurasaari Christmas Path 26.12. Boxing Day sleigh rides, Seurasaari Open-Air Museum 31.12. New Year's Eve celebra- tions, music, fireworks, Senate Square Christmas lights along Aleksan- terinkatu street Ladies' Christmas Market, Wanha Satama St. Thomas Christmas Market, Esplanade Park Old Student House Christmas Fair, Vanha ylioppilastalo Stable Elf's Christmas Path, Helsinki Zoo Christmas markets Christmas concerts
15.12. Seurasaari Christmas Path The Seurasaari Christmas Path is a free-of-charge event for families with children. It gives children and the child at heart adults a possibility to have a look into the world of fairy tales and to learn old Finnish Christ- mas traditions, not forgetting the basic message of Christmas. Events along the Christmas Path include games and sing-alongs, a straw labyrinth and bun roast- ing over a campfire. Animals of the forest walk around the Christmas Path handing out gingerbread and cinnamon buns to the children while Father Christmas and Old Lady Christmas listen to the children's gift wishes. www.visithelsinki.fi
Event calendar
31.12. New Year's Eve celebrations at Senate Square Helsinki residents have been ringing in the New Year at Senate Square since 1932. Tens of thousands of people gather to celebrate and enjoy a programme consist- ing of musical performances, traditional speeches, greetings and singing. The festivities are broadcast to Finnish homes and around the world by television and the internet. www.visithelsinki.fi
ICE HOCKEY FANS
The Finnish Ice Hockey League season stretches from Septem- ber to April. Exciting Finnish league matches can be watched at Hartwall Arena (the home of Jokerit) and Helsinki Ice Hall (home of HIFK). www.hartwall-areena.com www.helsinginjaahalli.fi
The modern Barona Arena in Espoo is home of Espoo Blues. www.baronaareena.com

Local specialties!
Art goes Kapakka
You won't find a more enjoy- able festival than this! For ten days local restaurants offer the most bizarre cultural experi- ences, scientific panel discus- sions, lively rock gigs, theatre and circus performances, and everything in between. Stop
in just for a quick drink or stay the whole evening! www.artgoeskapakka.fi
Helsinki Design Week
The perfect event for fans of design, fashion and architec- ture. Established and popular happenings include the Design Market, Open House Helsinki and Pecha Kucha Night, which presents inspiring performanc- es by experts in the creative industries. www.helsinkidesignweek.com
Docpoint
Cold dark January is the perfect time to warm up in a cosy cinema with some quality films. The Docpoint Festival presents a broad and fascinat- ing line up of documentary films from Finland and abroad. www.docpoint.fi

 

Helsinki for kids.

Again, again! One more time! And then on the cars, then the Ferris wheel, then the roller coaster, then the games, then the wild rapids... We can go on the water coaster last of all, because you always get wet on that one. And I'm not putting on a raincoat – that'll ruin the whole thing! And when can we buy cotton candy? Mommy, when will it get dark? I want to see all the lights!
Linnanmäki Amusement Park is probably the most fun place in Helsinki for kids and adults alike. But there's plenty more fun to be had in Helsinki!
For a real adventure, pack your flashlights and jump aboard a ferry to Suomenlinna to explore the bastion walls there. Another great destination, especially for picnics, is Lammas- saari, which you can get to by hiking across a causeway. Don't forget to climb the bird watching tower! The flea market in Hietaniemi is also great fun for kids – give them some loose change and see what they find for themselves! For lunch you can stop into the Fanny café and then relax in Sinebrychoff Park. On sunny days in summertime you should try swimming in the outdoor pools at Kumpula or the Swimming Stadium. Alternatively you can take a ferry to the island of Mustasaari, which has a sheltered beach, animals for the kids to visit and giant cinnamon buns.
Do you still have time to play? Check out the brand new Angry Birds playground in Espoo, the climbing walls at Salmisaari or the skateboard parks in the Eläintarha and Kalasatama districts. Did we forget something? Well, of course, animal lovers should not miss Helsinki Zoo on Korkeasaari Island or the Museum of Natural History.

Helsinki for kids

For the best tips of what to do with children in Helsinki, just ask Helppi, our friendly family tourism mascot. Helppi knows all the sights, attractions and animals in the city like he does his own spots. Pick up a copy of his brochure Helsinki – Holiday fun for children or visit our website www.visithelsinki.fi/perhe.
In summertime you might spot Helppi strolling up and down Esplanade Park, so just grab him by a paw and give him a big hug!
HELPPI'S TOP MUSEUM TIPS National Museum of Finland, Vintti Mannerheimintie 34 Children´s Town
Sederholm House
Aleksanterinkatu 16–18
Suomenlinna Toy Museum
Suomenlinna
Cable Factory & Theatre Museum Tallberginkatu 1 G and Tallberginkatu 1 A / 117 Ateneum Art Museum Kaivokatu 2
Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma Mannerheiminaukio 2 Design Museum Korkeavuorenkatu 23 Päivälehti Museum Ludviginkatu 2–4
See page 42 for more informa- tion.
HELPPI'S ANIMAL FRIENDS Helsinki Zoo Mustikkamaanpolku 12 Sea Life
Tivolitie 10
Tropicario
Sturenkatu 27
Museum of Natural History
Pohjoinen Rautatiekatu 13
Fallkulla domestic animal farm
Malminkaari 24
Haltiala domestic animal farm
Kuninkaantammentie/Laaman- nintie
We also recommend visiting the botanic gardens in Kaisaniemi and Kumpula, as well as the tropical garden at Gardenia!

LINNANMÄKI
Linnanmäki Amusement Park has been entertaining families since 1950. The biggest selec- tion of rides in Northern Europe offers something for everyone, from the wild and crazy to the nice and easy. The legendary wooden rollercoaster is over
60 years old and remains the most popular ride, while the games will test your skills and sense of fun. There is a special programme for the youngest members of the family, and all visitors can enjoy the entertain- ment on the main stage. You can also come to Linnanmäki simply to enjoy great food and the magical atmosphere. The Kattila restaurant complex houses six restaurants under the same roof. Tivolikuja 1 (main gate)
Open: late April to October Entrance to the grounds free of charge www.linnanmaki.fi
SNADISTADI
SnadiStadi is a new fun park with lots of great activities for kids, including adventure parks for both bigger kids and smaller kids, a cinema, a traffic park, beach games, street games, and ball games. The fun park also offers guided activities each day and special events on weekends. Visitors are served by a park-like picnic café and shopping street. Ruoholahti Shopping Centre,Itämerenkatu 21 www.snadistadi.fi
Tip!
Huimala is a giant adventure hall with space and activities to entertain children of all ages, including Finland's largest adventure labyrinth, giant tram- polines, an electric car track and many other favourites! Juvankartanontie 15, Vanhakartano, Espoo Open: Tue–Wed 2pm–8pm, Thu–Sun 10am–8pm www.huimala.fi
HELPPI'S TOP TIPS FOR AN EXCITING HOLIDAY Helsinki Playground (Leikkiluola, Jaffa Station) – Hakaniemi Square,
Sörnäisten rantatie 6
Dance Theatre Hurjaruuth's Winter Circus Kaapelitehdas Tallberginkatu 1 C
Hoplop East Helsinki, Ylläshalli Savikiekontie 4 Megazone Helsinki Salmisaaren liikuntakeskus, Energiakatu 3
Angry Birds playground
Landbackan puisto, Suurpellon puistokatu 18, Espoo Heureka Tikkurila, Vantaa

HELPPI'S TOP SWIMMING TIPS Island destinations with beaches: Suomenlinna, Seurasaari, Pihlajasaari, Uunisaari Mäkelänrinne Swimming Centre Mäkelänkatu 49 Swimming Stadium Hammarskjöldintie 1 Hietaniemi Swimming Beach Hiekkarannantie Flamingo Spa Rantasipi part- ner, water park Tasetie 8 Serena Water Park Tornimäentie 10
HELPPI'S TOP SPORTING TIPS Olympic Stadium and Stadium Tower Paavo Nurmen tie 1
Sports Museum of Finland
Olympic Stadium, Paavo Nurmen tie 1 Helsinki Icepark Railway Square Micropolis Skatepark Nordenskiöldinkatu 20 Kalasatama Skatepark Kaasutehtaankatu 1 Minigolf:
Taivallahti minigolf, Et. Hesperiankatu; Eira minigolf, Merisatamanranta GymiKamppi
gym for children and young peo- ple, Sähkötalo, Kampinkuja 2
For a complete listing of play- grounds in Helsinki, see our brochure Helsinki – Holiday fun for children!
HELPPI'S TOP FAMILY RESTAURANT TIPS Rosso City Passage
La Famiglia
Keskuskatu 3
Chico's
Mannerheimintie 20
Cantina West
Kasarmikatu 23
Amarillo
Mikonkatu 9
Tip!
Did you know that Santa Claus spends the summer amidst the beautiful lakeside scenery at his holiday cottage in Korpilampi, Espoo? Find out more about visiting him by going online to: www.visitespoo.fi and www.honkalintu.fi

Local specialties!
Linnanmäki
Helsinki's legendary amusement park opens its doors outside the summer season for the Carnival of Light in autumn and the Win- ter Fest. For more information and opening hours, see: page 57 www.linnanmaki.fi
Annantalo
Situated in the heart of the city, Annantalo is an arts centre for children and young people that offers a fun programme, includ- ing exhibitions, workshops and courses. The Baby Kino short films are particularly popular. www.annantalo.fi
Haltiala Farm and Fallkulla Domestic Animal Farm Sheep, goats, pigs, cattle, hens, ducks, rabbits, cats and horses – the kids will love the animals at Haltiala and Fallkulla. During the harvest season, visitors are also invited to Haltiala to help pick peas, sunflowers and other produce.
Haltiala Farm, Kuninkaanlam- mentie/Laamannintie Fallkulla Domestic Animal Farm, Malminkaari 24
www.hel.fi

Food culture and nightlife

Soup in a shoe shop, cupcakes and bagels in the park, or Finnish local food in the courtyard of an apartment building? Restaurant Day is a new kind of urban event in which locals are invited to set up their own pop-up restaurant. The concept has been a huge success among residents and tourists, who get to sample everything from children's juice bars to multicourse gourmet meals.
Restaurant Day is a fine example of Helsinki's active food culture, which has taken off in recent years. Many talented young chefs have set up their own unique restaurants, such as Muru, Gaijin and Kuurna. Visitors are also highly encouraged to try traditional Finnish food, for example at Sea Horse, Elite and Salve. Order a plate of fried herring or vorschmack, the favourite dish of legendary Finnish leader Mannerheim.
Of course, you don't have to wait until the even- ing to enjoy great food. Start early in the morning with coffee in the Market Square, where you can also purchase seasonal produce. In the Old Market Hall and Hakaniemi Market Hall you can also sit down and enjoy a traditional Karelian pie or salmon sandwich. For the very best local and organic food, head for the Abattoir in the Kalasatama district, where you will find a cluster of new restaurants and food outlets.
You can also plan your route according to your food preferences. For example, where can you find the best cinnamon bun in Helsinki? Make your own discoveries, but we would suggest trying the Hopia café, Café Esplanade and the café on Tamminie- mentie.
You can continue your gastronomic tour in the evening at any one of the fun bars in town. Why not start from the top? The Ateljee Bar on the up- permost floor of the Torni Hotel affords a splendid view over the city. Back down on street level you should try Helsinki's popular wine and cocktail bars, such as Vin-Vin, Latva or Grotesk. And if you work up at an appetite after a night on the town, head for the legendary local restaurant Manala for a hearty meal.

Food culture & nightlife

FINNISH CUISINE
Finnish cuisine is based on the use of fresh and pure seasonal ingredients, often from the for- ests and lakes. Finland's cultural heritage has been influenced
by both the East and West, and Finnish cuisine is no exception.
MARKETS AND MARKET HALLS Helsinki's markets and market halls sell traditional delicacies and local specialties.
Market Square
Eteläsatama Open: Mon–Fri 6:30am–6pm, Sat 6:30am–4pm, May-September also Sun 10am–5pm
Old Market Hall
The Old Market Hall beside Market Square is undergoing a complete renovation in 2013 (1.2.13 >), during which time the stalls can be found inside Hietalahti Market Hall (Lön- nrotinkatu 34). Open: Mon-Fri 8am-6pm, Sat 8am-4pm, summer Sundays (2.5-31.8) 10am-4pm www.wanhakauppahalli.com
Hakaniemi Market
Traditional market treats and atmosphere. Open: Mon–Sat 6:30am–3pm, 1st Sunday of each month 9am–4pm
Hakaniemi Market Hall
Hämeentie Open: Mon–Fri 8am–6pm, Sat 8am–4pm www.hakaniemenkauppahalli.fi
The history of Finnish cuisine
Hietalahti Market Hall
The indoor market hall in Hietalahti no longer sells art and antiques, as it is being returned to its original purpose as a food hall. In 2013, while the Old Market Hall is undergoing reno- vation, the stalls will be located at Hietalahti. Lönnrotinkatu 34 Open: Mon–Fri 8am–6pm, Sat 8am–4pm, summer Sundays (2.5–31.8) 10am–4pm
LOCAL AND ORGANIC FOOD
Local and organic food can be purchased from the markets and market halls listed above and from the following shops:
Eat & Joy Market Hall
Kluuvi Shopping Centre Aleksanterinkatu 9 Eat & Joy Farmers Market Lasipalatsi, Mannerheimintie 22–24 Stockmann Herkku Aleksanterinkatu 52 Anton & Anton Museokatu 19 Ruohonjuuri Salomonkatu 5 Sis. Deli + Café Korkeavuorenkatu 6 Punnitse & Säästä Fredrikinkatu 55
RESTAURANT DAY
Restaurant Day is a food carnival when anyone can open a res- taurant for a day – at home, at work, in the street, in a garden, in a courtyard, in the park, on the beach, anywhere! Restaurant Day began in Helsinki and is now held four times a year every three months. www.restaurantday.org
THE ABATTOIR
The historic redbrick build- ings that once served as the city abattoir form a pleasingly authentic courtyard surrounded by boutiques, restaurants and event venues. A wide range of happenings can be held under the beautiful apple trees, includ- ing picnics, farmer's markets, flea markets, plant swaps, block parties, open-air concerts, ex- hibitions, barbecues and more, showcasing everything that Helsinki's vibrant new urban culture has to offer. At the heart of the Abattoir is the Kellohalli restaurant and event venue, where you can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner
Kalasatama metro station, Työpajankatu 2 www.teurastamo.com
FOOD SIGHTSEEING
A great way to discover Hel- sinki's vibrant food culture and see the sights at the same time is with the Helsinki Food Tour offered by Food Sightseeing. Price: €35 / person www.foodsightseeing.fi

Local specialties!
Coffee and donuts at the Market Square and Hakaniemi Market Helsinki's markets are popular among children, senior citizens, politicians, artists – everyone! Enjoy coffee the Finnish way, sitting outdoors or in a coffee tent surrounded by the market stalls. Try Café Köket in the Market Square of Kahvisiskot in Hakaniemi Market. You can also try a salmon sandwich, meat pie or even rice porridge. After- wards you can shop for food to bring home with you.
Restaurant Juuri
Juuri takes fresh Finnish ingredients and conjures them up into something special. Try a plate of sapas, i.e. Finnish tapas. www.juuri.fi
Café Ekberg
This classic Helsinki café affords a relaxed, stylish and cultural atmosphere in which to enjoy coffee and delicacies served to your table. Try their own pastries while watching the passersby stroll down the Bulevard. www.cafeekberg.fi

Restaurants

Helsinki has over 1200 restau- rants where you will find every- thing from gourmet delights to bistro treats.
HelsinkiMenu restaurants
The easiest way to try local specialties is to order from the HelsinkiMenu, which is offered by 16 restaurants in the city centre. The menu varies accord- ing to restaurant and season.
Baker's
Mannerheimintie 12 tel. +358 (0)207 701 440 Casino Helsinki Mikonkatu 19 tel. +358 (0)9 6128 6600 Fly Inn Restaurant Deli Helsinki-Vantaa Airport tel. +358 (0)207 629 737 Graniittilinna Säästöpankinranta 6 tel. +358 (0)20 7424 250 Grotesk Ludviginkatu 10 tel. +358 (0)104 702 100 Havis Eteläranta 16 tel. +358 (0)9 6128 5800 Hotelli Arthur Vuorikatu 19 tel. +358 (0)9 173 441 Kellarikrouvi & Fabian Pohjoinen Makasiinikatu 6 tel. +358 (0)9 6128 5100 Kuu Töölönkatu 27 tel. +358 (0)9 2709 0973 KuuKuu Museokatu 17 tel. +358 (0)9 2709 0974 Lasipalatsi Mannerheimintie 22-24 tel. +358 (0)20 7424 290 Macu Mannerheimintie 50 tel. +358 (0)9 2521 2004 Nokka Kanavaranta 7 tel. +358 (0)9 6128 5600 Seurasaari Seurasaari tel. +358 (0)9 626 625
Restaurants
Savotta
Aleksanterinkatu 22 tel. +358 (0)9 7425 5588 Sunn Aleksanterinkatu 26, 2nd floor tel. +358 (0)10 2312 800 Zetor Mannerheimintie 3-5 tel. +358 (0)10 76 64450
A taste of Lapland Lappi Annankatu 22 tel. +358 (0)9 645 550 Saaga
Bulevardi 34 B tel. +358 (0)9 7425 5544
Fine dining Kappeli Eteläesplanadi 1 tel. +358 (0)10 76 63880 A 21 Dining Kalevankatu 17
tel. +358 (0)40 17 111 17
Nokka
Kanavaranta 7F tel. +358 (0)9 6128 5600 Palace Eteläranta 10, 10th floor tel. +358 (0)9 1345 6715 Salutorget Pohjoisesplanadi 15 tel. +358 (0)9 6128 5950 Savoy Eteläesplanadi 14 tel. +358 (0)9 6128 5300 Sipuli Kanavaranta 7 tel. +358 (0)9 6128 5500 Chef & Sommelier Huvilakatu 28 tel. +358 (0)40 0959 440
Sundmans Krog
Eteläranta 16 tel. +358 (0)9 6128 5450 Suomenlinnan Panimo – Suomenlinna Brewery Res- taurant Suomenlinna C1, ferry pier, tel. +358 (0)9 228 5030 www.tasteoffinland.fi/helsinki- menu
FINNISH CUISINE Traditional Aino Pohjoisesplanadi 21 tel. +358 (0)9 624 327 Elite
Eteläinen Hesperiankatu 22 tel. +358 (0)9 6128 5200 Graniittilinna Säästöpankinranta 6
tel. +358 (0)20 7424 250
Juuri
Korkeavuorenkatu 27 tel. +358 (0)9 635 732 Karl Johan Yrjönkatu 21
tel. +358 (0)9 612 1121
Kitchen&Co.
Yrjönkatu 18 tel. +358 (0)10 322 2940 Kolme Kruunua Liisankatu 5 tel. +358 (0)9 135 4172 Konstan Möljä Hietalahdenkatu 14, tel. +358 (0)9 694 7504 Kosmos Kalevankatu 3 tel. +358 (0)9 647 255 Lasipalatsi Mannerheimintie 22–24 tel. +358 (0)20 7424 290 Martta Lapinlahdenkatu 3 tel. +358 (0)50 511 8088 Manala Dagmarinkatu 2 tel. +358 (0)9 5807 7707 SeaHorse Kapteeninkatu 11 tel. +358 (0)10 837 5700 Salve Hietalahdenranta 11 tel. +358 (0)10 76 64280

SMALL COSY RESTAURANTS Spis Kasarmikatu 26 tel. +358 (0)45 305 1211
Ask
Vironkatu 8 tel. +358 (0)40 5818 100 Ateljee Finne Arkadiankatu 14 tel. +358 (0)9 493 110 Lupolo Punavuorenkatu 3 tel. +358 (0)50 554 4050 Kuurna Meritullinkatu 6 tel. +358 (0)9 670 849 Muru Fredrikinkatu 41 tel. +358 (0)9 4289 1213
MICHELIN-STAR RESTAURANTS Chez Dominique** Rikhardinkatu 4
tel. +358 (0)9 612 7393
Demo*
Uudenmaankatu 9-11 tel. +358 (0)9 2289 0840 Luomo* Katariinankatu 1, 2nd floor tel. +358 (0)9 135 7287 Postres* Eteläesplanadi 8 tel. +358 (0)9 663 300 Olo* Kasarmikatu 44 tel. +358 (0)10 320 6250
ISLAND RESTAURANTS
Island restaurants are generally open from the beginning of May to the end of September. NJK
Valkosaari tel. +358 (0)9 6128 6500 Ferry departs from pier behind Olympic Terminal Saari Sirpalesaari tel. +358 (0)9 7425 5566 Ferry departs from Merisata- manranta beside Café Carusel Uunisaari Uunisaari tel. +358 (0)9 636 870 Ferry departs from the middle of Merisatamanranta beside Kaivopuisto Park or use the pontoon bridge in wintertime Saaristo Klippan tel. +358 (0)9 7425 5590 Ferry departs from the pier behind Olympic Terminal. Särkänlinna Särkänsaari tel. +358 (0)9 1345 6756 Ferry departs from pier next to Café Ursula HSS Boathouse Liuskasaari tel. +358 (0)9 1345 6766 Ferry departs from Merisata- manranta near Café Carusel Walhalla Suomenlinna A10 tel. +358 (0)9 668 552
Openyear round Alia Mustikkamaankuja 1, Mustikkamaa
tel. +358 (0)9 66 00 66
Savu
Tervasaarenkannas 3 tel. +358 (0)9 7425 5574 Accessible by road from Poh- joisranta
Suomenlinna also has several restaurants that are open year round, including Suomenlinna Brewery Restaurant, the club restaurant Klubi 20, and the restaurant Café Chapman. See pages 36-37.
RUSSIAN RESTAURANTS Bellevue Rahapajankatu 3 tel. +358 (0)9 179 560 Kasakka
Meritullinkatu 13 tel. +358 (0)9 3508 4760 Saslik Neitsytpolku 12 tel. +358 (0)9 7425 5500 Troikka Caloniuksenkatu 3 tel. +358 (0)9 445 229
KATTILA RESTAURANT COMPLEX AT LINNANMÄKI AMUSEMENT PARK Kattila offers six different res- taurants offering Finnish, Euro- pean, Mediterranean, American and Japanese cuisine. www.linnanmaki.fi/kattila
Tip!
For more ideas about eating out, refer to Helsinki This Week magazine, which is available in print, online and mobile ver- sions. The magazine and other restaurant guides can be picked up from Tourist Information or read online. m.helsinkithisweek.com, www.visithelsinki.fi and www.eat.fi

Cafés

Did you know that Finns drink more coffee per person than anywhere else in the world? Ap- parently we drink the equivalent of almost 10 kilos of ground coffee each a year. It's no surprise then that cosy cafés can be found on nearly every street corner. And don't forget to order BESIDE THE SEA - KAIVOPUISTO PARK a fresh cinnamon bun, known
Cafe Compass - open-air café
locally as a "korvapuusti", with your coffee – it's a Finnish specialty!
Aschan Café Jugend
Pohjoisesplanadi 19
Aalto
Academic Bookstore, 2nd floor Bulevardin kahvisalonki Bulevardi 1 Carusel
Kaivopuisto, Merisatamanranta 10 Ekberg Bulevardi 9 Engel Aleksanterinkatu 26 Eromanga Pohjoinen Makasiinikatu 6 Esplanad Pohjoisesplanadi 37 Fanny Bulevardi 40
TERVETULOA - VÄLKOMMEN - WELCOME Ehrenströmintie 1 b
Fleuriste
Uudenmaankatu 13
Kakkugalleria
Fredrikinkatu 41
Karl Fazer Café
Kluuvikatu 3
Mattolaituri
Kaivopuistonranta, Ehrenströmintie 3A Neuhaus Unioninkatu 32 Piritta Tokoinranta, Eläintarhantie 12 Sinisen Huvilan kahvila Töölönlahti, Linnunlauluntie 11 (open in summertime)
Helsinki's finest
Sis. Deli + Café
Korkeavuorenkatu 6, Kalevankatu 4 Strindberg Pohjoisesplanadi 33 Succès Korkeavuorenkatu 2 Tin Tin Tango Töölöntorinkatu 7 Torrefazione Aleksanterinkatu 50 Ursula
Kaivopuisto, Ehrenströmintie 3
Veranda
Mannerheimintie 13
Villipuutarha
Kallio, Kaarlenkatu 13

Nightlife

Helsinki boasts a wide range of clubs and bars offering some- thing for everyone.
CITY CENTRE Unmissable entertainment complex - Teatteri Pohjoisesplanadi 2 Experience a thousand and one nights – Glöd Korkeavuorenkatu 34 Popular Finnish bar and nightclub - Kaarle XII Kasarmikatu 40 Once a cinema, now a restau- rant and nightclub - Adams Erottajankatu 15-17 Helsinki's living room – begin and end your evening in the same place - Club Kappeli (summertime) Eteläesplanadi 1
KAIVOPUISTO Helsinki's most legendary summer restaurant – Kaivohuone Iso Puistotie 1
KLUUVI International atmosphere - Casino Helsinki Mikonkatu 19 Outdoor terraces - On the Rocks, Baarikärpänen and Public Corner Mikonkatu 15 Irish bar - Molly Malone's Kaisaniemenkatu 1 Ideal stop-off for a glass of wine or cocktail – Plaza H.U.B. Mikonkatu 23 For sweet people – Namu Makkaratalo 3rd floor, Kaivokatu 6 Shots only - Shot bar Helsinki Yliopistonkatu 8
KAMPPI Live music - Apollo Live Club Mannerheimintie 16 DJ evenings - mbar Mannerheimintie 22–24 Over the rooftops - Ateljee Bar Sokos Hotel Torni, Yrjönkatu 26 Design club - Le Bonk Yrjönkatu 24 For showing off - The Tiger Kamppi Shopping Centre, Urho Kekkosen katu 1 A
Biggest nightclub & gigs - The Circus Salomonkatu 1-3 The inspiration of legendary Finnish movie producer Aki Kaurismäki – Corona, Kafe Moskova and Dubrovnik Eerikinkatu 11
Artist restaurant - Kosmos
Kalevankatu 3
Top rock venues – Tavastia ja Semifinal Urho Kekkosen katu 6 Fine drinking - A21Cocktail Lounge Annankatu 21
Rock bar - Bar Loose
Annankatu 21
Beer and socialising - Teerenpeli Olavinkatu 2 Backroom bar for rockers - Bar Bäkkäri
Pohjoinen Rautatiekatu 21 Ship food and drinks with a Polynesian flavour - Navy Jerry's Rum Bar Hietaniemenkatu 2
PUNAVUORI Trendy hangout - Lupolo Punavuorenkatu 3 Living room atmosphere - Motellet Annankatu 10 For clubbers - Club Playground Iso Roobertinkatu 10 Popular - Café Bar 9 Uudenmaankatu 9 Exotic appeal - Kokomo Tikibar & Room Uudenmaankatu 16 Drinks and cocktails in Italian style from the 1940s and '50s - Milli Miglia Kalevankatu 36

KALLIO Classic local bar - Rytmi Toinen linja 2 Old-time bar atmosphere - Sävel Hämeentie 2 For hipsters - Kuudes linja Hämeentie 13 (sisäänkäynti Kaikukadulta) DJ atmosphere - Siltanen Hämeentie 13 B Live music - Club Liberté Kolmas Linja 34 Urban living room - Café Talo Hämeentie 2 b Pool, live music, board games and a poker table - Mascot Bar & Lounge Neljäs linja 2 Historic - Juttutupa Säästöpankinranta 6 Wednesday clubs and Thurs- day concerts - Café Piritta Eläintarhantie 12 Restaurant ships and floating terraces – Wäiski & Flying Dutch Hakaniemenranta 11 & Pitkän- sillanranta 2 (summertime)
TÖÖLO¨ Korjaamo Culture Factory (Vintti, outdoor terrace) Töölönkatu 51 a-b Artist life –Elite Eteläinen Hesperiankatu 22 Local bars – Botta, Manala, St. Urhos Pub Museokatu 10 / Dagmarinkatu 2 Jazz - Storyville Museokatu 8 Helsinki's Bollywood - Bhangra Bar Runeberginkatu 28 For partygoers – Mr. Don Runeberginkatu 28

 

Shopping

Yellow ones, violet ones, turquoise ones, red ones, blue ones... Purses, handbags and weekend bags... It's impossible to choose from the amazing selection at Lumi Accessories! This Finnish brand's newest outlet can be found in the Tori Quarter next to Senate Square where many other design brands have recently opened boutiques. The Tori Quarter also hosts a wide variety of events, so keep your eyes and ears open when you go shopping!
When hunting for classic and con- temporary Finnish design, there is no shortage of shops in Helsinki. Marimekko is always popular, and the brand has recently updated its outlets and opened new ones. The smallest of them all, Marikiska, is also the most fun. Among all the bright and colourful design products you will also find a huge selection of
cool clothing. Check out the creations of Vuokko Nurmesniemi, the grand old lady of Finnish design, at the Vuokko shop, or try on some of new designs by Samu-Jussi Koski in the Samuji shop. The leading Finnish design brands, such as Iit- tala, Arabia, Artek and Finlayson, all have their flagship stores along the Esplanade, making it easy to shop for all your gifts and souvenirs.
Design Forum Finland also sells a wide selection of Finnish design products, while Taito Shop Helsky is specialised in Finnish handicrafts. Check out the gor- geous rugs!
If you work up an appetite while shop- ping, head for Kluuvi Shopping Centre or Lasipalatsi, where the Eat&Joy Farmers Market sells delicious local and organic food from more than 500 small produc- ers across Finland. You could even buy some sparkling spruce shoot juice, artisan chocolates or berry jams to take home with you.

Helsinki offers the best shop- ping opportunities in Finland. Favourite items to bring home from Finland are designer prod- ucts from clothing to interior decorations.
SHOPPING STREETS Main shopping streets: Aleksanterinkatu, Esplanade and Mannerheimintie, Urho Kekkosen katu Smaller clothing boutiques: Uudenmaankatu, Fredrikinkatu and Korkeavuorenkatu, Bule- vardi, Runeberginkatu Interior decorating bou- tiques: Punavuori and Kamppi districts Design: Design District (see page 28), Esplanade, Kallio and Arabia districts Antique shops: Kruununhaka and Ullanlinna districts
SHOPPING CENTRES AND DEPARTMENT STORES Stockmann Aleksanterinkatu 52 – largest department store in Scandi- navia
Sokos
Mannerheimintie 9
Timeless design since 1881.
Forum
Mannerheimintie 20
City Center
Kaivokatu 8
Kluuvi
Aleksanterinkatu 9
Kampin ostoskeskus
Narinkkatori (metro: Kamppi)
Kämp Galleria
Pohjoisesplanadi 33
Itis – largest shopping centre in Scandinavia Itäkatu 1-7 (metro: Itäkeskus, 15 min.)
Bockin talo
Aleksanterinkatu 20
Sunnin talo
Aleksanterinkatu 26
Kiseleffin talo
Aleksanterinkatu 28
Verkkokauppa.com –
largest shopping centre for elec- tronics in Europe, Jätkäsaari
UNIQUE BOUTIQUES Sofinah – compelling fashion, ethical brands Uudenmaankatu 17 Helsinki10 – urban design, books, music, vintage, art, gallery and bar Eerikinkatu 3
Quelle Jolie bébé! Store – chil- dren's apparel by Tiia Vanhatapio Kluuvi, Aleksanterinkatu 9 Minna Parikka – feminine footwear, leather gloves, bags and knitwear
Aleksanterinkatu 36 IVANAhelsinki – clothing by Paola Suhonen that combines retro Scandinavian and Slavic influences Uudenmaankatu 15 Edel City – design products made from recycled materials Fredrikinkatu 33 Globe Hope – ecological design products from recycled materials Lasipalatsi, Mannerheimintie 22-24 Lumi, Finnish designer bag brand Kiseleffin talo, Aleksanterinkatu 28 Lande – a small slice of the countryside in the city Urho Kekkosenkatu 8 Moko Market & Café, interior design products and café Perämiehenkatu 10 My o My – fashion, design, sweets and art Aleksanterinkatu 36 Johanna Gullichsen – textile art and design Fredrikinkatu 18

Nounou design – glass art and interior design products made from glass, textiles, wood and metal
Uudenmaankatu 2 Nina's – design paradise with brands by Marni, Dries van Noten, Preen Line Bulevardi 13 Lux Shop – clothing, jewellery, accessories and other luxuries you can wear Uudenmaankatu 26 Liike – the new wave of Finnish fashion design Yrjönkatu 25 Samuji – minimalistic and func- tional clothing for women Pohjoisesplanadi 37

FLEA MARKETS Hietalahti Flea Market Hietalahti Market Hietsumarket Hietalahdenranta 11 For more flea markets, enquire from Tourist Information.
Tip!
Twice a year Helsinki is trans- formed into one giant glea market during Cleaning Day, when anyone can sell their own stuff anywhere they like, such as on the street and inside courtyards. www.siivouspaiva.com
VINTAGE SHOPS Play It Again Sam Rauhankatu 2 Hoochie Mama Jane Vaasankatu 10 Penny Lane Runeberginkatu 37 Artek 2nd Cycle Pieni Roobertinkatu 4-6
FACTORY OUTLETS Brand Outlet Warehouse City Passage, Kaivokatu 8 For more factory outlets, enquire from Tourist Information or go to
www.visithelsinki.fi.
OPENING HOURS
Department stores and shopping centres are open weekdays 9am- 9pm, Saturdays 9am-6pm and Sundays 12noon-6pm. Smaller shops are usually open week- days 10am-6pm and Saturdays 10am-3pm (4pm).
TAX FREE
Citizens of non-EU countries are eligible for tax-free returns. Pur- chases must be made in shops displaying Global Refund's Tax Free sign. The minimum total sum of purchased goods must be 40 euros. Upon leaving EU territory, travellers can claim VAT that varies according to product but does not exceed 20 percent of the total price. Refunds can also be claimed after you have returned home by filling in the form and sending it to Global Refund.
www.globalrefund.com
Tip!
If you don't have room in your suitcase, you can order Finn- ish design products over the internet from www.finnishde- signshop.com. Finnish Design Shop also publishes the Finnish Design Guide, which is available from Tourist Information.

Local specialties!
Tori Quarter
Handicrafts, Finnish design brands, eco design and much more. While shopping you can take a break at the charming Café Engel for a coffee and slice of banana-chocolate cake.
www.torikorttelit.fi
Punavuori and Helsinki Design District The Design District in Puna- vuori is home to numerous tiny boutiques that reflect the dreams of their owners. Check out the legendary record shop Digelius, the children's cloth- ing shop Zicco and the interior design shop Pino. Pick up a copy of the Design District Helsinki map to find your way through the maze of shops. www.digelius.com, www.zicco.fi, www.pino.fi, www.designdistrict.fi
Moko Market
Fun interior design items, clas- sic furniture, oriental textiles and great gift ideas. Moko has also become a meeting place for the locals – the café's weekend brunches are particularly popular. www.moko.fi

Wellness & exercise

The fresh sea breeze, the green surround- ings, the rustling leaves and the sound of your own footsteps. A genuine – and genuinely hot – Finnish sauna. A wellness treatment from head to toe. A dive into the crystal clear water beneath a magnifi- cent blue sky. Which sounds best to you?
Helsinki offers lots of opportunities to relax and unwind. Many will enjoy clear- ing their heads with a leisurely jog along the shoreline or through the forests of Keskuspuisto, our very own central park. Helsinki is also ideal for cycling, and find- ing a bike to rent or borrow is easy.
If you are feeling adventurous, head to the nearby Nuuksio National Park where you will find lots of marked trails and places to camp. Enjoy the great outdoors with a long hike followed by a refreshing dip in the lake!
Others will prefer pampering them- selves at a day spa soaking up the relax- ing atmosphere and relishing the exotic treatments. A more traditional alternative is the Yrjönkatu Swimming Hall, where you can travel back in time to the 1930s. The breathtakingly beautiful interior is somewhat reminiscent of an oriental hamam, but a hot Finnish sauna after your swim will remind you exactly where you are.
Indeed, it is almost impossible to avoid having a sauna when visiting the Finnish capital. While most hotels and apartments have modern electric saunas, a much more fun and authentic way to experi- ence this Finnish specialty is by visiting one of Helsinki's public saunas. The newest and most intriguing of these is the Kulttuurisauna "culture sauna" on the shoreline in Hakaniemenranta. Opened
as part of World Design Capital 2012, the culture sauna also offers sauna- goers and others an entertaining cultural programme, and from the terrace you can enjoy a beautiful view to the sea.

The beautiful clean nature and the fresh sea offer unlimited possibilities for relaxing and enjoying healthy activities throughout the year. In addition, beauty spas offer a comprehen- sive range of treatments, while the urban sauna culture is an experience that shouldn't be missed.
DAY SPAS AND OTHER SPAS Kämp Spa Kluuvikatu 4 B (8th floor) www.kampspa.fi
Helsinki Day Spa
Erottaja 4 www.dayspa.fi Kokemus Helsinki - showroom + day spa Yrjönkatu 28 (Sokos Hotel Torni, inner courtyard) www.kokemushelsinki.fi Siluetti Spa Pohjoisesplanadi 35, 6th floor www.siluettispa.fi Forever Day Spa Mannerheimintie 50 (Crowne Plaza, ground floor) www.foreverdayspa.fi Celeste Iso Roba Iso Roobertinkatu 29 A 2
Elegia Day Spa
Fredrikinkatu 20
Blue Lagoon
Urho Kekkosen katu 1 (Kamppi Shopping Centre, 5th floor) Imagine Day Spa Kalevankatu 33
SW Day Spa
Museokatu 20-22
Sky Beauty Day Spa
Siltasaarenkatu 1
Flamingo Spa
Tasetie 8, Vantaa www.flamingospa.fi
SWIMMING AND SAUNAS
Hot saunas relax both the mind and the body. After throwing water on the rocks and soaking up the heat, cool off with a refreshing swim.
Yrjönkatu Swimming Hall
Yrjönkatu Swimming Hall has the feel of a Roman bath. Built in 1928, it is the oldest swimming hall in Helsinki and the entire Nordic region. Its specialty is nude swimming with separate swimming times on different days of the week for men and women. Naturally, swimsuits can also be worn. You can also rent your own stall with a bed for relaxing and enjoying refreshments.
Yrjönkatu 21 b Prices: adults €5–12, children and special groups €2.50
Mäkelänrinne Swimming Centre Mäkelänkatu 49 Prices: adults €6.20, children and special groups €3.20 Itäkeskus Swimming Hall Olavinlinnantie 6
Prices: adults €5.40, children and special groups €2.70
Further information about swimming and sauna hours: www.hel.fi/liikunta
Outdoor swimming pools Swimming Stadium The Swimming Stadium offers outdoor swimming in a 50-metre pool from May to September in 25-degree water regardless of the weather.
Hammarskjöldintie Kumpula Outdoor Swimming Pool (May-August) Allastie 5
Serena Water Park
is the largest water park in the Nordic region. Indoors families can enjoy the wild water-slides, bubble pools, children's pools and a large wave pool. Outdoor attractions include mat slides, two long ring rivers, a Dead Sea pool and a number of other slides.
Tornimäentie 10, Lahnus, Espoo www.serena.fi

Saunas Kotiharjun Sauna in Kallio is a legendary wood-heated public sauna that is a living part of Helsinki's urban culture. A traditional washing lady is available Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 4pm to 7pm. No reservation is needed. Massages, hand and foot treatments, and cupping are also available, but these services must be reserved in advance. Harjutorinkatu 1 Open: Tue–Sat 2pm–8pm (sauna time until 9:30pm) Prices: adults €12, pensioners and students €8.50, children (12–16) €6 www.kotiharjunsauna.fi
The newest addition to Helsinki's urban sauna culture is the Kulttuurisauna "Culture Sauna", which opened in 2012. The ecological sauna is situated by the sea in the Ha- kaniemi district and represents modern wooden architecture. Up to 18 people can fit in the sauna in both the men's and women's sides. Hakaniemenranta 15
You can try a genuine smoke sauna at Kuusijärvi in Vantaa. www.saunamafia.fi
Beaches
Helsinki's shoreline and archi- pelago are perfect for enjoying outdoor recreation, swimming and nature walks. The most popular swimming beach is Hietaniemi Beach, or "Hietsu" as it is known locally. In addi- tion to the places listed here, public swimming beaches near to the centre can be found at Seurasaari, Mustikkamaa and Munkkiniemi.
Uunisaari Island off the southern shore of Kaivopuisto Park offers sandy beaches and convenient services, attract- ing holidaymakers to swim and picnic. How to get there (April-Novem- ber): Take the small ferry from
Merisatamantori (look for the compass), which operates daily every hour (8:45am-3:45pm) from April to June and August to November.
On Pihlajasaari Island you can sunbathe on the hot rocks and swimming in the refreshing sea. The island also has a kiosk and café-restaurant, as well as a separate naturist beach.
How to get there (mid-May to early September): Take the ferry from Merisatamanranta (beside Café Carusel), which operates every hour and non-stop on hot days. Alternatively, take the ferry from Ruoholahti departing every hour from June to August.

CYCLING Cycling Centre The Cycling Centre is situated next to Kamppi Shopping Centre beside Narinkkatori Square. Services include rentals, repairs, facilities for making repairs yourself, and information. There is also a secure area for leaving your bicycle. Narinkka 3
Bike rentals Greenbike Bulevardi 32 www.greenbike.fi Ecobike Savilankatu 1 b www.ecobike.fi Bicyclean Helsinki Vyökatu 4, www.bicycleanhelsinki.com
Many hotels offer their guests bicycles free of charge – enquire from your hotel's reception! A free biking map is also available from Tourist Information.
Baana
Opened in June 2012, Baana is a new 1.3-kilometre corridor for pedestrians and cyclists that runs along a disused railway line through the city, connecting the Töölönlahti and Ruoholahti districts.
City bikes
Helsinki Region Transport will once again offer free city bikes from spring 2013 onwards. Plans are for 500 bikes and 34 bike racks. Use of the bikes requires that you register using a travel card or credit card.
www.hsl.fi
GOLF
In Helsinki you can play golf at Vuosaari Golf or at the Helsinki Golf Club in Tali. The season usually lasts from May to Octo- ber. Nearby in Espoo there are six high-quality golf courses and an indoor driving range that are ideal for both active players and amateurs. There are also two golf courses in Vantaa. www.golfpiste.com (in Finnish), www.golf.fi
FRISBEE GOLF
There are five frisbee golf courses in Helsinki. Meilahden frisbeegolfrata, Meilahdentie 2
Talin frisbeegolfpuisto, Ravitie 1, Espoo frisbeegolfradat.fi
RECREATIONAL AREAS Helsinki's Central Park (Keskuspuisto) comprises a large area of recreational forest and skiing trails in wintertime, especially in Paloheinä. The park also has four conservation areas: the Pitkäkoski rapids, the Ruutinkoski rapids, the Haltiala protected forest and the Niskala arboretum.
www.hel.fi
Kaivopuisto Park and Töölön- lahti Bay are ideal places for jogging and walking. Helsinki also has over twenty historically significant manor house parks that are ideal places for walking and enjoying the gardens. The most popular manor house parks include Annala, Fallkulla, Haltiala, Hert- toniemi, Munkkiniemi, Puotila ja Kumpula.
www.hel.fi

Visit Espoo
The Finnish Nature Centre Haltia opens in Nuuksio Na- tional Park in May 2013. Haltia is a new type of visitor centre, bringing all of Finland's nature under one roof and closer to the visitor through both the build- ing's facilities and its stunning exhibitions. Nature from all over Finland can be experienced in the Helsinki region! www.haltia.com
The Villa Elfvik nature house
and nature trail are located at the northern end of the Laajalahti Conservation Area. Elfvikintie 4, Laajalahti, Espoo tel. +358 (0)9 8165 4400 www.espoo.fi/villaelfvik
Local specialties!
Kotiharju Sauna
Soak up the heat and steam, then take a break and cool off. Repeat until you are thoroughly relaxed. In between you can ask a bathing attendant to scrub you thoroughly clean from top to toe. The locals share local gossip or simply sit quietly and enjoy. Kotiharju Sauna has heated its traditional wood- heated saunas since 1928. Your visit to Helsinki won't get any more Finnish than this! www.kotiharjunsauna.fi
Kämp Spa
Situated on the eighth floor of the glamorous Kämp Hotel, this day spa offers pure luxury and enjoyment. Try one of the body treatments using natural Finnish cosmetics.
www.kampspa.fi
Töölönlahti Bay
One of the most popular places to job, walk or even Nordic Walk (with poles) in Helsinki is the park around Töölönlahti in the heart of the city. Along the way you can admire the opera house (an ac- quired taste), Finlandia Hall (classic Finnish design by Alvar Aalto), the Winter Garden (an exotic oasis that is open year round) and the charming villas on the other side of the bay in the Linnunlaula "birdsong" district. From there you can continue over the train tracks to the Tokoinranta shoreline.
At Oittaa Recreational Centre you can rent equipment for summer and winter sports and take lessons. Enjoy cycling, canoeing, snowshoe hiking, cross-country skiing and tour skating.
Kunnarlantie 33–39, Espoon Oittaa www.oittaa.fi
Nuuksio National Park in Espoo is an excellent destination for camping, picking berries, hiking, fishing, cycling and skiing. You can get to the park by bus. tel. +358 (0)205 644 790 www.luontoon.fi/nuuksio

SKATING AND SKIING Helsinki Icepark in Railway Square is the perfect place for skating to music or simply relax- ing in the café and watching others on the ice. Skates can be rented, and skating schools for children are held daily. The Ice Park also presents a fun programme of events, from live music to performances. Opening hours (November- March, weather permitting): Mon–Fri 10am–9pm, Sat 10am–9pm, Sun 10am–6pm Prices: adults €5, children (under 18) and special groups €3, rental skates €5 www.jaapuisto.fi
Kallio Skating Rink is another popular open-air skating rink that plays music and sells warm juice and hot chocolate. The skating rink is open from November to March. Skates are available for rent. Helsinginkatu 23 www.hel.fi/liikunta
The best cross-country skiing trails are located in Central Park (Keskuspuisto). At Paloheinä Recreational Centre (approxi- mately 9 km from the centre of Helsinki) you can rent skis. Pakilantie 124 www.hel.fi/liikunta
At Kivikko Skiing Hall you can experience wintertime in even in the middle of summer. The temperature is kept at –2 to –4°C. Activities include skiing and sledding, and there is also an igloo hotel and ice bar as part of the Unique Lapland experience. Savikiekontie 4 www.hel.fi/liikunta
There are also good downhill and snowboarding slopes nearby, for example Talma in Sipoo.
www.talmaski.fi
Lumiparkki snow park in Kivikko offers snowboarding conditions for all levels. Open: December-March (weather permitting) www.lumiparkki.fi
In neighbouring Espoo you can ski and snowboard at Serena Ski and Solvalla-Swinghill, and there are over 200 kilometres of cross-country skiing trails. www.visitespoo.fi and www.ski.fi
Visit Finland Media Bank
OTHER ACTIVITIES At the Salmisaari Sports Centre you can try beach volleyball, bowling, climbing, laser battles, dancing, badminton and floorball. www.salmisaarenliikuntakeskus.fi

 

UNIQUE LAPLAND UNIQUE LAPLAND
HELSINKI TALVIMAAILMA WINTER WORLD IN HELSINKI
Ympärivuotinen talvikokemus ja Lapin
All year round winter experience on real snow mystiikkaa, oikean lumen ja jään maailmassa;
and ice with true Lapland atmosphere; Husky husky -koirien valjakkokyyti, Igluhotelli,
Dog Sledding, Igloo hotel, Sliding Hill, Ice Bar, liukumäki, jääbaari, potkukelkat,
Kick Sledges, Tandem Skis, Souvenir Shop... tandemsukset, matkamuistomyymälä...
Open 10.6.-31.8.2013 every day Auki 10.6.-31.8.2013 joka päivä klo 10-14:00
at 10-14:00 (closed 22.-23.6.2013) (suljettu 22.-23.6.2013)
For the groups on request all year round Ryhmille tilauksesta ympäri vuoden
Entrance tickets: 32 € / adult, 28 € / child Sisäänpääsymaksu: 32 € / aikuinen, 28 € / lapsi
(including thermal outÞts and boots) (sisältää lämpimät talvivaatteet ja k

Outside Helsinki

From Helsinki it is easy to make day-trips to the countryside or even neighbouring countries. Within 100 kilometres of the city centre you will find Porvoo (see page 88), the second oldest town in Finland, Fiskars (see page 89), a trendy artist community, Loviisa, a quiet seaside town, and Raseborg, home to historic ironworks and fascinating medieval castle ruins. Tuusulanjärvi (see page 87)
has several cultural landmarks, including the home museum of composer Jean Sibelius (Ainola) and the atelier home of artist Pekka Halonen (Halosenniemi). Tallinn is a popular destination for one-day excursions and is very easy to get to by ferry.
For more information, pick up a copy of the Helsinki & Southern Finland brochure from Tourist Information or go to www.visithelsinki.fi/region.
FERRIES
There are daily ferry connections from Helsinki to Estonia and Sweden, and regular connec- tions also to Germany and Poland. Ask your tour operator or enquire from Helsinki Expert's sales point located inside Tourist Information.
Helsinki Expert Sales Point, Pohjoisesplanadi 19 sales@helsinkiexpert.fi, tel. +358 (0)9 2288 1500 www.helsinkiexpert.com
TALLINN Eckerö Line Mannerheimintie 10 www.eckeroline.fi Linda Line Makasiiniterminaali, Eteläsatama www.lindaline.fi Tallink Erottajankatu 19 www.tallinksilja.com Viking Line Lönnrotinkatu 2 www.vikingline.fi
STOCKHOLM Silja Line Olympic Terminal, Eteläsatama and Erottajankatu 19 www.tallinksilja.com Viking Line Lönnrotinkatu 2 www.vikingline.fi
GERMANY AND POLAND Finnlines Vuosaari Harbour, Provianttikatu 5 www.finnlines.com
ST. PETERSBURG St. Peter Line Nordic Ferry Center, Pieni Roobertinkatu 13 B www.ferrycenter.fi
Further information about schedules and services: Port of Helsinki tel. +358 (0)9 310 1621 www.portofhelsinki.fi

LONG-DISTANCE BUSES
The Matkahuolto bus station is situated at the Kamppi Centre (entrance from Narinkkatori Square).
www.matkahuolto.fi
FLIGHTS
Helsinki Airport is located 19 kilometres (approximately half an hour) from the centre of Helsinki. The taxi ride will cost around €40. Finnair's airport bus: €6.20. Regional Bus 615: €4.50.
www.finavia.fi www.helsinki-vantaa.fi
On weekdays you can fly to Tallinn by helicopter in just 18 minutes. Copterline www.fast-class.com
TRAINS
There are regular train con- nections from Helsinki to all major towns in Finland, as well as to Lapland. The Helsinki metropolitan area is served by a local commuter train network. In addition, there is a daily service to Moscow and up to four to St. Petersburg. The new Allegro high-speed trains cut the travel time from Helsinki to St. Petersburg from 5.5 hours to 3.5 hours.
Central Railway Station (see page 10) www.vr.fi

Useful information.

TOURIST INFORMATION
Make the most of Helsinki's tour- ist services – Helsinki City Tourist Information, brochures and online content, the inexpensive Helsinki Card and knowledgeable guides.
HELSINKI CITY TOURIST INFORMATION Tourist Information provides free information about the city, sights, events and services, including a wide selection of bro- chures and maps. A Helsinki Ex- pert's sales point is also located here. Tourist Information is also available from Helsinki's Expert's sales point located inside the Central Railway Station. During the peak tourism season cruise ship passengers are also served at the Hernesaari Cruise Terminal. At Tourist Information you can use the free Internet connection, make copies for a small charge, and purchase various travel prod- ucts, including Helsinki Region Transport tickets. Pohjoisesplanadi 19,
tel. +358 (0)9 3101 3300 Open 15 May–14 September: Mon–Fri 9am–8pm, Sat–Sun 9am–6pm Open 15 September–14 May: Mon–Fri 9am–6pm, Sat–Sun 10am–4pm www.visithelsinki.fi
Helsinki Region Tourist Infor- mation is located at Helsinki Air- port (Terminal 2, Arrival Hall 2). Open: 24-hours, desk manned daily 10am–8pm May to September and 10am–6pm (Sun 12noon–6pm) October to April.
From June to August the streets of Helsinki are patrolled by around 20 young Helsinki Help- ers dressed in green offering free advice and help to visitors. Ask them about interesting events and sights or for brochures and maps. The helpers are themselves assisted by Helppi, our fun mascot who can be seen up and down Esplanade Park. The Hel- sinki Helpers also serve custom- ers from the Info Container.
Tip! The Gay Friendly Helsinki network highlights tolerant service providers, from hotels and res-taurants to transportation companies and excursions. www.visithelsinki.fi > My Helsinki > GLBT Friendly
VISIT ESPOO
tel. +358 (0)9 8164 7230 tourist@espoo.fi www.visitespoo.fi
Tourist Information: Leppävaara
(Sello / Leppävaara Library)
Matinkylä citizen's Office
(Iso Omena)
Tapiola citizen's Office
(Espoo Cultural Centre)
Tourist information is also available from the following citizen's offices: Espoon keskus
Espoonlahti (Lippulaiva)
Kalajärvi
(Ruskatalo)
Tapiola
(Folkhälsan) tel. +358 (0)9 8165 7070
VANTAA CITY TOURIST INFORMATION Tikkurila Citizen's office Ratatie 7, 01300 Vantaa Myyrmäki Citizen's office Myyrmäkitalo
Kilterinraitti 6, 01600 Vantaa www.vantaa.fi/en/ citizen_s_offices www.visitvantaa.fi

HELSINKI EXPERT
Helsinki Expert's sales points sell the Helsinki Card and tickets for sightseeing tours, and they also handle hotel reservations and car rentals. Ferry tickets and package tours to Tallinn and St. Petersburg can also be pur- chased here. Helsinki Expert's sales points inside the Central Railway Station and Tourist Information at Pohjoisesplanadi 19 are open in summertime (June to August) Mon–Fri 9am–6pm, Sat–Sun 9am–5pm and in wintertime (September to May) Mon–Fri 9am–4:30pm, Sat 10am–4pm. sales@helsinkiexpert.fi tel. +358 (0)9 2288 1500 Online shop: www.helsinkiexpert.com Online hotel bookings: www.hotelbooking.fi
Hire your own guide
Helsinki's official guides are specially trained experts in Helsinki Region, and their services are available in around 25 languages. Helsinki guides have lots of experience in lead- ing groups, from state visits to school children. Transportation, including cars, limousines, buses of all sizes, ships and boats, and even trams, can also be provided along with your guide.
Enquiries and reservations: Helsinki Expert tel. +358 (0)9 2288 1222 sales@helsinkiexpert.fi www.helsinkiexpert.com
Create your own Helsinki experience Purchase your Helsinki Card in advance and plan your own unique Helsinki itinerary on the website www.helsinkicard.fi. Helsinki Card holders are enti- tled to free, unlimited travel on Helsinki Region Transport (HSL), as well as to free admission
to museums and attractions, including Suomenlinna and its museums. The adult card entitles the holder to a free Helsinki Panorama Sightseeing Audio Tour (value €29). The card also offers discounts, for example from restaurants, car rentals
and cultural events, as well as a handy city guide and map in 5 languages. The Helsinki Card can also be purchased from Tourist Information, at the airport, at passenger ferry terminals, at
the Central Railway Station, and from hotels. The Helsinki Card is valid for 24, 48 or 72 hours, and the time begins when the card is first used. The price for adults is €38 and for children (7–16) starting from €16. Children under 7
are allowed in free to nearly all Helsinki Card attractions. www.helsinkicard.fi

 

Services

HOTELS AND OTHER ACCOMMODATION Helsinki offers plenty of choices for accommodation, from inex- pensive hostels to luxury hotels. For a full list of accommodation outlets, see:
www.visithelsinki.fi
If you do not have a room upon arrival, you can book one at the Hotel Expert desk at Tourist Information or inside the Central Railway Station or online from: www.hotelbooking.fi.
EMERGENCY NUMBERS
General emergencies 112 Police 112 Ambulance and fire 112
24-HOUR HEALTH SERVICE INFORMATION tel. +358 (0)9 10 023 www.0910023.fi
HOSPITALS
24-hour service:
Haartman Hospital
Haartmaninkatu 4, Building 12 tel. +358 (0)9 310 63231/direct +358 (0)9 310 5018/ switchboard
Maria Hospital
Lapinlahdenkatu 16, Building 15 C tel. +358 (0)9 310 67204 Mehiläinen-Töölö (private hospital) Runeberginkatu 47 A tel. +358 (0)10 414 3030/24h +358 (0)10 414 0112/ switchboard
LOST AND FOUND Helsinki Police Pasilan poliisitalo 1 Pasilanraitio 13 Länsi-Pasila Mon–Fri 9am–1pm tel. +358 (0)71 877 3180 (Mon–Fri 9am–1pm) www.poliisi.fi
Suomen Löytötavarapalvelu
Mäkelänkatu 56 tel. +358 (0)600 41 006, (€.1.97/min+local net-work charge) Open: Mon–Fri 10am–6pm, Sat 10am–2pm www.loytotavara.net Suomen Löytötavarapiste Kamppi Centre, Narinkka 3 tel. +358 (0)600 04401, (€1.99/ min+local network charge)
BANKS Aktia Mannerheimintie 14 tel. +358 (0)10 247 6600, Mon–Tue, Thu–Fri 10am–4:30pm, Wed 10am–6pm Nordea Aleksanterinkatu 30 tel. +358 (0)200 3000, Mon–Fri 10am–4:30pm OP Pankki Aleksanterinkatu 19 tel. +358 (0)10 255 9015, Mon–Thu 10am–7pm, Fri 10am–4:30pm Danske Bank Kaivokatu 6 tel. +358 (0)10 546 0050, Mon–Fri 10am–4:30pm Nooa Säästöpankki Mikonkatu 2 tel. +358 (0)10 436 6420, Mon–Thu 10am–5pm, Fri 10am–4:30pm Handelsbanken Eteläesplanadi 12 tel. +358 (0)10 444 3410, Mon–Fri 10am–4:30pm
CURRENCY EXCHANGE Forex Central Railway Station tel. +358 (0)600 55 00 95 Mon–Fri 9am–8pm, Sat–Sun 9am–7pm Stockmann
8th floor tel. +358 (0)600 55 00 95 Mon–Fri 9am–-9pm, Sat 9am–6pm, Sun 12noon–6pm Itäkeskus Pasaasi-käytävä tel. +358 (0)600 55 00 95 Mon–Fri 9am–7pm, Sat 9:30am–5pm Tavex Fabianinkatu 12 tel. +358 (0)9 6814 9149 Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, Sat 10am-4pm
POST OFFICE General Post Office Elielinaukio 2 F tel. +358 (0)200 71000 (cus- tomer service – local network charge/mobile call charge), Mon–Fri 8am–6pm Open: Mon–Fri 8am–8pm, Sat–Sun 10am–2pm www.posti.fi

LIBRARIES IN THE CITY CENTRE Admission to libraries is free of charge, and inside you can read books and a wide range of newspapers and magazines, as well as use the internet. Kirjasto 10 (Library 10) Elielinaukio 2G
Open: Mon–Thu 8am–10pm, Fri 8am–6pm, Sat–Sun 12noon–6pm Rikhardinkatu library Rikhardinkatu 3
Open: Mon–Thu 9am–8pm, Fri 9am–6pm, Sat 10am–4pm
PUBLIC TOILETS
Helsinki has over 36 automatic public toilets located in parks and along streets that are open 24/7. They also have wheelchair access. Public toilets are marked on the map available from Tour- ist Information. Automatic public toilets can be found beside the Old Market Hall, in Esplanade Park and in Sibelius Park, for example.
Price: €0.50
The public toilets on Sofiankatu street are open in wintertime (mid-September to mid-May) daily 9:30am–4pm and in sum- mertime 9:30am–4pm.
Price: €0.50
TAXIS Taksi-Helsinki tel. +358 (0)100 0700 (€1.15/call + €0.164/ 10s.+local call charge) www.taksihelsinki.fi Kovanen tel. +358 (0)200 6060 www.kovanen.com
Airport taxis Yellow Line Airport Taxi tel. +358 (0)600 555 555 (€1.99/call+local network charge) Special prices from airport to centre www.airporttaxi.fi Taxi Point Helsinki-Vantaa Airport tel. +358 (0)9 8256 5566 www.taxipoint.fi
CAR RENTALS AutoAlex tel. +358 (0)40 522 3938 www.autoalex.com Avis tel. +358 (0)9 8598 356 www.avis.fi Budget tel. +358 (0)207 466 600 www.budget.fi Easyrent tel. +358 (0)46 612 75 42 www.easyrent.fi Europcar tel. +358 (0)200 12 154 www.europcar.fi Finnrent tel. +358 (0)9 135 5919 www.finn-rent.fi Hertz tel. +358 (0)200 112 233 www.hertz.fi Lacara tel. +358 (0)9 719 062 www.lacara.net Scandia Rent tel. +358 (0)20 7435 342 www.scandiarent.fi Sixt tel. +358 (0)200 111 222 www.sixt.fi Transwell Oy tel. +358 (0)10 423 9944 transwell.fi

Travel conveniently within Helsinki
Region by public transport
1–7 day tickets
The most convenient ticket for visitors is a day ticket available on a single-charge card. You can choose the number of days for your ticket from 1 to 7 days. The ticket is valid from the time it is first used, including during the night fare hours. Day tickets are valid on all public transport: trams, buses, the Metro, commuter trains and the Suomenlinna ferry.
Suomenlinna ticket (12 hours)
If you want to spend a day at the Suomenlinna maritime fortress, this is the ticket for you. The ticket is valid for 12 hours from the time it is first used. It is valid only on the ferry to Suomenlinna and it does not include a right to transfer to other public transport modes. The Suomenlinna ticket on a single-charge card can also be purchased conveniently in advance.
Sales points for single-charge cards:
• R kiosks • Stockmann department stores • K-Citymarkets • Prisma stores • VR ticket sales at railway stations • Tourist Information • Helsinki Airport, Helsinki Region Tourist Information • Silja Serenade and Silja Symphony ferries • HSL service points: Central Railway Station and
Itäkeskus Metro Station, Pasila office • Citizens' Offices in Espoo and Vantaa
Easily and inexpen- sively to the airport / Helsinki city centre
615 Airport Bus
Railway Station Square, Platform 3 Airport Terminal T1, Platform 2 Airport Terminal T2, Platform 21
Travel information,
timetables and routes
tel. 0100 111
Personal service Mon-Fri 7am-7pm, Sat-Sun 9am-5pm (0.98 euros/call + local network charge).
24h talking timetable (0.49 euros/call + local network charge)

HELSINKI FINLAND AND IN YOUR POCKET

Best guide PDF

HELSINKI Children
SAUNAS IN HELSINKI

TRAVELERS OF HELSINKI

 

 

Guide Helsinki [Finland] - The Pearl of the Baltic
Europe - Finland

Helsinki is a modern European city whose cosmopolitan lifestyle exists in perfect harmony with nature. Surrounded by the sea and own an archipelago, Helsinki offers visitors an endless number of possibilities. It can be defined by a single word, or be experienced only one way. Helsinki has something for everyone. The colorful layers of its 450-year history can be seen everywhere, a walking tour of the city center or a visit to the magnificent fortress of Suomenlinna will open your eyes to a fascinating past. Today Helsinki is a city of the future. Its modern architecture, design and high technology pointers have achieved international recognition for the city. The urban subculture and unique lifestyles are a part of this international metropolis.

Geography

Finland is the seventh largest country in Europe after Russia, Ukraine, France, Spain, Sweden and Germany. Also called "The Lake District" (more than 188,000). Besides lakes, has 179 000 islands, of which 98,000 are in the lakes. Bordered to the North Norway, Estonia south, Russia to the east and west Sweden. Helsinki has a total area of ??686Km 2, 186km 2 of land, and 500 km 2 covered by water. The 10% of Finland is water, 69% by forest, 8% for cultivated land and 13% for other uses. The length of its coastline is 4,600 miles.
The highest peak in Finland is the Halti, rising to 1328 meters above sea level.
In Finland there are over 300 different bird species, destancando finches, grouse or a bednet music, among others. As mammals, we find grizzly bears, moose, and lynx.
Its flora is also very varied. The forests consist of pines and birches, primarily. The Europe's largest archipelago is located on the southwest coast of Finland and the Aland Islands, an autonomous province of Swedish-speaking Finnish, is part of this archipelago.

 

Climate

Spring is a cold season, because of the existence of snow.

Summer in Helsinki begins in May and lasts until mid-September. Summers in Finland are mild with an average temperature of 20-25 ° C, green landscapes and a very bright nights, mainly due to the phenomenon known as "Midnight Sun" (the sun does not set for several weeks). This phenomenon occurs from May to late July. In days especially calurorosos can reach up to 30 º C. Local rains are short lived.

From September the days are usually more rainy. Fall is a great time to see the Northern Lights in the north. In Lapland, this season is called "Ruska" because of the beauty of color that occurs in nature.

The winter season starts in November, early December. The average temperature from December to February is -4 ° C. The coldest month is January, when the sea can reach freezing and temperatures drop to -15 ° C. It is also the season of the year with less daylight, with a duration of two months (time of darkness, called "Kaamos", a word that defines the blue light that can be seen during the winter months), and covers of November to mid-January. In February and September days have the same length as the rest of the world.

When to go

The best months to go are June, July and August. In July Finns fleeing the city to their summer homes and many offices closed. If you are interested in the culture, it's best to go in August when they celebrated the main Helsinki arts festival, along with countless performances. If you are interested in cruises or shopping, the best time is spring and autumn (high season in Helsinki), the month in which you can enjoy the famous Helsinki Festival.
If you're looking to play a sport of snow, it is best to go from December to April. In Lapland skiing is possible until early May. In February, 30 years is celebrated in Finland Ski Marathon in the Lahti region, lasting 2-4 days and for a price of 100 €.

History

Helsinki was founded by King Gustav Vasa of Sweden at the mouth of the River Vantaa in 1550. In mid-1600, the city center was moved to its current location in the south of the peninsula, where the deep waters Helsinki allowed better compete in the maritime trade that took place in the Baltic.
In 1748 Sweden built the sea fort Suomelinna, due to increased threats of invasion that came from Russia. Finland became part of Russia in 1809, after which his status took the capital of the Grand Duchy of Finland in 1812. It was designed a monumental city plan to reflect the power of Russia and the Tsar. Helsinki grew rapidly into a modern European city in the late 1800s.
By the early twentieth century, the population of Helsinki already exceeded 100,000, largely due to its university and growing industry. In 1917, Helsinki became the capital of the independent Republic of Finland. As the twentieth century progressed, Helsinki earned a place among the world's metropolises. The Olympic Games in 1952, the Conference for Security and Cooperation in Europe in 1975, and Finland's entry into the European Union in 1995 are major steps on the way to internationalization. Helsinki was one of nine European cities of Culture in 2000. Today, Helsinki is a city of sligo archetypal XXI, a city carecteriza for its classicism and functionalism, enjoying the comforts of an ultramodern infrastructure and vast landscapes.

Traditions

Helsinki is a small, intimate and lively, not boisterous. Its size makes it an ideal city to stroll around the cafes and markets. Nearby islands are a delight in summer.

Because Helsinki is located on the Baltic Sea coast and has many kilometers of coastline, most of the central districts are near the sea. Helsinki is a very maritime, popularly known as the "Pearl of the Baltic".

Helsinki coastal position makes it an ideal place to enjoy summer watching ferries that depart from the port. Many of Helsinki's main attractions are related to the sea, including the Suomenlinna naval fortress (heritage of humanity by UNESCO) and Seurasaari Island, with its parks and open-air museums. Finns often spend sunny days at the beach Hietaniemi (popularly called Hietsu), Helsinki's main beach in the district of Töölö.

In winter, Helsinki is a dark city most of the day, thereby making it a welcoming city with interesting lighting, such as that seen in the classic Christmas street of Aleksanterinkatu (Joulukatu). During the coldest months of winter, it is very common to see helsinkianos taking walks on the frozen sea, although this should be done with caution. There are also many places to swim in the ice along the coast, some with saunas.

Helsinki is also home Linnanmäki amusement park, with five roller coasters and many other attractions, including the first Intamin coaster in the world, scheduled to open in April 2007.

Gastronomy

Finnish cuisine is mainly influenced by the French and Russian cuisines.
In a country such as Finland fishing, could not miss the various dishes with fish: Baltic herring with seafood or mustard sauce, salmon in different varieties, etc.. The season for catching crayfish usually begins on 20 July and lasts until mid-August. "Muikku" freshwater anchovy, is the delight of the lakes region. They are also widely consumed slow cooker dishes and soups and vegetables and berries in summer nationals. Throughout the country you will find many outdoor markets where you can taste the typical empanadas. Some local specialties are pie Karelia "karialanpiirakka" or "lörtsy" in Savo.
Been in Finland there are a variety of meat dishes. Reindeer meat is prepared in various ways, is very tasty and has a low fat content. We also find an infinite variety of breads.
Besides breakfast (quite strong, by the way), the Finns made "three meals": a light lunch consisting of a salad plate and a coffee between 11 and 13 hours, another biggest meal at 17-18 hours and a "light meal" at 21 hours. It is customary to dine in restaurants after 19 hours. In any case, the restaurants serve food at any time of day. The only food services that have a set schedule are free buffets and menus of one price.
The most consumed beverage at meals is water, milk or beer, but also have a variety of excellent wines imported.
The dishes are so abundant that it is normal to ask for just the main course and dessert.

Basic Dictionary
- Hello: Hei;
- Farewell heihei;
- Later: Nähdään;
- Yes: Kylla;
- No: Ei;
- Thanks: Kiitos;
- You're welcome: Ole hyvä;
- Sorry: Anteeksi;
- Excuse: Anteeksi;
- Morning: Huomenta;
- Afternoon: päivää;
- Evening: Iltaa;
- I do not speak Finnish: In Puhu suomea.

Numbers:
- 0: Nolla;
- 1: yksi;
- 2: Kaksi;
- 3: kolme;
- 4: Nelja;
- 5: viisi;
- 6: Kuusi;
- 7: Seitseman;
- 8: kahdeksan;
- 9: yhdeksän;
- 10: kymmenen;
- 11: yksitoista;
- 12: kaksitoista;
- 13: kolmetoista
- 14: neljätoista
- 15: viisitoista
- 16: kuusitoista
- 17: seitsemäntoista
- 18: kahdeksantoista
- 19: yhdeksäntoista
- 20: kaksikymmentä
- 30: kolmekymmentä
- 40: neljäkymmentä
- 50: viisikymmentä
- 60: kuusikymmentä
- 70: seitsemänkymmentä
- 80: kahdeksankymmentä
- 90: yhdeksänkymmentä
- 100: sata
- 1000: tuhat

Weekdays:
- Monday: maanantai
- Tuesday: tiistai
- Wednesday: keskiviikko
- Thursday: torstai
- Friday: perjantai
- Saturday: lauantai
- Sunday: sunnuntai

In the City:
- Street: katu
- Building: Rakennus
- It is open: is on avoinna / auki.
- It is closed: The on suljettu / kiinni.
- Office: posti
- Bank: Pankki
- Restaurant: ravintola
- Film: elokuvateatteri
- Station: Rautatieasema
- Gas: bensiiniasema
- Library: kirjasto
- Buy a ticket: ostaa lippu
- Opera: ooppera
- Concert: konsertti
- Art Exhibition: taidenäyttely

In the restaurant:
- Can I have the menu, please?: Saanko ruokalistan, kiitos?
- Water, please: Vetta, kiitos.
- A beer, please: Yksi olut, kiitos.
- Can I have the bill, please? Saisinko laskun, kiitos?

At the Hotel:
- Excuse me, can you tell me where to find a phone?: Anteeksi, Missa on puhelin?
- Hotel: hotelli
- Reception: vastaanotto
- Hotel Room: hotellihuone
- Key: avain
- Baggage: matkatavarat
- Passport: passi

Taxi In:

- Take me to the HUT, please. Otakaari 2 (address): Otaniemeen, kiitos. Otakaari 2
- What is the rate?: Mita maksaa?

Medical situations / other situations:

- I do not feel well. Would you call a doctor?: Apua in hyvin voi ... soittaa voisitko lääkärin?
- Could you tell me the way to the pharmacy: Missa on Apteekki?
- Where is the bathroom?: Missa on vessa?

Useful Info

Official Language
Finnish (92.3%), Swedish (5.6%) and Sami (about 1,700 people in Lapland)
Holidays

- January 1: New Year
- January 6: Epiphany
- April: Easter
- May 1: May Day
- 17 May: Ascension Day
- May 27: Pentecost
- June 22: Midsummer Precelebración
- June 23: Summer Solstice Day
- 3 November: All Saints Day
- December 6: Diwali
- December 24: Christmas Eve
- December 25: Christmas
- December 26: Boxing Day

Religion

Christianity came to Finland about 1000 years ago, simultaneously in the East and West of the country. As a result, both churches, the Lutheran-Evangelical and Orthodox, still have the status of official religions. 86% of the population belongs to the first, while only 1% are Orthodox. Both religions are protected by the Finnish constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion.

Religion
85.6% of Finns are Lutherans, while only 1.1% are Orthodox

Security

The crime rate in Helsinki and Finland is relatively low. The robberies in the street and there is virtually no pickpockets, but can occur. It is therefore important to take the same precautions you would anywhere else, such as not leaving valuables in sight inside vehicles. The telephone number for all emergency services in Finland is 112.
Visas

Finland is a member of the European Union. For European citizens enough to have an identity card or passport to enter the country provided that the stay does not exceed three months.

Non-EU citizens do not need a visa to enter:

· Argentina
· Australia
· Brazil
· Canada
· Chile
· Costa Rica
· Japan
· Mexico
· New Zealand
· United States
· Venezuela

Citizens of non-EU countries that require a visa to enter:

· Belarus
· Bosnia and Herzegovina
· China
· Colombia
· Kuwait
· Peru
· Russian Federation
· Saudi Arabia
· South Africa
· Ukraine

To apply for a Visa check with the Embassy of Finland in their country.
Wardrobe

Winters are quite cold in Finland. Although the buildings are heated, to go outside is advisable to wear waterproof boots and fleeces, for when temperatures drop below 10 degrees. If you plan to play sports in winter, you can buy clothes and appropriate footwear when it comes to Finland.
Staying dry is also a priority in Finland during the fall, so it is advisable to wear waterproof clothing. In summer used clothing is practically the same as in other parts of central and northern Europe: pants, shorts, shirts, etc ... Evenings, however, can be cool, so it's a good idea to take along a sweater or jacket.
Electricity

The electric current in Finland is 220V (230V), 50Hz. The 2-prong plug is the standard used in Finland.

Phones

The coin-operated pay phones, phone cards or credit. Phone cards can be purchased at kiosks.
The international code used to call Finland is +358.
The local area code to call Helsinki is 9.

To call abroad from Finland (steps):
1. - Dial the international prefix (00, 990, 994 or 999)
2. - Enter the country code (without the general prefix 0)
3. - Enter the area code (without the prefix 0 or to Spain without the 9)
4. - The phone number you wish to call.
For questions and rates international number, dial 020 208.

For calls to Finland from abroad:
1. - Dial the international prefix of the country from which the call is made
2. - Dial the country code for Finland (358)
3. - Enter the area code without the prefix 0
4. - The phone number you want to call

For calls within Finland:
- To make an automatic call in Finland, the area code is used with the prefix 0.
- To book a long distance call manual, call 020 222.
- For pricing information: 9800-8353.
- For questions about numbers: 020 222.
- For information on mobile phones: 9800-7000.
Furthermore, from the telephone booths and hotels, calls can be made from local post offices.

Area Codes:
- For calls within Finland: 0.

Police
10022
Ambulance
112
Fire
112
Tourist health care
+358 (0) 9 10 023
Newspapers and Magazines

Health

To enter Finland no immunization requirements. It is advisable to take vitamin supplements in the winter months and insect repellent when you go north for the summer. Due to an agreement between the Finnish healthcare system and British citizens in the UK can enjoy free medical treatment when visiting Finland.
The first class health services are available in the public and private sectors. Everyone living in Finland have a compulsory health insurance. This insurance plan covers the fees paid by patients in private medical, prescription drug costs and transport costs derived from the treatment of the disease.
As for water, I must say that is a very pure water, and therefore perfectly suitable for consumption.
Airport

Around 120 international flights arrive daily at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, located 19 miles from downtown. It can be reached by car or taxi in about 25 minutes, or take the bus 615 which passes through the Central Station railway or airport special bus.

Public transport

In the center of Helsinki trams are ten lines. A metro line connecting the east to the city center. Buying a single ticket, we will benefit from the boarding ventjas both trams and buses, metro and even take the ferry leading to strong Suomelinna. Individual tickets can be purchased in several ways: by buying the driver of Chengdu used through vending machines or even sending an SMS message by mobile phone (the latter option requires a Finnish telephone operator).

Tourist cards allow unlimited travel within Helsinki using public transport for 1, 3 or 5 days. They can be purchased from vending machines, tourist offices or at a counter of the Central Railway Station.
Some of the benefits of Helsinki Tourist card are:
- Free entry to monuments and museums.
- Input and free boat shuttle to the strength of Suomelinna and Helsinki Zoo.
- Tour audiodescrito Free Tour (in 11 languages).
- Free entrance to the Grand Casino Helsinki.
- Travel guide with maps for free.
- Discounts on tours of half-day in June to August.
For more information visit the website: http://www.helsinkicard.fi
Railroad

There are numerous train connections between Helsinki and Finland's major cities. Is also a daily train service to St. Petersburg and Moscow. The Railway Station is considered a national monument in Helsinki.

Bus

Finland has a network of bus services well integrated long distance. It is one of the largest networks in Europe, covering over 90% of public roads. There are over 40,000 daily bus outputs. Schedules are tailored to match the services of sea, air and rail.
The Central Bus Station is located in the city center, in Simontaku 3, with regular buses and Express, leaving every hour from Helsinki to all major cities of Finland. The building was renovated in 2006.

Directions:
Kamppi Center (Central Bus Station)
Tel: +358 (0) 2 004 090
Central Bus Station

Matkahuolto
Tel: +358 (0) 9 682 701
Matkahuolto
Express Bus

Car

Traffic in Helsinki is soft and rarely jams. The journey by road from the coastal areas to the center takes less than half an hour. It's even faster if you use public transportation,
due to large time synchronization between public transportation (such as bus, metro, tram, train and ferry).
Still, the road network is excellent in Helsinki, so any means chosen will be a good choice.
If you want to get to the airport by road, take Highway Tuusula (A-45) from the center of Helsinki. If coming from the west or the east, will have to take Highway Kehä III (E18 or 50) and follow the prompts along its path.

Boat

The Port of Helsinki is located in the city center. The main terminals are very close to the center. Helsinki welcomes the arrival of more than 200 cruise ships during the summer months.

If you want to get to Helsinki from Europe by road will give you several options. The first is to take a ferry to Germany to take you to your destination. The second drive to Tallinn (Estonia) and once there take a ferry.
Terminals at the Port of Helsinki:

The Olympia Terminal is located at the south pier and from there depart ferries Silja line to Stockholm, Sweden.
Makasiini Terminal, Terminal and Terminal Länsi Kanavaranta depart ferries to Tallinn, Estonia.
The Hansa Terminal located at the north dock, operates ferries to Germany.

Port of Helsinki:
Tel +358 (0) 9 173 331, Fax +358 (0) 9 1733 3232

The company Superfast Ferries takes six weekly departures throughout the year from Rockstock to Hanko.
Ticketing in Spain: Travels Montesol, C / Berlin, 16. Barcelona. Tel 934 910 460.

If you choose to get to Sweden by car, where you can catch a ferry from the two shipping companies operanen princiapl Stockholm. Are Viking Line and Silja Line, with daily arrivals to Helsinki and Turku.
Ticketing in Spain:

Viking Line-Sweden:
Danvik center, Hästholmsvagen 28, SE-13130 ??Nacka.
Tel +46 (0) 8 452 4100, Fax +46 (0) 8 452 4110

Viking Line-Spain:
Discover the World Marketing, Barcelona. Via Augusta 42-44, 1 º 4 ª. Tel 932 171 559, Madrid: C / Ortega y Gasset 68, 1 º C. Tel 915 639 307.

Silja Line-Sweden:
Positionen 8, 11574 Stockholm.
Tel +46 (0) 8 666 3330, Fax +46 (0) 8 611 9162

Silja Line-Spain:
Cathay Tours and Lat-4.

A dinner
10-20 €
A coffee
€ 3
The bus
Single ticket € 2, € 40 card 30 days to travel around Helsinki
The Taxi
€ 30 from the airport to the center of Helsinki
The Metro
€ 2 single ticket, ticket staff 14 days: 21,40 €; universal ticket 14 days: € 34.60
The Train
€ 6 to Helsinki, one day tourist ticket, 10 € Regional, one day tourist ticket. Single ticket to Helsinki dual: 2.20 €, regional € 3.60, € 2.20 Espoo, Vantaa € 2.40

THE SEDUCTION OF KALLIO

The eastern edge of the heart of Helsinki, and especially the densely populated district of Kallio, life has recovered in recent years. Formerly a working class neighborhood, the district relaxed, unique and full of life has an amazing selection of boutiques, cafes, restaurants, bars and more.
Kallio, like Punavuori the exclusive neighborhood of 20 years ago, has experienced a renewal after attracting a young, diverse and entrepreneurial. And although decadent charm has evolved in part with the arrival of modern cafes, local place for brunch and boutiques, the neighborhood retains its uniqueness.
Kallio is known to accommodate students and young couples. On weekends its trendy bars attract modern people citywide. Kalio is a culturally permissive and liberal neighborhood, which could be recommended to fans of Berlin Kreuzberg, Neukölln and Friedrichshain, or those who feel at home in Hackney, London.
A Kallio is easily accessible from the city center, with tram 3B and 3T, also known as the best lines of Helsinki for sightseeing.
Markets and boutiques
To discover Kallio can start by Hakaniemi market square. This is a unique market that sells centenary everything from vegetables, fish and fresh bread, to jewelry and vintage stamps. Spend modernist church and head Karhupuisto Kallio (Bear Park), which will identify for its statue of the bear. Then continues to explore the streets of Fleminginkatu, and Vaasankatu Helsinginkatu and Torkkelinmäki the small neighborhood.
In the more saturated marketplace of tourists from downtown Helsinki, the outdoor market Hakaniemi gives you the opportunity to have a coffee in a tent. Furthermore, in addition to its many shops, the Market Hall is ideal for lunch, the Soppakeittio ("soup kitchen") serves a delicious bouillabaisse soup. Before leaving, try lehmä Lentävä cheeses ("Flying Cow") you'll find on the lower floor, then back up to catch a glimpse of the accessories design.
On the street there are several boutiques Fleminginkatu, among which you will find the design collective Femin, a vintage store called Ansa ("Trap") and the bakery-cafe Galleria Keidas ("Oasis Gallery"). In the idyllic neighborhood Torkkelinmäki find a charming traditional bakery called K. E. Avikainen. The organic food lovers not only frequent the Hakaniemi Market Hall, but also come to Oma maa (loosely translated as "The land of oneself") and Ekolo. Kallio also has many thrift stores. Among these stores, stands Kauppahuone Keko ("Store solidarity") with a varied selection. It also highlights the Store Black and White with his record collection.
Quiet bars and cozy cafés
These unique and homey cafes found Villipuutarha ("The Savage Garden"), Taikalamppu ("The Magic Lamp"), Savy ("Shadow") and summer café Bear Park Café. The bars are recommended Musta Kissa ("The black cat"), Molotow and Rytmi ("Rhythm"). The most popular nightclubs in the area are Siltanen and Kuudes linja. Sirdie Pub, a popular seedy bar, lets see some of what it was a few decades ago Kallio. This dark bar, small and unadorned film reminds Aki Kaurismäki.
This area is also typical for its selection of cuisines from around the world. One can enjoy Thai food at Lemon Grass, Pelmenit Ukrainian delicacies, vegetarian dishes Silvoplee, Soul Kitchen American food in Finnish food and Cella.
Arla Community saunas and Kotiharju are ideal for relaxing after dinner. In summer, the restaurant boats on both sides of the bridge Hakaniemi's Pitkäsilta ("Long Bridge") offer the possibility of cooling by the water.

HELSINKI District Guide
The capital city of Finland, founded on June 12, 1550, is a multifaceted city that is unique in many ways and has much to offer any visitor. Helsinki is distinguished from other great historic cities by two factors: the physical presence of nature and the grid used to design the city streets. Most large cities have a limited number of parks. In Helsinki, the parks are behind almost every corner. Even in the most densely built districts of the city center, major parks enliven the landscape. Both the overwhelming presence of nature and the network of straight streets, wide, symmetrical and allow one to find any address easily. It is the creation of two designers of the city, and Johan Albrecht Carl Ludvig Engel Ehrenström. Helsinki is formally divided into a total of 54 districts, but the city is commonly divided in the center and suburbs. The southern districts are older (some would say most revered), and contain most of the main tourist attractions of the city. Eira, Ullanlinna & Kaivopuisto
These three districts are respected full of parks, historic buildings and statues. Eira is known for its style houses Jugend (Art Nouveau), parks and boulevards. Eira centers around Engel Square, which is surrounded by beautiful buildings, including the Chinese Embassy. Ullanlinna with its seascape and density of historic buildings is very popular among young adults in style, interior designers and architects. Kaivopuisto The beautiful park is popular with bankers and diplomats with its large, elegant homes, and embassies. Punavuori and Kallio Punavuori and the neighborhood a little north of Kallio districts were traditionally working men, though Punavuori has tried to improve its image in recent years. Punavuori is full of old buildings and is popular among young graduates and a large international population. Kallio is known for its canals, Hakaniemi Square and the fabulous Kallio church. The district is inhabited mostly by young adults, highly educated and low-income families. Töölö & Meilahti
Töölö respectable neighborhood is full of old buildings of apartments that are beautiful, dense and highly coveted. Töölö also has many spectacular views, including the Hietaniemi Cemetery, Sibelius Monument, Parliament Building, Olympic Stadium and magnificent parks around Töölö Bay. Behind Töölö Meilahti is known for its ancient villas. Meilahti is a neighborhood populated by the large middle class.
Katajanokka & Kruununhaka bit isolated from the rest of the city, Katajanokka was known in the past for its ports and jail. Today, the district is architecturally significant Jugend style. It offers sightseeing tours, and is populated by artists and journalists. It is also a political center. Katajanokka North is the quiet and highly respected Kruununhaka district, neighboring the historic center designed by Engel. Kamppi & Kluuvi
A densely populated district that stretches from the Central Railway Station to the Cable Factory, Kamppi pursuit of the most important services of the city and excellent transport links, but also a number of attractions. For example, here you can cross the Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art and Ruoholahti villas and wooden buildings of historical importance that are among the oldest in the city. Among Kamppi and Kluuvi Kaartinkaupunki is the busiest district in Helsinki. Kluuvi is a great place to shop or eat out. In Helsinki, the history and modern life, man and nature come together in harmony to create a city like no other.

Sauna Kotiharju
Unable to travel to Finland and not visit one of his classic saunas. In Helsinki, is probably the most traditional Kotiharju, located in the city center, the only one that still warms the water timber.
Tourists from around the world travel to this center exclusively for relaxation and rejuvenation. Is 72 years old and since then provides a high level of service. In total there are three saunas, separate for men and women. Right there you can rent all the necessary services, from towels and even non-alcoholic drinks and snacks in case you want to spend a whole day. The usage time is free, only general admission is paid.
Saunas are very comfortable, with room for more than a dozen swimmers. The cooling room faces the street, making the sessions fun and curious. It is a very quiet place, perfect to soften and purify the body. You can also access a massage therapy descontracturantes obviously cost extra, but is recommended, the team is highly qualified professionals. Also offers reflexology, acupressure, manicure and pedicure.
The building is a place with a very particular history. Formerly worked there a room where women were to give birth, they offered medical advice and health care. Over time, the Parthians were practiced almost exclusively in hospitals and clinics and the site was modified to become a large center relaxation Finnish style, with an atmosphere quite familiar.
The heater stone weighs about 1500 kilos and was made of pure iron. There is a group of specialists who are responsible for making the maintenance of the heating system throughout the year in order to maintain the classic techniques. The last restoration work was done deep in 2007, was renewed every Main and caloric yields were improved.
Kotiharju is open Tuesday through Friday, between 14:00 and 20:00. On Saturdays, between 13:00 and 19:00. On Sundays and holidays closed. If you book your flights Helsinki, advice to enjoy this sauna: it is recommended to go ahead to make the most of the facilities.

Useful information
Address: Ridge Plaza Street 1, 00500
Phone: (09) 753 1535

Helsinki offers plenty of indoor public very well maintained and popular outdoor pools open in summer. Most have one or more pools saunas and many also offer professional massages by the pool. Admission is usually between 3 and 4 euros. Below you will find a list of the best pools of Helsinki.
The swimming Yrjonkatu

The swimming Yrjonkatu (Yrjonkadun Uimahalli, Yrjonkatu 21b, phone 09 310 8740 1) is a historic pool with a specialty that makes it unique: you can swim naked. Using swimsuit at the pool was allowed until 2001, since then it is forbidden bathing swimsuit, one must keep in mind that nude swimming is very popular in Finland. The opening times are different for men and women, so check by phone or on their website what time open.
Built in 1928 and renovated in the 90s, the pool is the oldest in Scandinavia and its architecture and decoration is inspired by the ancient Roman baths. Places have several saunas and a massage service is available whenever you book in advance. A gym and fitness center are also present in the facility.

Swim Center Mäkelänrinne
Ideal for families, the swimming center Mäkelänrinne (Mäkelänrinteen Uintikeskus, Mäkelänkatu 49) is the largest pool in all of Finland. The main pool is 50 meters long and there is a cold water pool, a diving pool, a children's pool where they can learn to swim, and a separate pool for younger children. Other facilities of the center include a steam room and sauna, sunbeds, massage, bar and meeting rooms. Groups can book a private sauna.
Uimastadion
The swimming stadium in Helsinki (Uimastadion, Hammarskjöldintie) is open from mid-May to mid-September. The water temperature is 25 degrees and the pool is open regardless of the weather conditions. The stadium has a pool of 50 meters long, a children's pool, a plunge pool, a water slide and a wading pool for toddlers. There is also a gym and a volleyball court. The pool opens at 6:30 Monday through Saturday and 9:00 on Sunday, is very popular in the sunny days of summer.
The swimming Yrjonkatu (Yrjonkadun Uimahalli, Yrjonkatu 21b, phone 09 310 8740 1)
Why locals love? Wonderful piece of architecture and the first public indoor pool in Finland since 1928. It has 25-meter pool, an electric sauna, a steam sauna and a heated wooden sauna. Bathing suits have been allowed since 2001.
Why you should visit? You can rent a cabin on the 2nd floor which includes a towel, a bathrobe and a seat cover. The building is an impressive example of the 1920 classic and is a building of historical and architectural importance. Try the "Cafe Yrjö", located on the 2nd floor and order of garlic snails (11 €).
Special tip: Days separate swimming for men and women (Women: Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun Men:. Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday).

Escape the winter in a Helsinki sauna
Head of Helsinki, where the heating is done in style at public saunas currently enjoying a revival

So, of course, the obvious place to go in December when it's cold and dark and miserable and there is a bitter cold that creeps into your bones and makes you long for the alcohol, or a timeshare in Malaga, or death sudden, is a place even colder and darker and more miserable. Or to put it another way, Finland.
Because it really is pretty cool when you land at the airport in Helsinki. And dark. And although, for a touch of authenticity, I brought along my friend Anna half Scandinavian (his mother is Swedish), seems a bit out of touch.
"How much?" She says that when you look at the price list in a bar near our hotel. And strip the first of many examples of what I have come to think of as the face of the Nordic countries and bar-shock.
But I've never been very good at selecting the appropriate season destinations. (I once went to Uzbekistan in winter with only a fake puffa jacket New Look to protect against temperatures of minus-20 A tip: It did ..) In this case, however, is deliberate. Because my theory is that it is winter, which is the problem in Britain, but Britain, which is the problem in the winter.
We just do not know how to do this winter. We sell false Puffa jackets filled with nothing more than a thin layer of cotton wool and fresh air. Yet, as a nation, seem to believe that raising the thermostat is some kind of moral failing. And, most importantly, they do not understand the basic principles of warming the human body. Or how affirmation of life and spirit lifting that is, in the dead of winter, to be very, very hot. Then cold. And very, very hot again.
While suitable in cold countries, they do. And there's nothing cooler than Finland, crouched, as it is located next to the Russian border and extends to beyond the Arctic Circle. And Finland just happens to be the home of the sauna. Other nations saunas do, but not as the Finns. They believe that the invented, or at least made perfect. And in Finland, a sauna really is not so much a hobby as a mystical source of national pride.
I love saunas. My own strategy for survival during the winter includes regular visits to the 1920s Porchester Spa in West London (020 to 7.792 3980, gll.org / center / Porchester centre.asp-). Anna, meanwhile, despite having a passion for both Ikea and Christmas, is something of a Swedish sub-standard: a skeptic is committed sauna.
"You do not get all hot and sweaty?" He says, and I start to worry that I may have under-explained the purpose of the trip.
Ritva, our guide sauna, pulled out of retirement by the tourist office to show us the ropes, is reassuring, however. Your rules are golden sauna: I've only stayed in all the time you want. And remember to close the door. Oh yes, and undress. She worked in London, so she has a handle on our roads Anglo geek.
"We do not wear a bathing suit," he says unequivocally. Although Finns are more prudish than most Europeans. Public toilet is always the same sex. "It's not like the Germans," she says with a shudder.
The Finns used to say that there was more at home saunas than cars. "But that's exaggerating a bit these days," says Ritva, although there are still at least 1.3 million saunas in a country of 5.4 million people. Until recently, women gave birth in them, and the bodies were washed into them. But whereas before there were more than 100 public saunas in Helsinki, one in almost every corner, are slowly disappearing, with only a few survivors of the old days. Ritva, however, is leading to the largest sauna mothership: a five traditional saunas run by the Finnish Sauna Society (sauna.fi / inenglish.html).
Forget prancing around in a white bathrobe. This is the well-being, as practiced for centuries, and is a serious matter. The debate on the temperature of the hottest sauna, Ritva tells us, had been ongoing for several decades.
The sauna complex is only a bus ride of 20 minutes drive from the center of Helsinki, but is in a beautiful setting, bucolic, occupying a number of log cabins in a pine forest near the Baltic Sea. And though it's only 15:00, by the time we entered the sauna first twilight is falling. There are two tall rectangular windows overlooking the Baltic in black and silver, the smell of wood smoke in the air, and in the corner of a great furnace is releasing heat. This is a smoke sauna, Ritva explains, purely Finnish experience, and believed by most to be the Finnish Finnish sauna truth.
Not in smoke when there are, however, a lower hearth furnace is heated for five hours, water is thrown on the stones to solve the soot, then after a couple of hours most water is produced for cleaning the air, then the room is clean. Only then is ready for use. Low light and dark wood, is less than the type of sauna you get in gyms in Britain, and more like the kind of barn you can imagine the baby Jesus born in.
It is also hot. Very hot. Although löyly or steam, is smoother and softer than you've ever experienced. Anna manages about a minute and a half, but I stuck with Ritva, and then wrap towels around us and the cold air out of Helsinki.
We had not been properly freeze 10 minutes before. The walk from the bus stop had been driving through sleet and an icy wind, but now our skin is pink, and our bodies are hot. And when Ritva proposes a dip in the Baltic Sea, we agree. "Although unfortunately not frozen yet," she says.
Oh, yes, what a shame that is.
"Still 4C" he says, looking at an ad. "Very warm".
A toasted four degrees above zero - even though the wind is up, and there are waves and spray, and slippery steps. But we jump in. Even Anna. To his own surprise. It's fast, but in a kind happy-to-be-alive so that rather my toes-may-requisite sort amputation due to freezing step. And we do it again, this time beating ourselves with vihta or birch leaves.
The smell of sap fills the air, but it feels surprisingly good - tingling and increase circulation, instead of sado-masochistic. (Ritva, it should be noted, stressed that saunas are very definitely not about sex. "Some Finns have made terrible mistakes when they come to your country.")
Then after another steam sauna and a fresh wood sauna, Ritva leads to the relaxation room. It is a paradise, with a fireplace in a circular hearth in the center of the room, a sea view, and several elderly women serving hatch behind a delicious home-baked goods.
"There are lots of health benefits associated with saunas, right?" Ritva ask. "Well, yes, they say. Americans and others. Finns We do not care. Thought just feels good."
It does. It feels wonderful. Relaxing and invigorating simultaneously. Moreover, there is something going around stark naked apart from a pair of plastic sandals on his feet, and a Smurf-like felt hat on his head (which protects the hair and leave your head overheating) that feels very off. There are women of all sizes and all ages and is a lively, talkative.
As George Bush said (there is a letter from him on the wall of the relaxation room), "The real sauna will be in my memory until I die. Much experience."
Right. And it feels like a genuinely authentic cultural being. Finland does not have much to call himself most of its history, has been part of Sweden or Russia. And even though we have been less than 24 hours in Finland, and have so far seen no vision, we are immersed in Finnish.
We manage some sightseeing: Finlandia Hall by Alvar Aalto, the cathedral and the Arabia factory. The latter is, in addition to the sauna, the other plank of modern Finnish identity: with Marimekko, and Iittala (owned by the same company as Arabia), the company has been at the forefront of contemporary Finnish design, and the source of much of what is now known as Nordic cold. He also played a major role in winning the title of Helsinki World Design Capital in 2012.
The area around the factory - which is a striking building of the 19th century, when the products are still being made - is now an art village. And there is a museum on the top floor, and exciting, a take off on the ground floor. Saudi employs artists to make a mixture of his own work - pieces for exhibitions in museums - as well as prototypes for production, and we see where Kim Simonsson - whose work is in the Saatchi Gallery and the V & A - makes its strange alien creatures and girls ponytail.
What we really want, however, is that heat up again and headed to Sauna Arla, one of the few remaining old public saunas in the city, at the corner of an apartment block in the yard Kallio, Helsinki response Dalston. There are stairs artists studios, and a growing clientele hip.
Anu, a journalist who we meet there, says that after years of disgrace, public saunas are becoming fashionable again:. "People who have in their apartments, but is becoming very popular as a social thing new "
There's even a new public sauna in project by architect Tuomas Toivonen and his wife Nene Tsuboi Japanese designer, who was inspired by a quote that had been found by Alvar Aalto, the national hero of Finnish design. Already in 1925, he proposed a "Cultural Sauna" as "a national monument, the first of its kind" and 80-odd years later, Toivonen and Tsuboi are trying to make it happen.
Heated, try the Christmas market in the beautiful surroundings of neoclassical Senate Square. It's where the old sell handmade decorations and smoked reindeer meat, but the rain has come back and the wind is bitter, and really only seems sensible to retreat to the pool Yrjönkatu (hel2.fi/liv / eng / Yrjonkatu. html).
It is a matter of 1920, the oldest of Finland, and beautifully tiled columns, with men and women on separate days. Here - it's a little weird at first - to swim in the nude (skinny dipping is one thing, but here you plow up and down the lanes starkers apart from the glasses). Upstairs are saunas and private cabins with day beds where you can retrieve your efforts and small tables overlooking the pool, where a waitress will bring drinks and snacks, including champagne (though you have to get over your Nordic-bar- face shock - is € 75 per bottle). Still, it's deliciously fashioned, spotlessly clean, and € 11 for all the time you want, one of the best bargains in town.
Even Anna, the Swedish sub-standard, it has become. "Imagine if you could do this every week," he sighs.
According to Ritva, there is a Finnish saying:. "There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing" And, if you're British, the lack of a warm place to warm up.
This makes
Getting there
Finnair (+358 600 140 140, finnair.com) flies daily to Helsinki from Heathrow and Manchester from £ 155 return
Where to stay
The 14-storey stylish Sokos Hotel Torni in central Helsinki Design District (+358 20 1234 604, sokoshotels.fi) has doubled from € 108 with breakfast

Find your sauna
For information about the Finnish Sauna Society, see sauna.fi. You have to be accompanied by a member visit their branch in Helsinki, but send an email to toiminnanjohtaja@sauna.fi and they will find someone who will arise. You can also book private tours sauna group. Arla Sauna (arlansauna.net) is open Wednesday to Sunday from 14:00 to 20:00 for both men and women. The sauna Kotiharju (kotiharjunsauna.fi) nearby is the oldest wooden public sauna in the city, open Tuesday to Saturday 14:00 to 8:00 p.m..

The Yrjönkatu Swimming Hall (Yrjönkatu 21b, see tinyurl.com / Yrjonkatu swimming-) opening hours) is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday at women, and Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday for men. Saudi output store (iittalaoutlet.fi) is open 10 am-8 pm, Monday to Friday, 10am-4pm Sat-Sun To arabia.visitors Factory Tours contacto@fiskars.com

Learn more
For more information about Helsinki and Finland, see visitfinland.com / is

Sauna Best Western Premier Hotel Katajanokka. This hotel is located in a prison from 1837. Located in Katajanokka, in downtown Helsinki. It houses a famous restaurant and rooms with flat-screen TVs.
All rooms at the Best Western Premier Hotel Katajanokka have free wired internet. They are decorated in warm colors and feature a work desk, minibar and kettle.
The Jailbird Restaurant barred windows and brick walls. It serves a variety of dishes in a unique setting. The terrace is next to the park Linnanpuisto and is a perfect place for coffee or evening cocktails on summer nights.
On weekends you can have free access to the sauna of Hotel Katajanokka. The modern gym is open 24 hours.
Next to the Best Western Hotel Katajanokka Trams stop will take you to the center of Helsinki in less than 10 minutes.
Skatudden area, this hotel is located in Helsinki city center. Best Western Premier Hotel Katajanokka is close to Uspenski Cathedral, Presidential Palace, Senate Square and Helsinki Cathedral. Atheneum Art Museum and Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma are also within walking distance

Marina Cafe in Katajanokka Guest Harbour, one of the private clubs where a sauna next to the Gulf of Finland. An authentic Finnish sauna experience is mandatory, and not hard to find: there are 1.6 million saunas in this country of just over 5 million people, including parliament has its own sauna. The sauna, which is traditional Finnish relax on wooden benches, pouring water over hot coals, and smashing his neighbor's back with birch branches, is an integral part of the life of the car and now the life of the city, as The apartments are equipped with small saunas in their bathrooms. Most hotels have at least one sauna available for free, usually at fixed times in the morning or evening for men and women to use separate. Larger hotels offer a private sauna rooms and suites superior class. Public saunas (with bathing suits required) are becoming increasingly popular, even in winter, when attendees leave momentarily sauna sauna to jump into the sea through a large hole in the ice (called avantouinti). Public pools are also equipped with saunas that can be used free of charge extra.Sociedad Finnish Sauna. For information about saunas and sauna tradition, contact the Finnish Sauna Society. Vaskiniementie 10, Helsinki, 00200. 10/439-5600. www.sauna.fi.

Helsinki: The Daughter of the Baltic is design, culture and northern lights

The historic center of Helsinki is developed from the Senate Square which already existed in the seventeenth century, we find around the civic center with the city, the church and the city cemetery. Senate Square and the entire building is neoclassical around. It is dominated by four buildings built in the period 1822-1852: the Cathedral, the Government Palace, the main building of the University and the National Library. The entire Civic Center was designed by architect Carl Ludwig Engel, of Prussian origin, is also the author of the planes around the center of Helsinki, which had to be entirely rebuilt after the devastating fire in 1808 that destroyed the town.

The scenes that were supposed to take place in St. Petersburg in the movie "Reds" of Warrn Beatty, was filmed at the Senate Square and its surroundings (streets Unioninkatu and Aleksanterinkatu).

The neighborhood is emblematic of the city which lies to the south of the Senate Square, which for centuries was concentrated economic and social activity in the Finnish capital. In the streets and Unioninkatu Aleksanterinkatu find the famous Finnish handicrafts made with reindeer skin and bones, as well as restaurants and cafes very fashionable.

City: Pohjoisesplanadi 11-13. Its construction dates back to 1833, was initially a hotel until 1930.

City Museum: Sofiankatu 4. In the main building of the Museum journeyed 450 years of history of the city and Street-Museum (Katumuseo) Sofiankatu, we cobbled furniture and a dazzling late eighteenth century until the 1930s. Open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 to 17h, on Thursdays from 9 to 19h and Saturdays and Sundays from 11 to 17h. Free admission. The cinematheque, where every morning documentary films about the history of the city (in English during the summer months) costs 3 €.

Helsinki Cathedral: Unioninkatu 29. This Lutheran church, which dates from 1830, is one of the most famous buildings in Helsinki and Finland, is located north of the Senate Square and is an imposing neoclassical. Open daily from 9am to 18pm, June-August until midnight.

Sederholm Talo Mansion: Aleksanterinkatu 16. It is the oldest building in the capital, its construction dates from 1757 and is made of stone, belonged to Johan Sederholm, a wealthy merchant. It was the only building that survived the devastating fire of 1808. Here is temporary and touring exhibitions. Open on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays from 11 to 17h, Thursday from 11 to 19h.

Following our tour of the city center we can not know the area of ??Market Square and the Esplanade.

Kauppatori, Gran Plaza or Market Square: South Port (Eteläsatama). This area is known internationally and the historic center of Helsinki. It is the site where, in addition to regional and traditional products are sold in Finland authentic handicrafts. We also find here the beautiful bronze fountain Havis Amanda, held in Paris in 1906 and symbolizes the birth of the city emerging from the sea. Here is also the residence of the President of Finland and the pier of the ferries that go to the island fortress Suomenlinna marine. The market place is at the intersection of Unionkatu and the Esplanade. Open Monday to Friday from 6.30am to 18pm, Saturdays until 16h and during the summer months on Sundays from 10 to 17h.

Old Market Hall: South Pier. The old covered market in the southern spring, is the site of the meeting must gourmets of Helsinki since 1889 and one of the most frequented by tourists. You can taste in the same place of the most varied delicacies offered by small businesses homemade. Open Monday to Friday from 8am to 18pm and Saturday from 8 to 16h.

Esplanade Park: This park is a place for walking both for tourists as the "forum" or "living room" of helkinienses. The Lava Espan (Scene of the Esplanade), a bandstand, is one of the favorite places for young people who frequent the park, of course, the main activity takes place during the summer months.

Presidential Palace: Pohjoisesplanadi 1 Meilahti neighborhood. Built in 1820, was later modified by order of the Tsar of Russia. Since the country's independence, the palace became the residence of the presidents.

Uspenski Cathedral: Kanavakatu 1 Katajanokka neighborhood. Built in 1868, is located on an island neighborhood and is the largest Orthodox church in Western Europe. It is a red brick building, crowned with golden domes, one of the most emblematic buildings of Russian domination in the country. Open Monday and Friday from 9:30 to 16h, Saturday from 16 to 18h, Saturday from 9.30am to 14pm, Sundays 12 to 15h, public holidays and the eve only open for ministerial duties.

Palace Finland: Mannerheimintie 13. (Finlandiatalo) A masterpiece of modern architecture, this historic building, which in 1975 signed the Helsinki Accords, is built on the shores of the Bay of Töölö and now hosts concerts and conferences. Guided tours every day. Entry 6 €.

For those who love Scandinavian design, nothing like a tour of the "Design District", vast network of 25 streets and over 170 spaces that brings everything the city has more "chic" and "wave". We find decorating stores, clothing designers, architects, art galleries, advertising agencies and design. It is in this area that we find the famous Finnish Design Forum, an unmissable exhibition site.

Design forum Finlandin: Erottajankatu 7. Temporary exhibitions, traveling, shopping and workshops on a site forefront. Open Monday to Friday from 10 to 19h, Saturday from 10 to 18h and Sundays from 12 to 17h.

Temppeliaukion Church: Lutherinkatu 3. The church in the rock is one of the most visited sites of Helsinki. This church is carved into the rock and its construction was completed in 1969, in a circular, domed lets light suspended, on sunny days the effect is amazing, amazing acoustics make it a great place for concerts . Free admission.

Kiasma: Mannerheiminaukio 2. Museum of Contemporary Art. This museum was opened in 1998 and just knowing its architectural design is worth a visit as it is due to the futuristic design of American architect Steven Holl. Its roof is covered in zinc, titanium and copper, its walls are covered in red brass and glass. This 5-story museum houses an important collection of contemporary art from more than 4,000 works from the 1960s to today. It also has a café, a theater and a reading room. Check adults 8 €, children under 18 free for all on Fridays from 17 to 20pm, admission is free.

Ateneum: Kaivokatu 2. Museum of Fine Arts. Located in the heart of the city, this museum presents the essentials of Finnish art, with a collection that includes works from the eighteenth century to the 1960s. Open Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 to 18pm, Thursday and Friday from 10am to 20pm and Saturday and Sunday from 11 to 17h. Admission Adults € 10, children under 18 free.

Sibelius Park: This park is located between the streets and Mechelininkatu Merikannontie, by the sea, is named after the great composer of symphonic music of the last century Jean Sibelius. In this park, among other things, find the original monument composed of 580 steel tubes that whistle when the wind creating a booming sound.

Fortaleza Marina: On the island Suomenlinna. Only 15 minutes by boat from the city is this incredible strength that is part, along with the island that houses it, the World Heritage Site of UNESCO. This fort is an example of European military architecture and was built in the eighteenth century, when Finland belonged to the kingdom of Sweden, with the aim of addressing the Russian incursions. Even conservative entire archipelago-the aspect of military garrisons. It is a very pleasant walk us back in time through its picturesque streets lined with traditional houses built of wood. In summer we can prolong our walk sunbathing on the beaches of the archipelago. Boats depart from the Market Square from 7am to midnight.

Seurasaari Island: This island can be reached by bus, a distance of barely 15 minutes from the city center. It is an ideal tour to discover the different regions of Finland drawing a walk in an exceptional natural frame. An outdoor museum recreates the Finnish traditional habitat. Farms, mills, churches typical of various regions are reconstructed to the smallest detail. It is in this place where helskinenses celebrate their folk and other celebrations such as the Fiesta de San Juan.

Helsinki's nightlife, especially in summer (short but wonderful), takes place in the center and in the coastal zone. In the center is the hottest clubs in the port area and music, young and quiet bars but very atmospheric. Also in the city center there are large shopping centers and large stores of international brands, but if we want to buy at reasonable prices or handicrafts (such as Lapland) is best or Market Square Esplanade Avenue where also find design objects for the home, kitchen utensils undeniable style, good taste and elegance. There are amazing deals on Kaartinkaupunki and Hakaniemi Market, Kallio area. Wandering aimlessly through the city, walk along the Esplanade eating ice cream, err Töölö Bay, enjoy an experience of "sauna" in Yrjonkadun Uimahalli true, an elegant Art-Deco building in 1928 in Yrjonkatu 21b, see the aurora borealis , boating on the Gulf ... Helsinki lends itself beautifully to a romantic getaway but can also be a holiday destination for the whole family to the annual holiday, not far from the city, a few minutes by public transport also can enjoy rural holiday, adventure holiday, thanks to the variety of activities offered, or a wonderful winter break to enjoy long walks in skiing or sledding.
If you have several days we know, not far from Helsinki, the town of Epsoo, Nuuksio National Park, San Sigrido Church in the town of Sipoo, Ekenäs historic center, with its colorful houses and the nearby town of Turku with its museum "Luostarinmaki" which is less than a mile from Market Square and we can go boating on the river Aura, through Vartiovuori Park.
The "Luostarinmaki" is a section of town that was saved from a fire, perhaps because they were by the sea, and remained the same as it was in 1827. Crafts and artisans form an important part of the cultural wealth of the country. In 1984 he received the prestigious award "Golden Apple" tourism industry.

The entire city of Helsinki, its islands and the surrounding holiday invite absolute peace and Finns pride themselves on being perfect hosts.

Cosy Evening Sauna. Some families in Helsinki meetings organized for visitors who teach in the city and also have the possibility of ending up in this family house enjoying a snack and taking a sauna with family at home. In http://www.cosyfinland.com site is all the information.
Cosy Finland offers the opportunity to learn about the Finnish lifestyle. We have a unique way to do that through a local organization that provides daily life. You may even be invited to the home or other private settings Finnish!
MEET THE Finns in Finland - all year round and in all weather conditions
Concept includes many different services for individual travelers and groups, business or pleasure, all based on reaching travelers and locals together.
The most popular service is the Finnish Cosy night, a three-hour dinner visit a Finnish home. It is a perfect place to experience the Finnish lifestyle. Check out a video on Cosy Finnish Evening.
You have a unique opportunity to ask questions and learn about the culture and everyday life in Finland. There are multiple language options. Cosy Finnish Evening can be arranged for individuals and groups. In order to make the visit as pleasant as possible the ideal number of guests is 1-4 persons / household. We like to give all individual experience and therefore, the largest groups are divided into several houses.
The hosts are carefully selected for each network service Cosy Finland hosts. The hosts are willing to tell about life in Finland - routine and habits to the traditions of the country.
Planning a party? Cosy Finland is at your service whenever you need something nice and easy to get to do during your stay in Finland. May we suggest something special: an authentic Finnish food at home? Prices for home visits, including onset of a meal from 59 euros.
Most hosts speak English. We also have hosts who speak other languages ??such as French, German, Italian, Spanish and Swedish.
Our services and suggestions calendar (can be adjusted)
eg. to 18 to 21 media from 18 (6 pm) and ends at 21 (9 pm)
Available daily on request.
Nice Day (From 10.00 times, 14.00 and 18.00)
Four hours with a room for their exclusive use. He / she will teach walking and public transport. Your host is a private person and presents his / her favorite places. If you have some attractions you want to see, just ask your local display. During the tour you will have the opportunity to learn details of Finnish lifestyle.
Experience in 18-21 Cosy Finnish Design
Traveler / s will be invited to a Finnish home and see that there are some dishes of Finnish design and gift products that occupy a central position in Finnish life. They can be precious memories of parents, wedding gifts, or new articles. Or typical Finnish design furniture, all depending on the host. The host / s spoken of his affection to the design. Visitors will also have the opportunity to enjoy dinner guest favorite.
Every day from 6 pm. Three hours.
Cosy Finnish Evening 18-21
During this one-hour program about three later visit a Finnish home and enjoy dinner with host Cosy Home or family. The main objective is to allow absorb some of the Finnish lifestyle. Cosy Home Dinner includes a salad or an appetizer, a main course and a dessert tea / coffee or, all according to the guest's favorite recipes.
Cozy Like-a-Local 18-21 pm in
Finland is organizing welcoming him an invitation to a Finnish home. Using public transport is reached at the address given to you along with the instructions. You do not necessarily use the shortest route but the most interesting from the point of view of tourism. Within 18 hours you will share a meal with your host regular daily / s. During the visit of three hours you will have the opportunity to absorb some of the Finnish way of life experiences and action.
Cosy Finnish Sauna Evening 18-21
Visit a private home, including the possibility of experiencing sauna. During the visit, the host tells about sauna habits and if you wish, you can try sauna. Light food sauna or sauna coffee is served.

Let's Party - Cosy bring your own wine to 18-21
Visit a Finnish home and bring your favorite bottle of wine! Red or white, it's up to you. We organized a host / s for you. The host will present his / her choice of wine and prepare a meal. While enjoying dinner and wine will have an excellent opportunity to learn about everyday life in Finland and Finnish culture exotic.
Afternoon Ladies' Cosy in 18-21
Three hours especially for ladies: eat and chat! During the afternoon you get to know things about life in Finland. You will visit the house of a lady and a dinner Cosy Home with her. The main objective is to enjoy girls talk and share experiences. Cosy Home Dinner includes a salad or an appetizer, a main course and a dessert tea / coffee or, all according to the host of favorite recipes.
Cozy Sunday Lunch Visit to 13-16
You visit a Finnish home for Sunday lunch. On Sundays, the Finns like to relax and enjoy the company of family and friends. Sunday is the special day of the week. Your host / s will prepare a meal Cozy and enjoying the food that you have the opportunity to learn about everyday life in Finland and Finnish culture.
Home Stays in 12-21 for single travelers
Would you like to spend more time in a Finnish home a couple of hours? We have several possibilities to offer. You can choose to visit during the day 12 to 21 hours or even overnight. Let us know your wishes and we will send you a quote.

Salmon Cake Cosy night 18-21
Make a cake and eat it! Your host will show you how to make a salmon cake.
Finland welcoming you or your group have an invitation to a Finnish home!
To find the most suitable host please give us some information on our inquiry form

Sauna Kotiharju
A couple of customers Kotiharju sauna relaxing on the street in freezing temperatures for a few minutes between sauna and sauna. This public sauna located in the city center, the only one that still warms the water timber.
Kotiharju Sauna - Wood-burning, authentic
Enjoy the best traditional sauna in Helsinki
The Finnish sauna is a must for visitors to Helsinki. And the famous Sauna is the only remnant Kotiharju public sauna in Helsinki wood. Only wood saunas allow you to enjoy the gentle heat of the traditional sauna experience.
- Separate saunas for men and women - in public saunas Finnish State.
- Wood stoves give off much heat huge soft, relaxing steam.
- Want a real treatment? Try a massage for sore muscles, and then ask for a bathroom attendant to thoroughly clean from head to toe. And then again in the sauna bench - relaxation guaranteed! Traditional treatments are also available.
- No reservations, no rush. Enjoy your stay as long as you want - see last page for opening times. The towels and soft drinks available.
- Easy access by tube (7 min), tram or bus (15 min). A 2 km from the main train station (map on the last page).
Provide original Finnish Sauna since 1928
Kotiharju Sauna, built in 1928, has maintained its original architecture over the decades. Customers range from the usual bachelor neighbors and students and teachers of the university facilities nearby.
Part of the inimitable experience Kotiharju is to solve the world's problems with fellow bathers in the soft steam sauna and then cool outdoors in front of the sauna.
In Kotiharju, there is room for 20 -?? 30 swimmers in the top banks, where heat and steam (löyly) are the best (and hottest). And if you like at least warm, no more space on the lower banks. In practice, löyly means pouring some water on the hot rocks - no running water on the stove (kiuas). The old rule is that whoever sits in the hottest place you can decide whether or not to make löyly.
The family sauna Kotiharju today and managed by Risto Holopainen Merja. The sauna was renovated in 1999 with financial support from the Foundation Culture of Capital Helsinki.
Kotiharjun Sauna Oy
Harjutorinkatu 1, 00500 Helsinki, FINLAND
Separate wood saunas for men, women and families and groups.
Towels, refreshments, laundry, massages and treatments available folk medicine.
Opening Times:
Tuesday-Friday 2-8 pm, open until 10 pm
Sat 1-7 pm, open until 9 pm
Risto Holopainen and Merja
Tel / Fax. Int +358-9-753 1535

Kotiharju prices Sauna
Adults Sauna EUR 8,00 / person
Pensioners and students from EUR 6,50 / person
Children (12-16) EUR 4,00 / person
Towel U.S. $ 1.50 / piece
"Pefletti" Elimination seatcover 0.20 EUR / piece
"Vihta" fresh or dried EUR 3,00 / piece
Frozen 4,00 EUR / piece
Laundry Service EUR 6,00 / person
Rentsauna 1 hour € 8.00 / person
2 hours EUR 10.00 / person
3 hours 12.00 euros / person
Call tel. Int +358-9-753 1535
Massage Int Tel +358-40-737 8075
Åke Wangel
Folk medicine
Tel treatments. Int +358-40-838 8963
Massage and Sanna Ilmarinen
Subject to be changed.
Legends:
Renowned Kotiharju gentle heat has helped solve the problems of life since 1928.
There is also an electrically heated sauna for small groups and families.
Clean from top to bottom ...
The kitchen has a 1500 kg (3300 lb) of stones. No wonder it takes one cubic meter (35 cubic feet) of records and five hours to six hot glowing heat.

Arla Sauna.
A customer with a bicycle at Arla Sauna door. The Sauna Arla is one of the few remaining old public saunas in the city, at the corner of an apartment block in the district of Kallio
Now understand my surprise when, during my visit to the sauna Arla, the two first sounds we heard were the opening beer cans and heavy jokes by a group of rough-looking men. I found this fascinating cultural difference became even more interesting when I witnessed Finns usually rather shy, squeezing the buttocks themselves-to-buttock in the top row of the sauna. The interior of the sauna - and certainly only a sauna, not a lot of different temperature saunas - is also very different from anything I've found in Germany before: is courageous, no ill equipped and wall tiles the plaster peeling off the roof.
Another interesting fact is that I witnessed Finnish men (and women) seem to go to the sauna just in hordes and a unique visitor - like me - seems to be more of the ball in discord. In fact, when I arrived at Arla, a group of men was dating (cans of beer in hand), but soon after was again filled with laughter ladder by another group of young men - I guess it was a hockey all team that had just finished his match? As you can imagine, the symphony of beer cans opening continued ...
Overall it was a fun experience and I really liked the down-to-earthness all. Sauna, for the Finns, seems to be less of a rule-bound-health-conscious life-form, but rather a means to socialize and play. In fact, we Germans could really use a little bit tense attitude and maybe just let go ...

Helsinki Railway Station.
The main meeting point for residents and visitors to Helsinki's Central Railway Station. Your beautiful Art Nouveau architecture and the energetic atmosphere of people that changes direction and path represents the personality of this great building.
The central train station is practically the first thing seen by tourists to Helsinki-especially if arriving by air. The airport bus makes its final stop here. The large building was designed by Eliel Saarinen in 1914 and represents very well the Finnish Art Nouveau. The exterior and interior (especially the entrance hall and the restaurant "Eliel") shows many elements of this style, such as interior ornaments.
For me, the four large statues in the southern entrance are the most attractive part of this train station. The Finnish railway company also uses pet. Often seen in advertisements these kids making funny faces stone or ironic. In winter, the crazy Finns dress caps statues not cool. There is also an ice rink in the square next to the station.
One of the milestones for a seeker of modernist essence, the Helsinki railway station, stands amidst a secluded embankment by the amount of people who seem to be home, sometimes the city center, or at less than its bustle. The building represents outstanding architecture and style of the era in which they arose. You have to look in particular at the clock tower, which is itself a symbol of Helsinki. The decoration of the facade with monumental statues, especially the light bearers of industrialization and progress, that are worshiped by the Finns, and the interior rooms with wide arches accentuate and give a very special nature of the building. This station serves trains to almost every corner of Finland and surrounding countries, such as Russia.
The Helsinki railway station is undoubtedly a jewel of art nouveau, Helsingin päärautatieasema called, is a well-known landmark of the city. It is used by approximately 200,000 passengers per day, also houses Rautatientori Metro Station, which is the busiest of all Helsinki. Most characteristic, besides its brown and green accents, are its clock tower and the four men at the entrance, have become so popular that even were copied for advertisements.
The Port of Helsinki

It is divided into two areas.
West Harbour and South Harbour

Port map

www.portofhelsinki.fi / ...nal_cruise

Port call 2013

www.portofhelsinki.fi / ...uise_ships

The list is available every ship is expected to dock both in South Harbour and West Harbour, with name, date, terminal and dock.
The South Harbour cruise terminal dock in Katajanokka (spring ERA and ERB) and the West Harbour Quay Munkkisaari Hernesaari (LHC springs and LHB)

Public Transport:

In the link appear different depending on springs Tranportes

www.portofhelsinki.fi / ...nal_cruise

Clicking on each of them, schedules unfold them from the port towards the center.

From the terminal Hernesari have to take the bus No. 14

Hours in aikataulut.hsl.fi/linj...n/h14.html
aikataulut.hsl.fi route / reit ... & y = 286

You can see all the stops in both directions. Clicking on the magnifying glass located on the map. The center is "Esplanade", just off the market square and the main attractions, but 14 does not reach there, so you have to get off at Bulevardi.
Clicking on the stop times are displayed.

Buses run frequently and the ticket can be purchased from the driver.
The trip takes 10 minutes from the center because the port is about 3 kms.

There are different types of tickets, but more often is to purchase a single ticket being given little time in the city.
The 2013 rates are available at the link
www.hsl.fi/EN/ticketsa...s2013.aspx

From Katajanoka terminal, you have to take the tram number 4 or 4T
aikataulut.hsl.fi route / reit...amp, type = 2
times in aikataulut.hsl.fi/linj...h4_4t.html

Nor for in Esplanadi directly, so you have to get off at Aleksanterinakatu.

The tourist office is at Pohjoisesplanadi 19
Currency Eur

For tourist information
www.hel.fi / hki / Helsinki / en / Etusivu
www.visitafinlandia.co...guide / home (in Spanish)
Old Market Square
This area of ??the city of Helsinki, is perhaps the most bustling city agglomerated. The reasons are obvious, on the one hand is the knot that leave the most important shopping streets, is also the starting point for the ferries that carry Suomennlina and boats that take you around the coast. Besides the surrounding monuments as the Cathedral, the Uspenski Church, the Presidential Palace and the Supreme Court, and is itself small center of trade and food stalls, crafts and seasonal fruits that are made in the summer, which become Christmas crafts and baking in December.
After thinking that there was hardly anyone in the city, get to the square and see it full of people and tourists (in this square is the main information office of Helsinki) was a bit shocking, since I had been enjoying the tranquility of the city from the early hours of the morning.
But you know, that the docks and ports of these cities are so eminently maritime, the focus of daily life, especially in summer.
Ah, an important fact. The obelisk we see was the first public monument to be erected in Helsinki in 1835. Its top has the eagle imerial Russian souvenir of the visit of Tsar Nicholas and his wife two years earlier.

STOCKMANN
A woman walks past the window of the famous Stockmann department store. The city center is home to some famous shops and excellent shopping, including fashion design and the Moomin Shop Stockmann, official center Moomin objects. The interior design and fashion Nordics are the main attraction for visitors to Helsinki, but worth seeing something out of the busiest routes: find bargains in the market square, in Kaartinkaupunki or Hakaniemi Market in Kallio.
Stockmann is a mall in the capital of Finland, Helsinki where you can find everything you intend to find and buy. There are large shopping Sieta Stockmann brand in the country, but the largest is in this city that is the largest.
The building is beautiful and very modern. He has seven top floors of local businesses that offer customers an incredible variety in clothing items, beauty, cosmetics, shoes, jewelry and even food products, as this shopping also has a supermarket inside.

Located in the heart of the city, this mall is visited by tourists on rainy days or when you want to find nice souvenirs to buy and then take home gift when they return from vacation.

The tasteful decor shopping makes a difference to the rest of the shopping centers of the city. The atmosphere is relaxed and very comfortable, plus extensive.

Regatta Café
Regatta Café is the cutest little cafe in town. This is a small log cabin with room for only about 4 tables inside! When inside you may have the feeling that the place which decomposes in the next few minutes (it will not). The cafe is full of the most unexpected imaginable: old kitchen appliances, musical instruments, old paintings, etc. - is so welcoming and wonderful!
Café Regatta makes great cinnamon buns (Korvapuustit), and always come fresh from the oven when orders, it seems! Wintertime is the best place to get warm and summer is ideal to enjoy the grounds, where there are many more options available seats. They have an open fire where you can barbecue your own sausages (sometimes also sold there), even in winter, then you can borrow blankets and pillows to keep them warm!
It is just steps from the famous Sibelius Monument, right on the coast, so this is your place to go after the obligatory visit there! They only accept cash, so be sure to have at least enough to try the scones!
Why locals love?
Love, love, love this little cute little wooden building right next to the water in Meilahti.
Why you should visit
The smell of cinnamon buns best of Helsinki (korvapuusti) if you are swirling around inside cozy between Finnish paraphernalia old. If not go outside to enjoy the sun and the breeze on the waterfront terrace expanding. You can even grill your food there. Simply divine.
Imagine the smallest point coffee that has a great personality and an endearing character. Satisfy your appetite with delicious cakes and pies Finns and rest your eyes in detail in, out and around Regatta Cafe. Small clues, traces of Finnish humor can be found in the multiple signals that are informative, such as "Dear Thief, we have no beer here", and humorous as "I am a Wallflower" sign that is proudly parked on a wall , under an installation of flower.
If you can visit Helsinki time in his life, visited Regatta Cafe. This place brings the best of the Finnish mentality, is peculiar, is serious and change their appearance according to the seasons Finnish, but remains within it, at home.
Tip: My 2-year-old son recommends a cup of hot chocolate and a cinnamon roll, both favorites!
Cafe Regatta
Address: Merikannontie 10, 00260 Helsinki
Open Monday to Sunday from 10-11 a.m p.m
What could be better on this beautiful Sunday than sitting in a cafe on the beach, drinking your cup of coffee and delicious cakes have Finnish while sunbathing?
The best without doubt, the most welcoming and unique to make Regatta Café between Sibelius Monument and the old rowing stadium. Traditional red wooden house next to the water is easy to find. The simple wooden interior gives a welcoming atmosphere immediately. At the counter you homemade Finnish pulla (pastry) and drinks. Prices are reasonable. You have to pay cash, but no longer have a card reader there.
If the sun shines definitely should sit on the deck of your dreams. You can take a seat in one of the small tables or sit by the fire light link everyday. Here even invite you to grill their own sausages and meat!
Regatta is really worth a visit!

The Uspenski Orthodox Cathedral.

Uspenski Cathedral (Finnish, Uspenskin katedraali, Swedish, Uspenskij-katedralen, Russian??????????????, Uspenskij bribes) is an Orthodox cathedral in Helsinki, Finland, dedicated to the worship of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary. Its name comes from the word Uspenie that signfica Dormition. The cathedral was designed by the Russian architect Alexey Gornostaev (1808-1862), but after his death rose between 1862 and 1868.
The chapel in the crypt of the saint called Hotovitzky Alexander, who served as vicar of the Orthodox parish of Helsinki between 1914 and 1917.
The building stands on a hill on the peninsula Katajanokka rising over the city. In the back of the cathedral, a memorial plaque remains of Tsar Alexander II, who was the Grand Duke of Finland during the erection of the building. It is the main temple of the Finnish Orthodox Church in the Diocese of Helsinki. The Uspenski Cathedral is considered the largest Orthodox church in Western Europe.
According to 2006 data, more than 500,000 tourists visited the Uspenski church.
The Orthodox Cathedral of Helsinki (Uspenskin Katedraali), was designed and built in the time of Russian domination of the area by the Russian Emperor Alexander II. This is one of the largest Orthodox cathedrals throughout Europe and an architectural symbol of Helsinki.
This magnificent building Katajanokka Hill, offers fantastic views of the city of Helsinki. Inside, the most typical is dressed orthodox style, so it has stunning lamps, spectacular vaults and a superb collection of orthodox religious icons.

Sights of Helsinki:
Helsinki Cathedral (Storkyrkan)
Museum of Contemporary Art, known as Kiasma
Museum of Fine Arts in Helsinki in Tennispalatsi
Hall of Fine Arts
National Museum, or Kansallismuseo
Classic building at the University of Helsinki
The original Temppeliaukio church, built inside a rock
Opera House, a modern avant garde construction
From Helsinki you can enjoy interesting trips on the ferries that take you to the six islands. Highlights Suomenlinna, a very peculiar Helsinki, the ancient fortress city and the castle. The strength is especially interesting, since it has been declared a World Heritage Site.
Helsinki Transportation:
Helsinki has an advanced communications system for air, land, sea and rail, but the best way to reach this city is by plane, through the airport Helsinki-Vantaa. Once the capital of Finland, you can visit the country by train, bus or boat for short distances, but to move within Helsinki is recommended to use the metro and tram.

Kaivopuisto Park
Kaivopuisto offers several acres of parks, both plain and on the cliffs. The park also includes remains of stone fortifications built in the 18th century. Every summer, thousands of Helsinkians reached Kaivopuisto sunbathing, having picnics, or to keep the sport. The highest hill in the park is an outstanding environment for all facilities during the winter.
The height of popularity in Vappu Kaivopuisto day (May 1), immediately after the celebration of Walpurgis Night unprecedented in the center of the city. In Vappu, Kaivopuisto is packed with tens of thousands of Helsinkians, who come to picnic with friends and family. Fancy costumes, loud music, and excessive consumption of alcohol is routine Vappu a picnic. It is customary for all attendees who have graduated from the Finnish matriculation examination to bring the student cap at the picnic. A yellow cap student is taken as a sign of prestige.
Since mid-1970, it has been common to hold a few concerts in the park during the summer, with classical music, but more often the pop and rock music, and usually with Finnish artists.
Kaivopuisto kaivohuone also includes a famous restaurant and nightclub dating back to the 1830s, and the Great Bear Observatory.
Many people come to cycling Kaivopuisto Hill, south of Helsinki to enjoy an unforgettable sunset.
Kaivopuisto (Swedish Brunnsparken) is one of the oldest parks and more known in the center of Helsinki, Finland, and also an area of ??about 500 inhabitants where the park is located. Kaivopuisto offers several acres of parks, both plain and on the cliffs. Every summer, thousands of Helsinkians reached Kaivopuisto sun, have a picnic, or for conducting sporting events (...)
Some couples enjoy in Kaivopuisto Hill, south of Helsinki an unforgettable sunset.
Kaivopuisto (in Finnish), Brunnsparken (in Swedish) is one of the oldest parks and more known in the center of Helsinki, Finland, and also an area of ??about 500 inhabitants where the park is located. Kaivopuisto offers several acres of parks, both plain and on the cliffs (...)
Many people approach Kaivopuisto Hill, south of Helsinki to enjoy good views and an unforgettable sunset.
The oldest park in the center of Helsinki
Cliffs, beautiful gardens, water and sunshine, even an old fortress, so many reasons to visit Helsinki Well Park (Kaivopuisto). And not to be missed: the park places in the heart of the city, and is a favorite destination of Helsinki picnic in the summer.
In Vappu day (May 1) Well Park (Kaivopuisto) receives its largest crowd wearing fancy clothes, residents and tourists come here to celebrate, drink, sing, listen to live concerts in the park. Winters are also fun, especially in the largest park of the hill, which is a favorite slope for all installations.
The old park Kaivopuisto often visited by bicycle or walking especially at sunset, offering great views and an unforgettable sunset.
Helsinki is a very green city with many parks and among them is the most popular is the Kaivopuisto around Ullanlinna hill (Ullanlinnanmäki). This is an old park, with restaurant and nightclub kaivohuone dating from 1830 and the small observatory on top of the hill until 1926. It is popular throughout the year, with picnics and life-park in summer and snow fights and sledding in winter. The height of the popularity is still Kaivopuisto day celebrations of May Vappu students first. The entire park (several hectares) then fill with student picnic and flow of sparkling wine. During the summer there are always at least several concerts and other events in the park.
The small neighborhood is named after the park consists mainly of old villas of the Russian nobility in the 1800s. Many of them are now the residences of foreign ambassadors to Finland. It was also here where the statesman and war hero Finn CG Mannerheim lived his residence and now houses the Mannerheim Museum
The neighborhood is also home to the city's Catholic cathedral, the Cathedral of San Enrique. The park and the neighborhood belong to Ullanlinna district in southern Helsinki with Eira, Kaartinkaupunki, Punavuori, Munkkisaari, islands and proper and as Kaivopuisto Ullanlinna neighborhood is quite small, many think it is, or think of it as a part of Ullanlinna.

 

 

ART GALLERIES IN HELSINKI

Apart from Helsinki's museums, art lovers should consider art galleries run by artists of the city. The best-known small galleries are in the city center, while new spaces have flourished recently alternative trend in neighborhoods like Kallio.
Acclimate the art scene in Helsinki is easy, since many of the galleries that are in the city center are close to each other.
During one visit on foot, you can visit several different galleries and get a good idea of ??Finnish modern art and the local art scene.
In the galleries downtown city can familiarize you with a variety of art forms, from photography and painting, video and sculpture. Among the galleries exhibiting modern art are regularly featured at Galerie and Galerie Forsblom Anhava.
COMMERCIAL AND AMBITION
According to the critic Timo Valjakka, Helsinki hosts a half dozen commercial modern art galleries and artistically ambitious. It adds that an art aficionado active often visit exhibitions and Anhava Forsblom as both exhibit works of leading artists.
"Forsblom is the only one that exhibits works of international superstars, as Julian Schnabel, Peter Halley and Tony Oursler. Moreover, in Anhava can see major Nordic artists, Finnish works well," says Valjakka. Among other highlights malls also Kalhama-Piippo Contemporary, plus galleries Heino, Love and Korjaamo.
Among the galleries run by local artists associations Sculptor is located in the southern port of Helsinki, in honor of his name, exhibits sculptures. Another is Hippolyte, who specializes in photography and will move to a new space in the center of Helsinki in early 2012. Nearly two galleries there are other organizations run by artists. For example, Forum Bo, near Hietalahti market, hosts various events as well as exhibitions.
Alternative attitudes and trendy
Anyone looking for cutting-edge art galleries can address Kluuvi or Sinne, plus keep up on the events of the two small galleries Huuto ("Scream").
"The critics and representatives of museums, in addition to the commercial gallery owners are very aware of these galleries and occasionally do some finding," says Valjakka.
Oksasenkatu 11, Töölö, is a noteworthy alternative gallery. Napa and Myymälä2, in the neighborhood of Punavuori, boast a youthful attitude.
The vibrant and artistic district of Kallio also hosts a number of galleries, among his best Alkovi spaces are counted, and Kingi Kongi Kallio Kunsthalle. Meanwhile, the district Suvilahti, which is flourishing rapidly, with Make Your Mark, which promotes street art.

NOT LOST IN HELSINKI:
1. MARKET SQUARE
It is the ideal place to recharge your batteries after a morning inspection in the Finnish capital. Your first (and surely not the last) meal in Helsinki should be for rigor in Market Square. This market is located in the port city and is perfect not only to buy fresh fruit, but in his many positions you can try traditional Finnish dishes at reasonable prices (between 7 and 12 euros). Salmon with potatoes, calamari, reindeer meatballs, sausages and other typical products are cooked on site. If it's summer, you can sit on the terrace overlooking the Atlantic to eat these specialties. You'll also find a little strident since memorabilia and fur coats.
Market Square is not just a nice place to regain strength, but is also close to most major attractions in the city.
2. THE ESPLANADE PARK
A few meters from Market Square find Esplanade Park, a nice walk with grass on either side where the locals to lay in the sun times. Have a beer and not worry about leaving abandoned: some homeless living collecting cans and returning them to collection points, where they receive money for each of them. This initiative allows the homeless to earn some money and that the city is kept clean.
Curiously, the ride will preside over a series of meninas placed in order of height, signing Spanish sculptor Manolo Valdés, besides statues of poets Finnish border it. You'll also find some ice cream stands and benches where descansar.A both sides of Esplanade Park there are many shops and cafes, some of which date back to the nineteenth century. If you go in summer are likely to find live concerts, while the market is characteristic Christmas theme that has been running since 1993. It is also the place that is celebrated on May 1 and other festivities.
3. Lutheran Cathedral
The protagonist of most of the postcards of Helsinki's Lutheran cathedral. The blue domed white building captained the Senate Square and is visible from several points of the city. It is the work of Carl Ludvig Engel, designer of urban development in Helsinki in the early nineteenth century, who died before finishing the building.
Currently, the space is used for concerts, exhibitions and some masses. At the entrance of Snellmaninkatu have a cafeteria that is very typical for a drink go quietly. It is also mandatory to sit on your stairs a good time to see pedestrians, although many are tourists.
4. SAUNA
If anything of Finland is globally known, it is the fans of Finnish saunas by. To give you an idea, in Finland, with just over 5 million, there are 1.7 million saunas. Therefore you can not leave the city without going to any of its public saunas. We recommend a couple:
Kotiharju Sauna (Harjutorinkatu, 1). The wood fire sauna popular city. It is located in the district of Kallio, famous for its nightlife and bohemian.
Yrjönkatu Swimming Hall (Yjönkatu, 21). These Roman-inspired bathrooms may not be the most traditional, but its pool and sauna and steam rooms will delight the most stressed.
5. DESIGN DISTRICT
As Scandinavian city, Helsinki Design District has its design or neighborhood, full of boutiques, galleries and interior design stores. Every corner becomes a temptation that credit cards and wallets should resist if they do not want to leave smoking.
The sights are concentrated in the streets Fredrikinkatu, Annankatu and Yrjönkatu, Bulevardi to the north and the south Roobertinkatu Iso. If you want something more quiet, you can go south Roobertinkatu, which features a gay friendly area full of bars and a wide range of alternative shops.
In the neighborhood you will find the Design Museum, which brings artistic design history of the country since the mid-nineteenth century to the present day. You can visit the permanent collection and temporary exhibition there at that time, in addition to the facilities and a section in which you can put up on the history of Finnish glass and other materials used in the interiors of the houses.
6. CENTRAL PARK
One of Helsinki's strengths are its parks. Therefore you can not dodge the chief representative of the genre, the Central Park. In urban heart, begins in the back of the train station and bordering the sea. It is curious to be shopping for a street and suddenly find yourself with a huge green mass.
You can cross the park from end to end in one to two hours on foot. If you prefer, you can rent a bicycle and traverse on wheels (no bike lane).
The Central Park is beautiful in both summer and winter. In summer it is a green avenue in which to rest and in winter, a beautiful white landscape curdling blood of any Southerner.
7. SUOMENLINNA
It must! If you must visit Helsinki some of its islands. A lack of time, and under pressure from the choice, go for the Suomenlinna fortress. It is a building with 260 years of history that has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The fortification was begun in 1748, when Finland belonged to Sweden, as a privileged place to protect Tallinn (Estonia).
Includes eight islands. His greatest mark of distinction is a Lutheran church, which originally was built as Russian Orthodox Church.
It is difficult to talk about the rich history of this enclave in one paragraph, so it is advisable to enter the website dedicated to the site to learn more.
8. PARK Kaivopuisto
The main attraction of this park, located south of Helsinki, are their open sea. In fact, for many locals is the most beautiful of all the green areas of the city, even more so than Central Park. Here were built the most beautiful buildings in Helsinki, many of which today have become the headquarters of some embassies. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the area, which are buildings like the Ursa Observatory, to go to sea and see how many yachts that dock in place. There is an obligatory stop Ursula Café, where you take a steaming cup of coffee and a cinnamon typical pasta.

HELSINKI STORE

One of the many shops and restaurants Mannerheimintie Avenue, the commercial artery of the city of Helsinki. Taking as its point of origin the central train station, two blocks walking we found the shopping streets of the city of Helsinki. Shop clothes, shoes and accessories for all tastes, and even a kind of English Finnish Court (Warehouses Stockmann). These streets are curious to walk, mainly because they are heated and therefore there is no trace of snow and ice (are the only streets of Helsinki you can see the cobblestones in winter). Continuing along these streets, we find one of the most important monuments of the city, the Helsinki Cathedral and Senate Square. A place, that if you visit with clear skies, a pretty picture of blue and white contrast. Helsinki is a city that I recommend visiting in winter, more surprises. Accustomed to living without snow or extreme cold, when you add the factor of "snow" to everyday life, are you surprised that nothing changes. Observe that in the city life remains normal, smooth circulating cars (with special wheels snow and nails), the rebozan streets with gravel mixed with snow (whether tirasen salt, do not give coarse) to walk without could slip, trains, trams and buses fully adapted to the extreme cold and snow ...

The more creative district of Helsinki
In the Helsinki Design District, between the streets of downtown and Iso Uudenmaankatu Roobertinkatu, look navigating from place to another without knowing where they roost: the furniture store with the most cutting-edge and comfortable at the same time, the objects of unimaginable kitchen. Or the dream shoe, such as Minna Parikka cozy space, with its brightly colored shoes, boots and handbags abotinadas to the 50s manages to cross the threshold of your door stop time, especially when she, a young dramatic 1.80m coiffed and dressed following is the chronology of his shoes. Within two blocks is passed from the 50s to 2050, when Secco or "Treasures of the Earth's Waste" whose red black decoration stands in the driveway, everything is recyclable to have enough imagination to see it. The beautiful flowers to decorate the flap is not nothing but zippers failed. The latest model ties are seatbelts made in some scrapping cars. The best comes when the tested some attractive and pearl necklaces are carefully watching a clever guess metamorphosis of old mobile keys. And the brown flannel outfit, cute and original? The shape is a bit strange, yet attractive enough for a man pants turned inside has become a feminine dress. Anna Heino has a small jewelry that makes you want to go out and few. It has achieved a cozy atmosphere with exposed windows where the jewelry that she designs, polished and works in the small workshop, in view of all. Their creations are simple and beautiful necklaces and bracelets and brooches are closed without, and accessories, making them even more ethereal, as the same artist who seems to go to match their beautiful designs.
THE NEED FOR For a small population such as the Finnish, the proportion of designers is immense. From newborns in the design of the second millennium, which "The Design Forum Finland" not only is giving you a chance, but encourages them and helps them by offering advertising space and even great as can be Aalto or Marimekko, where Jacqueline Kennedy bought seven outfits in the '60s, or Aleksi Perala famous designer and creator of Ote Iittala, Iittala glass again who believes that growing up in a place where the color is missing and where nature is superb has helped him find his own language and philosophy and maintains that "place in the world" when he and young creatives Finns belong is an indispensable tool for creation.

Kiasma Museum

The Kiasma (built 1993-1998) is a contemporary art museum located in Mannerheimintie Avenue, City of Helsinki, Finland. Exhibits the contemporary art collection of the Finnish National Gallery. The main goal of the museum is to make contemporary art more popular and to enhance their status.
An architectural design competition to build a contemporary art museum in the city of Helsinki was made in 1992. The call was directed to architects in the Baltic States and Scandinavia, but also took five internationally recognized architects. In 1993 the work Chiasma by the American architect Steven Holl was selected from the 516 contestants. The construction of the disputed and controversial Kiasma began in 1996 and ended in [[1998].
Before and during construction created a great discussion about the location of the museum among the equestrian statue of Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerheim and the central post office, the place was criticized for being too narrow and inappropriate. The Kiasma was accused of damaging the surroundings and background of the statue. Similarly, the U.S. design choice on one of the Finnish modernist artists caused negative reactions.
However, over the years the criticism of the museum have been vanishing as new modernist structures are built around the Kiasma.
The project Kiasma is a contemporary art museum to Helsinki by Steven Holl. Opened in 1996 and covering an area of ??12,000 m² is inserted into Töölö Bay, with works coming as Aalto Finlandia Hall and the railway station Saarinen. The project is structured through a ramp that connects the entrance hall with spaces expositi-
you. The human scale, according to the architect, has been a constant in matching dimensions of the different elements
ments of the project, together with the treatment of natural and artificial light.
The museum concept arises from the interaction of the dough to build the geometry of the city and the landscape in the area, promoting the culture curve suggestive line "that connects the building with the Hall FINLAND, so it seems a natural line Suggest new architectural relationships in the future urban development.
Despite being a very contemporary architect (if there is clear is that this works Holl, for him there is no past or future, are the present and as such must act), it uses the symbolism in his compositions, but the sensation (the?) machine provoke feelings without losing symbolize impossible burden of meaning and / or significance. Not intended to anchor the work to its place of origin by localism, except, and very subtly, with the use of light typical of northern latitudes, which is used mainly for conceptual reasons to anchor different architecture in place.
This building Holl earned the title of master of light. It is the best material to use to trigger those feelings. Light can even create a sense as physical as the tearing of the interior, giving them meaning or changing it if I had it. So Holl gives much importance to the light, the water, the feel of the materials, etc., Because they are the elements used to create the sensation (the?) Machine. Holl is not intended to show how things are, what the building wants us to learn how they are feeling and inhabiting.
In the work of Holl, the three-dimensional static reference becomes a five-dimensional reference, with the inclusion of two dimensions such as time and perception, which are intertwined with each other through the light and space, which act as catalysts. According Alois Reigl, art historian of the century, the "haptic" is what isolates the object in the perceptual field while the "visual perception" unifies everyone in a spatial continuum. In a traditional museum haptic perception is dominant. Each object has its field of influence, almost completely independent of the others.
Holl wants cause optical perception, creating a large container in which the works are not known separately, but together. According to Gestalt psychology, the perception of an object is done at once, without dividing it into parts, with great importance in understanding the context. Perhaps what Holl wanted was to create a context in which the works of art, not only did not lose or desentendieran their initial meaning, but were boosted by the building itself ... a Kiasma. The bodies themselves are displayed directly in a phenomenological sense vulgar, but need an effort to reach the phenomenological sense formal. The museum intends us to perform this work.

Other important aspects to Holl are the materials that make. The curved roof of the building is made of solid zinc and titanium with some copper. Has been patinated to emulate the effect for about five years. The surface will darken slightly with time. The vertical elevations are aluminum, which is resistant to marine climate of Helsinki. They are aligned using a horizontal movement, giving a surface which refract light due to aluminum. The aluminum walls allow develop a natural patina. The south elevation and north elevation surfaces are reddish. These are made of acid red, brass textures, treated with heat and chemicals. Kiasma has lots of glass, seems inviting daylight to enter the building. In the dark, they serve as light emitters, showing the building.

Helsinki Metro
The City of Helsinki is the capital and largest city in Finland. As part of public transport, Helsinki has a Metro system (subway metro - Helsinki Metro) consists of one line and 17 stations. In turn, in addition has a tram system and a network of suburban trains. About 60 million passengers a year pass.
The Helsinki Metro (in Finnish Helsingin meters, meters Helsingfors in Swedish) is used subway system in the city of Helsinki, and currently is the only subway system in Finland. The system was opened to the general public on August 2, 1982, after 27 years of planning. It is the world's northernmost meters, and at the time of opening the subway was also shorter in the world. Transport is operated by the City of Helsinki (HKL).
The system maintains a single forked line with 16 stations, with a total length of 22.1 km. Primarily serves the eastern suburbs, but is also used as a means of transportation within the center of Helsinki. According to statistics from HKL, the total number of passengers exceeds 50 million annually.

Opening Date: It opened on August 3, 1982
Known by the name: Metro Official Website: hel.fi / hkl Phone: +358 (09) 010 0111 Total length of roads: 21 km Number of stations: 17 Number of lines: 1 - Line 1 station Ruoholahti and two branches: Mellunmäki station and Vuosaari station - 17 stations
Major stations: Rautatientori station, is the central train station and Metro station turn. Number of passengers per year: 57 million (2006)
Frequency: every 5 minutes. Hours of operation: 5:30 a.m. to 11:30 pm Monday through Saturday and on Sundays from 6.30 am to 11.30 pm.
Price (2013): Individual tickets Helsinki (transfers allowed within 1 hour) € 2.80 (children € 1.40), available on buses and trams.
Prepaid Tickets € 2.20 and € 1.10 respectively. in vending machines; prepaid tram ticket € 2 (in vending machines). Tram ticket entitles you to travel on the tram routes (transfer to another tram allowed within 1 hour). Single ticket (paid by mobile phone) € 2.20.

Individual tickets in the metropolitan area (Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa and Kauniainen): regional ticket € 4.50 (adults), € 2.30 (children). Tickets are sold by bus drivers. Permitted transfers within 80 minutes from the time printed on the ticket to enter).

Load single day tickets
Helsinki internal and regional cards for adults and children are available for 1-7 days. The cards are sold, for example, at the point of customer transport of the Helsinki Region (Rautatientori metro station), R-kiosks, Stockmann and Helsinki City Tourist & Convention Bureau.
Helsinki internal ticket: for example, the adult ticket for a day costs € 8, € 12 for 2 days to 3 days € 16; children respectively € 4, € 6 and € 8.
Regional Ticket (Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa and Kauniainen): For example the adult ticket for a day costs 12 €, 18 € for 2 to 3 days € 24, children € 6, € 9 and € 12 respecrtively.

Hotels in Helsinki

Klaus K Hotel in Helsinki is your address whether traveling for business or personal exploration. Let us be your host in Helsinki. We are a family company with a young and energetic team that is dedicated to providing services seamlessly with the real intention to enrich your life.
Klaus K Hotel has an interesting history, which continues. Follow the links in our Press Room to learn more about our stories or simply book your stay with us to enjoy the experience and join people who share the story of Klaus K Hotel with us.
Mia & Marc Škvorc

We are located in central Helsinki and will provide the perfect location within walking distance of all the downtown has to offer
Klaus K Hotel is the first design hotel in Helsinki and a member of Design Hotels TM
Design inspired by the Finnish national epic, Kalevala
The rooms and four express inner emotional issues, mysticism, passion, desire and envy, along with uniquely designed rooms
We are located in central Helsinki and can provide the perfect location a few minutes walk from the city center of Helsinki
Known as the "corner Rake" and "Rake Building" at the corner of Erottaja Bulevardi and consists of two separate buildings. The old building Erottaja front was built in 1882 as a German school for girls (design by Frans Sjöström). In addition to the girls' school, the building housed the first coeducational school in Finland: Läroverket for gossar och flickor founded by Pastor Broberg in 1883.
Rake's Corner is also connected to the early days of Finnish music education, as the Helsinki Music Institute, founded by the Helsinki Music Society in 1882, began operations in Hall Rake. Today, the Helsinki Music Institute is known as the Sibelius Academy. Rake Hall has witnessed performances by the most talented students of the music school. For example, Jean Sibelius took 6 practical examinations in this room.
After the school was closed, a printing press took over in 1897, partly in the former school building and partly in a wooden building at the corner of Bulevardi. As operations expanded printing house, Lars Sonck architect was commissioned to design a new building, which was completed in the corner side Bulevardi Rake in 1912. Rake's story began in the corner in 1917, when the Central Printing Office sold the property to Helsingin Rakennusainekauppa Oy (Helsinki Building Materials Trading Company Ltd), which moved its headquarters to Erottaja in 1920.
Restaurant business in the building began in 1913, when Mrs. Svea Tilgman opened a fancy restaurant called Gradin (her maiden name) in the new building of the Central Printing. Gradin was considered a family restaurant and it was advertised as a "women's own restaurant." In fact, will not be considered Gradin "sitting in a bar", although there was a bottle of wine on the table. After prohibitions and many changes in ownership, the hotel and restaurant as part of Rake ended Oy.
In 1938, the Council decided to combine Rake restaurant facilities and boarding house, and called Klaus Kurki. The expanded hotel became a significant hosting business in Helsinki, with facilities including an elegant dining room and refurbished rooms. After renovation, the hotel includes 63 rooms, all equipped with a bath and most with a bathroom.
In the 1970s, the hotel was a family business until it was sold to a chain at the end of the decade. Three decades later, in 2005, the same family, represented by Marc Mia and re-run the hotel.
Hotel Klaus Kurki Former suffered a massive € 15 million renovation in 2005 and has become a modern oasis, exclusive lifestyle. Inspired by the Finnish national epic, the Kalevala, the interiors of Klaus K express the emotional themes of mysticism, passion, desire and envy. Four different grounds of the guest rooms have a cutting edge design and comfort for travelers as of today. Completely individual and decidedly contemporary design hotel Klaus K is a hotel with a soul and a story, hoping to discover it and all its riches.

Paasi Scandic Hotel is a premier hotel history of Finland, located in central Helsinki Siltasaari near Hakaniemi Paasitorni square and Congress Centre. The hotel opened its doors in August 2012.
Paasi Scandic Hotel is located by the sea in the center of Helsinki and has excellent transport links with the Helsinki airport and other areas of the city. Popular tourist attractions in Helsinki as the Senate Square, Helsinki Cathedral and Market Square occupied only 15 minutes walk from the hotel. Siltasaari Helsinki area is home to many theaters and museums, which offer plenty of experience for lovers of culture. Streets of Helsinki popular malls and restaurants are just a stone's throw away.
The colorful events and personalities that influence back in the day Siltasaari area have also inspired the Scandic Paasi. Our hotel is a place of personalities and decor is bold and colorful. Drop in for a drink in the lobby bar, read the paper or enjoy board games in the library. Our modern fitness center and exercise rooms and you can borrow Nordic walking poles or bicycle at the reception. Our selection of restaurants is vast and diverse, with 4 different and interesting restaurants connected to the hotel.

FREE MUSEUMS IN HELSINKI
In Scandinavia, art, design and culture are matters of the highest order. The excellent cultural promotion state from areas not only has a positive effect on the inhabitants of the Nordic countries, but also in the tourist, which has at its disposal a wide range of cultural.

Excellent example of this is the many museums that proliferate in major cities of northern Europe, many of them free.

Helsinki, the Finnish capital, is at the head of the Scandinavian capitals who generously opened the doors of the museum to visitors without charge.

 

Museums free admission every day

The following museums can be visited on a daily unpaid. Guidance, as time and access, are available by clicking the links to the websites of the museums.

1. Helsinki City Museum

Urbanism, architecture, art, design, fashion and entertainment are some of the topics included in the Museum of the City of Helsinki. A perfect compendium of artistic sensitivity and creative Finnish, and also an excellent introduction for neophytes.

2. Museum of Cultures

Complementary to the Museum of the City of Helsinki, the Museum of Cultures presents a colorful display of the cultures of the world, from East to West and from North to South. Science, crafts and archeology are just some of the disciplines included in this vibrant display.

In addition to the permanent collections and temporary, all is free, the museum website online has exhibitions regularly. Ideal for opening mouth, are leaving your armchair.

3. Kluuvi Gallery

Newly minted Finnish Art, risky and edgy. New trends and counter-proposals decidedly underground and come together in this particular corner of Helsinki must for art lovers.

4. Bank of Finland Museum

History, economics and monetary affairs are the main theme of Suomen Pankin Rahamuseo, located in a beautiful neoclassical building and photogenic.

Visit fans ideal for numismatics, the economy or even interior design. Currently, in addition, the museum has an exhibit dedicated to the international financial crisis, as in line with the times.

5. Päivälehti Museum

The arts and crafts related to the written press, such as printing, typography, content and design have their own space in Finland, at the Museum Päivälehti.

The permanent exhición includes a comprehensive overview of the history of the Finnish press and its various techniques of reproduction. There is also an interesting section of comics and cartoons.

Additionally you can request a guided tour, which is also free.

The Helsinki Cathedral
The Helsinki Cathedral (in Finnish Helsingin tuomiokirkko, Domkyrka Helsingfors in Swedish) is a cathedral Evangelical Lutheran located in the center of Helsinki, Finland. The church was built as a tribute to the Grand Duke, Nicholas I, Tsar of Russia and until the independence of Finland in 1917, was called St. Nicholas Church. It is a hallmark of the landscape of the city of Helsinki, the church that stands tall with its green dome surrounded by four smaller domes, is a neoclassical style and was built between 1830 and 1852. It was designed by Carl Engel, to complete the housing estate of Senate Square that Engel had diagrammed and which was surrounded by several buildings of his own. The building has a plant in the form of a Greek cross (ie a central hall surrounded by four arms of equal length) and is symmetrical in all four directions, each with its colonnade and pediment.
Engel had intended to place a row of additional columns on the Western Front to mark the main entrance (opposite the main altar and is located on the eastern side), but this never materialized. The building was subsequently amended by Ernst Lohrmann who succeeded Engel, adding four small domes that further emphasize the similarity with the St. Isaac's Cathedral in St. Petersburg, which served as a model for Helsinki. Lohrmann also built two independent towers and zinc statues of the Twelve Apostles in the edges and corners of the azotea.1
Today the cathedral is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Helsinki. Annually over 350,000 people visit the church, some to attend church services but most as tourists. The church is used for regular religious services, masses and weddings. The crypt was renovated in the 1980s by architects Vilhelm Helander and Juha Leiviskä to use as a space for exhibitions and church events.
The cathedral is often used as a symbol of the city of Helsinki. Similarly, the Turku Castle Turku symbolizes, represents Tammerkoski Bridge Tampere and Rovaniemi Jätkänkynttilä represents.
Before the construction of the cathedral, a smaller church called Church of Ulrika Eleanora was in place.
The Helsinki Cathedral was designed by the architect's favorite Russian tsar, Carl Ludvig Engel, as part of the reconstruction of Helsinki in the 19th century after a fire caused by being forcibly annexed by the Russians and destroyed much city. The building was begun in 1830 and completed after Engel's death in 1852.
The design of the cathedral is in the form of a Greek cross, much like a Russian Orthodox Church, although it is a Lutheran church. 93% of the Finnish population is Lutheran. The four small domes that may be now added to the original design after the death of Engel. The head of it was Ernst Lohrmann, who also added zinc statues of the twelve apostles on the roof and two side buildings, one of which is a bell tower, and the other is a chapel.

Compared to the bright white on the outside of the Cathedral against a dark blue sky of summer, the interior looks rather austere and stark, with whitewashed walls and wooden benches, but is nevertheless attractive. It has capacity for 1,300 worshipers and has an altarpiece painted in the 1880s. The statues of angels flanking the altar and pulpit were designed by Engel.
The best part is inside the crypt of gloomy atmosphere, renovated in the 1980s, which is now used as a coffee and held where exhibitions and concerts. Also performed other repairs to the Cathedral in late 1990 which returned to its original splendor. The Cathedral each year receives more than 350,000 visits.
Helsingin tuomiokirkko or Helsinki Cathedral was built by Carl Engel Lugvig under Russian administration in 1850. Renewed by Juha Leiviskä.
In the early nineteenth century a fire destroyed much of the center of Helsinki and consequently began a rebuilding process under the rule of the Russian administration, which after centuries of disputes with Sweden had taken Duchy of Finland in 1808. An annexation would end in 1917 with the outbreak of the Bolshevik Revolution and the proclamation of the independence of Finland. The project includes the reconstruction of the new Senate Square and Lutheran Cathedral. The German architect Carl Ludvig Engel, assumed the command of the project and the construction of the library and the university also located in Senate Square. The new cathedral, erected in honor of Tsar Nicholas I, is located on the site of the little church Ulrika, in honor of the patron saint of Sweden, early S. XVIII. The original design was eminently neoclassical Engel and is based on a Greek cross, a central space with four arms of equal length. The result is a plant that repeats the same symmetrical facade and pediment colonnades on all four sides. The dome of green bronze roof was altered after the death of Engels in 1840, when Ernst Lohrmann take the lead and add four small domed towers on the sides and a bell and zinc statues of the apostles on the cover . The austere interior, the altar and the pulpit designed by Engel and the gloomy atmosphere generated under the dome of coffee. The crypt, which is accessed from a back street, was renovated in the 80 to host events and exhibitions by Vilhelm Helander and Juha Leiviskä.

Finnish Icebreaker

Icebreakers fleet moored in the harbor of Helsinki.
More than 80 percent of Finland's foreign trade is conducted through shipping, and in winter, merchant ships rely heavily on the help of icebreakers to direct them safely into port. Finland has approximately 1,500 kilometers of coastline on the Baltic Sea and 60 ports. The Baltic is almost an inland sea and its northern part is frozen during winter. In a hard winter, possibly even all the sea freezes, although this rarely happens.
But even if the predictions about global warming have modified the icing on the Baltic, any change would occur slowly. So, without Finnish icebreakers, much of the winter would stop navigation.
The icebreaker fleet, operated by Finstaship, consists of nine ships: Botany, Fennica, Nordica, Otso, Kontio, Urho, Sisu, Apu (no data if you are still in service) and Voima.
MVS Botnica
Call sign: Ojak
Gross Tonnage: 6370 tons
Length: 97 m.
Beam: 24.3 m.
Draft: 8,5 m.
Year built: 1998
Power: 10 MW
Offshore Speed: 16 knots.
Ice speed, thickness 60 cm: 8 knots.
Fennica / NORDICA (twins)
Length: 116.0 m.
Beam: 26.0 m.
Draft: 8,4 m.
Year Built: 1993/1994
Power: 15 MW
Offshore Speed: 16 knots.

Kontio / OTSO (twins)
Length: 98.6 m.
Beam: 24.2 m.
Draft: 8,0 m.
Year Built: 1986/1987
Power: 15 MW
Offshore Speed: 18.5 knots.

SISU / URHO (twins)
Gross Tonnage: 7525 tons
Length: 106.6 m.
Beam: 23,8 m.
Draft: 8,3 m.
Year Built: 1975/1976
Power: 16.2 MW
Crew: 33
Offshore Speed: 18.5 knots
Ice velocity, thickness 80 cm, 8.5 knots

Voima
Call sign: OHLW
Length: 83.5 m
Beam: 19.4 m
Draft: 7.0 m
Year built: 1979
Power: 10.2 MW
Offshore Speed: 16 knots

Icebreakers are expensive to build a boat and maintain due to high technology incorporated in its special features and equipment. In the past, they were kept for several months each year until the turn of ice, which did not make sense economically. The answer came with the multipurpose icebreakers. Most modern icebreakers of the Finnish Maritime Administration ships are designed as multifunctional, fully operational throughout the year. What do they do when there are no calls for help from ships in the Baltic ice cream? Well, as the Finnish Maritime Administration explains, are designed for open water operations difficult and complicated seas. For example, they are able to lay cables and hoses, to handle heavy anchors act as supply and support vessels for oil rigs or even transported by icebergs Arctic waters.

In Finnish Lapland, in the Arctic, operates the world's only tourist icebreaker, the Sampo, for lovers of adventure, excitement and the cold.

Töölönlahti Bay.
The park around Töölönlahti Bay begins in the heart of Helsinki. The winter gardens, boasting hundreds of plants, is located at the northern end of the bay. Wooden houses along the coast are a reminder of the history of Helsinki. Töölönlahti Bay is a treasure especially for birdwatchers.
On weekends, many people flock to the Bay of Töölönlahti to practice running, biking or any other sport.
Töölö Bay (Töölönlahti) is a beautiful park in the heart of Helsinki, mainly preferred by birders, who enjoy the many birds that nest here. Töölö Bay (Töölönlahti) is also one of the most romantic parks of the city, with beautiful scenery along their paths. Some of the main attractions of the city merge here, including the ancient villas Linnunlaulu. Around Töölö Bay (Töölönlahti) also see the Finlandia Hall, the Opera House, the winter garden and wooden villas Etu-Töölö district.
Running Start your tour at any point along the bay. We chose is to Karamziningatu Street, in the shadow of Finlandia Hall, home of the 1975 international summit that produced the Cold War, providing Helsinki Accords.
Töölönlahti Loop along the roads (0.85 mi / 1.37 km) through the National Opera House of Finland on the fly.
Make a choice: to 1.25 mi / 2 km run, you can complete the loop Töölönlahti (1.26 mi / 2.03 km), and should you want to take another tour around.
* TO EXPAND ITS OPERATION, cross the railroad tracks through Linnunlaulu pedestrian bridge on the west side of the bay and continue along the waterway Eläintarhanlahti (1.33 miles / km 2.13). Go south on the train tracks on the route that follows the coastline coast.
Choose again: In a run of 3 miles / 5 km, loop back to Töölönlahti turning north on Pitkasilta Bridge (1.68 miles / 2.17 km to Bridge, 2.7 km / 4.35 miles Back to Töölönlahti).
* TO EXPAND ITS OPERATION, then east and south to the city. You'll cruise unforgettable views of the famous Helsinki, by the sea and end up Uspenskii Cathedral (2.63 mi / 4.23 km), Market Square (2.84 mi / 4.56 km) and the Old Market (3 mi / 4.83 km).
For a triumphant end, climb Mannerheimintie Esplanade St. (3.4 mi / 5.47 km)
Turn around and head back (6.8 miles / 10.94 km)

A reindeer made from old branches adorns the outside of one of the restaurants located in the Bay of Töölönlahti.
When asked about the major routes to run your city, this is the first mention more Helsinkians. Töölönlahti Tölöviken is a bay which is right in the city center and is easily accessible on foot or by tram from the center of most places. The area is safe, scenic, serene and run through. A path leads under the trees carefully tended over the primordial waters and breaking, and it is common to see runners taking around here at all hours of the day. Feel free to ask your longer term, as the runners made it right. Add to distance as much as you want, following the trails along the coast of Helsinki!
An old feeds ducks living in Töölönlahti Bay.
Töölö Bay and its surroundings are one of the most talked about and important for Finland. Some of the main attractions of the city and the parks amazingly beautiful fusion to create a charming landscape. If you stroll right by the bay Linnunlauluntie road by the railroad tracks, the first sight you see is in the old villas Linnunlaulu. Romantic wooden houses line the streets and a sandy road leading to a park. On the right, is Helsinginkatu Street, across which is the Winter Garden City. Enjoy the view of the fountain in the bay, and the Opera House and Finlandia Hall on the other side, in the magnificent Park Hesperia.
Views of the mansions located in the northwestern part of the Bay of Töölönlahti.
Eläintarha (Swedish:'' 'Djurgården''') is a large park in the center of Helsinki, Finland. The name "Eläintarha" means "zoo".
The location of the park acts as a divider between the districts of Töölö west, and Hakaniemi and Kallio in the east. The southern half of the park includes two bays of the Baltic Sea: Toolonlahti westward and eastward Eläintarhanlahti. Railway line to the north, stretching from the central train station run between these bays Helsinki, effectively dividing the park Eläintarha half.
At the north-western end of the park, near the district Laakso, there is a sports arena called Eläintarhan urheilukenttä, or "Eltsu" as he is known to Helsinkians. From 1932 to 1963, the stadium hosted Eltsu annual motorcycle racing and racing cars, known as Eläintarhanajot or "Eltsunajot", but these were subsequently canceled as too dangerous.
Despite the name, there has never been a zoo in Eläintarha. There are two theories about the misleading name. The most popular one is that Henrik Borgström, who bought the park area in the middle of the nineteenth century, had announced plans to build a zoo there, and by the 1880s, the name was established Eläintarha upfront anticipation of the zoo, which never materialized. The city of Helsinki Borgström bought the park in 1877. Another theory is that the name is simply a translation of the park of Djurgården in Stockholm, Sweden.
The real Helsinki Zoo is located on the island of Korkeasaari.

Suomenlinna Island (Sveaborg).
Suomenlinna (Finnish), or Sveaborg (in Swedish), is a fortress built on six islands, in Helsinki, the Finnish capital. It is part of the World Heritage Site of UNESCO and it is a tourism hotspot. Its original name was Sveaborg (Swedish castle), they changed the Finnish Suomenlinna (Finland's Castle) for patriotic reasons, but both Swedish and Swedish-speaking Finns they still know by its original name.
Sweden began aa built the fort in 1748, as a protective measure against the expansionism of Imperial Russia. The fortification was responsible for Augustin Ehrensvärd. The original plan was influenced by the precepts of Vauban, military engineer of his time.
In addition to the island fortress, fortifications overlooking the sea from the mainland claimed that an enemy could not dock at a beach. The defense plan included ammunition storage for the Finnish contingent of the Swedish Army and Navy. During the War of Finland, the fortress surrendered to Russia on May 3, 1808, making the occupation of Finland by Russian forces in 1809.
During the Finnish Civil War in 1918, the castle was used as a POW camp by the Red Guards.
Today, Suomenlinna is also a district of Helsinki exceptional, with some 850 inhabitants and 350 jobs (increasing in summer, for its tourist attraction).

One of the many tunnels that connect various ways in rocky areas on the island of Suomenlinna (Sveaborg).
The island of Suomenlinna offers a journey through the history enjoy complete relaxation.
Just a quarter of an hour to board a ferry from Market Square to Suomenlinna (Sveaborg in Swedish).

The construction of the fortress of Suomenlinna began mid-eighteenth century under the leadership of Augustine Ehrensvärd because Sweden wanted to improve its defense against Russia.
Contemporaries gave the nickname Gibraltar Suomenlinna northern and thought it was impregnable. However Suomenlinna surrendered during the siege by the Russians in 1808 and later became a bustling Russian garrison town for over a hundred years.
The fort was extensively damaged by the artillery of the Anglo-French army during the Crimean War in 1855. Then the Russians made the renovation of the fortress and built a new defense against sand covering walls.

Era of Independence
After the independence of Finland, Suomenlinna became a Finnish garrison and prison camp base for the Russians a year after the civil war. During World War II, Suomenlinna played an important role for air defense and also served as a base for submarines. It was under the civil administration in 1973, but continued military traditions Naval Academy based in Suomenlinna.
Suomenlinna is on the World Heritage List of UNESCO since 1991, has over 800 people and provides about 400 jobs.

Departure every day from your hotel in the center or the Tourist Office. Duration: 2h45.
Price per person: 58 euros from 6 people.
Visit the museum on the island. Visit the famous submarine Vesikko available only in summer. (Includes guide service Suomenlinna). Ferry transport included.
Dining options at the hotel.
For group rates, please contact us.
All our tours are easy and go to your walking pace with many comments on Finnish life. To get the most pleasure from the visit remember to bring comfortable shoes.
Augustin Ehrensvärd Memorial Sculpture on the island of Suomenlinna (Sveaborg).
The main character in the history of Suomenlinna is Ehrensvärd Augustin, director of the fortifications of Suomenlinna for three periods. Besides being a competent soldier, Ehrensvärd was a skilled painter and illustrator, whose art can be seen in Suomenlinna in many formats.
Ehrensvärd Sveaborg fortifications led from the start in 1748. It was praised, but also criticized, for example, most creative technical solutions in fortification. The criticism was partly due to the fact that after Ehrensvärd was quite independent. Put aside the office of fortification in making decisions regarding Sveaborg caused some bitterness.
In the 1755-1756 parliamentary session, Ehrensvärd got his proposal was approved in a naval unit naval base which would be established in Sveaborg. Ehrensvärd was named base commander and member of the College of war. His first term in Sveaborg ended at the start of the Seven Years War in 1756. Ehrensvärd returned to his task in Sveaborg in 1762, but the second term was cut short after only three years, when the party took over Caps and practically stopped all work of fortification. A war wound began to weaken Ehrensvärd condition.
Ehrensvärd began a third period leading to the strengthening works Sveaborg in 1770, when the party had returned to power Hats. His health, however, continued to deteriorate, and in the summer of 1771 he was asked to resign from office. After this, he still continued as commander in the Navy, but the fortifications became the responsibility of others.
Ehrensvärd Augustin Conde died November 4, 1772. He had been promoted to field marshal just weeks before. At the command of King Gustav III, a monumental tomb was erected by Ehrensvärd in Susisaari Sveaborg island. The king even participated in the design of the monument.
Tunnel entrance from the pier to the island of Suomenlinna (Sveaborg).
Considering the island of Suomenlinna part of the city of Helsinki, you can travel to it by taking a regular ferry (about 4 € return). During the half hour that lasts little journey, you can see other smaller islands with enigmatic solitary houses and a view of the bay of Helsinki. The square where a market is Sami and souvenir stalls.
Suomenlinna is a group of islands linked by bridges, very important for the Finns. Here are forged from Helsinki history: in 1748 the Swedes built the fortress included in the World Heritage of Humanity to fend off the Russians, though they were hindered little strength to beat them. Curiously, once called Viapori (Swedish fortress) and now his name is Suomenlinna (Finnish strength), since Finland gained independence from Russia.
The place is full of tunnels, with stone walls of great thickness and small windows, all islands are walled to prevent enemy armies could be in some other island and attack from there. The guns pointing in all directions and you can see that spared no size. Each gun has its own armory that houses are Hobbit style you see in the photo, you can now do everything there to picnic, swim at the beach or just take a nap in the gardens.
It is a neighborhood with unpaved and Nordic style houses surrounded by water.
Near the bridge that connects the two main islands, Iso Mustasaari and Susisaari is the visitors center of the House of inventory, which provide tourist information and maps, and organized walking tours in summer. The same building houses the Museum of Suomenlinna, which explains the history of the island.

Seurasaari
Seurasaari is an island located in the northwest of Helsinki. The island has two attractions: first, the island itself is a place to enjoy nature on the other, has an outdoor museum of buildings of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.
The island can be reached by bus (end of line 24) or take a walk along the coast. The start of the bus line is beside Stockmann. To access the island should be done through a bridge. Curiously, you can only get to the island on foot, as they are not allowed cars, buses or bicycles.
The island itself has great charm, as it is a vast forest where you can also peek into the sea and admire the spectacular views and even take a swim at the beach. It also has all kinds of services, such as food stalls, restaurant or barbecue for kitchenettes. The island is rich in flora and fauna. The species of flowers and birds that you'll encounter along the way are varied. In addition, there are fellow travelers as friendly: no you left the island without meeting one or more squirrels.
On the other hand, is the museum of wooden houses. A large collection of wooden buildings brought from different parts of the country will show rural life in times past. The visit to the exteriors of the buildings is free, while the price for entering them is 6 €.
The houses are very curious. There are the typical houses, the church, the mill ... But there are other more peculiar, as elongated huts in which are stored the huge canoes, or elevated booths where meat was kept safe from bears and wolves of the place. Ah! And do not forget the stores where they kept the wagons and sleds.
Seurasaari, also known as the village of squirrels, is an island and a district in Helsinki, Finland, known mostly for being the location of an outdoor museum, which consists of old buildings, mostly wooden, transported from elsewhere in Finland and placed in the dense forest landscape of the island.
Every summer, many inhabitants of Helsinki Seurasaari come to enjoy the rural environment, outdoors in peace. Although visitors, the island boasts a variety of wildlife, especially birds, and also red squirrels and hares.

The Sibelius monument in Helsinki.

The Sibelius monument is located in the park of the same name (Sibelius Parken), near the west coast of the city. One of the tracks from which you can reach from the street is just dedicated to the composer (Sibeliuksen Katu). The neighborhood, called Taka-Töölö, is primarily a quiet residential sparsely populated in our author's life. The hospital where his brother Christian was in this area, and it was common to find Jean Sibelius walking. Hence the choice. In the same neighborhood we find also streets named for poets Topelius and Leino.
The park was named after the musician in 1945, in celebration of his eightieth birthday. Years after his death was thought important to incorporate a statue park, for which we performed a concuerso (years 61 and 62). There was an unprecedented debate in Finland on how the sculpture should be, whether figurative or abstract. The 50 winning projects, Eila Hiltumen artist (1922-2003) decided to incorporate both aesthetic making a monument in two parts, one with the face of the composer (in its aspect of the 10s), while the other would be a symbol abstract formed by a series of tubes, both elements of the set of metal (stainless steel).
The monument was inaugurated in 1967 and was as controversial as the ideas of creation. Most striking was the lack of importance and isolation that the composer had his face on the tubes, larger and bold, and steps. "Besides, what do those tubes?" He asked the Finns. Hiltumen not want to reveal its meaning, and died a few years ago not reveal it.
The Finns have held and still hold several theories including:
1) Are organ pipes, the king of instruments and symbol of the music (Sibelius dedicated instrument to which only four works, though).
2) Represents the aurora borealis, the symbol of the magic of the north (referenced in the cantata "Oma maa" ["Our homeland"] opus 92).
3) They are ice crystals (referenced in several works by the author).
4) They are a symbol of the Nordic forests (referenced in Tapiola and in many other works).
Fit even other proposals, and you sure are thinking of some. Maybe this was really what I thought the artist, not create anything concrete and allow visitors to the monuments to think what they want about their meaning and inspiration.
Eventually the controversy faltered, and the monument was accepted as a clear homage to the master, and a sign of identity of the city, the country and the Finnish culture. Every day dozens of buses of tourists from distant places come to the park, and the artistic whole, on the green grass or snow - depending on the time of year, of course - on a wild rock, is proudly displayed citizen of the world. A replica of the same, unless size can be found at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris, reflecting the cultural and representative of Finnish culture that has the sculpture.
Perhaps the sibeliano, who comes to Finland in search of places steeped in the presence of the teacher, this monument can say little, despite its great symbolism. Without doubt find more advisable to visit the Sibelius Museum of Turku / Åbo (music museum in Finland, with a room dedicated to the composer with manuscripts, letters, photographs, and more material of the first order), the birthplace in Hämeenlinna, and Ainola especially, our musician residence the last 50 years of his life, he composed much of his work and where he is buried with his wife Aino. The house remains almost the same as the left of the composer after his death, countless memories with materials. At another point Ainola discuss in more detail.
In Helsinki one of the visits of all tourists is the Sibelius Monument, a work of art by sculptor Eila Hiltunen Finnish in honor of the composer of the same nationality Jean Sibelius (1865-1957). It is especially visited by the Finns, obviously, because here remembers the courage of a man who rebelled against the Soviet regime became a symbol of Finnish patriotism and fighting for the independence of this country.
The sculpture was commissioned by the government of Finland to his death, and is constructed with steel pipes. When it was built many people thought it was the sculptor of pipes but devised a work vertically with some uneven levels, as an old church organ, and placed beside the sculpture of the artist's head.
If there is any relationship between the music of Sibelius and work? No, but when night falls and the icy winds blowing empeizan on forests and lakes in the area, this piece of metal begins to vibrate in a unique, musical, almost like the Sibelius violin. So much for tourists and ciudadnos alone or in groups tours. The monument is in the Sibelius Park, near the west coast of Helsinki and it can go up Sibeluis walking down the street.

Havis Amanda and gastronomy
The Source of Havis Amanda in Helsinki. Helsinki is hosting, you get the girl, get by sea, land or air to the heart of Helsinki.
Normally you'd find in the center of the main square of the city, in front of Parliament, but is at the side, as shameful, covering their nakedness, but unable to avoid the gaze of the thousands of tourists who admire and capture with their cameras.
French Art Nouveau jewel as it is French, arrived in Helsinki in 1908. It is made of bronze and placed on a granite fountain that supports four fish that squirt water and four lions that guard, with a total combined height of 5 meters.
It was to symbolize the rebirth of Helsinki after the Russian occupation.
It is well known and much discussed, that a country as liberal as Finland has put a lot of fault with the nakedness of the statue, considered as an object that denigrates women and reduced to sex objects.
There are two traditions that surround the statue.
The first refers to students each April 30, visit the statue and crowned with a bonnet student to symbolize the end of course.
The second is to be placed in front of it and shout three times "Rakastaa" (love), while
one washes his face with water and power increases male sexual stamina.
A landmark .....

A couple eating at the restaurant Havis Amanda, one of the most prestigious in Helsinki.
The Havis Amanda is considered the oldest and one of the leading seafood restaurants in Helsinki. It is next to the port and the market square in the heart of the historic city center. Havis Amanda has attracted fans of seafood since 1973 and has since gained a reputation as one of the best places specializing in this field.
The cozy restaurant offers a variety of seafood dishes - from our own unique freshwater fish for most tastes exquisite and exotic seafood. A carefully compiled collection of wines from around the world to complete this dining experience.
Interior of restaurant Havis Amanda, one of the oldest and most prestigious of Helsinki, especially in fish and shellfish.
Named for the heroic statue woman (the Havis Amanda) which is a few steps from the entrance, this luxury saloon is the finest seafood restaurant in Helsinki. Across the boulevard from the Market Square, which has vaulted ceilings covered with fresh nautical and a sense of calm attractive well-established and well-being. Established in 1973, and after moving to its current location in 2004, the restaurant is proud to serve mainly seafood Finland. Depending on the season, you can enjoy delicacies like soup perch with a crepe stuffed perch, grilled tuna with avocado and citrus, fried whitefish shining prepared to open fire with a puree of peas and carrot sauce and lasagna mushrooms with parsley sauce. Changes dessert with the whim of the chef, but could include a strawberry soup with strawberry sauce flavored Pernod. The service is impeccable.
"Onion and sorrel" one of the delicious dishes offered by the restaurant Spis of Helsinki.
Finland, the only Nordic genuinely agricultural combines knowledge of Russian cuisine and Eastern European countries, as well as his own, typical ingredients of Finland and hard to get out of their borders, and a design-oriented mentality that put Finland in the center of the New Nordic Kitchen.
Helsinki World Design Capital 2012, has always been characterized by innovative air around it and in recent years, a number young chefs passionate about Nordic cuisine and local ingredients, have established their own restaurants in Helsinki. The design can also be found in food and even more in a dish with ingredients typical of the traditional Nordic cuisine.
Helsinki is a compact city, which can be covered on foot. This makes perfect combination of local cuisine with traditional tourism or shopping. Thus, in the tour of the Finnish capital, it's worth visiting one of these new restaurants like Juuri, famous for its Sapas, something that could match our tapas, but the Nordic way. http://www.juuri.fi/en/. Another of these new restaurants to meet essential quality Nordic cuisine is the restaurant Olo. Since opening its doors in 2006 continues to receive rave reviews, culminating with a Michelin star in 2011, and it is known as the "aristocrat" of Scandinavian cuisine. http://www.olo-ravintola.fi/en/home.html
For those who prefer to cook with local produce quality Finns, the Eat & Joy is the perfect place to get milk bar and a place worth visiting. http://eatandjoy.fi/eatjoy-farmers-market-and-eatjoy-kluuvi-market-hall
For those interested, in addition, companies with years of experience in the sector, which are devoted to the capital gastronomic tours that combine the gastronomic experience with a visit to the city. For more information: www.foodsightseeing.com

PRIVATE SAUNAS IN HELSINKI
Private Sauna Pikkukoski north of the city of Helsinki, Vanhankaupunginselkä lakeside, near the town of Oulunkylä Aggelby. Another alternative with which the Finns have to do is take a sauna in a private club, as in the case of this photo, in which the members pay a fee each year to make use of the facilities.
A woman bathes outside the private Sauna Pikkukoski north of the city of Helsinki, Vanhankaupunginselkä lakeside, near the town of Oulunkylä Aggelby. Members pay a fee of EUR 75.60 to join and then another 30 euros per season, ademñas of 10 euros for the key deposit. This open both summer and winter.
A man cools outside the private Sauna Pikkukoski north of the city of Helsinki, Vanhankaupunginselkä lakeside, near the town of Oulunkylä Aggelby. A defined area of ??the lake has heating in water so that it never freezes in winter and people can swim.

The chapel of silence.
The chapel of silence recently inaugurated in Helsinki is a secular space paid by the association of Lutheran churches in the city. No priests, who listen to those who need to talk to are social workers. The commission was made clear. It was recovered a religious idea to improve it: listen without judgment.
It was also about those who need to be heard does not have to queue in front of the corporate offices sit quietly in front of other people also waiting to hear them. A Finnish study, K2S, won the competition in 2008, while winning another for the Finnish pavilion at the Shanghai Expo. Like that, this is wood as a precious material, warm, noble and close at the same time. He hopes to reach people with a simple but iconic. The project is expensive, a jewel for the city visible and a refuge for the needy amid the bustle of the Finnish capital: Narinkka Square, where the subway comes to the center. It cost seven million euros and the work done on it is a cabinetmaker. Also in future. Dare to design a shelter for existential anxiety that devours so many Westerners outside the sacred territory. Get to the bustle that hides many problems of people living without problems.
Converted to claim the chapel, imposes silence. It serves tourists and needy. Nobody raises there voice. It is a wake up call. The barrel contains only the chapel. Access is through a prism of concrete and glass have a room where social workers. That prelude prism works well in cold weather and snow (over half a year in Helsinki) and saves the umbrellas and coats of those who come there. This is to prepare. Also to strip. To reach the silence without visual noise and lightweight luggage.

 

 

PIES DE FOTO: EL VIAJERO EN HELSINKI

01-CM0004: Helsinki. Unable to travel to Finland and not visit one of his classic saunas. In Helsinki, is probably the most traditional Kotiharju, located in the city center, the only one that still warms the water timber.
Tourists from around the world travel to this center exclusively for relaxation and rejuvenation. Is 72 years old and since then provides a high level of service. In total there are three saunas, separate for men and women. Right there you can rent all the necessary services, from towels and even non-alcoholic drinks and snacks in case you want to spend a whole day. The usage time is free, only general admission is paid.
Saunas are very comfortable, with room for more than a dozen swimmers. The cooling room faces the street, making the sessions fun and curious. It is a very quiet place, perfect to soften and purify the body. You can also access a massage therapy descontracturantes obviously cost extra, but is recommended, the team is highly qualified professionals. Also offers reflexology, acupressure, manicure and pedicure.
02-CM0470: Helsinki. The swimming Yrjonkatu (Yrjonkadun Uimahalli, Yrjonkatu 21b, phone 09 310 8740 1) is a historic pool with a specialty that makes it unique: you can swim naked. Using swimsuit at the pool was allowed until 2001, since then it is forbidden bathing swimsuit, one must keep in mind that nude swimming is very popular in Finland. The opening times are different for men and women, so check by phone or on their website what time open.
Built in 1928 and renovated in the 90s, the pool is the oldest in Scandinavia and its architecture and decoration is inspired by the ancient Roman baths. Places have several saunas and a massage service is available whenever you book in advance. A gym and fitness center are also present in the facility.
03-CM0460: Helsinki. The swimming Yrjonkatu (Yrjonkadun Uimahalli, Yrjonkatu 21b, phone 09 310 8740 1)
Why locals love? Wonderful piece of architecture and the first public indoor pool in Finland since 1928. It has 25-meter pool, an electric sauna, a steam sauna and a heated wooden sauna. Bathing suits have been allowed since 2001.
Why you should visit? You can rent a cabin on the 2nd floor which includes a towel, a bathrobe and a seat cover. The building is an impressive example of the 1920 classic and is a building of historical and architectural importance. Try the "Cafe Yrjö", located on the 2nd floor and order of garlic snails (11 €).
Special tip: Days separate swimming for men and women (Women: Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun Men:. Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday).
04-CM0036: Helsinki. Sauna Arla, one of the few remaining old public saunas in the city, at the corner of an apartment block in the district of Kallio, Helsinki response to Dalston. There are stairs artists studios, and a growing clientele hip.
Anu, a journalist who we meet there, says that after years of disgrace, public saunas are becoming fashionable again:. "People who have in their apartments, but is becoming very popular as a social thing new "
There's even a new public sauna in project by architect Tuomas Toivonen and his wife Nene Tsuboi Japanese designer, who was inspired by a quote that had been found by Alvar Aalto, the national hero of Finnish design. Already in 1925, he proposed a "Cultural Sauna" as "a national monument, the first of its kind" and 80-odd years later, Toivonen and Tsuboi are trying to make it happen.
05-CM1796: Helsinki. Sauna Best Western Premier Hotel Katajanokka. This hotel is located in a prison from 1837. Located in Katajanokka, in downtown Helsinki. It houses a famous restaurant and rooms with flat-screen TVs.
All rooms at the Best Western Premier Hotel Katajanokka have free wired internet. They are decorated in warm colors and feature a work desk, minibar and kettle.
The Jailbird Restaurant barred windows and brick walls. It serves a variety of dishes in a unique setting. The terrace is next to the park Linnanpuisto and is a perfect place for coffee or evening cocktails on summer nights.
On weekends you can have free access to the sauna of Hotel Katajanokka. The modern gym is open 24 hours.
Next to the Best Western Hotel Katajanokka Trams stop will take you to the center of Helsinki in less than 10 minutes.
Skatudden area, this hotel is located in Helsinki city center. Best Western Premier Hotel Katajanokka is close to Uspenski Cathedral, Presidential Palace, Senate Square and Helsinki Cathedral. Atheneum Art Museum and Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma are also within walking distance
06-CM0175: Helsinki. Sauna-Shop Store Aitta
Aitta Sauna-Shop offers hundreds of Finnish sauna / sauna bath items and gift ideas! Buckets, ladles, Finnish textile and clothing sauna bath, thermometers, hygrometers, natural flavors, sauna, articles for body care, soaps sauna / bath, accessories and items for interior decoration.
07-CM0820: Helsinki. Katajanokka Guest Harbour Jetty north of Katajanokka. Katajanokka & Kruununhaka bit isolated from the rest of the city, Katajanokka was known in the past for its ports and jail. Today, the district is architecturally significant Jugend style. It offers sightseeing tours, and is populated by artists and journalists. It is also a political center. Katajanokka North is the quiet and highly respected Kruununhaka district, neighboring the historic center designed by Engel.
08-CM0845: Helsinki. Marina Cafe in Katajanokka Guest Harbour, one of the private clubs where a sauna next to the Gulf of Finland. An authentic Finnish sauna experience is mandatory, and not hard to find: there are 1.6 million saunas in this country of just over 5 million people, including parliament has its own sauna. The sauna, which is traditional Finnish relax on wooden benches, pouring water over hot coals, and smashing his neighbor's back with birch branches, is an integral part of the life of the car and now the life of the city, as The apartments are equipped with small saunas in their bathrooms. Most hotels have at least one sauna available for free, usually at fixed times in the morning or evening for men and women to use separate. Larger hotels offer a private sauna rooms and suites superior class. Public saunas (with bathing suits required) are becoming increasingly popular, even in winter, when attendees leave momentarily sauna sauna to jump into the sea through a large hole in the ice (called avantouinti). Public pools are also equipped with saunas that can be used free of charge extra.Sociedad Finnish Sauna. For information about saunas and sauna tradition, contact the Finnish Sauna Society. Vaskiniementie 10, Helsinki, 00200. 10/439-5600. www.sauna.fi.

09-CM0858: Helsinki. An elderly lady out of the water after a sauna in the Marina Cafe in Katajanokka Guest Harbour, one of the private clubs where a sauna next to the Gulf of Finland. SWIMMING AND SAUNA
The heat of the sauna relaxes the body and mind. After steam sauna, you can dive into refreshing water.
Yrjönkatu pool
The swimming Yrjönkatu recreates the atmosphere of the Roman baths. It is the first indoor of Helsinki and the oldest of the Nordic countries, completed in 1928. Its uniqueness is that you can swim with or without a swimsuit. There turns men and women on different days of the week. You can rent cabins to relax and enjoy a drink.
Yrjönkatu 21 b Price: € 05.12 adults, children and special groups € 2.50.
Mäkelänrinne Swim Club Mäkelänkatu 49 Fare: adults € 6.20, children € 3.20 and panels.
Pools Itäkeskus
Olavinlinnantie 6 Fee: adults € 5.40, children € 2.70 and panels.
See schedules swimming and saunas: www.hel.fi / liikunta
Outdoor swimming pool outdoor swimming stadium in the outdoor swimming pool of 50 m Swimming Stadium can swim from May to September, then the weather. The water temperature is maintained throughout the season at 25 ° C. Hammarskjöldintie 1
Outdoor pool Kumpula (May-August) Allastie 5
Serena Water Park is the largest water park in the Nordic countries, with always hot water for all
family. It has fast slides, pools with terraces, jacuzzis, Tornado, the Villivirta whitewater, paddling pools and a wave pool. Its outdoor facilities possess a regulated Half-pipe, skydiving, river floats, the Dead Sea pool, many slides and the famous tower of lianas. Tornimäentie 10, Lahnus, Espoo www.serena.fi
10-CM0743: Helsinki. Cosy Evening Sauna. Some families in Helsinki meetings organized for visitors who teach in the city and also have the possibility of ending up in this family house enjoying a snack and taking a sauna with family at home. In http://www.cosyfinland.com site is all the information.
Cosy Finland offers the opportunity to learn about the Finnish lifestyle. We have a unique way to do that through a local organization that provides daily life. You may even be invited to the home or other private settings Finnish!
MEET THE Finns in Finland - all year round and in all weather conditions
Concept includes many different services for individual travelers and groups, business or pleasure, all based on reaching travelers and locals together.
The most popular service is the Finnish Cosy night, a three-hour dinner visit a Finnish home. It is a perfect place to experience the Finnish lifestyle. Check out a video on Cosy Finnish Evening.
You have a unique opportunity to ask questions and learn about the culture and everyday life in Finland. There are multiple language options. Cosy Finnish Evening can be arranged for individuals and groups. In order to make the visit as pleasant as possible the ideal number of guests is 1-4 persons / household. We like to give all individual experience and therefore, the largest groups are divided into several houses.
The hosts are carefully selected for each network service Cosy Finland hosts. The hosts are willing to tell about life in Finland - routine and habits to the traditions of the country.
As a company we aim to provide QUALITY1000 services that meet your satisfaction. Quality We are participating in 1000, the national quality program for the tourism industry.
You can also follow us on Facebook Cosy Finland - Finnish Lifestyle.

11-CM1036: Helsinki. A couple of customers Kotiharju sauna relaxing on the street in freezing temperatures for a few minutes between sauna and sauna. This public sauna located in the city center, the only one that still warms the water timber.
Kotiharju Sauna - Wood-burning, authentic
Enjoy the best traditional sauna in Helsinki
The Finnish sauna is a must for visitors to Helsinki. And the famous Sauna is the only remnant Kotiharju public sauna in Helsinki wood. Only wood saunas allow you to enjoy the gentle heat of the traditional sauna experience.
- Separate saunas for men and women - in public saunas Finnish State.
- Wood stoves give off much heat huge soft, relaxing steam.
- Want a real treatment? Try a massage for sore muscles, and then ask for a bathroom attendant to thoroughly clean from head to toe. And then again in the sauna bench - relaxation guaranteed! Traditional treatments are also available.
- No reservations, no rush. Enjoy your stay as long as you want - see last page for opening times. The towels and soft drinks available.
- Easy access by tube (7 min), tram or bus (15 min). A 2 km from the main train station (map on the last page).
Provide original Finnish Sauna since 1928
Kotiharju Sauna, built in 1928, has maintained its original architecture over the decades. Customers range from the usual bachelor neighbors and students and teachers of the university facilities nearby.
Part of the inimitable experience Kotiharju is to solve the world's problems with fellow bathers in the soft steam sauna and then cool outdoors in front of the sauna.
In Kotiharju, there is room for 20 -?? 30 swimmers in the top banks, where heat and steam (löyly) are the best (and hottest). And if you like at least warm, no more space on the lower banks. In practice, löyly means pouring some water on the hot rocks - no running water on the stove (kiuas). The old rule is that whoever sits in the hottest place you can decide whether or not to make löyly.
The family sauna Kotiharju today and managed by Risto Holopainen Merja. The sauna was renovated in 1999 with financial support from the Foundation Culture of Capital Helsinki.
Kotiharjun Sauna Oy
Harjutorinkatu 1, 00500 Helsinki, FINLAND
Separate wood saunas for men, women and families and groups.
Towels, refreshments, laundry, massages and treatments available folk medicine.
Opening Times:
Tuesday-Friday 2-8 pm, open until 10 pm
Sat 1-7 pm, open until 9 pm
Risto Holopainen and Merja
Tel / Fax. Int +358-9-753 1535

Kotiharju prices Sauna
Adults Sauna EUR 8,00 / person
Pensioners and students from EUR 6,50 / person
Children (12-16) EUR 4,00 / person
Towel U.S. $ 1.50 / piece
"Pefletti" Elimination seatcover 0.20 EUR / piece
"Vihta" fresh or dried EUR 3,00 / piece
Frozen 4,00 EUR / piece
Laundry Service EUR 6,00 / person
Rentsauna 1 hour € 8.00 / person
2 hours EUR 10.00 / person
3 hours 12.00 euros / person
Call tel. Int +358-9-753 1535
Massage Int Tel +358-40-737 8075
Åke Wangel
Folk medicine
Tel treatments. Int +358-40-838 8963
Massage and Sanna Ilmarinen
Subject to be changed.
Legends:
Renowned Kotiharju gentle heat has helped solve the problems of life since 1928.
There is also an electrically heated sauna for small groups and families.
Clean from top to bottom ...
The kitchen has a 1500 kg (3300 lb) of stones. No wonder it takes one cubic meter (35 cubic feet) of records and five hours to six hot glowing heat.

12-CM0048: Helsinki. A customer with a bicycle at Arla Sauna door. The Sauna Arla is one of the few remaining old public saunas in the city, at the corner of an apartment block in the district of Kallio
Now understand my surprise when, during my visit to the sauna Arla, the two first sounds we heard were the opening beer cans and heavy jokes by a group of rough-looking men. I found this fascinating cultural difference became even more interesting when I witnessed Finns usually rather shy, squeezing the buttocks themselves-to-buttock in the top row of the sauna. The interior of the sauna - and certainly only a sauna, not a lot of different temperature saunas - is also very different from anything I've found in Germany before: is courageous, no ill equipped and wall tiles the plaster peeling off the roof.
Another interesting fact is that I witnessed Finnish men (and women) seem to go to the sauna just in hordes and a unique visitor - like me - seems to be more of the ball in discord. In fact, when I arrived at Arla, a group of men was dating (cans of beer in hand), but soon after was again filled with laughter ladder by another group of young men - I guess it was a hockey all team that had just finished his match? As you can imagine, the symphony of beer cans opening continued ...
Overall it was a fun experience and I really liked the down-to-earthness all. Sauna, for the Finns, seems to be less of a rule-bound-health-conscious life-form, but rather a means to socialize and play. In fact, we Germans could really use a little bit tense attitude and maybe just let go ...

13-CM0130: Helsinki Railway Station.
The main meeting point for residents and visitors to Helsinki's Central Railway Station. Your beautiful Art Nouveau architecture and the energetic atmosphere of people that changes direction and path represents the personality of this great building.
The central train station is practically the first thing seen by tourists to Helsinki-especially if arriving by air. The airport bus makes its final stop here. The large building was designed by Eliel Saarinen in 1914 and represents very well the Finnish Art Nouveau. The exterior and interior (especially the entrance hall and the restaurant "Eliel") shows many elements of this style, such as interior ornaments.
For me, the four large statues in the southern entrance are the most attractive part of this train station. The Finnish railway company also uses pet. Often seen in advertisements these kids making funny faces stone or ironic. In winter, the crazy Finns dress caps statues not cool. There is also an ice rink in the square next to the station.
14-CM0142: Helsinki Railway Station.
One of the milestones for a seeker of modernist essence, the Helsinki railway station, stands amidst a secluded embankment by the amount of people who seem to be home, sometimes the city center, or at less than its bustle. The building represents outstanding architecture and style of the era in which they arose. You have to look in particular at the clock tower, which is itself a symbol of Helsinki. The decoration of the facade with monumental statues, especially the light bearers of industrialization and progress, that are worshiped by the Finns, and the interior rooms with wide arches accentuate and give a very special nature of the building. This station serves trains to almost every corner of Finland and surrounding countries, such as Russia.
The Helsinki railway station is undoubtedly a jewel of art nouveau, Helsingin päärautatieasema called, is a well-known landmark of the city. It is used by approximately 200,000 passengers per day, also houses Rautatientori Metro Station, which is the busiest of all Helsinki. Most characteristic, besides its brown and green accents, are its clock tower and the four men at the entrance, have become so popular that even were copied for advertisements.
15-CM0334: Helsinki. A couple kisses next to the cruise terminal in Kauppatori.
The port of Helsinki is divided into two areas.
West Harbour and South Harbour

Port map

www.portofhelsinki.fi / ...nal_cruise

Port call 2013

www.portofhelsinki.fi / ...uise_ships

The list is available every ship is expected to dock both in South Harbour and West Harbour, with name, date, terminal and dock.
The South Harbour cruise terminal dock in Katajanokka (spring ERA and ERB) and the West Harbour Quay Munkkisaari Hernesaari (LHC springs and LHB)

Public Transport:

In the link appear different depending on springs Tranportes

www.portofhelsinki.fi / ...nal_cruise

Clicking on each of them, schedules unfold them from the port towards the center.

From the terminal Hernesari have to take the bus No. 14

Hours in aikataulut.hsl.fi/linj...n/h14.html
aikataulut.hsl.fi route / reit ... & y = 286

You can see all the stops in both directions. Clicking on the magnifying glass located on the map. The center is "Esplanade", just off the market square and the main attractions, but 14 does not reach there, so you have to get off at Bulevardi.
Clicking on the stop times are displayed.

Buses run frequently and the ticket can be purchased from the driver.
The trip takes 10 minutes from the center because the port is about 3 kms.

There are different types of tickets, but more often is to purchase a single ticket being given little time in the city.
The 2013 rates are available at the link
www.hsl.fi/EN/ticketsa...s2013.aspx

From Katajanoka terminal, you have to take the tram number 4 or 4T
aikataulut.hsl.fi route / reit...amp, type = 2
times in aikataulut.hsl.fi/linj...h4_4t.html

Nor for in Esplanadi directly, so you have to get off at Aleksanterinakatu.

The tourist office is at Pohjoisesplanadi 19
Currency Eur

For tourist information
www.hel.fi / hki / Helsinki / en / Etusivu
www.visitafinlandia.co...guide / home (in Spanish)

16-CM0404: Helsinki. Genrales views of the city by tram, the market and the fund since Senaatintori Eteläranta Street.
Helsinki, capital of Finland, is a Nordic city with many charms to be discovered. It is surrounded by ice and forests that form a stunning landscape. If you are thinking of making tourism in Helsinki, keep in mind that the best time to do it in spring and summer, as its winters are very harsh. The Market Square is the commercial center of Helsinki, and an important meeting place for city dwellers. In its vicinity, lie a set of historic buildings, including City Hall, the Swedish Embassy and the Presidential Palace.
17-CM0341: Helsinki. Genrales views of the city by tram and street market Eteläranta background. Visit the market. Along the port to foreign markets, find the covered market. It is a good place to try the local fish or to buy reindeer sausage.
Old Market Square
This area of ??the city of Helsinki, is perhaps the most bustling city agglomerated. The reasons are obvious, on the one hand is the knot that leave the most important shopping streets, is also the starting point for the ferries that carry Suomennlina and boats that take you around the coast. Besides the surrounding monuments as the Cathedral, the Uspenski Church, the Presidential Palace and the Supreme Court, and is itself small center of trade and food stalls, crafts and seasonal fruits that are made in the summer, which become Christmas crafts and baking in December.
After thinking that there was hardly anyone in the city, get to the square and see it full of people and tourists (in this square is the main information office of Helsinki) was a bit shocking, since I had been enjoying the tranquility of the city from the early hours of the morning.
But you know, that the docks and ports of these cities are so eminently maritime, the focus of daily life, especially in summer.
Ah, an important fact. The obelisk we see was the first public monument to be erected in Helsinki in 1835. Its top has the eagle imerial Russian souvenir of the visit of Tsar Nicholas and his wife two years earlier.
18-CM0325: Helsinki. A woman walks past the window of the famous Mall Sotkmann. The city center is home to some famous shops and excellent shopping, including fashion design and the Moomin Shop Stockmann, official center Moomin objects. The interior design and fashion Nordics are the main attraction for visitors to Helsinki, but worth seeing something out of the busiest routes: find bargains in the market square, in Kaartinkaupunki or Hakaniemi Market in Kallio.
Stockmann is a mall in the capital of Finland, Helsinki where you can find everything you intend to find and buy. There are large shopping Sieta Stockmann brand in the country, but the largest is in this city that is the largest.
The building is beautiful and very modern. He has seven top floors of local businesses that offer customers an incredible variety in clothing items, beauty, cosmetics, shoes, jewelry and even food products, as this shopping also has a supermarket inside.

Located in the heart of the city, this mall is visited by tourists on rainy days or when you want to find nice souvenirs to buy and then take home gift when they return from vacation.

The tasteful decor shopping makes a difference to the rest of the shopping centers of the city. The atmosphere is relaxed and very comfortable, plus extensive.
19-CM0094: Helsinki. A mythical character of Finnish television fabulous breakfast at Café Regata.
Regatta Café is the cutest little cafe in town. This is a small log cabin with room for only about 4 tables inside! When inside you may have the feeling that the place which decomposes in the next few minutes (it will not). The cafe is full of the most unexpected imaginable: old kitchen appliances, musical instruments, old paintings, etc. - is so welcoming and wonderful!
Café Regatta makes great cinnamon buns (Korvapuustit), and always come fresh from the oven when orders, it seems! Wintertime is the best place to get warm and summer is ideal to enjoy the grounds, where there are many more options available seats. They have an open fire where you can barbecue your own sausages (sometimes also sold there), even in winter, then you can borrow blankets and pillows to keep them warm!
It is just steps from the famous Sibelius Monument, right on the coast, so this is your place to go after the obligatory visit there! They only accept cash, so be sure to have at least enough to try the scones!
Regatta Café | Coffee & tea, Snacks | Coffee € 2
Merikannontie 10 | +358400760049
10:00 to 23:00 daily

20-CM1881: Helsinki. Outside the small Café Regatta, one of the most visited cafes in town.
What could be better on this beautiful Sunday than sitting in a cafe on the beach, drinking your cup of coffee and delicious cakes have Finnish while sunbathing?
The best without doubt, the most welcoming and unique to make Regatta Café between Sibelius Monument and the old rowing stadium. Traditional red wooden house next to the water is easy to find. The simple wooden interior gives a welcoming atmosphere immediately. At the counter you homemade Finnish pulla (pastry) and drinks. Prices are reasonable. You have to pay cash, but no longer have a card reader there.
If the sun shines definitely should sit on the deck of your dreams. You can take a seat in one of the small tables or sit by the fire light link everyday. Here even invite you to grill their own sausages and meat!
Regatta is really worth a visit!

21-CM0081: Helsinki. Boats by the sea outside the small cafe Regatta, one of the most visited cafes in town.
Why locals love?
Love, love, love this little cute little wooden building right next to the water in Meilahti.
Why you should visit
The smell of cinnamon buns best of Helsinki (korvapuusti) if you are swirling around inside cozy between Finnish paraphernalia old. If not go outside to enjoy the sun and the breeze on the waterfront terrace expanding. You can even grill your food there. Simply divine.
Imagine the smallest point coffee that has a great personality and an endearing character. Satisfy your appetite with delicious cakes and pies Finns and rest your eyes in detail in, out and around Regatta Cafe. Small clues, traces of Finnish humor can be found in the multiple signals that are informative, such as "Dear Thief, we have no beer here", and humorous as "I am a Wallflower" sign that is proudly parked on a wall , under an installation of flower.
If you can visit Helsinki time in his life, visited Regatta Cafe. This place brings the best of the Finnish mentality, is peculiar, is serious and change their appearance according to the seasons Finnish, but remains within it, at home.
Tip: My 2-year-old son recommends a cup of hot chocolate and a cinnamon roll, both favorites!
Cafe Regatta
Address: Merikannontie 10, 00260 Helsinki
Open Monday to Sunday from 10-11 a.m p.m

22-CM1081: Helsinki. Uspenski Cathedral (Finnish, Uspenskin katedraali, Swedish, Uspenskij-katedralen, Russian??????????????, Uspenskij bribes) is an Orthodox cathedral in Helsinki, Finland, dedicated to the worship of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary. Its name comes from the word Uspenie that signfica Dormition. The cathedral was designed by the Russian architect Alexey Gornostaev (1808-1862), but after his death rose between 1862 and 1868.
The chapel in the crypt of the saint called Hotovitzky Alexander, who served as vicar of the Orthodox parish of Helsinki between 1914 and 1917.
The building stands on a hill on the peninsula Katajanokka rising over the city. In the back of the cathedral, a memorial plaque remains of Tsar Alexander II, who was the Grand Duke of Finland during the erection of the building. It is the main temple of the Finnish Orthodox Church in the Diocese of Helsinki. The Uspenski Cathedral is considered the largest Orthodox church in Western Europe.
According to 2006 data, more than 500,000 tourists visited the Uspenski church.
23-CM1209: The sunsets from the south of Helsinki, in Kaivopuisto leave no one indifferent.
Kaivopuisto offers several acres of parks, both plain and on the cliffs. The park also includes remains of stone fortifications built in the 18th century. Every summer, thousands of Helsinkians reached Kaivopuisto sunbathing, having picnics, or to keep the sport. The highest hill in the park is an outstanding environment for all facilities during the winter.
The height of popularity in Vappu Kaivopuisto day (May 1), immediately after the celebration of Walpurgis Night unprecedented in the center of the city. In Vappu, Kaivopuisto is packed with tens of thousands of Helsinkians, who come to picnic with friends and family. Fancy costumes, loud music, and excessive consumption of alcohol is routine Vappu a picnic. It is customary for all attendees who have graduated from the Finnish matriculation examination to bring the student cap at the picnic. A yellow cap student is taken as a sign of prestige.
Since mid-1970, it has been common to hold a few concerts in the park during the summer, with classical music, but more often the pop and rock music, and usually with Finnish artists.
Kaivopuisto kaivohuone also includes a famous restaurant and nightclub dating back to the 1830s, and the Great Bear Observatory.
24-CM1185: Many people come to cycling Kaivopuisto Hill, south of Helsinki to enjoy an unforgettable sunset.
Kaivopuisto (Swedish Brunnsparken) is one of the oldest parks and more known in the center of Helsinki, Finland, and also an area of ??about 500 inhabitants where the park is located. Kaivopuisto offers several acres of parks, both plain and on the cliffs. Every summer, thousands of Helsinkians reached Kaivopuisto sun, have a picnic, or for conducting sporting events (...)
25-CM1165: Some couples enjoy in Kaivopuisto Hill, south of Helsinki an unforgettable sunset.
Kaivopuisto (in Finnish), Brunnsparken (in Swedish) is one of the oldest parks and more known in the center of Helsinki, Finland, and also an area of ??about 500 inhabitants where the park is located. Kaivopuisto offers several acres of parks, both plain and on the cliffs (...)
26-CM1200: Many people approach Kaivopuisto Hill, south of Helsinki to enjoy good views and an unforgettable sunset.
The oldest park in the center of Helsinki
Cliffs, beautiful gardens, water and sunshine, even an old fortress, so many reasons to visit Helsinki Well Park (Kaivopuisto). And not to be missed: the park places in the heart of the city, and is a favorite destination of Helsinki picnic in the summer.
In Vappu day (May 1) Well Park (Kaivopuisto) receives its largest crowd wearing fancy clothes, residents and tourists come here to celebrate, drink, sing, listen to live concerts in the park. Winters are also fun, especially in the largest park of the hill, which is a favorite slope for all installations.
27-CM1174: The old park Kaivopuisto usually visited by bicycle or walking especially at sunset, offering great views and an unforgettable sunset.
Helsinki is a very green city with many parks and among them is the most popular is the Kaivopuisto around Ullanlinna hill (Ullanlinnanmäki). This is an old park, with restaurant and nightclub kaivohuone dating from 1830 and the small observatory on top of the hill until 1926. It is popular throughout the year, with picnics and life-park in summer and snow fights and sledding in winter. The height of the popularity is still Kaivopuisto day celebrations of May Vappu students first. The entire park (several hectares) then fill with student picnic and flow of sparkling wine. During the summer there are always at least several concerts and other events in the park.
The small neighborhood is named after the park consists mainly of old villas of the Russian nobility in the 1800s. Many of them are now the residences of foreign ambassadors to Finland. It was also here where the statesman and war hero Finn CG Mannerheim lived his residence and now houses the Mannerheim Museum
The neighborhood is also home to the city's Catholic cathedral, the Cathedral of San Enrique. The park and the neighborhood belong to Ullanlinna district in southern Helsinki with Eira, Kaartinkaupunki, Punavuori, Munkkisaari, islands and proper and as Kaivopuisto Ullanlinna neighborhood is quite small, many think it is, or think of it as a part of Ullanlinna.
28-CM0253: The Art Project Simonkatu street. One of the many galleries for artists with which the city of Helsinki. l Old
ART GALLERIES IN HELSINKI
Apart from Helsinki's museums, art lovers should consider art galleries run by artists of the city. The best-known small galleries are in the city center, while new spaces have flourished recently alternative trend in neighborhoods like Kallio.
Acclimate the art scene in Helsinki is easy, since many of the galleries that are in the city center are close to each other.
During one visit on foot, you can visit several different galleries and get a good idea of ??Finnish modern art and the local art scene.
In the galleries downtown city can familiarize you with a variety of art forms, from photography and painting, video and sculpture. Among the galleries exhibiting modern art are regularly featured at Galerie and Galerie Forsblom Anhava.
COMMERCIAL AND AMBITION
According to the critic Timo Valjakka, Helsinki hosts a half dozen commercial modern art galleries and artistically ambitious. It adds that an art aficionado active often visit exhibitions and Anhava Forsblom as both exhibit works of leading artists.
"Forsblom is the only one that exhibits works of international superstars, as Julian Schnabel, Peter Halley and Tony Oursler. Moreover, in Anhava can see major Nordic artists, Finnish works well," says Valjakka. Among other highlights malls also Kalhama-Piippo Contemporary, plus galleries Heino, Love and Korjaamo.
Among the galleries run by local artists associations Sculptor is located in the southern port of Helsinki, in honor of his name, exhibits sculptures. Another is Hippolyte, who specializes in photography and will move to a new space in the center of Helsinki in early 2012. Nearly two galleries there are other organizations run by artists. For example, Forum Bo, near Hietalahti market, hosts various events as well as exhibitions.
Alternative attitudes and trendy
Anyone looking for cutting-edge art galleries can address Kluuvi or Sinne, plus keep up on the events of the two small galleries Huuto ("Scream").
"The critics and representatives of museums, in addition to the commercial gallery owners are very aware of these galleries and occasionally do some finding," says Valjakka.
Oksasenkatu 11, Töölö, is a noteworthy alternative gallery. Napa and Myymälä2, in the neighborhood of Punavuori, boast a youthful attitude.
The vibrant and artistic district of Kallio also hosts a number of galleries, among his best Alkovi spaces are counted, and Kingi Kongi Kallio Kunsthalle. Meanwhile, the district Suvilahti, which is flourishing rapidly, with Make Your Mark, which promotes street art.

CM0262-29: One of the many shops and restaurants Mannerheimintie Avenue, the commercial artery of the city of Helsinki. Taking as its point of origin the central train station, two blocks walking we found the shopping streets of the city of Helsinki. Shop clothes, shoes and accessories for all tastes, and even a kind of English Finnish Court (Warehouses Stockmann). These streets are curious to walk, mainly because they are heated and therefore there is no trace of snow and ice (are the only streets of Helsinki you can see the cobblestones in winter). Continuing along these streets, we find one of the most important monuments of the city, the Helsinki Cathedral and Senate Square. A place, that if you visit with clear skies, a pretty picture of blue and white contrast. Helsinki is a city that I recommend visiting in winter, more surprises. Accustomed to living without snow or extreme cold, when you add the factor of "snow" to everyday life, are you surprised that nothing changes. Observe that in the city life remains normal, smooth circulating cars (with special wheels snow and nails), the rebozan streets with gravel mixed with snow (whether tirasen salt, do not give coarse) to walk without could slip, trains, trams and buses fully adapted to the extreme cold and snow ...
30-CM0234: Jewelry and edgy design Simonkatu street, next to the Chapel of Silence.
In the Helsinki Design District, between the streets of downtown and Iso Uudenmaankatu Roobertinkatu, look navigating from place to another without knowing where they roost: the furniture store with the most cutting-edge and comfortable at the same time, the objects of unimaginable kitchen. Or the dream shoe, such as Minna Parikka cozy space, with its brightly colored shoes, boots and handbags abotinadas to the 50s manages to cross the threshold of your door stop time, especially when she, a young dramatic 1.80m coiffed and dressed following is the chronology of his shoes. Within two blocks is passed from the 50s to 2050, when Secco or "Treasures of the Earth's Waste" whose red black decoration stands in the driveway, everything is recyclable to have enough imagination to see it. The beautiful flowers to decorate the flap is not nothing but zippers failed. The latest model ties are seatbelts made in some scrapping cars. The best comes when the tested some attractive and pearl necklaces are carefully watching a clever guess metamorphosis of old mobile keys. And the brown flannel outfit, cute and original? The shape is a bit strange, yet attractive enough for a man pants turned inside has become a feminine dress. Anna Heino has a small jewelry that makes you want to go out and few. It has achieved a cozy atmosphere with exposed windows where the jewelry that she designs, polished and works in the small workshop, in view of all. Their creations are simple and beautiful necklaces and bracelets and brooches are closed without, and accessories, making them even more ethereal, as the same artist who seems to go to match their beautiful designs.

31-CM1447: The Café Kiasma, totally edgy style, is located inside the Museum of Contemporary Art in Helsinki.
The Kiasma (built 1993-1998) is a contemporary art museum located in Mannerheimintie Avenue, City of Helsinki, Finland. Exhibits the contemporary art collection of the Finnish National Gallery. The main goal of the museum is to make contemporary art more popular and to enhance their status.
An architectural design competition to build a contemporary art museum in the city of Helsinki was made in 1992. The call was directed to architects in the Baltic States and Scandinavia, but also took five internationally recognized architects. In 1993 the work Chiasma by the American architect Steven Holl was selected from the 516 contestants. The construction of the disputed and controversial Kiasma began in 1996 and ended in [[1998].
Before and during construction created a great discussion about the location of the museum among the equestrian statue of Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerheim and the central post office, the place was criticized for being too narrow and inappropriate. The Kiasma was accused of damaging the surroundings and background of the statue. Similarly, the U.S. design choice on one of the Finnish modernist artists caused negative reactions.
However, over the years the criticism of the museum have been vanishing as new modernist structures are built around the Kiasma.
32-CM0668: Tiedettä Nuorille Shop is an example of how you can combine a clothing store, a cafería, a souvenir shop, bookstore and cafe and all with the edgy style you can imagine. It is located on the street Aleksanterinkatu.
For a small population such as the Finnish, the proportion of designers is immense. From newborns in the design of the second millennium, which "The Design Forum Finland" not only is giving you a chance, but encourages them and helps them by offering advertising space and even great as can be Aalto or Marimekko, where Jacqueline Kennedy bought seven outfits in the '60s, or Aleksi Perala famous designer and creator of Ote Iittala, Iittala glass again who believes that growing up in a place where the color is missing and where nature is superb has helped him find his own language and philosophy and maintains that "place in the world" when he and young creatives Finns belong is an indispensable tool for creation.
33-CM0584: One of the approaches to the Helsinki Metro.
The City of Helsinki is the capital and largest city in Finland. As part of public transport, Helsinki has a Metro system (subway metro - Helsinki Metro) consists of one line and 17 stations. In turn, in addition has a tram system and a network of suburban trains. About 60 million passengers a year pass.
The Helsinki Metro (in Finnish Helsingin meters, meters Helsingfors in Swedish) is used subway system in the city of Helsinki, and currently is the only subway system in Finland. The system was opened to the general public on August 2, 1982, after 27 years of planning. It is the world's northernmost meters, and at the time of opening the subway was also shorter in the world. Transport is operated by the City of Helsinki (HKL).
The system maintains a single forked line with 16 stations, with a total length of 22.1 km. Primarily serves the eastern suburbs, but is also used as a means of transportation within the center of Helsinki. According to statistics from HKL, the total number of passengers exceeds 50 million annually.

Opening Date: It opened on August 3, 1982
Known by the name: Metro Official Website: hel.fi / hkl Phone: +358 (09) 010 0111 Total length of roads: 21 km Number of stations: 17 Number of lines: 1 - Line 1 station Ruoholahti and two branches: Mellunmäki station and Vuosaari station - 17 stations
Major stations: Rautatientori station, is the central train station and Metro station turn. Number of passengers per year: 57 million (2006)
Frequency: every 5 minutes. Hours of operation: 5:30 a.m. to 11:30 pm Monday through Saturday and on Sundays from 6.30 am to 11.30 pm.
Price (2013): Individual tickets Helsinki (transfers allowed within 1 hour) € 2.80 (children € 1.40), available on buses and trams.
Prepaid Tickets € 2.20 and € 1.10 respectively. in vending machines; prepaid tram ticket € 2 (in vending machines). Tram ticket entitles you to travel on the tram routes (transfer to another tram allowed within 1 hour). Single ticket (paid by mobile phone) € 2.20.

Individual tickets in the metropolitan area (Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa and Kauniainen): regional ticket € 4.50 (adults), € 2.30 (children). Tickets are sold by bus drivers. Permitted transfers within 80 minutes from the time printed on the ticket to enter).

Load single day tickets
Helsinki internal and regional cards for adults and children are available for 1-7 days. The cards are sold, for example, at the point of customer transport of the Helsinki Region (Rautatientori metro station), R-kiosks, Stockmann and Helsinki City Tourist & Convention Bureau.
Helsinki internal ticket: for example, the adult ticket for a day costs € 8, € 12 for 2 days to 3 days € 16; children respectively € 4, € 6 and € 8.
Regional Ticket (Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa and Kauniainen): For example the adult ticket for a day costs 12 €, 18 € for 2 to 3 days € 24, children € 6, € 9 and € 12 respecrtively.

34-CM0575: Lobby of the Hotel Scandic Paasi (5b Paasivuorenkatu +35892311700) one of the last hotels built in the city of Helsinki, and the design is not missing.
Paasi Scandic Hotel is a premier hotel history of Finland, located in central Helsinki Siltasaari near Hakaniemi Paasitorni square and Congress Centre. The hotel opened its doors in August 2012.
Paasi Scandic Hotel is located by the sea in the center of Helsinki and has excellent transport links with the Helsinki airport and other areas of the city. Popular tourist attractions in Helsinki as the Senate Square, Helsinki Cathedral and Market Square occupied only 15 minutes walk from the hotel. Siltasaari Helsinki area is home to many theaters and museums, which offer plenty of experience for lovers of culture. Streets of Helsinki popular malls and restaurants are just a stone's throw away.
The colorful events and personalities that influence back in the day Siltasaari area have also inspired the Scandic Paasi. Our hotel is a place of personalities and decor is bold and colorful. Drop in for a drink in the lobby bar, read the paper or enjoy board games in the library. Our modern fitness center and exercise rooms and you can borrow Nordic walking poles or bicycle at the reception. Our selection of restaurants is vast and diverse, with 4 different and interesting restaurants connected to the hotel.
35-CM0615: City Museum, the Museum of the City of Helsinki.
Urbanism, architecture, art, design, fashion and entertainment are some of the topics included in the Museum of the City of Helsinki. A perfect compendium of artistic sensitivity and creative Finnish, and also an excellent introduction for neophytes.
36-CM0621: One of the rooms at Hotel Klaus K (Bulevardi, 2 Tel +358207704700) that features the award World Travel Awards Europe 2012.
Klaus K Hotel in Helsinki is your address whether traveling for business or personal exploration. Let us be your host in Helsinki. We are a family company with a young and energetic team that is dedicated to providing services seamlessly with the real intention to enrich your life.
Klaus K Hotel has an interesting history, which continues. Follow the links in our Press Room to learn more about our stories or simply book your stay with us to enjoy the experience and join people who share the story of Klaus K Hotel with us.
Mia & Marc Škvorc

We are located in central Helsinki and will provide the perfect location within walking distance of all the downtown has to offer
Klaus K Hotel is the first design hotel in Helsinki and a member of Design Hotels TM
Design inspired by the Finnish national epic, Kalevala
The rooms and four express inner emotional issues, mysticism, passion, desire and envy, along with uniquely designed rooms
We are located in central Helsinki and can provide the perfect location a few minutes walk from the city center of Helsinki
Known as the "corner Rake" and "Rake Building" at the corner of Erottaja Bulevardi and consists of two separate buildings. The old building Erottaja front was built in 1882 as a German school for girls (design by Frans Sjöström). In addition to the girls' school, the building housed the first coeducational school in Finland: Läroverket for gossar och flickor founded by Pastor Broberg in 1883.
Rake's Corner is also connected to the early days of Finnish music education, as the Helsinki Music Institute, founded by the Helsinki Music Society in 1882, began operations in Hall Rake. Today, the Helsinki Music Institute is known as the Sibelius Academy. Rake Hall has witnessed performances by the most talented students of the music school. For example, Jean Sibelius took 6 practical examinations in this room.
After the school was closed, a printing press took over in 1897, partly in the former school building and partly in a wooden building at the corner of Bulevardi. As operations expanded printing house, Lars Sonck architect was commissioned to design a new building, which was completed in the corner side Bulevardi Rake in 1912. Rake's story began in the corner in 1917, when the Central Printing Office sold the property to Helsingin Rakennusainekauppa Oy (Helsinki Building Materials Trading Company Ltd), which moved its headquarters to Erottaja in 1920.
Restaurant business in the building began in 1913, when Mrs. Svea Tilgman opened a fancy restaurant called Gradin (her maiden name) in the new building of the Central Printing. Gradin was considered a family restaurant and it was advertised as a "women's own restaurant." In fact, will not be considered Gradin "sitting in a bar", although there was a bottle of wine on the table. After prohibitions and many changes in ownership, the hotel and restaurant as part of Rake ended Oy.
In 1938, the Council decided to combine Rake restaurant facilities and boarding house, and called Klaus Kurki. The expanded hotel became a significant hosting business in Helsinki, with facilities including an elegant dining room and refurbished rooms. After renovation, the hotel includes 63 rooms, all equipped with a bath and most with a bathroom.
In the 1970s, the hotel was a family business until it was sold to a chain at the end of the decade. Three decades later, in 2005, the same family, represented by Marc Mia and re-run the hotel.
Hotel Klaus Kurki Former suffered a massive € 15 million renovation in 2005 and has become a modern oasis, exclusive lifestyle. Inspired by the Finnish national epic, the Kalevala, the interiors of Klaus K express the emotional themes of mysticism, passion, desire and envy. Four different grounds of the guest rooms have a cutting edge design and comfort for travelers as of today. Completely individual and decidedly contemporary design hotel Klaus K is a hotel with a soul and a story, hoping to discover it and all its riches.
37-CM1537: From the cruise pier Olympia (Olympialaituri) leave many Baltic cruises.
The Olympia Terminal is located at the south pier and from there depart ferries Silja line to Stockholm, Sweden.
Makasiini Terminal, Terminal and Terminal Länsi Kanavaranta depart ferries to Tallinn, Estonia.
The Hansa Terminal located at the north dock, operates ferries to Germany.

Port of Helsinki:
Tel +358 (0) 9 173 331, Fax +358 (0) 9 1733 3232

The company Superfast Ferries takes six weekly departures throughout the year from Rockstock to Hanko.
Ticketing in Spain: Travels Montesol, C / Berlin, 16. Barcelona. Tel 934 910 460.

If you choose to get to Sweden by car, where you can catch a ferry from the two shipping companies operanen princiapl Stockholm. Are Viking Line and Silja Line, with daily arrivals to Helsinki and Turku.
Ticketing in Spain:

Viking Line-Sweden:
Danvik center, Hästholmsvagen 28, SE-13130 ??Nacka.
Tel +46 (0) 8 452 4100, Fax +46 (0) 8 452 4110

Viking Line-Spain:
Discover the World Marketing, Barcelona. Via Augusta 42-44, 1 º 4 ª. Tel 932 171 559, Madrid: C / Ortega y Gasset 68, 1 º C. Tel 915 639 307.

Silja Line-Sweden:
Positionen 8, 11574 Stockholm.
Tel +46 (0) 8 666 3330, Fax +46 (0) 8 611 9162

Silja Line-Spain:
Cathay Tours and Lat-4. -
38-CM1525: Helsinki Cathedral (in Finnish Helsingin tuomiokirkko, Domkyrka Helsingfors in Swedish) is a cathedral Evangelical Lutheran located in the center of Helsinki, Finland. The church was built as a tribute to the Grand Duke, Nicholas I, Tsar of Russia and until the independence of Finland in 1917, was called St. Nicholas Church. It is a hallmark of the landscape of the city of Helsinki, the church that stands tall with its green dome surrounded by four smaller domes, is a neoclassical style and was built between 1830 and 1852. It was designed by Carl Engel, to complete the housing estate of Senate Square that Engel had diagrammed and which was surrounded by several buildings of his own. The building has a plant in the form of a Greek cross (ie a central hall surrounded by four arms of equal length) and is symmetrical in all four directions, each with its colonnade and pediment.
Engel had intended to place a row of additional columns on the Western Front to mark the main entrance (opposite the main altar and is located on the eastern side), but this never materialized. The building was subsequently amended by Ernst Lohrmann who succeeded Engel, adding four small domes that further emphasize the similarity with the St. Isaac's Cathedral in St. Petersburg, which served as a model for Helsinki. Lohrmann also built two independent towers and zinc statues of the Twelve Apostles in the edges and corners of the azotea.1
Today the cathedral is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Helsinki. Annually over 350,000 people visit the church, some to attend church services but most as tourists. The church is used for regular religious services, masses and weddings. The crypt was renovated in the 1980s by architects Vilhelm Helander and Juha Leiviskä to use as a space for exhibitions and church events.
The cathedral is often used as a symbol of the city of Helsinki. Similarly, the Turku Castle Turku symbolizes, represents Tammerkoski Bridge Tampere and Rovaniemi Jätkänkynttilä represents.
Before the construction of the cathedral, a smaller church called Church of Ulrika Eleanora was in place.
39-CM1562: The Cafe Terrace Ursula is one of the most requested of the city, is located near the old park Kaivopuisto and is one of the best places to enjoy the last rays of the afternoon sun.
PARK Kaivopuisto
The main attraction of this park, located south of Helsinki, are their open sea. In fact, for many locals is the most beautiful of all the green areas of the city, even more so than Central Park. Here were built the most beautiful buildings in Helsinki, many of which today have become the headquarters of some embassies. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the area, which are buildings like the Ursa Observatory, to go to sea and see how many yachts that dock in place. There is an obligatory stop Ursula Café, where you take a steaming cup of coffee and a cinnamon typical pasta.
40-CM1076: Helsinki Cathedral was designed by the architect's favorite Russian tsar, Carl Ludvig Engel, as part of the reconstruction of Helsinki in the 19th century after a fire caused by being forcibly annexed by the Russians and that destroyed much of the city. The building was begun in 1830 and completed after Engel's death in 1852.
The design of the cathedral is in the form of a Greek cross, much like a Russian Orthodox Church, although it is a Lutheran church. 93% of the Finnish population is Lutheran. The four small domes that may be now added to the original design after the death of Engel. The head of it was Ernst Lohrmann, who also added zinc statues of the twelve apostles on the roof and two side buildings, one of which is a bell tower, and the other is a chapel.

Compared to the bright white on the outside of the Cathedral against a dark blue sky of summer, the interior looks rather austere and stark, with whitewashed walls and wooden benches, but is nevertheless attractive. It has capacity for 1,300 worshipers and has an altarpiece painted in the 1880s. The statues of angels flanking the altar and pulpit were designed by Engel.
The best part is inside the crypt of gloomy atmosphere, renovated in the 1980s, which is now used as a coffee and held where exhibitions and concerts. Also performed other repairs to the Cathedral in late 1990 which returned to its original splendor. The Cathedral each year receives more than 350,000 visits.
41-CM0780: icebreakers fleet moored in the harbor of Helsinki.
More than 80 percent of Finland's foreign trade is conducted through shipping, and in winter, merchant ships rely heavily on the help of icebreakers to direct them safely into port. Finland has approximately 1,500 kilometers of coastline on the Baltic Sea and 60 ports. The Baltic is almost an inland sea and its northern part is frozen during winter. In a hard winter, possibly even all the sea freezes, although this rarely happens.
But even if the predictions about global warming have modified the icing on the Baltic, any change would occur slowly. So, without Finnish icebreakers, much of the winter would stop navigation.
The icebreaker fleet, operated by Finstaship, consists of nine ships: Botany, Fennica, Nordica, Otso, Kontio, Urho, Sisu, Apu (no data if you are still in service) and Voima.
MVS Botnica
? Call sign: Ojak
? Gross Tonnage: 6370 tons
? Length: 97 m.
? Beam: 24.3 m.
? Draft: 8,5 m.
? Year built: 1998
? Power: 10 MW
? Offshore Speed: 16 knots.
Ice speed, thickness 60 cm: 8 knots.
? Fennica / NORDICA (twins)
? Length: 116.0 m.
? Beam: 26.0 m.
? Draft: 8,4 m.
? Year Built: 1993/1994
? Power: 15 MW
Offshore Speed: 16 knots.

? Kontio / OTSO (twins)
? Length: 98.6 m.
? Beam: 24.2 m.
? Draft: 8,0 m.
? Year Built: 1986/1987
? Power: 15 MW
Offshore Speed: 18.5 knots.

? SISU / URHO (twins)
? Gross Tonnage: 7525 tons
? Length: 106.6 m.
? Beam: 23,8 m.
? Draft: 8,3 m.
? Year Built: 1975/1976
? Power: 16.2 MW
? Crew: 33
? Offshore Speed: 18.5 knots
Ice velocity, thickness 80 cm, 8.5 knots

? Voima
? Call sign: OHLW
? Length: 83.5 m
? Beam: 19.4 m
? Draft: 7.0 m
? Year built: 1979
? Power: 10.2 MW
Offshore Speed: 16 knots

42-CM1479: The project Kiasma is a contemporary art museum to Helsinki by Steven Holl. Opened in 1996 and covering an area of ??12,000 m² is inserted into Töölö Bay, with works coming as Aalto Finlandia Hall and the railway station Saarinen. The project is structured through a ramp that connects the entrance hall with spaces expositi-
you. The human scale, according to the architect, has been a constant in matching dimensions of the different elements
ments of the project, together with the treatment of natural and artificial light.
The museum concept arises from the interaction of the dough to build the geometry of the city and the landscape in the area, promoting the culture curve suggestive line "that connects the building with the Hall FINLAND, so it seems a natural line Suggest new architectural relationships in the future urban development.
Despite being a very contemporary architect (if there is clear is that this works Holl, for him there is no past or future, are the present and as such must act), it uses the symbolism in his compositions, but the sensation (the?) machine provoke feelings without losing symbolize impossible burden of meaning and / or significance. Not intended to anchor the work to its place of origin by localism, except, and very subtly, with the use of light typical of northern latitudes, which is used mainly for conceptual reasons to anchor different architecture in place.
This building Holl earned the title of master of light. It is the best material to use to trigger those feelings. Light can even create a sense as physical as the tearing of the interior, giving them meaning or changing it if I had it. So Holl gives much importance to the light, the water, the feel of the materials, etc., Because they are the elements used to create the sensation (the?) Machine. Holl is not intended to show how things are, what the building wants us to learn how they are feeling and inhabiting.
In the work of Holl, the three-dimensional static reference becomes a five-dimensional reference, with the inclusion of two dimensions such as time and perception, which are intertwined with each other through the light and space, which act as catalysts. According Alois Reigl, art historian of the century, the "haptic" is what isolates the object in the perceptual field while the "visual perception" unifies everyone in a spatial continuum. In a traditional museum haptic perception is dominant. Each object has its field of influence, almost completely independent of the others.
Holl wants cause optical perception, creating a large container in which the works are not known separately, but together. According to Gestalt psychology, the perception of an object is done at once, without dividing it into parts, with great importance in understanding the context. Perhaps what Holl wanted was to create a context in which the works of art, not only did not lose or desentendieran their initial meaning, but were boosted by the building itself ... a Kiasma. The bodies themselves are displayed directly in a phenomenological sense vulgar, but need an effort to reach the phenomenological sense formal. The museum intends us to perform this work.

Other important aspects to Holl are the materials that make. The curved roof of the building is made of solid zinc and titanium with some copper. Has been patinated to emulate the effect for about five years. The surface will darken slightly with time. The vertical elevations are aluminum, which is resistant to marine climate of Helsinki. They are aligned using a horizontal movement, giving a surface which refract light due to aluminum. The aluminum walls allow develop a natural patina. The south elevation and north elevation surfaces are reddish. These are made of acid red, brass textures, treated with heat and chemicals. Kiasma has lots of glass, seems inviting daylight to enter the building. In the dark, they serve as light emitters, showing the building.
43-CM1547: Some of the houses surrounding Töölönlahti Bay.
The park around Töölönlahti Bay begins in the heart of Helsinki. The winter gardens, boasting hundreds of plants, is located at the northern end of the bay. Wooden houses along the coast are a reminder of the history of Helsinki. Töölönlahti Bay is a treasure especially for birdwatchers.
44-CM1429: On weekends many people come to the Bay of Töölönlahti to practice running, biking or any other sport.
Töölö Bay (Töölönlahti) is a beautiful park in the heart of Helsinki, mainly preferred by birders, who enjoy the many birds that nest here. Töölö Bay (Töölönlahti) is also one of the most romantic parks of the city, with beautiful scenery along their paths. Some of the main attractions of the city merge here, including the ancient villas Linnunlaulu. Around Töölö Bay (Töölönlahti) also see the Finlandia Hall, the Opera House, the winter garden and wooden villas Etu-Töölö district.
Running Start your tour at any point along the bay. We chose is to Karamziningatu Street, in the shadow of Finlandia Hall, home of the 1975 international summit that produced the Cold War, providing Helsinki Accords.
Töölönlahti Loop along the roads (0.85 mi / 1.37 km) through the National Opera House of Finland on the fly.
Make a choice: to 1.25 mi / 2 km run, you can complete the loop Töölönlahti (1.26 mi / 2.03 km), and should you want to take another tour around.
* TO EXPAND ITS OPERATION, cross the railroad tracks through Linnunlaulu pedestrian bridge on the west side of the bay and continue along the waterway Eläintarhanlahti (1.33 miles / km 2.13). Go south on the train tracks on the route that follows the coastline coast.
Choose again: In a run of 3 miles / 5 km, loop back to Töölönlahti turning north on Pitkasilta Bridge (1.68 miles / 2.17 km to Bridge, 2.7 km / 4.35 miles Back to Töölönlahti).
* TO EXPAND ITS OPERATION, then east and south to the city. You'll cruise unforgettable views of the famous Helsinki, by the sea and end up Uspenskii Cathedral (2.63 mi / 4.23 km), Market Square (2.84 mi / 4.56 km) and the Old Market (3 mi / 4.83 km).
For a triumphant end, climb Mannerheimintie Esplanade St. (3.4 mi / 5.47 km)
Turn around and head back (6.8 miles / 10.94 km)

45-CM1389: A reindeer made from old branches adorns the outside of one of the restaurants located in the Bay of Töölönlahti.
When asked about the major routes to run your city, this is the first mention more Helsinkians. Töölönlahti Tölöviken is a bay which is right in the city center and is easily accessible on foot or by tram from the center of most places. The area is safe, scenic, serene and run through. A path leads under the trees carefully tended over the primordial waters and breaking, and it is common to see runners taking around here at all hours of the day. Feel free to ask your longer term, as the runners made it right. Add to distance as much as you want, following the trails along the coast of Helsinki!
46-CM1325: An old feeds ducks living in Töölönlahti Bay.
Töölö Bay and its surroundings are one of the most talked about and important for Finland. Some of the main attractions of the city and the parks amazingly beautiful fusion to create a charming landscape. If you stroll right by the bay Linnunlauluntie road by the railroad tracks, the first sight you see is in the old villas Linnunlaulu. Romantic wooden houses line the streets and a sandy road leading to a park. On the right, is Helsinginkatu Street, across which is the Winter Garden City. Enjoy the view of the fountain in the bay, and the Opera House and Finlandia Hall on the other side, in the magnificent Park Hesperia.

47-CM1284: Views of the mansions located in the northwestern part of the Bay of Töölönlahti.
Eläintarha (Swedish:'' 'Djurgården''') is a large park in the center of Helsinki, Finland. The name "Eläintarha" means "zoo".
The location of the park acts as a divider between the districts of Töölö west, and Hakaniemi and Kallio in the east. The southern half of the park includes two bays of the Baltic Sea: Toolonlahti westward and eastward Eläintarhanlahti. Railway line to the north, stretching from the central train station run between these bays Helsinki, effectively dividing the park Eläintarha half.
At the north-western end of the park, near the district Laakso, there is a sports arena called Eläintarhan urheilukenttä, or "Eltsu" as he is known to Helsinkians. From 1932 to 1963, the stadium hosted Eltsu annual motorcycle racing and racing cars, known as Eläintarhanajot or "Eltsunajot", but these were subsequently canceled as too dangerous.
Despite the name, there has never been a zoo in Eläintarha. There are two theories about the misleading name. The most popular one is that Henrik Borgström, who bought the park area in the middle of the nineteenth century, had announced plans to build a zoo there, and by the 1880s, the name was established Eläintarha upfront anticipation of the zoo, which never materialized. The city of Helsinki Borgström bought the park in 1877. Another theory is that the name is simply a translation of the park of Djurgården in Stockholm, Sweden.
The real Helsinki Zoo is located on the island of Korkeasaari.
48-CM1001: Some of the houses of the inhabitants of the island of Suomenlinna (Sveaborg).
Suomenlinna (Finnish), or Sveaborg (in Swedish), is a fortress built on six islands, in Helsinki, the Finnish capital. It is part of the World Heritage Site of UNESCO and it is a tourism hotspot. Its original name was Sveaborg (Swedish castle), they changed the Finnish Suomenlinna (Finland's Castle) for patriotic reasons, but both Swedish and Swedish-speaking Finns they still know by its original name.
Sweden began aa built the fort in 1748, as a protective measure against the expansionism of Imperial Russia. The fortification was responsible for Augustin Ehrensvärd. The original plan was influenced by the precepts of Vauban, military engineer of his time.
In addition to the island fortress, fortifications overlooking the sea from the mainland claimed that an enemy could not dock at a beach. The defense plan included ammunition storage for the Finnish contingent of the Swedish Army and Navy. During the War of Finland, the fortress surrendered to Russia on May 3, 1808, making the occupation of Finland by Russian forces in 1809.
During the Finnish Civil War in 1918, the castle was used as a POW camp by the Red Guards.
Today, Suomenlinna is also a district of Helsinki exceptional, with some 850 inhabitants and 350 jobs (increasing in summer, for its tourist attraction).
49-CM1845: Seurasaari is an island located in the northwest of Helsinki. The island has two attractions: first, the island itself is a place to enjoy nature on the other, has an outdoor museum of buildings of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.
The island can be reached by bus (end of line 24) or take a walk along the coast. The start of the bus line is beside Stockmann. To access the island should be done through a bridge. Curiously, you can only get to the island on foot, as they are not allowed cars, buses or bicycles.
The island itself has great charm, as it is a vast forest where you can also peek into the sea and admire the spectacular views and even take a swim at the beach. It also has all kinds of services, such as food stalls, restaurant or barbecue for kitchenettes. The island is rich in flora and fauna. The species of flowers and birds that you'll encounter along the way are varied. In addition, there are fellow travelers as friendly: no you left the island without meeting one or more squirrels.
On the other hand, is the museum of wooden houses. A large collection of wooden buildings brought from different parts of the country will show rural life in times past. The visit to the exteriors of the buildings is free, while the price for entering them is 6 €.
The houses are very curious. There are the typical houses, the church, the mill ... But there are other more peculiar, as elongated huts in which are stored the huge canoes, or elevated booths where meat was kept safe from bears and wolves of the place. Ah! And do not forget the stores where they kept the wagons and sleds.

50-CM1423: One of the old villas Linnunlaulu located in the northwestern part of the Bay of Töölönlahti.
Töölö Bay and surroundings are one of the most famous and important of Finland. Some of the main sights of the city's most beautiful parks and blend to create a charming landscape. If you walk along the bay from the road by Linnunlauluntie paths pathways, the first thing you see are the old villas Linnunlaulu. Romantic wooden houses line the streets and a sandy path leads you to a park. On the right is the street Helsinginkatu, in which the other side is the Winter Garden City. Enjoy the view of the source of the bay, and the Opera house and the room across Finland, in the great park Hesperia.
51-CM1831: Seurasaari, also known as the village of squirrels, is an island and a district in Helsinki, Finland, known mostly for being the location of an outdoor museum, which consists of old buildings, mainly timber transported from elsewhere in Finland and placed in the dense forest landscape of the island.
Every summer, many inhabitants of Helsinki Seurasaari come to enjoy the rural environment, outdoors in peace. Although visitors, the island boasts a variety of wildlife, especially birds, and also red squirrels and hares.

52-CM0956: One of the many tunnels that connect various ways in rocky areas on the island of Suomenlinna (Sveaborg).
The island of Suomenlinna offers a journey through the history enjoy complete relaxation.
Just a quarter of an hour to board a ferry from Market Square to Suomenlinna (Sveaborg in Swedish).

The construction of the fortress of Suomenlinna began mid-eighteenth century under the leadership of Augustine Ehrensvärd because Sweden wanted to improve its defense against Russia.
Contemporaries gave the nickname Gibraltar Suomenlinna northern and thought it was impregnable. However Suomenlinna surrendered during the siege by the Russians in 1808 and later became a bustling Russian garrison town for over a hundred years.
The fort was extensively damaged by the artillery of the Anglo-French army during the Crimean War in 1855. Then the Russians made the renovation of the fortress and built a new defense against sand covering walls.

Era of Independence
After the independence of Finland, Suomenlinna became a Finnish garrison and prison camp base for the Russians a year after the civil war. During World War II, Suomenlinna played an important role for air defense and also served as a base for submarines. It was under the civil administration in 1973, but continued military traditions Naval Academy based in Suomenlinna.
Suomenlinna is on the World Heritage List of UNESCO since 1991, has over 800 people and provides about 400 jobs.

Departure every day from your hotel in the center or the Tourist Office. Duration: 2h45.
Price per person: 58 euros from 6 people.
Visit the museum on the island. Visit the famous submarine Vesikko available only in summer. (Includes guide service Suomenlinna). Ferry transport included.
Dining options at the hotel.
For group rates, please contact us.
All our tours are easy and go to your walking pace with many comments on Finnish life. To get the most pleasure from the visit remember to bring comfortable shoes.
53-CM0975: Augustin Ehrensvärd Memorial Sculpture on the island of Suomenlinna (Sveaborg).
The main character in the history of Suomenlinna is Ehrensvärd Augustin, director of the fortifications of Suomenlinna for three periods. Besides being a competent soldier, Ehrensvärd was a skilled painter and illustrator, whose art can be seen in Suomenlinna in many formats.
Ehrensvärd Sveaborg fortifications led from the start in 1748. It was praised, but also criticized, for example, most creative technical solutions in fortification. The criticism was partly due to the fact that after Ehrensvärd was quite independent. Put aside the office of fortification in making decisions regarding Sveaborg caused some bitterness.
In the 1755-1756 parliamentary session, Ehrensvärd got his proposal was approved in a naval unit naval base which would be established in Sveaborg. Ehrensvärd was named base commander and member of the College of war. His first term in Sveaborg ended at the start of the Seven Years War in 1756. Ehrensvärd returned to his task in Sveaborg in 1762, but the second term was cut short after only three years, when the party took over Caps and practically stopped all work of fortification. A war wound began to weaken Ehrensvärd condition.
Ehrensvärd began a third period leading to the strengthening works Sveaborg in 1770, when the party had returned to power Hats. His health, however, continued to deteriorate, and in the summer of 1771 he was asked to resign from office. After this, he still continued as commander in the Navy, but the fortifications became the responsibility of others.
Ehrensvärd Augustin Conde died November 4, 1772. He had been promoted to field marshal just weeks before. At the command of King Gustav III, a monumental tomb was erected by Ehrensvärd in Susisaari Sveaborg island. The king even participated in the design of the monument.
54-CM0914: Tunnel entrance from the pier to the island of Suomenlinna (Sveaborg).
Considering the island of Suomenlinna part of the city of Helsinki, you can travel to it by taking a regular ferry (about 4 € return). During the half hour that lasts little journey, you can see other smaller islands with enigmatic solitary houses and a view of the bay of Helsinki. The square where a market is Sami and souvenir stalls.
Suomenlinna is a group of islands linked by bridges, very important for the Finns. Here are forged from Helsinki history: in 1748 the Swedes built the fortress included in the World Heritage of Humanity to fend off the Russians, though they were hindered little strength to beat them. Curiously, once called Viapori (Swedish fortress) and now his name is Suomenlinna (Finnish strength), since Finland gained independence from Russia.
The place is full of tunnels, with stone walls of great thickness and small windows, all islands are walled to prevent enemy armies could be in some other island and attack from there. The guns pointing in all directions and you can see that spared no size. Each gun has its own armory that houses are Hobbit style you see in the photo, you can now do everything there to picnic, swim at the beach or just take a nap in the gardens.
It is a neighborhood with unpaved and Nordic style houses surrounded by water.
Near the bridge that connects the two main islands, Iso Mustasaari and Susisaari is the visitors center of the House of inventory, which provide tourist information and maps, and organized walking tours in summer. The same building houses the Museum of Suomenlinna, which explains the history of the island.
55-CM1859: The Sibelius monument is located in the park of the same name (Sibelius Parken), near the west coast of the city. One of the tracks from which you can reach from the street is just dedicated to the composer (Sibeliuksen Katu). The neighborhood, called Taka-Töölö, is primarily a quiet residential sparsely populated in our author's life. The hospital where his brother Christian was in this area, and it was common to find Jean Sibelius walking. Hence the choice. In the same neighborhood we find also streets named for poets Topelius and Leino.
The park was named after the musician in 1945, in celebration of his eightieth birthday. Years after his death was thought important to incorporate a statue park, for which we performed a concuerso (years 61 and 62). There was an unprecedented debate in Finland on how the sculpture should be, whether figurative or abstract. The 50 winning projects, Eila Hiltumen artist (1922-2003) decided to incorporate both aesthetic making a monument in two parts, one with the face of the composer (in its aspect of the 10s), while the other would be a symbol abstract formed by a series of tubes, both elements of the set of metal (stainless steel).
The monument was inaugurated in 1967 and was as controversial as the ideas of creation. Most striking was the lack of importance and isolation that the composer had his face on the tubes, larger and bold, and steps. "Besides, what do those tubes?" He asked the Finns. Hiltumen not want to reveal its meaning, and died a few years ago not reveal it.
The Finns have held and still hold several theories including:
1) Are organ pipes, the king of instruments and symbol of the music (Sibelius dedicated instrument to which only four works, though).
2) Represents the aurora borealis, the symbol of the magic of the north (referenced in the cantata "Oma maa" ["Our homeland"] opus 92).
3) They are ice crystals (referenced in several works by the author).
4) They are a symbol of the Nordic forests (referenced in Tapiola and in many other works).
Fit even other proposals, and you sure are thinking of some. Maybe this was really what I thought the artist, not create anything concrete and allow visitors to the monuments to think what they want about their meaning and inspiration.
Eventually the controversy faltered, and the monument was accepted as a clear homage to the master, and a sign of identity of the city, the country and the Finnish culture. Every day dozens of buses of tourists from distant places come to the park, and the artistic whole, on the green grass or snow - depending on the time of year, of course - on a wild rock, is proudly displayed citizen of the world. A replica of the same, unless size can be found at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris, reflecting the cultural and representative of Finnish culture that has the sculpture.
Perhaps the sibeliano, who comes to Finland in search of places steeped in the presence of the teacher, this monument can say little, despite its great symbolism. Without doubt find more advisable to visit the Sibelius Museum of Turku / Åbo (music museum in Finland, with a room dedicated to the composer with manuscripts, letters, photographs, and more material of the first order), the birthplace in Hämeenlinna, and Ainola especially, our musician residence the last 50 years of his life, he composed much of his work and where he is buried with his wife Aino. The house remains almost the same as the left of the composer after his death, countless memories with materials. At another point Ainola discuss in more detail.
56-CM1517: The Source of Havis Amanda in Helsinki. Helsinki is hosting, you get the girl, get by sea, land or air to the heart of Helsinki.
Normally you'd find in the center of the main square of the city, in front of Parliament, but is at the side, as shameful, covering their nakedness, but unable to avoid the gaze of the thousands of tourists who admire and capture with their cameras.
French Art Nouveau jewel as it is French, arrived in Helsinki in 1908. It is made of bronze and placed on a granite fountain that supports four fish that squirt water and four lions that guard, with a total combined height of 5 meters.
It was to symbolize the rebirth of Helsinki after the Russian occupation.
It is well known and much discussed, that a country as liberal as Finland has put a lot of fault with the nakedness of the statue, considered as an object that denigrates women and reduced to sex objects.
There are two traditions that surround the statue.
The first refers to students each April 30, visit the statue and crowned with a bonnet student to symbolize the end of course.
The second is to be placed in front of it and shout three times "Rakastaa" (love), while
one washes his face with water and power increases male sexual stamina.
A landmark .....

57-CM1855: The Sibelius monument in Helsinki.
In Helsinki one of the visits of all tourists is the Sibelius Monument, a work of art by sculptor Eila Hiltunen Finnish in honor of the composer of the same nationality Jean Sibelius (1865-1957). It is especially visited by the Finns, obviously, because here remembers the courage of a man who rebelled against the Soviet regime became a symbol of Finnish patriotism and fighting for the independence of this country.
The sculpture was commissioned by the government of Finland to his death, and is constructed with steel pipes. When it was built many people thought it was the sculptor of pipes but devised a work vertically with some uneven levels, as an old church organ, and placed beside the sculpture of the artist's head.
If there is any relationship between the music of Sibelius and work? No, but when night falls and the icy winds blowing empeizan on forests and lakes in the area, this piece of metal begins to vibrate in a unique, musical, almost like the Sibelius violin. So much for tourists and ciudadnos alone or in groups tours. The monument is in the Sibelius Park, near the west coast of Helsinki and it can go up Sibeluis walking down the street.

58-CM1509: A couple eating at the restaurant Havis Amanda, one of the most prestigious in Helsinki.
The Havis Amanda is considered the oldest and one of the leading seafood restaurants in Helsinki. It is next to the port and the market square in the heart of the historic city center. Havis Amanda has attracted fans of seafood since 1973 and has since gained a reputation as one of the best places specializing in this field.
The cozy restaurant offers a variety of seafood dishes - from our own unique freshwater fish for most tastes exquisite and exotic seafood. A carefully compiled collection of wines from around the world to complete this dining experience.
59-CM0473: "Onion and sorrel" one of the delicious dishes offered by the restaurant Spis of Helsinki.
Finland, the only Nordic genuinely agricultural combines knowledge of Russian cuisine and Eastern European countries, as well as his own, typical ingredients of Finland and hard to get out of their borders, and a design-oriented mentality that put Finland in the center of the New Nordic Kitchen.
Helsinki World Design Capital 2012, has always been characterized by innovative air around it and in recent years, a number young chefs passionate about Nordic cuisine and local ingredients, have established their own restaurants in Helsinki. The design can also be found in food and even more in a dish with ingredients typical of the traditional Nordic cuisine.

Helsinki is a compact city, which can be covered on foot. This makes perfect combination of local cuisine with traditional tourism or shopping. Thus, in the tour of the Finnish capital, it's worth visiting one of these new restaurants like Juuri, famous for its Sapas, something that could match our tapas, but the Nordic way. http://www.juuri.fi/en/. Another of these new restaurants to meet essential quality Nordic cuisine is the restaurant Olo. Since opening its doors in 2006 continues to receive rave reviews, culminating with a Michelin star in 2011, and it is known as the "aristocrat" of Scandinavian cuisine. http://www.olo-ravintola.fi/en/home.html
For those who prefer to cook with local produce quality Finns, the Eat & Joy is the perfect place to get milk bar and a place worth visiting. http://eatandjoy.fi/eatjoy-farmers-market-and-eatjoy-kluuvi-market-hall
For those interested, in addition, companies with years of experience in the sector, which are devoted to the capital gastronomic tours that combine the gastronomic experience with a visit to the city. For more information: www.foodsightseeing.com
60-CM1502: Interior of restaurant Havis Amanda, one of the oldest and most prestigious of Helsinki, especially in fish and shellfish.
Named for the heroic statue woman (the Havis Amanda) which is a few steps from the entrance, this luxury saloon is the finest seafood restaurant in Helsinki. Across the boulevard from the Market Square, which has vaulted ceilings covered with fresh nautical and a sense of calm attractive well-established and well-being. Established in 1973, and after moving to its current location in 2004, the restaurant is proud to serve mainly seafood Finland. Depending on the season, you can enjoy delicacies like soup perch with a crepe stuffed perch, grilled tuna with avocado and citrus, fried whitefish shining prepared to open fire with a puree of peas and carrot sauce and lasagna mushrooms with parsley sauce. Changes dessert with the whim of the chef, but could include a strawberry soup with strawberry sauce flavored Pernod. The service is impeccable.

61-CM0463: Helsinki. Sauna inside the pool Yrjonkatu (Yrjonkadun Uimahalli, Yrjonkatu 21b, phone 09 310 8740 1)
On the other split in the center of the city of Helsinki is called Yrjönkatu pool. Here swimsuits are optional and you mess with or without them. In addition there are sections and also unisex for men or women.
The Finns have the feature to enjoy much of the heat and humidity and an average household of a sauna in which to debate usually sit and talk with friends. Sauna in Helsinki is the Kotiharju that it is the only public sauna citywide still heated with a wood stove and one of the few places where you can swim peacefully alongside 30 other people with absolutely no clothing.
But this is not the only place where you can stay without clothes, because there are a few nudist beaches in which you can enjoy.
One is the Pihlajasaari Beach which is near the city of Helsinki and is located on an island. Here you can enjoy a unisex nudist beach perfect for sunbathing but too rocky to swim.
Also near Helsinki Seurasaari but here is not be mixing with people of the opposite sex because your nudist areas.
62-CM1684: Helsinki. Utensils inside the hotel sauna Katajanokka Best Western Premier.
Housed in a converted prison from 1837, this atmospheric hotel is in Katajanokka, in the center of Helsinki. It offers a popular restaurant and rooms with flat-screen TV.
Free access to wired internet available in all rooms at the Best Western Premier Hotel Katajanokka. All rooms are decorated in warm colors and feature a work desk, minibar and kettle.
With its barred windows and brick walls, Restaurant Jailbird offers a variety of dishes in a unique setting. The terrace is adjacent to Linnanpuisto Park and is a popular place to have a coffee in the afternoon and evening cocktails in the summer.
Katajanokka Hotel guests have free access to the sauna weekends, and modern fitness center is open 24 hours a day.
Trams stop right next to the Best Western Hotel Katajanokka, bringing guests to the center of Helsinki in less than 10 minutes.
63-CM1586: Coffee Ursula, located near the old park Kaivopuisto is one of the best places to enjoy the last rays of the afternoon sun.
Travelling in Helsinki and looking for a good place to have a cup of coffee? -Cafe Ursula is your answer. Cafe Ursula is in Kaivopuisto and has an ocean view with a nice atmosphere. We went there on Sunday afternoon and could not find a free table for us. It is a place so popular.Nuestra selection of this Sunday afternoon was Berliner donut and a slice of cake with coffee. Yammy! And just made! The prices are quite high (coffee € 2.70, € 6.50 and € 3.10 Berliner donut cake) but includes extra coffee cup coffee and this is known of its high calidad.Servicio products depends in office , sometimes good and sometimes not so good. Cafe Ursula is not just a cafe also serves meals and salads and can also drink alcohol. Occasionally there are jazz events when boarding the famous musicians escenario.Y if you have musical talent, feel free to play the piano in the cafeteria at any time.
64-CM1596: Private Sauna Pikkukoski north of the city of Helsinki, Vanhankaupunginselkä lakeside, near the town of Oulunkylä Aggelby. Another alternative with which the Finns have to do is take a sauna in a private club, as in the case of this photo, in which the members pay a fee each year to make use of the facilities.
65-CM1675: A woman bathes outside the private Sauna Pikkukoski north of the city of Helsinki, Vanhankaupunginselkä lakeside, near the town of Oulunkylä Aggelby. Members pay a fee of EUR 75.60 to join and then another 30 euros per season, ademñas of 10 euros for the key deposit. This open both summer and winter.
66-CM1652: A man cools outside the private Sauna Pikkukoski north of the city of Helsinki, Vanhankaupunginselkä lakeside, near the town of Oulunkylä Aggelby. A defined area of ??the lake has heating in water so that it never freezes in winter and people can swim.

67-CM1251: The chapel of silence.
The chapel of silence recently inaugurated in Helsinki is a secular space paid by the association of Lutheran churches in the city. No priests, who listen to those who need to talk to are social workers. The commission was made clear. It was recovered a religious idea to improve it: listen without judgment.
It was also about those who need to be heard does not have to queue in front of the corporate offices sit quietly in front of other people also waiting to hear them. A Finnish study, K2S, won the competition in 2008, while winning another for the Finnish pavilion at the Shanghai Expo. Like that, this is wood as a precious material, warm, noble and close at the same time. He hopes to reach people with a simple but iconic. The project is expensive, a jewel for the city visible and a refuge for the needy amid the bustle of the Finnish capital: Narinkka Square, where the subway comes to the center. It cost seven million euros and the work done on it is a cabinetmaker. Also in future. Dare to design a shelter for existential anxiety that devours so many Westerners outside the sacred territory. Get to the bustle that hides many problems of people living without problems.
Converted to claim the chapel, imposes silence. It serves tourists and needy. Nobody raises there voice. It is a wake up call. The barrel contains only the chapel. Access is through a prism of concrete and glass have a room where social workers. That prelude prism works well in cold weather and snow (over half a year in Helsinki) and saves the umbrellas and coats of those who come there. This is to prepare. Also to strip. To reach the silence without visual noise and lightweight luggage.

68-CM0697: Helsinki. The Uspenski Orthodox Cathedral.
The Orthodox Cathedral of Helsinki (Uspenskin Katedraali), was designed and built in the time of Russian domination of the area by the Russian Emperor Alexander II. This is one of the largest Orthodox cathedrals throughout Europe and an architectural symbol of Helsinki.
This magnificent building Katajanokka Hill, offers fantastic views of the city of Helsinki. Inside, the most typical is dressed orthodox style, so it has stunning lamps, spectacular vaults and a superb collection of orthodox religious icons.

Sights of Helsinki:
Helsinki Cathedral (Storkyrkan)
Museum of Contemporary Art, known as Kiasma
Museum of Fine Arts in Helsinki in Tennispalatsi
Hall of Fine Arts
National Museum, or Kansallismuseo
Classic building at the University of Helsinki
The original Temppeliaukio church, built inside a rock
Opera House, a modern avant garde construction
From Helsinki you can enjoy interesting trips on the ferries that take you to the six islands. Highlights Suomenlinna, a very peculiar Helsinki, the ancient fortress city and the castle. The strength is especially interesting, since it has been declared a World Heritage Site.
Helsinki Transportation:
Helsinki has an advanced communications system for air, land, sea and rail, but the best way to reach this city is by plane, through the airport Helsinki-Vantaa. Once the capital of Finland, you can visit the country by train, bus or boat for short distances, but to move within Helsinki is recommended to use the metro and tram.

69-CM0726: Helsingin tuomiokirkko or Helsinki Cathedral was built by Carl Engel Lugvig under Russian administration in 1850. Renewed by Juha Leiviskä.
In the early nineteenth century a fire destroyed much of the center of Helsinki and consequently began a rebuilding process under the rule of the Russian administration, which after centuries of disputes with Sweden had taken Duchy of Finland in 1808. An annexation would end in 1917 with the outbreak of the Bolshevik Revolution and the proclamation of the independence of Finland. The project includes the reconstruction of the new Senate Square and Lutheran Cathedral. The German architect Carl Ludvig Engel, assumed the command of the project and the construction of the library and the university also located in Senate Square. The new cathedral, erected in honor of Tsar Nicholas I, is located on the site of the little church Ulrika, in honor of the patron saint of Sweden, early S. XVIII. The original design was eminently neoclassical Engel and is based on a Greek cross, a central space with four arms of equal length. The result is a plant that repeats the same symmetrical facade and pediment colonnades on all four sides. The dome of green bronze roof was altered after the death of Engels in 1840, when Ernst Lohrmann take the lead and add four small domed towers on the sides and a bell and zinc statues of the apostles on the cover . The austere interior, the altar and the pulpit designed by Engel and the gloomy atmosphere generated under the dome of coffee. The crypt, which is accessed from a back street, was renovated in the 80 to host events and exhibitions by Vilhelm Helander and Juha Leiviskä.

 

Top shopping and finnish design

The luxurious Stockmann de- partment store and the major shopping malls of Kamppi, Fo- rum and Galleria esplanad can all be found right in the heart of the city centre. Popular shopping streets include Aleksanterinkatu, Korkeavuorenkatu, Fredrikinkatu and the two Esplanadi streets. The Market Square and the Hi- etaniemi Market Hall are real treasure troves for those looking for culinary delights and little presents to take back home.
Helsinki is the definitive design city, and has even had the honor of serving as the World Design Capital during 2012. World fa- mous Finnish design from past masters to tomorrow's heroes can be found for example at the De- sign District area which consists of nearly 200 members including design shops, galleries, museums,
and restaurants. In the heart of the area is the Design Forum Finland, Design Museum, and the Museum of Finnish archi- tecture.
Remember to roam around the Tori Quarters – the neoclassical city blocks of the old city centre – that have recently been revital-
ized by a number of new design and craft shops and inviting res- taurants.
Opening hours
Department stores and shopping centres are open weekdays 9am- 9pm, Sat 9am-6pm and also on Sun 12noon-6pm. Smaller bou- tiques are usually open weekdays 10am-6pm and Sat 10am-2pm.
More information about Tax Free at www.globalrefund.com
culinary delights
Helsinki's cosy outdoor cafés and terraces offer a pleasant way to rest your feet and refresh your- self, for example, on Esplanade, Tori Quarters, and Bulevardi.
For the gastronomic explorer Hel- sinki has plenty to discover, from Michelinstarred haute cuisine to old-world traditional flavours with local food and in-season produce. Special HelsinkiMenu featuring the very best Finnish ingredients and delicacies can be experienced in about 15 restaurants.
The abattoir, "Teurastamo", opened in autumn 2012 and of- fers local food and various events in a historic redbrick setting. Teurastamo represents a new concept of food culture and is to some extent modelled on the Meatpacking District in Manhattan.

 

Enjoy the maritime appeal

Helsinki's shoreline is adorned by around 100 kilometres of coast and over 300 islands. South Harbour is the centre of maritime city life. Sightseeing cruises and boats to the maritime fortress Suomenlinna UNESCO World Heritage Site and Korkeasaari Zoo depart from the Market Square. Verdant Seurasaari Island is a popular recreational area, and the Seurasaari Open-Air Museum offers a fascinating look at traditional life in the Finnish provinces.
Helsinki's atmospheric island restaurants off the coast of Kaivopuisto Park can be reached by waterbusses and connection boats from the mainland.

 

 

Helsinki in winter

The city of Helsinki in Finland, is a city that you can go and meet her in two or three days in a calm manner . And if you stay in the center, all points of interest in the city you are nearby.
Based on my experience of January, if you decide to visit the city of Helsinki in winter , the first thing you have to remember is that the cold is intense , so it is imperative that you take warm clothes (especially thermal underwear , waterproof footwear , anorak , gloves and hat ) .
Helsinki is a city that I recommend visiting in the winter , wonder more. Accustomed to living free of snow and extreme cold, when you add the factor of " snow " in everyday life , are you surprised that nothing changes. You observe that in the city remains normal life, the cars run without problems ( with special wheels and nails snow ) the rebozan streets with gravel mixed with snow (if tirasen salt, not give coarse ) to walk without could slip , trains , trams and buses fully adapted to the extreme conditions of very cold and snow... They even work on scaffolding pallets snowing all chestnut...
Shop clothes, shoes and accessories for all tastes, and even a Finnish espécie English Cut ( The stores Stockmann ) . Those streets are almost curious to walk , mainly because they are heated and therefore no trace of snow and ice ( are the only streets in Helsinki will see the cobblestones in winter). Continuing along these streets , we find one of the most important monuments of the city, the Helsinki Cathedral and Senate Square . A place that if you visit with clear sky , it is a nice picture of blue and white contrast.
Following the tour , we headed to the coast (where the curious image to see the frozen sea is something spectacular ) go to Uspenski Cathedral , the largest Orthodox church in Western Europe .

From there, the port is near , the Market Square and the Old Market.

The boats are docked , are operating by way of cafes and restaurants. And next , you find the market square , where stalls of clothes, hats, gloves and food, decorate and color the white square.
For a snack , I recommend visiting the Old Market , and buy food in the paraditas from within. In the market you will find them all kinds of food , to the Finnish and Lappish specialties like all derivatives of Reno. Par eat well and cheaply , you have to try the soups of one of the posts there . It is easy to see, given that only have 3 types of soup menu , about 8 euros each. But I assure you that you stay well served, and above all, warm.

As with energy, and recovered from the cold , a walk through the most "cool " is something stimulating Helsinki . The neighborhood known as the " Design District " is located in the vicinity of the Design Museum and can be seen loitering stores all design objects (clothing, furniture, textile, etc. ) . A neighborhood with a high international reconociemiento in design.

Advisable to also visit the Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma . Building architecturally very interesting , and the exhibits you'll find inside certainly not leave you impassive.

To round the day (if you still have forces ) , I recommend taking a few laps on skates on ice rink Kallio found in the plaza of the central train station . For about 10 euros you can spend all day skating, skate rental included.

After a long day of intense and hard to walk in the freezing temperatures of the city of Helsinki , you better warm up in one of the busiest places in the center, the pub Molly Malone to take a few pints , the place where there are no strangers but friends who have not yet met ...

In subsequent chapters , I will explain details of trips from the city of Helsinki . Specifically visit to Suomenlinna and the town of Porvoo.

 

Supermarkets in Finland

One of the largest ever post Finland For Thought has something he had not yet specified here: what supermarkets in Finland should I choose? We talked of prices in Finland, and we used to buy in Lidl, because gender was decent discounts. In this post we post an adaptation of Phil, more focused on the disadvantages of each their advantages, and tell you more about this and other supermarkets in Finland.
Buy a Finnish supermarket can be a strange experience: limited choice, high prices and an atmosphere of absolute silence, as the Finns do not usually speak loudly. These are the best known and among them will have to choose chains. Phil says that "normal people" choose the S-Market or KKK-Market. Let's see why.
S-market
Apparently their advertising says "Ass-Market!" (ass-market), but it may be just as Finns pronounce the "S". It is one of the supermarket chains in Finland more widespread across the country.
PROs: It's a bit cheaper than the KKK, so many people going to save (half the country, according to Phil) will buy there. No long wait in queues to pay.
NOC: The same selection of products again and again: if it was good enough for grandma, should also be good for me. The speakers repeated "Ass Market" all the time, so tired.

KKK-market

"No, it's not a typo: the supermarket KKK". No: they are all part of the K-Group. The KKK-market is an evolution of K-market, which over the years became the KK-market, and expanded finlamente until you reach the KKK-Supermarket (although some KKKK Citymarkets giants out there). It's another supermarket chain in Finland from Finland.

PROs: The K-Supermarket is for people with higher incomes. More expensive but more variety with gourmet food selection. They even have a shelf for American junk food imported and outrageous prices.
NOC: The line to pay is specified distance. And her name.

Stockmann

If you think the K-Supermarket is for rich ... Stockmann is not your supermarket. There are only a few in Finland, and their prices are for 5% of the richest in Finland. In the Stockmann there oddities that are not normally found in Finland: top quality meat, fish does not come from the Finnish lakes and many grandmothers money. If you do not read this post while your butler gives you freshly squeezed exotic fruit, not a good idea to go.

PROs: The freshest food in Finland.