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European Vacations -
Finland Vacation Packages &
Travel Information |
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Overview |
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Helsinki’s green parks and
waterways, fresh sea winds, its busy
market square, its exciting cultural
events and many open-air cafés make
the city a delightful place to
visit. Helsinki, the capital of
Finland, is the country’s center of
cultural, financial and economic
activity. The heart of the city is
compact, filled with treasures from
the past and present, and best
explored on foot. The city retains a
small town feel as there are no
high-rise buildings and the market
square is still surrounded by 19th
century architecture.
A city of the sea, Helsinki was
built along a series of peninsulas
and islands jutting into the Baltic
coast along the Gulf of Finland.
Streets and avenues curve around
bays, ferries travel among offshore
islands, and bridges reach in all
directions. Helsinki is linked by
ferry to Suomenlinna Island in the
Gulf of Finland, which is a perfect
spot for picnicking and family
outings. Baltic ferries run from
Sweden, Estonia and Germany to
Helsinki, Turku, Vaasa and
Pietarsaari. The ferries are
impressive seagoing craft that have
been compared to hotels and shopping
plazas.
Most visitors arrive in the summer,
but Nordic skiing is popular all
winter, and there are cross-country
trails of varying difficulty.
Downhill skiers go to Lapland, or to
resorts in the many forested
districts of Finland.
Boating can be enjoyed on both sea
and lake, but the prime sailing
region is just a short distance from
the city in the Turku archipelago.
Canoeing in the Helsinki area is
best on Åland archipelago. Just
beyond the city, the largest
unspoiled wilderness in Europe
attracts thousands of trekkers every
year.
Helsinki has over thirty art
galleries and museums. Numerous
parks and waterside walkways are
woven into a perfectly blended range
of architectural styles, the result
of a neoclassical building surge in
the early 1800s and the efforts of
modernist Finnish designers in the
mid 20th century. Helsinki has been
described as the last city in Europe
to be built as art.
In the year 2000, Helsinki
celebrated its 450th anniversary.
This beautiful city has aged
gracefully, preserving the beauty of
the past while staying very modern
and very efficient. Public
transportation, including buses,
trams, and metro are clean, fast,
inexpensive and reliable. The
railway station is an excellent
example of the merging of beauty and
utility in Helsinki. The station
contains not only the rail center,
but also a metro stop and an
underground shopping complex. It is
striking in its appearance, with
pink granite trimmed in green with a
black roof. Designed by Eliel
Saarinen in 1905, it links two of
Helsinki’s architectural styles:
national romanticism and
functionalism.
Finnish food has elements of both
Swedish and Russian cuisine, with
many variations and local
specialties. The potato is a staple,
and is served with tasty fish or
meat sauces. Some traditional
Finnish meals include game such as
snow grouse, reindeer, raw pickled
or glowfired salmon. Restaurants and
hotels offer a wide variety of
delicious entrees containing the
best seasonal Finnish ingredients.
Also available are offerings
prepared in the classic European
style.
July is the month most frequently
chosen for a visit to Finland. The
weather is agreeable with blue skies
and just an occasional shower. The
summer rain is warm and over
quickly. The nights are filled with
light in Finland in the summer.
Often you can read without a light
even in the middle of the night - a
perfect situation for those who have
remarked that “there are never
enough hours in the day.”
Shoppers delight year round in the
vast array of products of high
quality that are available in
Helsinki. The Esplanadi and Market
Square are filled with cafes and
open air stalls selling food, local
apparel and crafts. A favorite place
for residents and visitors alike is
Stockmann Department Store, which is
large, modern, and tastefully filled
with every possible commodity from
clothing and accessories to
groceries and other delicacies.
Finland’s well-known names in
ceramics (Arabia); textiles
(Finlayson, Marimekko); and glass (Iittala,
Nuutajärvi) are found in specialty
shops and bargains abound in
manufacturers’ factory outlet stores
located in and around the city. The
stores are museums in themselves!
Another celebrated product of
Finland is the popular Nokia
(pronounced No kia) cell phone and
related electronic items.
Major cultural events occur
throughout the year. Spring and
summer festivals feature fine music
and excellent theater. Music, dance,
drama, films, and high quality
exhibitions are common threads
running through the festival
programs. The aim of the annual
Helsinki Festival is to culminate
the summer activities with an
internationally acclaimed cultural
event. The Festival includes a Night
of the Arts festival, with major
symphonic works, the finest baroque
orchestras, and a Food Piazza on the
Senate Square. There are special
events for children throughout the
festival.
For an exciting city vacation or a
relaxing retreat in beautiful
natural surroundings, Helsinki is
the destination of choice. Time will
fly by in a most enjoyable way when
you visit Helsinki. The captivating
city, its surrounding sea and
archipelago provide the setting for
an exciting and inspiring vacation
that is sure to please the whole
family. |
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Facts |
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Population: City: 560,000; Total
population in the Helsinki Region:
1,187,195
Language: Finnish & Swedish:
Finnish, the principal language, is
of Finno-Ugric origin: related to
Estonian with distant links to
Hungarian.
The form of Swedish spoken in
Finland is Finlandssvenska
(Finland’s Swedish.) In most of
Finland signs and street names are
in Finnish and Swedish. English is
also widely spoken.
Religion: Lutheran & Orthodox
Government: Democratic republic led
by a president and prime minister
Major industries: Metals and
engineering equipment,
telecommunications, paper products
Major trading partners: EU, USA,
Russia
Time: GMT/UTC plus two hours. When
it is noon in New York City; it is
7pm in Helsinki.
When to Go
The tourist summer season runs from
mid-June to mid-August, marked by
long hours of sunlight and cool
nights.
You can expect pleasantly warm (not
hot) days in Helsinki from mid-May
through August. Summer nights are
brief and never really dark, whereas
in midwinter daylight lasts only a
few hours. Precipitation in winter
is mostly in the form of snow.
Holidays
Jan. 1 New Year's Day
January 6 Epiphany
March or April Good Friday, Easter,
and Easter Monday
April 30 Great Prayer Day
May 1 May Day
June (first Mon.)
Pentecost/Whitsunday
June 12 Helsinki Day
June (2 days at the start of
the summer solstice Midsummer Eve
and Midsummer Day
November 1 All Saints' Day
December 6 Independence Day
December 25-26 Christmas and St.
Stephen’s Day
Weights & measures: Metric
Useful Conversions of weights and
measures
1 hectare 2.471 acres
1 inch 2.54 cm
1 ft. 30.48 cm
1 oz. 28.57 grams
1 lb. 0.454 kg
1 cm 0.39 inches
1 meter 3.28 feet / 1.09 yards
1 km 0.62 miles
1 liter 0.26 US gallons
1 inch 2.54 cm
1 foot 0.39 meters
1 yard 0.91 meters
1 mile 1.60 km
1kg 2.2lb
1 gallon 3.78 liters
Business Hours
Banks & Stores
Banks are open weekdays 9 or 9:15 to
4 or 5. Many offices and embassies
close at 3pm June to August. Stores
are open weekdays 9 to 6 and
Saturday 9 to 1 or 2 and are closed
on Sunday, but several of the larger
stores stay open until 8 or 9
weekdays. Main stores in the town
center are open Sunday, June to
August, all through December, and on
five other Sundays throughout the
year from noon to 7. Some stores in
malls stay open until 8 pm on
weekdays and until 4 on Saturday. In
the Asematunneli (train station
tunnel), stores are open weekdays 10
to 10 and weekends noon to 10.
Electricity
The electrical current in Helsinki
is 220 volts, 50 cycles alternating
current (AC); wall outlets take
Continental-type plugs, with two
round prongs.
To use your U.S.-purchased
electric-powered equipment bring a
converter and adapter. If your
appliances are dual-voltage you'll
need only an adapter.
Embassies :United States Embassy (Itäinen
Puistotie 14A, 00140 Helsinki,
09/171-931).
Public Restrooms: Clean and modern.
Naiset=ladies; Michet = men.
Emergencies
The nationwide emergency number is
112.
Police. 112 or 10022.
Ambulance. 112. Specify whether the
situation seems life-threatening so
medical attendants can prepare for
immediate treatment in the
ambulance.
Dentist
Ympyrätalo Dental Clinic (Siltasaarenkatu
18A, 09/709-6611) offers emergency
dental care.
Hospital Emergency Rooms
Hospital. Töölön Sairaala (Töölönk.
40, 09/471-7358) is central, about 2
km (1 mi) from city center, with a
24-hour emergency room and first-aid
service.
Late-Night Pharmacies
Yliopiston Apteekki (Mannerheim. 96,
09/4178-0300) is open daily 24
hours.
Mail
Post offices are open weekdays 9-5
(till 7 or 8 in some cities);
stamps, express mail, registered
mail, and insured mail service are
available. There is no Saturday
delivery.
Currency
The unit of currency is the Euro.
Finland is part of the European
Union.
Exchanging Money
There are exchange bureaus in all
bank branches; some post offices,
which also function as banks (Postipankki);
major hotels; the Forex booths at
the train station and in Esplanadi;
and at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport. Some
large harbor terminals also have
exchange bureaus, and international
ferries have exchange desks.
Prepaid Cash Cards
prepaid electronic cash cards are
available that process cash
transactions, made at designated
public pay phones, vending machines,
and McDonald's. Disposable prepaid
cards can be purchased at kiosks.
Taxes
Citizens of non-EU countries are
eligible for tax-free returns upon
leaving EU territory. Purchases must
be made in shops displaying the
Tax-Free sign. The minimum total sum
of purchased goods must be 40 euros.
Upon leaving EU territory, travelers
can claim VAT that varies according
to product but does not exceed 16
percent.
Tipping
Tipping is not the norm in Finland,
but it is not unheard of.
Passports & Visas
Entering Finland All U.S. citizens,
even infants, need only a valid
passport to enter Finland for stays
of up to three months.
Passport Offices
The best time to apply for a
passport or to renew is during the
fall and winter. Before any trip,
check your passport's expiration
date, and, if necessary, renew it as
soon as possible.
Telephones The country code for
Finland is 358. Telephone numbers in
Finland vary in size from four to
eight digits. Business phone numbers
may also have special prefix codes
(020 or 010), which are country-wide
but are charged at only local rates.
Directory & Operator Information
For directory assistance dial 118.
International Calls
You can call overseas at the post
and telegraph office. In Helsinki,
at Mannerheimintie 11B, the "Lennätin"
section is open weekdays 9-9,
Saturdays 10-4. The Finland Direct
pamphlet tells you how to reach an
operator in your own country for
collect or credit-card calls. Use
any booth that has a green light,
and pay the cashier when you finish.
You can also ask for a clerk to
arrange a collect call; when it is
ready, the clerk will direct you to
a booth.
The front of the phone book has
overseas calling directions and
rates. You must begin all direct
overseas calls with 990, or 999, or
994, or 00, plus country code (1 for
the United States/Canada, 44 for
Great Britain). Finnish operators
can be reached by dialing 020-208
for overseas information or for
placing collect calls.
Long-Distance Calls: When dialing
out of the immediate area, first
dial 0; drop the 0 when calling
Finland from abroad.
Arriving & Departing
By Air
All international flights arrive at
Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL)
(358-9-82771 or 358-9-61511), 12 mi
north of city center. Helsinki is
served by most major European
airlines, as well as several East
European carriers.
Flying time from New York to
Helsinki is about eight hours, nine
hours for the return trip.
Transfers Between the Airport and
Town
By Bus
A local Bus 615 runs three to four
times an hour between the airport
and the main railway station. The
fare is FM 15, and the trip takes
about 40 minutes. Finnair buses
carry travelers to and from the
railway station (Finnair's City
Terminal) two to four times an hour,
with a stop at the Inter-Continental
Helsinki. Stops requested along the
route from the airport to the city
are also made. Travel time from the
Inter-Continental to the airport is
about 30 minutes, 35 minutes from
the main railway station; the fare
is FM 25.
By Car
If you are driving, follow the signs
to Tuusulan Route (Tuusulanväylä)
and Keskusta (downtown Helsinki).
By Taxi
There is a taxi stop at the arrivals
building. A cab ride into central
Helsinki will cost between FM 100
and FM 140. Driving time is 20 to 35
minutes, depending on the time of
day. Check to see if your hotel has
a shuttle service, although this is
not common here.
Airport Taxi (09/2200-2500) costs FM
60, FM 90 for two passengers, and
operates shuttles between the city
and the airport. You must reserve a
day before your flight, by 7 PM for
morning departures.
Getting Around
By Boat
Ships arriving from Rostock,
Germany, and Stockholm dock at
Katajanokkanlaituri (east side of
South Harbor).
By Bus
The main long-distance bus station
is Linja-autoasema (off
Mannerheimintie, between Salomonkatu
and Simonkatu).
Many local buses arrive and depart
from Rautatientori (Railway Station
Square). For information on
long-distance transport, call
9600-4000.
By Car
Ring Roads One and Three are the two
major highways that encircle the
city. Mannerheimintie and Hämeentie
are the major trunk roads out of
Helsinki. Mannerheimintie feeds into
Highway E79, which travels west and
takes you to the Ring Roads.
Hämeentie leads you to Highway E4 as
well as Roads 4 and 7.
By Train
Helsinki's main rail gateway is the
Rautatieasema (train station; city
center, off Kaivokatu, 09/707-5700
information).
By Bicycle
Well-marked cycle paths run into the
heart of Helsinki, making cycling
safe and fast. Bikes can be rented
at some youth hostels. The Finnish
Youth Hostel Association (YHA;
Yrjönkatu 38B, 00100 Helsinki,
09/694-0377, FAX: 09/693-1349,
Tours By Boat
All boat tours depart from
Kauppatori Market Square. The
easiest way to choose one is to go
to the square in the morning and
read the information boards
describing the tours.
A ferry to the Suomenlinna fortress
island runs about twice an hour,
depending on the time of day, and
costs FM 10. Ten-trip tickets issued
for city public tranport can be used
on the ferry, too.
From June to August, private water
buses run from Kauppatori to
Suomenlinna. Call 06/633-800 for
information and schedules.
Travel within the City
The Helsinki City Transport tourist
ticket entitles you to unlimited
travel on all buses, trams, subways,
and local trains in Helsinki. It is
valid for one, three, or five days
and costs FM 25, FM 50, or FM 75.
For timetable and ticket information
related to Helsinki's comprehensive,
punctual, and generally efficient
public transport system, call the
24-hour line, 0100-111.
By Bus, Streetcar, Local Train, or
Subway
Tickets may be purchased at subway
stations, R-kiosks, and shops
displaying the Helsinki city
transport logo (two curving black
arrows on a yellow background).
Standard single tickets valid on all
transport, and permitting transfers
within the whole network for within
an hour of the time stamped on the
ticket, cost FM 10 and can be bought
on trams and buses. Single tickets
bought beforehand, at the City
Transport office in the railway
station tunnel or at one of the many
R-kiosk shops, for example, cost FM
8. A 10-trip ticket sold at R-kiosks
costs FM 75. Most of Helsinki's
major points of interest, from
Kauppatori to the Opera House, are
along the 3T tram line; the Helsinki
City Tourist Office distributes a
free pamphlet called "Helsinki
Sightseeing: 3T."
Helsinki's subway (Metro) line runs
from Ruoholahti, just west of the
city center, to Mellunmäki and
Vuosaari, in the eastern suburbs. It
operates Monday-Saturday
5:25am-11:18 pm, and Sunday 6:30am -
11:20 pm.
By Taxi
There are numerous taxi stands;
central stands are at Rautatientori
at the station, the main bus
station, Linja-autoasema, and in the
Esplanade
By Train
Helsinki's suburbs and most of the
rest of southern, western, and
central Finland are well served by
trains. Travel on trains within the
Helsinki city limits costs the same
as all public transport.
By Car
Ring Roads One and Three are the two
major highways that circle the city.
Mannerheimintie and Hämeentie are
the major trunk roads out of
Helsinki. Mannerheimintie feeds into
Highway E79, which travels west and
takes you to the Ring Roads.
Hämeentie leads you to Highway E4 as
well as Roads 4 and 7. From either
route, you will find directions for
Road 137 to the airport. For
specific route information, contact
The Automobile and Touring Club of
Finland (Autoliitto ry, Hämeentie
105 A, PL 35, 00550 Helsinki,
09/774-761)
Car Rentals
. It is cheaper to rent directly
from the United States before coming
to Finland. Some Finnish service
stations also offer car rentals at
reduced rates.
Road Conditions
Late autumn and spring are the most
hazardous times to drive. Roads are
often icy in autumn (kelivaroitus is
the slippery road warning), and the
spring thaw can make for kelirikko
(heaves).
Rules of the Road
Driving is on the right-hand side of
the road. You must always use
low-beam headlights outside built-up
areas. Seat belts are compulsory for
everyone. You must yield to cars
coming from the right at most
intersections where roads are of
equal size. There are strict
drinking-and-driving laws. |
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Attractions |
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I. Neighborhoods Within
Helsinki
1. Keskusta (City Center) contains
Senate Square and other public
buildings.
2. Katajanokka across the bridge
from Senate Square
Site of the Russian Orthodox
Cathedral
3. Krunnunhaka (The Old City)
Helsinki’s oldest district. Contains
antique furniture, book and clothing
shops and art galleries.
4. Tervasaari (Tar Island)
a little island connected to
Kruununhaka by a man made isthmus. A
beautiful park with University
Botanical Gardens as a centerpiece.
Ice hockey in winter.
5. Kallio contains the Museum of
Worker Housing and is a short walk
from Helsinki’s amusement park:
Linnanmäki.
6. Töölö Bay located north of the
train station and near Kallio.
Contains the City Theater; Olympic
Stadium, the Finnish National Opera
House, Finlandia Hall, and the
natural Science Museum. It is also
the site of the ultra modern church
cut into the cliffs, Temppelinaukion
kirkko.
7. Punavuori An upscale area beneath
Töölö toward the end of the
peninsula. Contains many fashionable
galleries and boutiques as well as
museums.
8. Eira Helsinki’s most fashionable
area is bordered by parkland.
Contains Helsinki’s best park:
Kaviopuisto. Free concerts are
offered there.
9. Outlying Islands : (connected by
foot bridges to the mainland)
Suomenlinna (Finland’s Castle)
Seurasaari : site of the Open Air
Museum
II. Museums and Other Attractions
Ateneumin Taidemuseo (Ateneum Museum
of Finnish Art)
Kaivokatu 2
09-173-361
Tues. -Fri. 9-6 (also Wed.-Thurs.
6-8) Sat., Sun. 11-5.
Tram 2,3,4,6; all buses to
Rautatientori Square
is the principal gallery and covers
Finnish and international art from
the 19th century. It is housed in a
handsome 19th century building.
Casino Ray
Eteläinen Rautatie 4
09/694-2900
offers roulette, blackjack, and slot
machines
Finlandiatalo (Finlandia Hall). This
white, winged concert hall was one
of architectAlvar Aalto's last
creations. It is especially
impressive on foggy days or at
night. Guided tour. Karamzininkatu
4, 09/40241.
Guided tours are offered. InfoShop
open June-Aug., weekdays 9-4,
weekends noon-4 for inquiries and
tickets.
Concerts are usually held in the
evening.
Gallen-Kallela Estate
Gallen-Kallelantie 27, Tarvaspää
09/541-3388.
Take Tram 4 from in front of the
Sokos department store on
Mannerheimintie. From the
Munkkiniemi stop transfer to Bus 33,
or walk the 1 mile through the woods
to the Estate.
May-Aug: Mon.-Thurs. 10-8, Fri.-Sun.
10-5; Sept -May, Tues.-Sat. 10-4,
Sun. 10-5.
Six miles northwest of Helsinki on
the edge of the sea is the estate of
the Finnish Romantic painter Akseli
Gallen-Kallela (which the artist
designed himself). Gallen-Kallela
lived there from its completion in
1913 until his death in 1931.
Inside, the open rooms of the
painter's former work spaces make
the perfect exhibition hall for his
paintings.
Helsingen Kaupunginmuseo ( Helsinki
City Museum)
Sofianjkau 4
09-169-3933
Mon-Fri 9-5; Sat.,Sun. 11-5
Tram 3B,3T,1,2,4,7
Headquartered in the ‘street museum”
of Sofiankantu, the City Museum has
branches throughout the city,
including the nearby Sederhom House.
The main museum has an informative
exhibit on the history of Helsinki.
The “Street Museum” portrays
changing styles of street
architecture. Start at the harbor
end and walk on the cobbled streets
past the artifacts. The walk begins
in the 800’s and ends in the 1930’s.
Hvitträsk.
Linja-autosema. Hvitträskintie 166,
Luoma, Kirkkonummi,
09/221-9230
Bus 166 from Helsinki's main bus
station (45 min. ride).
June-Aug., weekdays 10-7, weekends
10-6; Sept.-May, weekdays 11-6,
weekends 11-5
On the northwest edge of the Espoo
area, 25 miles west of Helsinki, is
the studio home of architects Herman
Gesellius, Armas Lindgren, and Eliel
Saarinen. In an idyllic position at
the top of a wooded slope, the
property dates back to the turn of
the century, and has been converted
into a museum. The main house is
constructed in the national Art
Nouveau style, with its rustic
detail and paintings by Akseli
Gallen-Kallela. Saarinen lived here,
and his grave is nearby.
Exhibitions are arranged in summer.
There is a delightful sauna beside
the lake and the whole area is a
ruggedly-beautiful nature park.
Kaivopuisto (Well Park)
South of Puistok. on the water.
This large, shady, path-filled park
was once the site of a popular spa
that drew people from St.
Petersburg, Tallinn, and all of
Scandinavia until its popularity
faded during the Crimean War. All
the spa structures were eventually
destroyed except one, the
Kaivohuone, which is now a popular
restaurant. Across from the entrance
of Kaivohuone, take
Kaivohuoneenrinne through the park
past an Empire-style villa built by
Albert Edelfelt, father of the
famous Finnish painter who bore the
same name. Built in 1839, it is the
oldest preserved villa in the park.
Kauppatori (Market Square)
Eteläranta and Pohjoisespl.
Sept.-May, weekdays 6:30-2, Sat.
6:30-3; June-Aug., weekdays 6:30-2
and 3:30-8, Sat. 6:30-3; Sun.9-4.
At this well known Helsinki market,
open year-round, wooden stands with
orange and gold awnings welcome
tourists and locals alike who come
to shop, browse, or sit and enjoy
coffee and conversation. You can buy
a fresh perch, a bouquet of flowers,
or a fur pelt or hat. In summer the
fruit and vegetable stalls are
supplemented by an evening arts and
crafts market.
Luonnontieteelinen Museo (Natural
History Museum)
Pohjoinen Rautatiekatu 13
09/191-7400
Mon-Fri 9-5 (Wed. also 5-8) and
Sat,Sun 11-4
Bus 16,23,21v; tram 4,10
Admission charged.
The museum is guarded by a bronze
elk, just one of many animals in the
museum’s vast collection. The mammal
hall is one of the best in Europe, a
series of tableaux showing Finnish
wildlife in their native habitats.
Nykytaiteenmuseo -Kiasma (Museum of
Contemporary Art)
Mannerheiminaukio. 2
Bus 16, 13, 21v; tram 4,10
09/1733-6500 or 1733-6501.
Admission charged.
Tues. 9-5, Wed.-Sun. 10-10.
Praised for the boldness of its
curved steel shell, the bold
postmodern design is the creation of
American architect, Stephen Holl.
This striking museum opened in 1998
and displays a wealth of Finnish and
foreign art from the 1960s to the
present.
Sederholmin Talo (Sederholm House)
Aleksanterinkatu 18
09/169-3625
Daily 11-5 (June-Aug.) Wed-Sun.
11-5, rest of the year.
Tram 3B, 3T,1,2,4,7
This is said to be the oldest house
in Helsinki. Its one time owner,
Johan Sederholm, was an 18th century
Finnish businessman who rose from
poverty to great wealth and
distinction.
Senaatintori (Senate Square)
Senaatintori
Tram 3B, 3T, 1,2,4,7
Site of many summer festivals and
events
The harmony of the three buildings
flanking Senaatintori exemplifies
neoclassical architecture. The
architecture is in the Russian
Imperial style which was encouraged
by Tsar Alexander I in his bid to
make Helsinki a stylistically
eastern capital after it was annexed
by Russia from Sweden in 1809. The
asquare and its major buildings were
designed by German architect Carl
Ludvig Engel.
On the square's west side is one of
the main buildings of Helsingin
Yliopisto (Helsinki University); on
the east side is the pale yellow
Valtionneuvosto (Council of State),
completed in 1822. At the lower end
of the square, stores and
restaurants now occupy former
merchants' homes.
Seurasaaren Ulkomuseo.( Seurasaari
Open Air Museum)
a 40 minute walk from the opera
house or take Bus 24 from city
center.
There are guided tours in English at
11:30 and 3:30.
09/4050-9660 in summer; 09/4050-9327
in winter.
Mid-May-late May and early
Sept.-mid-Sept., weekdays 9-3,
weekends 11-5; June-Aug.,
Thurs.-Tues. 11-5, Wed. 11-7;
mid-Sept.-mid-Nov., weekends 11-5.
Located on an island about 2 miles
northwest of the city center, the
Seurasaari Outdoor Museum was
founded in 1909 to preserve rural
Finnish architecture. Its vintage
farmhouses and barns were brought to
Seurasaari from all over Finland;
many are rough-hewn log buildings
dating from the 17th century. All
exhibits are marked by signposts
along the trails. There are nearly
100 marvelous buildings to explore
including a manor house, traditional
farmhouses and a church, some dating
from the 17th century. . Seurasaari
Island is connected to land by a
pedestrian bridge, and is easily
reached from central Helsinki.
Sibeliusken Puisto. The
Sibelius-Monumentti (Sibelius
Monument)
West of Mechelinin.
The monument, by itself, is worth
the walk to this lakeside park. What
could be a better tribute to
Finland's great composer than this
soaring silver sculpture of organ
pipes?
Suomen Kansallismuseo (National
Museum of Finland)
Mannerheimintie. 34
09/4050 9470
Tram 1,2,4,7.
Admission charged.
Tues.-Wed. 11-8; Thurs.-Sun. 11-6.
Eliel Saarinen and his partners
blend characteristics of Finnish
medieval churches and castles with
elements of Art Nouveau in this
example of the National Romantic
style, which recently reopened after
renovations. The museum's
archaeological, cultural, and
ethnological collections explore
Finnish life from prehistoric times
to the present.
University of Helsinki Botanical
Gardens
Kaisaniemi, Unioninkatu 44
The Botanical Gardens are open
Tue-Sun 11 – 17. The outdoor gardens
are open 7 – 8 daily May-Sept.; 7 –
6 during the rest of the year.
Admission charged for entry to
greenhouses. There is no charge for
admission to the outdoor garden
areas.
The Botanical Gardens belonging to
the University of Helsinki are in
Kaisaniemi, a short walk from the
Railway Station towards Hakaniemi.
They consist of a large outdoor area
surrounding the greenhouses, which
have just reopened after a major
renovation.
Kumpula Gardens (University of
Helsinki)
Jyrängöntie 2
Admission charged
City Conservatory (Helsinki City
Winter Gardens)
Hammarskjöldintie 1
Open: Mon-Sat 12 – 15 and Sun 12 –
16.
Japanese Gardens
Meiramitie 1, Vantaa
Open in winter Mon-Fri 8 –7, Sat-Sun
9 –5; in summer Mon-Fri 8 –6 and
Sat-Sun 9 -3
Admission charged.
Suomenlinna (Finland's Castle).
From June 1 to August 31, guided
English-language tours leave from
the ticket booth at Artillery Bay
daily at 10:30, 1, and 2
Ferries leave at half hourly
intervals from the Market Pier
Admission charged.
(Ehrensvärd-society, tel.
09/6841850).
09/6841880 (tourist information).
The historic fortress is built on
four interconnecting islands. There
are several museums on Suomenlinna,
including a main exhibition center,
the Military Museum, the Coast
Artillery Museum, and a doll and toy
museum. There are also several art
galleries, craft studios and
restaurants. Exquisite gardens and
acres of parkland make this a
perennially popular excursion from
Helsinki.
Museums On Suomenlinna
Visitors’ Centre,
tel. (+358-9) 668 880
Ehrensvärd Museum,
tel. (+358-9) 668 154
Once the residence of the fortress
commandant, the museum is named in
honor of Augustin Ehrensvärd, under
whose direction most of the
fortifications were built.
Suomenlinna Doll and Toy Museum,
tel. (+358-9) 668 417.
A private museum in an old Russian
villa.
Submarine Vesikko,
tel. (+358-9) 181 46238
250-ton coastal submarine used
during the second world war.
Coastal Artillery Museum
+358-9 1814 5295
300 years of coastal defense
equipment
tel. (+358-9) 1814 5296
Heavy war material used by various
services mainly in 1939-1945.
Temppeliaukio Kirkko (Temple Square
Church).
Lutherinkatu 3, 09/494-698.
Weekdays 10-8, Sat. 10-6, Sun.
12-1:45 and 3:15-5:45.
Topped with a copper dome, this
modern Lutheran church is carved
into the rock outcrops below and
around it. The sun shines in from
above, illuminating the stunning
interior with its birch pews, modern
pipe organ, and cavernous walls.
Ecumenical and Lutheran services in
various languages are held
throughout the week.
Tuomiokirkko (Lutheran Cathedral of
Finland)
Senate Square, Unioninkatu 29.
Admission Free.
June-Aug., Mon.-Sat. 9–-6, Sun.
12-–6; Sept.-May, Mon.-Sat. 10–-6,
Sun. 12-–6.
The steep steps and green domes of
the church dominate Senaatintori.
Completed in 1852, it is the work of
famous architect Carl Ludvig Engel.
Wander through the tasteful
blue-gray interior, with its white
moldings and the statues of German
reformers Martin Luther and Philipp
Melancthon, and the famous Finnish
bishop Mikael Agricola. Concerts are
frequently held inside the church.
The crypt at the rear is the site of
frequent historic and architectural
exhibitions, and houses a little
cafe in the summer.
Uspenskin Katedraali (Uspensky
Cathedral).
Kanavak. 1
09/634-267.
May-Sept., Mon. and Wed.-Fri.
9:30-4, Tues. 9:30-6, Sat. 10-4,
Sun. noon-3; Oct.-Apr., Tues. and
Thurs. 9-2, Wed. noon-6, Fri.
noon-4, Sun. noon-3.
Perched on a small rocky cliff over
the North Harbor in Katajanokka is
the main cathedral of the Orthodox
church in Finland. Its brilliant
gold onion domes are its identifying
features, but its imposing redbrick
edifice, decorated by 19th-century
Russian artists, is no less
distinctive. The cathedral was built
and dedicated in 1868 in the
Byzantine-Slavonic style and remains
the largest Orthodox church in
Scandinavia.
Yrjönkatu Public Swimming Pool
Yrjönkatu 21 B; tel. 60 981
You can also visit the Finnish Sauna
Society on Lauttasaari (tel. 678
677), where it is possible to try a
traditional "smoke sauna".
Kotiharju in Kallio
Harjutorinkatu 1; tel. 753 1535
a public sauna (pronounced sa
–ow-nuh)
For thousands of years, sauna has
been an essential part of Finnish
culture and tradition. Sauna is a
place to get washed, relax,
meditate, have meetings, make
important decisions Until the
mid-1900's, it was also a place to
give birthit is estimated that in
Finland, with five million people,
there are one million saunas. Most
Finns go to a sauna at least once a
week.
A Finnish sauna is an insulated,
heated (80-100 degrees Celsius) room
where people (men and women
separately, except within the
family) gather naked to enjoy the
warmth. There are usually wooden
benches and a stove (heated with
wood or electricity) in one corner
of the room. Water is thrown on the
hot stones of the stove for steam:
löyly fills the room, makes the heat
more intense, and stimulates
perspiration. One can also lightly
stroke oneself with a wet birch
switch called vihta or vasta. If it
gets too hot, one can cool down
outside and then go back to löyly
again. This might go on for hours
while chatting or discussing
business.
Areas Around Helsinki
During the months of the midnight
sun, coastal regions, including the
Turku archipelago and Åland Islands,
are a sailing and fishing paradise.
Turku,
Finland's first capital, is the
country's oldest city. Fire has
destroyed it several times over the
centuries, but its biggest blow was
the transfer of the capital to
Helsinki in 1812. Today, Turku is a
substantial city with fine
attractions
Luostarinmäki is the only surviving
18th-century area of medieval Turku
Here, in summer, artisans work
inside the old wooden houses.
Turku Cathedral is the national
shrine of the Evangelical-Lutheran
Church of Finland. It dates from the
13th century, and the museum here is
open daily.
Turku Castle, founded in 1280, is
the most notable historic building
in Finland. It houses an interesting
museum, with many rooms decorated to
evoke a specific decade or century.
Situated on the southern coast of
Finland, Turku is the most likely
gateway to the country if you are
coming from Sweden.
Åland
The Åland province, with its own
flag and culture, comprises more
than 6400 autonomous islands.
Several dialects of Swedish are
spoken, and few Ålanders speak
Finnish. This beautiful island is
perfect for bicycle tours, camping
and cabin holidays, and for
experiencing the islanders'
distinctive culture, expressed in
folk dancing, Maypole decorating and
small-town charm.
Regular ferries connect Åland to
both Sweden and the Finnish
mainland. Free transport is provided
by inter-island ferries. Sund is
accessible by bus and bicycle from
the dock.
Sund, at the eastern end of the main
island, with its impressive
Kastelholm Castle is the most
interesting town on Åland . Of
strategic importance during the 16th
and 17th centuries, the castle’s
exact age is not known, but it was
mentioned in writings as early as
1388.
Jan Karlsgården Museum This open-air
museum is one of the best places in
Finland to witness Midsummer
festivities.
Bomarsund Fortress, now in ruins, is
a memorial to the time when Åland,
together with the rest of Finland,
was under Russian rule. The main
fortress, finished in 1842, was
large enough to house 2500 people. |
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