Helsinki guide
Helsinki is the capital and largest city of Finland. It is located in the southern part of the country on the Baltic Sea coast, in the Gulf of Finland. The town lies on a peninsula surrounded by 315 islands. Together with the neighboring cities of Espoo, Vantaa and Kauniainen, it forms the so-called Greater Helsinki. Over six hundred thousand inhabitants live in Helsinky on an area of 716 km2.
Accommodation in Helsinki
The accommodation in Helsinki is at a very high level, but quite expensive. You can find here a wide selection of hotels of all categories as well as hostels. Average cost of 1 night in a hostel is around 25 Euro per night. The most popular hostels are for example Hostel Suomenlinna, All Right Hotel and Hostel Domus Academica. Prices for hotels in Helsinki range from 70 Euro. Almost all hotels offer free breakfast, free Wifi, and quite often also Finnish sauna. If you plan to spend more days in Helsinki, we can book private accommodation (apartments). However, affordable accommodation in the apartment comes like in a hotel. If you are planning a trip to Helsinki for the summer, be sure to book accommodation well in advance. The most favorite hotels in Helsinki are Scandic Simonkentta, SATO HotelHome Kristianinkatu, Glo Hotel Kluuvi, Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Helsinki, SATO HotelHome Lapinlahdenkatu or Hostel Domus Academica.
History of Helsinki
Helsinki was founded by Swedish King Gustav Vasa in the Vantaanjoki estuary in 1550. The reason, why the city was founded, was simple - to compete with Tallinn. The city however did not grow as fast as expected. After the construction of the coastal fortress Suomenlinna in the mid-18th century, the city started to attract more merchants and other residents that came to live here. During the Russian occupation, the Helsinki was annexed to Russia as an autonomous duchy. After Finland's independence in 1917, Helsinki became the new capital of the country. Helsinki was greatly demolished during World War II. However, it was quickly renewed after the war. That is why Helsinki was able to hold the Summer Olympics already in 1952. Today, Helsinki are the cultural center of Finland.
How to get to Helsinki
Helsinki Vantaa International Airport is located 18 km north of the city. From the airport to the main station it takes about half an hour by one of several bus lines that are operating here. Helsinki is also an important port with ferries going to Tallinn in Estonia, Stockholm, Rostock or Gdynia in Poland. The public transport includes trams (15 lines), buses and metro (22 stations). For a longer stay, we can definitely recommend to buy the Helsinki Card. This card allows you to use public transport for free, including ferry to Suomenlinna Fortress, also you are entitled to free entry to selected museums and monuments.
Weather in Helsinki
In Helsinki, interferes continental climate with coastal. Cold weather brings here the proximity of the Arctic Ocean. On contrary, the Gulf Stream brings Helsinki warm air. The big advantage of the summer months is a lenght of days. The longest days are in June, when the day takes a whopping 19 hours.
Sights and attractions in Helsinki
Helsinki is a beautiful city that reflects the influence of western and eastern cultures. The city center is around the largest square in Helsinki “Senaatintori” (Senate Square). The square is surrounded by buildings from the 19th century and is dominated by cathedral Suurkirkko. This magnificent building was designed by German architect Karl Johann Ludwig Engel. It was completed in 1852. Some of the buildings on the square were also designed by Engl - for example in the eastern part of the square it is the Government's building palaces (Valtioneuvosto), the main building of the University of Helsinki (Helsingin yliopisto), and also the building of the university library (kirjasto Yliopiston). For rest and relaxation, go to Helsinki Esplanade Park with adjacent cafes and shops. If you walk from the square towards the port, you can not miss the Uspensky Cathedral. This Orthodox church made of red bricks with gold cupolas, is a living monument of Russian influence on Finnish history. Directly in the harbor, there is Market Square with its market. Especially during the summer months, there is a very nice atmosphere. From the port, you can go by ferry to Suomenlinna Maritime Fortress. This fort is located on four islands, on about 80 hectares and is considered to be one of the largest naval fortresses in the world. In 1991, this unique monument of European military architecture was registered on the world list of UNESCO.
Sport in Helsinki
Helsinki has a long sporting tradition. The first international recognition the city earned during the Olympic Games in 1952. Since then, it held several international events (World Championships in Athletics 2005, European Championships in 1971, 1994, 2012). Most of these sporting events were taking place on the Olympic Stadium. In its vicinity, there are several other sports, soccer field or swimming pool. A very popular sport among locals is definitely ice hockey. In Helsinki,you can find two hockey clubs: IFK Helsinki and Jokerit.
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