(Travel-Finland) Helsinki Visitors Guide (2007)

HELSINKIVisitors Guide

English

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ContentsHelsinki

Visitors Guide

Helsinki is a city where Eastern and Western cultures interact – a city whose urban cosmopolitan lifestyle exists in perfect harmony with nature. The city’s contemporary architecture, design and high technology reinforce the international reputation of Finland’s capital. Most sights and attractions are within walking distance of the city centre, and getting around town is easy. Helsinki’s cultural life is extremely active, with over 3000 events arranged each year for people of all ages. Discover the unique side of Helsinki in all four seasons of the year!

Bars and nightlife

Hot Winter Helsinki

Exercise and outdoorrecreation

Outside Helsinki

Hotels and otheraccommodation

Events 2007

Tourist information

Sightseeing tours and excursions

Sights and attractions

Fun for the family

Shopping

Useful information

Helsinki in figures and history

Places on the map

Tourist information Sights and attractions Fun for the family

Best shopping places Cultural offerings There are over 900 restaurants in Helsinki

32 Map of Helsinki

35 Public transportation

36 Cultural offerings

45 Restaurants

48 Bars and nightlife

51 Hot Winter Helsinki

54 Exercise and outdoor recreation

56 Outside Helsinki

59 Events in 2007

61 Hotels and other accommodation

63 Alphabetical index

� Wheelchair access

J Fun for children

x€ Free admission

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1. Helsinki Cathedral2. Senate Square3. Government Palace4. University of Helsinki (Main

Building)5. National Library of Finland6. Helsinki City Hall and City

Hall Quarter7. Helsinki City Museum8. Market Square9. Old Market Hall

10. Departure point for sightseeing cruises

11. Suomenlinna waterbus (JT-line)

12. Suomenlinna ferry (Helsinki City Transport)

13. Helsinki Zoo (Korkeasaari) waterbus

14. Havis Amanda statue15. Tourist Information

16. Esplanade Park (departure point for Helsinki Expert sightseeing buses)

17. Presidential Palace18. Uspenski Orthodox Cathedral19. Suomenlinna Maritime

Fortress20. Ateneum Art Museum21. Central Railway Station22. General Post Office and Post

Museum

23. Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma

24. National Museum of Finland25. Lasipalatsi (Glass Palace)26. Kamppi Shopping Centre 27. Tennis Palace Cinema

Complex, Museum of Cultures, and Tennis Palace Art Museum

28. Kunsthalle Helsinki29. Temppeliaukio Church

30. Parliament House31. Finlandia Hall32. Finnish National Opera33. Olympic Stadium and

Stadium Tower34. Winter Garden35. Linnunlaulu Wooden Villa

District36. Sibelius Monument37. Seurasaari38. Hakaniemi Market and

Market Hall39. Arabia Factory and Museum40. Sinebrychoff Art Museum41. Kaapelitehdas (Cable Factory)42. Linnanmäki Amusement Park

and Sea Life43. Helsinki Zoo on Korkeasaari

Island44. Swimming Stadium45. Design Museum46. Design Forum Finland

47. Amos Anderson Museum48. Helsinki Fair Centre49. Finnair Stadium50. Jäähalli (Helsinki Ice Hall)51. Finnair ticket office52. Central Bus Station53. Länsiterminaali (West

Terminal)54. Olympiaterminaali (Olympic

Terminal)55. Katajanokan terminaali

(Katajanokka Terminal)56. Kanavaterminaali (Kanava

Terminal)57. Makasiiniterminaali

(Makasiini Terminal)58. Wanha Satama59. Korjaamo Culture Factory

See also map on page 32

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Tourist Information

Helsinki Card – your best

travel companion!

Purchase the Helsinki Card and

discover the city at your own pace,

easily and inexpensively. With the

Helsinki Card all admission fees and

journeys are paid for in advance. In

addition, you receive a handy city

guide with map and a free Audio

City Tour!

Helsinki Card holders are entitled

to free, unlimited travel on Helsinki

City Transport (HKL), including

municipal ferries to Suomenlinna

and the Helsinki Zoo, as well as to

free admission to over 50 museums

and sights. The adult card entitles

the holder to a free Audio City Tour

(value €25). Other advantages

include discounts on Finnair airport

buses, restaurants, concerts, saunas,

and much more.

The Helsinki Card can be purchased

from Tourist Information on the

Esplanade, at the airport and at the

Central Railway Station, as well as

from Helsinki 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 €33 and for children

(7-16) starting from €11. Children

Tour Shop

The Helsinki Expert Tour Shop is a

travel agency that serves foreign

and domestic visitors. The Tour Shop

sells the Helsinki Card, tickets for

sightseeing tours and excursions,

ferry tickets, domestic train and

bus tickets, and package tours to

Lapland, Tallinn and St. Petersburg.

The Tour Shop also handles car

rentals and hotel reservations.

The Tour Shop is located at Pohjoisesplanadi 19 inside Tourist InformationTel. +358 (0)9 2288 [email protected]

Tip!

Helsinki Helpers

From June to August the streets of

Helsinki are patrolled by around 20

young ‘Helsinki Helpers’ offering

free advice and help to city residents

and tourists alike. Ask them about

interesting events and sights or

for brochures and maps. Helsinki

Helpers travel in pairs and can be

identified by their green overalls.

Tourist InformationMake the most of Helsinki’s tourist services – the inexpensive Helsinki Card, knowledgeable guides and especially the City of Helsinki’s Tourist

Information. We’ll give you brilliant advice and hot tips on how to get the most out of your

holiday, whether you are here for a day or a week.

The Helsinki City Tourist & Convention Bureau’s Tourist Information provides

free information about the city, sights,

events and services. Tourist Information

also offers you a wide selection of

brochures and maps.

Pohjoisesplanadi 19Tel. +358 (0)9 3101 3300

Open 2.5-30.9: Mon-Fri 9am-8pm, Sat-Sun 9am-6pm. Open 1.10-1.5: Mon-Fri 9am-

6pm, Sat-Sun 10am-4pm, www.visithelsinki.fi

15

under 7 travel for free on public

transportation and are allowed in

free to 30 museums.

Reserve your own personal

guide!

Helsinki Expert’s guides are

specially trained and specialised

in Helsinki and its surroundings.

No less than 26 languages are

offered. Our professional guides

help you discover more of Helsinki.

Transportation (car, bus, limousine)

is also available.

Helsinki ExpertIncome Services & Guide BookingTel. +358 (0)9 2288 [email protected]

Purchase in advance:

www.helsinkiexpert.fi/helsinkicard

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9Tourist Information Tourist Information

Helsinki City Tour – see all the sights in

style

Helsinki Expert offers special Audio City Tours

that introduce you to Helsinki’s main sights in

12 languages (Chinese, English, Finnish, French,

German, Helsinki Slang, Italian, Japanese, Latin,

Russian, Spanish and Swedish). Tours depart daily

from the Esplanade Park and Katajanokka Terminal.

Guided City Tours are offered in English and

Swedish and depart from the Olympic Terminal.

These tours introduce visitors to the city’s main

sights.

Helsinki City Tours are offered year round.

Prices: €25/€15 (children 7-16); Audio City Tours

free-of-charge with adults Helsinki Card,

Guided City Tours €11.

Sightseeing tours and excursionsHelsinki is a pocket-sized metropolis that is easy to see on foot. You can get even more out of the city by taking a sightseeing tour by bus, boat or tram, or even a guided walking tour.

Sightseeing Tram 3T

A simple and affordable way to see

Helsinki’s sights is to hop aboard

the 3T tram. This route is perfect

for tourists, as the route passes the

Finlandia Hall, Parliament House,

National Opera and Senate Square.

You can get on or off the tram at

any stop, or you can do the whole

loop in around one hour.

A special brochure is available

from Helsinki City Transport

ticket desks or Tourist

Information with descriptions

of the sights along the route.

For more information about public

transportation tickets, see page 35.

Departures: along route, for example from the Market Square or Central Railway Station.

Helsinki on Foot

To help you discover Helsinki on

your own, the brochure Helsinki on Foot can be purchased from

Tourist Information from spring

Guided half-day excursions

Helsinki Expert provides guided half-day excursions in

English, allowing visitors to discover interesting sights

outside of Helsinki easily and safely. The Old Wooden Town of Porvoo tour includes the home and museum

of J. L. Runeberg (11.6-14.9.2007: Mon, Wed & Fri

at 1pm). The Sibelius’ Home and Art Nouveau tour

includes Hvitträsk, the homes, studios and museums

of three legendary Finnish architects, and Ainola, the

home and museum of Jean Sibelius (17.6-16.9.2007:

Sun at 1pm). The Finnish Lakes and Forest tour

takes visitors on a leisurely hike along the nature trails

around the Nuuksio National Park (12.6-15.9.2007:

Tue, Thu & Sat at 1pm).

Departures from Esplanade Park, Fabianinkatu

Prices: €52/€20 (children 7-16), with Helsinki Card

€45/€17. Duration: 4 hours. Language: English.

Reservations & enquiries: Helsinki Expert, SightseeingTel. +358 (0)9 2288 1600

[email protected], www.helsinkiexpert.fi

2007 onwards. There is plenty to see

along the seven well-marked routes,

including architecture, museums and

statues.

Sightseeing cruises

Marvel at Helsinki’s breathtaking

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, including English, Finnish,

Swedish and German.

Helsinki sightseeing – Beautiful Canals

See and experience Helsinki at its most beautiful, from the sea! Cruise around Suomenlinna, through the narrow Degerö Channel and marvel at the natural beauty of the archipelago. Onboard you can sit back and enjoy the fascinating story of Helsinki’s maritime history, available in no less than 10 languages!

Our modern sightseeing vessels also feature a café and fully stocked bar.

Welcome aboard!

Guided 1.5-hour cruises

Prices: adults € 16.50, children (5-12) € 8, family ticket € 35

(2 adults and children under 12)

Departures 1-25 May and 3-30 September: 11am, 1pm and 3pm.

Departures 26 May-2 September: 10.30am-6.30pm every hourwww.sunlines.fi, tel. +358 20 741 8210

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Tourist Information

Finlandia Hall

Sights and Attractions

Esplanade Park

The vast majority of Helsinki’s sights and attractions are within walking distance of the city centre. If you do feel like resting your feet or saving time, Helsinki’s excellent public transportation will get you to where you want to go fast and easily. Tram rides in particular are great for

discovering the city.

Historic centre ....................................................... 12

Suomenlinna Maritime Fortress ............................14

City centre and Kamppi ......................................16

Töölönlahti Bay ...............................................18

Seurasaari .....................................................19

Outside the city centre ...............................20

Kaivopuisto,

Sibelius Monument,

Kiasma and Stadium Tower

Coupon: Quality Helsinki cruise for just €12!Escape the crowds on Helsinki’s finest cruise ship, the m/s Doris!

Enjoy unobstructed views of the fantastic archipelago scenery from

3 decks with live commentary. The ship includes a fine Scandinavian

restaurant with its own kitchen, 2 bars – drinks served!

This coupon is valid for the following departures: Tue-Sun 11.30am, 2pm, 4.30pm. Tue-Sat also at 7pm. Price: €14. Lunch: €11-32. Dinner: €18-32.

m/s Doris, Market Square, next to Old Market Hall. Table reservations: tel. +358 (0)9 6874 5050www.ihalines.fi

Enjoy hop-on, hop-off sightseeing around Helsinki

on an open double-decker bus, with 11 stops

throughout the city. In case of rain, the roof will be

put up to protect you from the elements.

Commentaries are provided in 8 languages (English,

Finnish, German, French, Russian, Spanish, Italian

and Swedish) through separate headsets.

Departures from Senate Square 12.5-10.6 Saturdays

and Sundays, 11.6-9.9 daily departures every 45

minutes between 10am and 4pm.

Tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours. Tickets: €23.

Discounts for groups, children and with the Helsinki

Card. Tickets are valid for 24 hours and can be

purchased on the bus.

www.opentoptours.com +358 (0)50 430 2050

Waterbus to Suomenlinna

Our ferries leave from the Market Square daily from 1

May to 23 September, carrying passengers directly to the

museum area. Experience Suomenlinna from the land and

sea, and enjoy the onboard café.

Return tickets: adults €5.50 and children €2.20.

tel. +358 (0)9 534 806, www.jt-line.fi

Original Helsinki SightseeingWe offer guided sightseeing cruises of Helsinki’s beautiful

archipelago with over 60 years of experience. Enjoy our

relaxing and comfortable ships, which also offer lunches

and dinners. We also make cruises to Old Porvoo.

Enquiries and

reservations: +358 (0)207 118 333

www.royalline.fi

12 13Sights and Attractions Sights and Attractions

Uspenski Orthodox

Cathedral 18

Completed in 1868 in the

Katajanokka district of Helsinki, the

Uspenski Cathedral is the largest

orthodox church in Western Europe.

With its golden cupolas and redbrick

facade, the church is one of the

clearest symbols of the Russian

impact on Finnish history.

Kanavakatu 1, tel. +358 (0)9 634 267 Open 1.10-30.4: Tue-Fri 9.30am-4pm, Sat 9.30am-3pm, Sun 12noon-3pm, Mon closed. Open 1.5-30.9: Mon-Fri 9.30am-4pm, Sat 9.30am-4pm, Sun 12noon-3pm. www.ort.fi/helsinki x€

Market Square Old Market Hall Presidential Palace

Market Square 8

The Market Square is Helsinki’s most

international and famous market.

The booths here sell traditional

market foods and treats, as well as

handicrafts and souvenirs. There is

also a heated café tent where you

can comfortably sip steaming hot

coffee even on the coldest days in

winter.

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 6.30am-6pm, Sat 6.30am-4pm, May-September also Sun 10am-5pm.

Old Market Hall 9

The Old Market Hall alongside the

Market Square has been a meeting

place for Helsinki’s food aficionados

and a popular tourist attraction since

it first opened in 1889. In addition

to traditional treats, you can also

find Japanese sushi and delicacies

from Lapland.

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 8am-6pm, Sat 8am-4pm.

Havis Amanda 14

Designed by Ville Vallgren and built

in Paris in 1906, this famous bronze

fountain was erected besides the

Market Square in 1908. According to

Vallgren, the girl’s figure symbolises

Helsinki and its rebirth. More

familiarly known as “Manta” by

locals, she is washed each spring by

university students as the prelude to

the city’s May Day celebrations. This

fun ritual, in which she also gets a

student cap, takes place at 6pm on

the evening before May Day and

attracts thousands of onlookers to

the Market Square.

Esplanade Park 16

Situated in the heart of Helsinki, the

Esplanade serves as a promenade

for tourists and a place to relax for

city residents. The park and the Espa

Stage host many popular events,

including the Marimekko Fashion

Show and raising of the midsummer

pole accompanied by folk dancing

in June and the Jazz-Espa concert

series on weekdays throughout July.

www.kulttuuri.hel.fi/espanlava/index_en.html

Presidential Palace 17

The original drawings for the Presi-

dential Palace were made by Pehr

Granstedt at the beginning of the

1800s. The building was finished in

1820, after which C. L. Engel adapted

it for use by the Tsar. Since Finland’s

independence the building has served

as the official residence of the Presi-

dent, although today it is used pri-

marily for presidential functions. The

official residence of President Tarja

Halonen is Mäntyniemi in the Mei-

lahti district, near Seurasaari Island.

Entrance to the Presidential Palace is

possible only with a guided tour.

Further information: Helsinki Experttel. +358 (0)9 2288 1222www.helsinkiexpert.fi

Uspenski Orthodox CathedralSenate Square

Historic Centre As early as the 1600s the town square, town hall, a church and a cemetery were located where the Senate Square can be found today. In 1812 the Russian Tsar proclaimed Helsinki the capi-tal of the autonomous Grand Duchy of Finland and ordered a new monumental city plan to be drawn up in keeping with the city’s important new role.

Helsinki Cathedral and

Senate Square

The Senate Square and its surround-

ings form a unique and cohesive

example of Neoclassical architecture.

The square is dominated by four

buildings designed by Carl Ludvig

Engel between 1822 and 1852:

Helsinki Cathedral, the Government Palace 3 , the main building of the

University of Helsinki 4 and the

National Library of Finland 5 .

Helsinki Cathedral is arguably

Finland’s most famous and photo-

graphed building; it celebrated its

150th anniversary in 2002.

Helsinki Cathedral, Unioninkatu 29tel. +358 (0)9 2340 6120. Opening hours: daily 9am-6pm, June-August 9am-12midnight. x€

Helsinki City Hall and

City Hall Quarter 6 On the southern side of the Senate

Square is the City Hall Quarter, which

dates back originally to the 1700s.

The buildings were later updated by

C. L. Engel in the Empire style to fit

in with the Senate Square. Until the

early years of the 1900s, the City Hall

Quarter was the centre of commerce

and social life in Helsinki.

The buildings in this area are today

mainly occupied by the City of

Helsinki. The new building in the

centre of the block is where the City

Council meets.

The light-blue building that has

housed City Hall since the 1930s was

originally built in 1833 as the Hotel

Seurahuone. The mayor’s office is

above the large balcony overlooking

the harbour. The Kiseleff House on

the corner of Aleksanterinkatu and

Unioninkatu sells Finnish handicrafts,

ceramics, textiles, jewellery and toys,

making it a great place to find unique

souvenirs! Kiseleff House is open as

follows: Mon-Fri 10am-6pm and Sat

10am-4pm. See “Shopping” on page

26 and 28.

Helsinki City Museum

The main building of the Helsinki

City Museum presents the exhibition

“Helsinki Horizons”, which describes

the history of the city over the past

450 years. The Street Museum on

Sofiankatu presents street pave-

ments and street furniture from

the late 1700s to the 1930s. The

City Museum also shows daily films

about Helsinki (primarily in Finnish

and Swedish, with some English-

language viewings on summer week-

ends) in the Kino Engel cinema.

These films are included in the price

of admission to the museum.

Sofiankatu 4, tel. +358 (0)9 169 3933Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat-Sun 11am-5pm. Admission fee: €4/€2/€0, free entrance on Thursdays. �J

The Sederholm House houses

exhibitions and is itself the oldest

surviving stone building in the city

centre, dating back to 1757.

Aleksanterinkatu 16-18tel. +358 (0)9 169 3625. Opening hours: Wed-Sun 11am-5pm. Admission fee: €4/€2, free entrance on Thursdays. www.helsinginkaupunginmuseo.fi �J

City Hall Havis Amanda Helsinki Cathedral

1 2

Statue of

Tsar

Alexander II

CENTRE

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Sights and Attractions Sights and Attractions

Visitor Centre* (1), Tourist Information,

Suomenlinna Museum, guided tours,

widescreen show

Museums, exhibitions and sights

1 Suomenlinna Museum*

2 Ehrensvärd Museum

3 Toy Museum

4 Manege Military Museum

5 Coast Artillery Museum

6 Vesikko Submarine

7 Customs Museum

8 Jetty Barracks Gallery*

9 Church

10 King’s Gate

11 The sandbanks and guns of

Kustaanmiekka

12 Dry dock, panorama terrace

13 Tomb of Augustin Ehrensvärd,

Castle Courtyard

Further information, openingtimes and prices: Tel. +358 (0)9 684 1880www.suomenlinna.fi

Tip!

The Helsinki Card allows you

free ferry and waterbus travel to

Suomenlinna, plus free entrance

to all Suomenlinna museums and

exhibitions.

Suomenlinna is one of the world’s largest historical maritime fortresses. Built on six islands in the 1700s, the garrison town is among the most popular sights in Finland and a living district that is home to 850 city residents.

Suomenlinna has been a UNESCO

World Heritage Site since 1991. With

its museums and events,

Suomenlinna offers a

unique experience for

visitors of all ages, who

can also enjoy idyllic cafes

and cosy restaurants.

Children can have a great

time exploring the many

tunnels of the old fortress. It is

good to reserve at least half a day

for a visit to Suomenlinna. The vast

fortress is best explored on foot,

so prepare for some hiking with

good shoes and a windbreaker.

Suomenlinna is open year-round,

although some facilities are open

only in the summer months.

Ferries and waterbuses depart for

Suomenlinna from the Market

Square three times an hour during

summertime and once an hour in

wintertime. The journey takes fifteen

minutes. The municipal ferries

accept the Helsinki Card and regular

municipal transportation tickets as

payment. JT-Line waterbuses accept

the Helsinki Card but not

municipal transportation

tickets. For more

information about tickets,

see page 35.

The Visitor Centre on

the main island has

an info desk and the

Suomenlinna Museum housing an

exhibition about the history of the

fortress. Guided tours also depart

from here. These are offered daily

by the Ehrensvärd Society in the

summertime in English, Finnish

and Swedish. In wintertime guided

tours in English are offered on

weekends. Tours can also be ordered

in advance.

Museums

Suomenlinna MuseumThe Suomenlinna Museum presents

the history of the fortress from the

1700s to today. The permanent

exhibition at the Suomenlinna

Museum covers the construction of

the fortress, the dry dock and the

archipelago fleet built there, and the

daily life of the garrison town on the

islands. The widescreen multivisual

presentation “Suomenlinna

Experience” is shown every half-hour

in the museum auditorium, taking

the audience through the fascinating

phases of Suomenlinna’s 250-year

history.

Visitor Centre open

2.1-30.4: Mon-Sun 10am-4pm,

2.5-30.9: Mon-Sun 10am-6pm,

1.10-31.12: Mon-Sun 10am-4pm

Entrance fees: Suomenlinna Muse-

um, widescreen show and exhibition:

adults €5, children €0, students

and senior citizens €4. Guided

walking tours: adults €6,

children €3; winter tours:

adults €6.50, children €3 J

Other museums at Suomenlinna:

Ehrensvärd MuseumToy Museum JVesikko Submarine JManege Military Museum JCoast Artillery MuseumCustoms Museum

Suomenlinna maritime fortress

27 Bastion Hårleman’s studios

28 Hytti ry, Glass Studio

29 Municipal ferry terminal,

Main Quay

30 Waterbus terminal,

Artillery Bay Quay

31 Waterbus terminal,

King’s Gate Quay

32 Municipal service ferry terminal

33 Indoor picnic facilities

* open year-round

(WC) summer season only

Restaurants and cafés

14 Restaurant Walhalla & Pizzeria

Nikolai

15 Café Piper

16 Café Chapman *

17 Café Bar Valimo

3 Café at the Toy Museum

18 Café Vanille *

8 Restaurant Suomenlinna Brewery*

Other

19 Hostel Suomenlinna*

20 Swimming beach

21 Summer theatre

17 Guest harbour

22 Grocery store*

23 Kiosk*

24 Artillery Bay summer kiosk

25 Arts and Crafts Summer Shop b34

and Museum Shop

26 Ceramics Studio Pot Viapori

Café Piper Guest harbour Suomenlinna in wintertimeKustaanmiekka fortifications Coast Artillery Museum Visitor Centre

Kauppatori (Market Square) Katajanokkapp

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WC

(WC)

WC

WC

(WC)

Iso Mustasaari

Kustaanmiekka

Susisaari

Pikku Musta

Länsi-Musta


City Centre and Kamppi Ateneum Art Museum

The Ateneum Art Museum houses

the country’s largest art collection

featuring Finnish art from the 1750s

to the 1960s and western art from

the latter half of the 1800s to the

1950s, including many national

treasures.

Here you will find Finland’s golden

age and modern masters, from

Albert Edelfelt to Akseli Gallen-

Kallela and Helene Schjerfbeck.

The museum complex includes the

Ateneum Hall and hosts a range of

events and activities. Ateneum is

part of the Finnish National Gallery.

Kaivokatu 2, tel. +358 (0)9 1733 6401Opening hours: Tue, Fri 9am-6pm, Wed-Thu 9am-8pm, Sat-Sun 11am-5pm. Entrance fees: adults €6/4 or €8/6.50, visitors under 18 free. Free admission on Wednesdays from 5pm-8pmwww.ateneum.fi �J

Central Railway Station

The Central Railway Station is one of

Helsinki’s most recognisable land-

marks. Considered by many to be the

crowning achievement of architect

Eliel Saarinen, this granite monument

is also one of the most internationally

admired Finnish architectural works.

The building represents the transi-

tion from National Romanticism to a

new Functionalist style. The station

was opened in 1919. The four granite

giants who guard the main entrance

and carry round lamps in their hands

were designed by sculptor Emil Wik-

ström. In addition to domestic train

services, Helsinki also offers three

daily train services to Russia: one to

Moscow and two to St. Petersburg.

Main Hall open daily from 5am-1.30amwww.vr.fi

Helsinki General

Post Office and Post Museum

The main post office building in Hel-

sinki also houses the Post Museum,

which exhibits, researches and pre-

serves items and materials related to

the over-360-year history of Finland

Post. The museum’s exhibitions are

ideal for the whole family.

Asema-aukio 5 H, tel. +358 (0)20 451 4888Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, Sat-Sun 11am-4pm. Entrance fees: €4/3, visitors under 18 free.www.posti.fi/postimuseo �J

Museum of Contemporary

Art Kiasma

The Museum of Contemporary Art

Kiasma breaks the barriers of tradi-

National Museum of Finland Central Railway Station

20 21

22

tional art museums and follows the

latest developments in the visual

arts. Its collections include Finnish

and international art – especially

Nordic, Baltic and Russian – from

the 1960s onwards. Works displayed

in the collections and exhibitions in-

clude installations, paintings, media

art and photography. The Kiasma

Theatre presents performances of

contemporary dance, experimental

theatre and music, as well as multi-

media presentations. Kiasma is part

of the Finnish National Gallery.

Mannerheiminaukio 2Tel. +358 (0)9 1733 6501Opening hours: Tue 9am-5pm, Wed-Sun 10am-8.30pm.Entrance fees: adults €6/4, visitors under 18 free. Free admission on Fridays from 5pm-8.30pmwww.kiasma.fi �

National Museum of Finland

The National Museum of Finland

presents Finnish life from prehistoric

times to the present, with artefacts

having been collected for over 170

years. The magnificent Jugend

building was designed by famous

architect trio Gesellius-Lindgren-

Saarinen and was completed in 1910.

Mannerheimintie 34Tel. +358 (0)9 4050 9544Opening hours: Tue-Wed 11am-8pm,

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General Post Office

Museum of Contemporary

Art Kiasma

Tennis Palace The Parliament extension

Thu-Sun 11am-6pm. Entrance fees: adults €6, visitors under 18 free, special groups €4, free admission on Tuesdays from 5.30pm-8pm. www.nba.fi �J

Lasipalatsi – Glass Palace

This icon of Functionalist

architecture was designed by

Viljo Revell and completed in the

1930s. Lasipalatsi is these days a

film and media centre, in which

communications, technology and

people interact in TV studios,

galleries, cinemas, shops, an online

library and cafés.

Mannerheimintie 22-24www.lasipalatsi.fi

Kamppi Centre

This brand-new shopping and travel

centre features dozens of shops and

restaurants, plus two underground

bus stations. You can also enter the

Kamppi Centre by metro (Kamppi

Station). See also page 25.

Shops open: Mon-Fri 9am-9pm and Sat 9am-6pm; Sun (June-August only) 12noon-6pm. www.kampinkeskus.fi �

Tennis Palace

Enjoy movies and the arts, as well as

cafés and restaurants, all under the

same roof.

Tennis Palace Art MuseumHoused in a fully restored

Functionalist building that was

completed in 1938, the museum

features several exhibitions each

year, including major international

touring exhibitions.

Salomonkatu 15, tel. +358 (0)9 3108 7001Opening hours: Tue-Sun 11am-8.30pm. Entrance fees: adults €6, visitors under 18 free, special groups €5, higher prices

for special exhibitions. www.taidemuseo.fi �

Museum of CulturesWith a collection of over 40,000

artefacts, the museum also presents

visiting ethnographic exhibitions.

Tennispalatsi, Salomonkatu 15Tel. +358 (0)9 40 501Opening hours: Tue-Thu 11am-8pm, Fri-Sun 11am-6pm. Entrance fees: adults €5, visitors under 18 free, special groups €4/person, free admission on Tuesdays from 5pm-8pm and Fridays from 11am-6pm. www.kulttuurienmuseo.fi �

Kunsthalle Helsinki

The exhibitions held at the

fabulous Kunsthalle Helsinki feature

contemporary art, design and

architecture. Exhibitions in 2007

include: Five Rooms (January),

Marianna Uutinen (February),

Boogie Woogie (March), Mari

Rantanen (April), 5th Triennial of

Finnish Art (May-June), Design

Shop (June-August), Helsinki

Festival (August-September),

Fortum Art Foundation Collection

(October-November). The building

housing Kunsthalle Helsinki was

designed by Hilding Ekelund and is a

prime example of 1920s Neoclassical

architecture.

Nervanderinkatu 3Tel. +358 (0)9 454 2060Opening hours: Tue, Thu, Fri 11am-6pm, Wed 11am-8pm, Sat-Sun 12noon-5pm. Entrance fees: adults €7, visitors under 18 free, special groups €5 per person.www.taidehalli.fi

Temppeliaukio Church

Quarried out of the natural bedrock,

Temppeliaukio Church is one of

Helsinki’s most popular tourist

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attractions. The interior walls of

the church are created naturally

by the rock. In addition to holding

religious services, the church is a

popular venue for concerts due to its

excellent acoustics and cosy interior.

Lutherinkatu 3, tel. +358 (0)9 494 698Open summertime: Mon, Tue, Thu and Sat 10am-8pm, Wed and Fri 10am-6pm, Sun 11.45am-1.45pm and 3.30pm-6pm. Open 16.9-1.5: Mon, Wed 10am-5pm, Tue 10am-12.45pm and 2.15pm-5pm, Thu-Sat 10am-8pm, Sun 11.45am-1.45pm and 3.30pm-6pm (closed during religious services).www.kirkkohelsinki.fi x€

Parliament House

Finland’s 200-seat parliament

gathers in this impressive building

representing 1920s Classicism. The

facade of the building is made of red

granite from Kalvola and features 14

Corinthian columns. Sessions of the

parliament can be observed by the

public on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Guided tours (in English, Finnish and

Swedish): Sat at 11am and 12noon

and Sun at 12noon and 1pm, in July

and August also Mon-Fri at 1pm.

Mannerheimintie 30Tel. +358 (0)9 432 2027

The Parliament extension

(Arkadiankatu 3) was completed in

June 2004 and houses additional

workrooms for parliamentarians,

their assistants and committee

meetings. This building also has

a useful info desk and the Café

Pikku Parlamentti with internet

connections.

www.eduskunta.fi x€

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Temppeliaukio Church

CENTRE

KAMPPI

29


Töölönlahti BayThe park around Töölönlahti Bay begins in the heart of Hel-sinki. The wooden villas of the Linnunlaulu (Birdsong) district are an evocative reminder of Helsinki’s building heritage. Töölönlahti Bay is also a treasure for bird watchers. A walk around Töölönlahti Bay is a popular active among Helsinki residents, especially on Sundays.

Finlandia Hall

Overlooking Töölönlahti Bay is the

famous concert and meeting hall

designed by legendary Finnish

architect Alvar Aalto. Guided tours

take approximately 30 minutes.

Mannerheimintie 13 eTel. +358 (0)9 40 241 or +358 (0)9 4024 246 (Info Shop)Opening hours: Info Shop Mon-Fri 9am-4pm. For guided tours (in English and Finnish, other languages upon request at group prices) enquire from Info Shop. Prices: adults €6, children (under 16) €4.www.finlandia.hel.fi/english �

Finnish National Opera

Also located on the banks of

Töölönlahti Bay, Finland’s modern

opera house is itself a stunning

building. Completed in the early

1990s, the opera house has

hosted scores of opera, ballet and

contemporary dance performances.

Guided tours of the building and

backstage are offered on Tuesdays

and Thursdays at 2.30pm in Finnish

and take approximately one hour.

Tours in other languages are available

upon request at group prices.

Helsinginkatu 58. Sales and guided tours (Mon-Fri 9am-4pm) Tel. +358 (0)9 4030 2210 Ticket sales: Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, Sat 3pm-6pm, tel. +358 (0)9 4030 2211 Prices: €8 adults, €5 childrenwww.operafin.fi �J

Olympic Stadium

Helsinki’s Olympic Stadium has been

the arena of emotional sporting and

musical events since 1952. The sta-

dium was the result of an architectural

competition and has been called the

world’s most beautiful Olympic sta-

dium. Yrjö Lindegren and Toivo Jäntti

won the competition with their aes-

thetically pure Functionalist design.

Paavo Nurmentie, tel. +358 (0)9 436 6010Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9am-8pm, Sat-Sun 9am-6pm, www.stadion.fi

Tower open: Mon-Fri 9am-8pm, Sat-Sun 9am-6pm, closed during stadium events.Prices: adults €2, children under 16: €1, adult groups (min. 10 persons) €1.50/person, school groups €0.50/person. J

Finlandia Hall Finnish National Opera

The stadium tower is 72 metres

high and offers a spectacular view

over Helsinki.

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Linnunlaulu Wooden

Villa District

Situated on the eastern banks of

Töölönlahti Bay, the Linnunlaulu

(‘Birdsong’) district is famous for

its ornate wooden villas. Villa Kivi has been renovated into a home

for writers. The café in the Blue Villa (Sininen Huvila) offers a

splendid view over Töölönlahti Bay.

Eläintarhan Huvila 14 (built 1889)

is one of the oldest original wooden

villas in the district. The ground floor

of the villa is open to the public and

features a permanent exhibition

of the history of the house and

neighbourhood from the late 1800s.

As part of Helsinki’s European City

of Culture Year in 2000, a unique art

park was created around Töölönlahti

Bay, featuring expansive flowerbeds

and environmental art installations

during summertime.

www.kulttuuri.hel.fi

TAKA-TÖÖLÖ

Sibelius Monument

One of Helsinki’s favourite tourist

attractions, the Sibelius Monument

can be found in Sibelius Park in the

Taka-Töölö district. Sibelius Park was

named in 1945 to honour the 80th

birthday of composer Jean Sibelius.

The Sibelius Monument itself is

the work of Eila Hiltunen and was

unveiled in 1967.

Mechelininkatu 38 Jx€

The Sports Museum of Finland is

a must for sports fans, with almost

30,000 objects and over 200,000

photographs on display.

Located beside the Olympic Stadium Tower, tel. +358 (0)9 434 2250Open: Mon-Fri 11am-5pm, Sat-Sun 12noon-4pm. Prices: adults €3.50, visitors under 18 free, special groups €1.70/person. www.urheilumuseo.fi �JWinter Garden

The Helsinki City Winter Garden

features over 200 plant species,

including massive palms that reach

to the ceiling and one-hundred-

year-old Camellia japonica. The

latter flower from October to

mid-February. Enjoy these and

more in the Palm Room. Favourites

among children include the fish

in the fountain. The Cactus Room

includes flowering money plants

among hundreds of different

cacti. Outdoors you can enjoy the

splendour of the Rose Garden and

the sculptured linden trees.

Hammarskjöldintie 1 ATel. +358 (0)9 166 5410Opening hours: Tue 9am-3pm, Wed-Fri 12noon-3pm, Sat-Sun 12noon-4pm. Closed Mondays, Christmas Eve and Day, and Midsummer’s Eve and Day.www.rakennusvirasto.fi Jx€

34

Linnunlaulu District

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Seurasaari is a popular

museum island and

recreational area located

fifteen minutes by bus

from the city centre.

The Open-Air Museum

offers a fascinating

look at traditional life in the Finnish

provinces. The many wooden

buildings on display represent both

eastern and western influences on

Finnish building traditions from

the 18th to the 20th century. The

Karuna Church, built in 1685, is

one of the most popular churches

in Helsinki for summer weddings.

During the summer season various

workshops and events are organised

at the museum presenting traditional

handicrafts, customs and folklore. A

walk around the island is a great way

to enjoy the beautiful nature and

fresh air throughout the year.

The Open-Air Museum is open: 15.5-31.5 and 1.9-15.9 Mon-Fri 9am-3pm, Sat-Sun 11am-5pm; 1.6-31.8 Mon-Sun 11am-5pm, except Wed 11am-7pm. Free admission to the island. Tickets to the Open-Air Museum: €5/4, combined ticket with Urho Kekkonen Museum Ð8/7, visitors under 18 free of charge. Free admission with the Helsinki Card.

At the end of June, Helsinki’s

traditional Midsummer celebrations

are held on Seurasaari Island.

Family events are also held at

Christmastime, Shrovetide and

Eastertime.

The kiosk at the island’s Festival Grounds is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 11am to 4pm. The

Seurasaari

Seurasaari Summer Restaurant is open throughout the year and also serves drinks. To get to Seurasaari, take Bus 24 from beside the Swedish Theatre in the city centre.

Further information: Seurasaari Foundation, tel. +358 (0)9 484 511 www.kolumbus.fi/seurasaarisaatio Open-Air MuseumTel. +358 (0)9 4050 9660www.nba.fi JClose to Seurasaari

Urho Kekkosen MuseumSeurasaarentie 15, www.nba.fi/fi/ukk_museo

Meilahti Art MuseumTamminiementie 6, www.taidemuseo.fi

Folklore Centre TomteboTamminiementie 1www.kolumbus.fi/seurasaarisaatio

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. Meilahti Art Museum

10. Folklore Centre

Tomtebo

Sibelius Monument Seurasaari Bridge

37

Winter Garden

CENTRE

SEURASAARI TÖÖLÖ

Midsummer bonfi res

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5

1

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7

810

9

UimarantaWC

WC

WC

WC

WC

Seurasaaren ulkoilupuisto

Ulkomuseo


Merisatamaranta shoreline Ruoholahti Canal

Hakaniemi Market

Old Town (Vanhakaupunki)

Helsinki was originally established

at the mouth of the Vantaanjoki

River in 1550 by King Gustav

Vasa of Sweden. Today this area

is one of Finland’s most modern

centres for the arts, sciences and

high technology. Contemporary

architecture can be admired in the

new Arabianranta residential areas

along the shores of the Old Town

Bay. The district also houses the

distinguished University of Art and

Design Helsinki, which attracts

students from around the world.

To get to the Old Town and Arabianranta, take Tram 6 or Bus 68, 71, 71V or 73B from the Railway Station Square in the city centre.

Arabia Museum and Factory,

Iittala Factory Outlet

Arabia has been a pioneer in modern

Scandinavian design, combining

timeless beauty with everyday

practicality. The porcelain factory

has manufactured household and

art ceramics in the same location for

over 130 years.

Hämeentie 135Tel. +358 (0)204 39 5357.Arabia Museum open: Tue-Fri 12noon-6pm, Sat-Sun 10am-4pm. Entrance fees: adults €3, children (12-18) and special groups €1.50/person.www.arabianmuseo.fiFactory tours: reservations Tel. +358 (0)204 39 5326. Guided tours Mon-Fri (min. 10 persons) €3/person, Sat €55/group + €3/person. www.arabia.fi or www.iittala.comFactory Outlet open: Mon-Fri 10am-8pm, Sat-Sun 10am-4pm �

The Technical Museum along-

side the Old Town Rapids presents

the achievements of old and new

technology and hosts related

exhibitions.

Viikintie 1, tel. +358 (0)9 7288 4428Open: Wed-Sun 12noon-4pm, see website for exceptions. Entrance fees: adults €6, children (7-16) €1, pensioners and unemployed €5, students €2, www.tekniikanmuseo.fi J

Nearby you can also find the Power Station Museum, featuring original

hydroelectric pumps from the 1800s.

Other interesting sights and attractions

Hämeentie 163, tel. +358 (0)9 3108 7064Open 4.6-31.8: Sun 11am-5pm. Admission fees: €4/2http://www.hel2.fi/kaumuseo/english/voimalamuseo.html J

Hakaniemi District

Hakaniemi MarketGroceries, flowers and baskets have

been sold at Hakaniemi Market

for over a hundred years. While

shopping you can enjoy coffee at

one of the outdoor cafés.

Opening hours: Mon-Sat 6.30am-3pm, plus on the first Sunday of each month from 10am-4pm.

Hakaniemi Market HallHakaniemi Market Hall is located

beside the outdoor market. Upstairs

you can find a variety of clothing,

souvenirs and designer products,

while downstairs you can buy

groceries and delicacies.

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 8am-6pm, Sat 8am-4pm.

Kaivopuisto Park

Kaivopuisto is Helsinki’s oldest

and most famous park and is

overlooked by splendid villas. The

neighbourhood also boasts many

embassies, including those of the

Old Town Rapids

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CENTRE

RUOHOLAHTI

HAKANIEMI

ARABIA

KAIVOPUISTO

HIETALAHTI

USA and Russia. 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. There are several cafés

and restaurants along the shore and

on the nearby islands.

Sinebrychoff Art Museum

The Sinebrychoff Art Museum is

specialised in old European art and

includes Finland’s most important

collection of old masters. The

art collections include especially

portraits and artefacts from the 17th

and 18th centuries. The upper floor

is a wonderful reproduction of the

family home of the famous brewer.

The museum presents its collections,

special exhibitions and additional

programmes. The Sinebrychoff

Art Museum is part of the Finnish

National Gallery.

Bulevardi 40, tel. +358 (0)9 1733 6460Opening hours: Tue and Fri 10am-6pm, Wed-Thu 10am-8pm, Sat-Sun 11am-5pm. Entrance fees: adults €4.50/3 or €7.50/6, visitors under 18 free. Free admission on Thursdays 5pm-8pm.www.sinebrychoffintaidemuseo.fi �

Hietalahti District

The Hietalahti Flea Market is Helsinki’s most popular place to

shop for used items due to the

enormous variety and relaxed

atmosphere.

Tel. +358 (0)9 169 3418. Opening hours: Mon-Fri 8am-2pm, Sat 8am-3pm. The evening flea market is open June to August from Mon-Fri 3.30pm-

8pm. There is also a Sunday flea market open May to September from 10am-4pm.

The Hietalahti Antique and Art Hall is located alongside and sells

a wide range of furniture, jewellery

and other antique items.

Hietalahti Market Tel. +358 (0)9 670 145Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 10am-3pm.www.hietalahdenkauppahalli.fi

Kaapelitehdas (Cable Factory)

The massive Cable Factory was

used up until the 1980s to produce

telephone and electric cables. Today

‘Kaapelitehdas’ represents a new type

of independent centre for culture and

the arts. Over 800 artists, artisans

and other cultural people work within

these walls. The Cable Factory houses

art schools, dance theatres, two

radio stations, three museums and

eight galleries. There are also many

varieties of sports clubs. The popular

café and restaurant Hima&Sali is

open daily until 10pm.

Tallberginkatu 1 CTel. +358 (0)9 4763 8330Opening hours (museums): Tue-Sun 11am-6pm, www.kaapelitehdas.fi

Cable Factory museums

Finnish Museum of Photography Tel. +358 (0)9 6866 3622Entrance fees: adults €6, visitors under 18 free, special groups €4, groups (min. 10 persons) €5/person.www.fmp.fi �

Theatre MuseumTel. +358 (0)207 961 670Entrance fees: adults €5.50, one child under 15 accompanied by adult free, children under 15 and special groups €2.50.www.teatterimuseo.fi �J

Hotel and Restaurant MuseumTel. +358 (0)9 6859 3700Entrance fees: adults €2, children under 15 free, special groups €1/person.www.hotellijaravintolamuseo.fi �J

Ruoholahti and Kaapelitehdas

Sinebrychoff Art MuseumTechnical Museum Kaivopuisto Park

23Fun for the Family

Helsinki offers countless

unforgettable experiences for

families on holiday. Adults and

children of all ages will find lots

to do. Perennial family favourites

include the exciting Linnanmäki Amusement Park, which always

offers something new, as

well as the Helsinki Zoo on beautiful

Korkeasaari Island.

In wintertime the

new Helsinki Ice Park in the Railway

Square delights

skaters and onlookers

with a range of entertaining

events. The fascinating tunnels and

bastion walls of the Suomenlinna Maritime Fortress can be explored

with a guided tour or on your own

throughout the year. A sure hit in

summertime is the Lego Show close

to the city centre. An entire day

can be spent at the Serena Water Park playing in the water or simply

relaxing. Heureka, the Finnish Science Centre, offers visitors of

all ages the joy of discovery in a

variety of thought-provoking and

fun exhibitions. In addition, Helsinki

allows visitors to enjoy a seemingly

endless array of other activities,

from laser battles to go-kart racing!

Swimming beaches

Helsinki has 315 islands and almost

100 kilometres of coastline. The

surrounding archipelago is an

amazing place to swim, hike and

explore. The mainland also has many

excellent swimming beaches. The

most famous is Hietaniemi Beach,

or “Hietsu” as it is known locally.

In addition to the places listed

here, public swimming beaches

near to the centre can be found

at Seurasaari, Mustikkamaa and

Munkkiniemi.

The sandy beaches

of Uunisaari Island off the

southern shore of

Kaivopuisto Park

combined with

convenient services

attract holidaymakers to

swim and picnic. The sandy

beach is protected and manned by

a lifeguard, making it a favourite for

families with children.

How to get there (April-November): Take the small ferry from Merisatamantori (look for the compass), which operates non-stop.

Sun worshippers love the splendid

rocks and two sandy beaches on

Pihlajasaari Island. The island

features a kiosk and café.

How to get there (June-August): Take the ferry from Merisatamanranta (beside Cafe Carusel), which operates every half-hour during peak season. Alternatively, take the ferry from Ruoholahti departing every hour.

The Swimming Stadium offers

outdoor swimming from May to

September in 25-degree water

regardless of the weather. The

stadium features a 50-metre pool

and a diving platform, and you can

even play water handball.

Hammarskjöldintie 5, next to Olympic Stadium, www.hel.fi/livSee also Exercise and Outdoor Recreation on page 54

Explore Suomenlinna!

To explore the dark tunnels

and secret passageways of the

Suomenlinna Maritime Fortress you

will need courage and a flashlight!

The English garden in Piper’s Park

on Susisaari Island is a lovely place

for a picnic or to throw frisbee on

a sunny day. The Café Piper, which

is open daily during summertime,

offers a fantastic view to the sea.

Next to Piper’s Park is a small and

idyllic swimming beach where you

can watch dozens of boats and

ships sail by every day. The busy

boat traffic can cause high waves

in places. Suomenlinna also has

some dangerous unfenced cliffs, so

parents should keep a close eye on

younger ones!

For more information, see pages 14-15 or www.suomenlinna.fi

Fun for the FamilyHelsinki offers countless unforgettable experiences for

families on holiday. Adults and children of all ages will find lots to do, and getting around town is also easy. Spend a nostalgic day at the amusement park, explore the undersea world, or make a fun outing to the zoo!

Heureka Helsinki Zoo Sea Life

24 Fun for the Family

The joy of discovery at Heureka, the Finnish Science Centre!Heureka is a popular family attraction where visitors of all ages can learn and experiment with new things while having a great time. This year’s exhibitions reveal the wonders of ancient Mexico and nature, while our super films present the bugs of the rainforest and underwater volcanoes.

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10am-5pm, Thu 10am-8pm, Sat-Sun 10am-6pm; summertime (25.6-12.8) Mon-Fri 10am-7pm, Sat-Sun 10am-6pm. Prices: adults €9-23, children (6-15) €7-15

Location: Tikkurila, Vantaa (Train R, K or I, 20 minutes), www.heureka.fi

Helsinki offers the best and widest range of shopping opportunities in Finland. Favourite items to bring home from Finland include designer products and high-quality food and confections.

Opening hours

Department stores and shopping

centres are open: Mon-Fri 9am-9pm

and Sat 9am-6pm (May-August

and November-December also Sun

12noon-6pm). Smaller shops are

usually open: Mon-Fri 10am-6pm

and Sat 10am-2pm.

Tax Free

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, travellers

can claim VAT that varies according

to product but does not exceed 16

percent. Further information: www.

globalrefund.com

Shopping streets

The main shopping streets in

Helsinki are Aleksanterinkatu,

both sides of the Esplanade,

and Mannerheimintie. Smaller clothing boutiques can be found

especially on Fredrikinkatu and

Korkeavuorenkatu, while there are

many interior decorating shops in

the Punavuori and Kamppi districts.

World famous Finnish design can

be found at a number of design

boutiques. For a real Finnish design shopping expedition, head for

Design Forum on Erottaja and along

the Esplanade. Museum shops are

also worth checking out, especially

at the Design Museum, Kiasma and

Post Museum. Helsinki also has many

antique shops, for example in the

Kruununhaka and Ullanlinna districts.

The Hietalahti Antique and Art Hall

also offers plenty of choice. Listings

of antique shops, second-hand

bookstores and factory outlets are

available from Tourist Information.

Shopping centres and

department stores

Helsinki’s newest shopping and travel

centre Kamppi houses no less than

150 shops and restaurants, offering

perfect opportunities from early in

the morning to late at night. Whether

you are looking for fashion, sporting

goods or youth products, you will

be sure to find the ideal boutique.

Kamppi is easy to get to, even from

afar. The Metro and buses stop inside

the shopping centre, and there is

also plenty of indoor parking. Kämp Galleria on the north side of the

Esplanade is a quality shopping

centre full of boutiques selling

designer products and clothes. The Kluuvi Shopping Centre is located

one block from the Senate Square.

Unique and handmade goods can

be found in the Kiseleff House

on Aleksanterinkatu on the corner

of Senate Square. Forum has lots

of clothing boutiques, as well as

jewellery and home decorating shops.

One of the largest shopping centres

in the Nordic region, Itäkeskus is

located in eastern Helsinki and can

be reached by metro in just fifteen

minutes. Over 240 shops can be

found here under the same roof.

Stockmann (Aleksanterinkatu 52)

is the largest department store in

the Nordic region and features an

enormous selection of items for

everyone. Other famous department

stores in Helsinki include Sokos

(Mannerheimintie 9) and Aleksi 13

(Aleksanterinkatu 13).

!Tip!

If you don’t have room in your

suitcase, you can now order Finnish

design products over the internet

from: www.finnishdesignshop.com

ShoppingFun for everyone in winter, spring, summer and fall!

Linnanmäki Amusement Park features a special winter event in

February and is open for the summer from April to September.

The year culminates with the Carnival of Lights in October.

Open: ski holiday week, summer-

time from May to September,

autumn holiday week

Event schedule, opening times and prices: www.linnanmaki.fi

Dive into an adventure at SEA LIFE, where 50 aquariums present hundreds of species of saltwater and freshwater creatures, including sharks, octopuses and seahorses. SEA LIFE Helsinki features a 10-metre-long underwater tunnel where you can watch the sharks swimming right above your head! Did you know that sharks have to swim all the time, even when they are sleeping?

SEA LIFE is open year round except on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.Doors open daily at 10am, closing time seasonal.

Tivolitie 10, LINNANMÄKI

Tel. +358 (0)9 565 8200, www.sealife.fi

At the Helsinki Zoo you will meet animals all the way from the arctic tundra to the tropical rainforests. The zoo nurtures many endangered animal species. Snow leopards, Siberian tigers, and many other rare arctic species enjoy the outdoors summers and winters. The diversity of Finland’s nature is represented by bears, otters, wolverines and grey seals. The Africasia and Amazonia houses meanwhile present the riches of the tropics.

Open: daily April 10am-6pm, May-August 10am-8pm, September 10am-6pm, October-March 10am-4pm

Getting there: Summertime by waterbus from the Market Square and Hakaniemi, or the Zooline Bus 11 (Herttoniemi metro station-Korkeasaari). Wintertime Bus 11 on weekends, Bus 16 on weekdays, or metro to Kulosaari and 1.5-kilometre walk.

Prices: adults €5,children (7-16) €3.By waterbus €8/4,50.Changes possible.

Further information: www.korkeasaari.fi+358 (0)600 95911 (€0.37/min+local call charge)+358 (0)9 310 37900 (customer service)+358 (0)9 310 37901 (ticket sales)

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!

Shopping Shopping

PENTIK is a Finnish chain of gift shops that sells ceramics, gifts and decorations in 71 boutiques in Finland and Scandinavia. PENTIK’s product assortment includes hand-decorated ceramics, table settings, fabrics, lights, furniture, fixtures and delicacies for the kitchen. In addition, PENTIK offers constantly updated seasonal items allowing a range of options for home decorators.

PENTIK also offers unique and quality gift items for big and small occasions. A special wedding service is available at all PENTIK boutiques. The PENTIK Factory Outlet at the Arabia Centre sells second-quality ceramics and other discounted products.

Welcome to our friendly PENTIK boutiques for the most pleasant shopping experience!

Mannerheimintie 5, tel. +358 (0)207 220 310Itäkeskus, Itäkatu 1-5 C, tel. +358 (0)207 220 306Arabia Centre, Factory Outlet, Hämeentie 135 A

tel. +358 (0)207 220 304Kamppi Shopping Centre, Urho Kekkosen katu 1

tel. +358 (0)207 220 308www.pentik.fi

Welcome!Stockmann, Helsinki city centre

Mon-Fri 9am-9pm, Sat 9am-6pm,summer Sundays 12noon-6pm

Further information: www.stockmann.fi

Unique boutiques

Here is a selection of shops that

are worth checking out should you

want to fill your suitcase with truly

individual clothing and accessories.

Their designers successfully combine

Finnish traditions with their visions of

the future.

Hanna Sarén

Hanna Sarén designs clothing,

accessories and jewellery. Her

products are made in Finland, and

her wooden shoes have even been

worn by Carrie on the TV series “Sex

and the City”.

Fredrikinkatu 45, tel. +358 (0)40 555 1595www.hannasaren.com

Myymälä2

A gallery, boutique and cultural space

in the heart of Helsinki, Myymälä2

sells clothing, comic books, music,

magazines and jewellery.

Uudenmaankatu 23Tel. +358 (0)41 7832 327www.myymala2.com

BOUTIQUE Kirsi Nisonen - Minna Parikka - Tiia Vanhatapio Three hot designers have teamed up

to sell clothing for women and ba-

bies, romantic footwear and vintage

accessories. They have already found

celebrity clients, including Dita Von

Teese, who has been seen wearing

Vanhatapio’s satin dress!

Laivurinkatu 43, tel. +358 (0)50 590 2227www.vanhatapio.fi, www.minnaparikka.com

IVANAhelsinki

One of the top Finnish designers,

Paola Suhonen’s creations have

made waves in fashion saloons and

magazines worldwide. Her clothing

combines retro Scandinavian and

Slavic influences.

Uudenmaankatu 15Tel. +358 (0)9 622 4422www.ivanahelsinki.com

KirsiLille & Miun

The women’s clothing created by

Kirsi Lille is girlishly stylish in a

1950s way yet perfectly suited for

modern ladies. Miun clothing fea-

tures angel-motifs and was designed

by Ilona Hyötyläinen, who has also

created products for Marimekko.

Eerikinkatu 1, Tel. +358 (0)50 520 6689www.kirsilille.com, www.miun.fi

Nina’s

The selection in this boutique

owned by Nina Kurkinen includes

shoes by Marc Jacobs and handbags

by Pontine Paus. Kurkinen is one of

Finland’s most successful models of

all time.

Bulevardi 13Tel. +358 (0)9 622 1002, www.ninas.fi

Aste 90

This boutique sells unique items and

design products created by young

designers, including jewellery made

from cassettes and dice, as well as

magnets and candles.

Rikhardinkatu 1, tel. +358 (0)9 677 163 www.aste90.fi

SECCO

SECCO combines innovative designers

with suppliers of recycled and waste

materials, resulting in truly ecological

jewellery and items made from such

bizarre materials as mobile phone

parts, LP records and plastic bags.

Fredrikinkatu 33, tel. +358 (0)9 678 782www.seccoshop.com

Hundpark

Hundpark brings together 11 brands

that offer design clothes, jewellery,

footwear and accessories that differ

from the mainstream.

Albertinkatu 46Tel. +358 (0)45 139 5313www.hundpark.net.

Lux Shop

This boutique sells items designed

by young Finns, including such

brands as Rinne-Niinikoski, Pusipusi,

Sohjo, Napa Books and Tatty Divine.

Uudenmaankatu 26Tel. +358 (0)9 678 538www.lux-shop.com.

Tip! Check out Helsinki

street fashion at:

www.hel-looks.com

Clothing and equipment for

skateboardersUnion Five, Erottajankatu 15-17 or Kamppi Centre 5th floor, www.unionfive.fiBeamhill, Mikonkatu 8 and Yliopistonkatu 7Delirius Monkey, Uudenmaankatu 23, www.deliriusmonkey.co.ukPonke’s, Simonkatu 6, www.ponkes.com

Record shops

Helsinki’s best record shops can be

found on Viiskulma (Five Corners),

a veritable Bermuda Triangle of

world music. Digelius has a fantastic

collection of rare jazz albums,

Eronen sells soul and reggae, and

Lifesaver specialises in hiphop,

soul and disco vinyl, as well as new

drum&bass, tekno and house.

Digelius, Laivurinrinne 2, www.digelius.comEronen, Laivurinrinne 2, www.dubjazzsalsa.comLifesaver, Laivurinkatu 41, www.lifesaver.net

20 different boutiques

Aleksanterinkatu 28 / Unioninkatu 27Senate Square

Mon-Fri 10am-6pm, Sat 10am-4pm, open on summer Sundays

Photo: Maija Luutonen Photos: Nina Dodd

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29Shopping Useful information

EMERGENCY NUMBERS General emergencies 112Police 10022Ambulance and fire 112

Hospitals

24-hour service

Marian HospitalMechelininkatu 1Tel. +358 (0)9 4716 3466 or +358 (0)9 4711

Meilahti HospitalHUS-yhtymä, Haartmaninkatu 4Tel. +358 (0)9 4711

Mehiläinen-Töölö (private hospital), Runeberginkatu 47 Tel. +358 (0)10 414 0444

LOST AND FOUNDEnquiries from Suomen LöytötavarapalveluMäkelänkatu 56, tel. 0600 41 006 (€1.67/min+local call charge), when calling from abroad Tel. +358 (0)303 9006, open Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, www.loytotavarat.net

BANKSAktiaMannerheimintie 14Tel. +358 (0)10 247 6600Mon-Fri 10am-4.30pm

NordeaAleksanterinkatu 30Tel. +358 (0)200 3000Mon-Fri 9.30am-4.30pm

OkoAleksanterinkatu 19Tel. +358 (0)10 255 9021Mon-Fri 10am-7pm

SampoKaivokatu 6, tel. +358 (0)10 513 5930 Mon-Fri 10am-4.30pm

CURRENCY EXCHANGEForex - Central Railway Station Tel. +358 (0)20 751 2510 Mon-Fri 8am-9pm, Sat-Sun 9am-7pm- Mannerheimintie 10 Tel. +358 (0)20 751 2530 Mon-Fri 10am-6pm- Pohjoisesplanadi 27 Tel. +358 (0)20 751 2520 Mon-Fri 9am-7pm, Sat 9am-3pm

TavexFabianinkatu 12Tel. +358 (0)9 681 49 149Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, Sat 10am-4pm

POSTGeneral Post Office, Elielinaukio 2 FTel. +358 (0)200 71000, Mon-Fri 7am-9pm, Sat-Sun 10am-6pm

PUBLIC TOILETSThe public toilet on Sofiankatu is

open summertime from Mon-Fri

9.30am-6pm, Sat 9.30am-4pm,

Sun closed, and winters Mon-Fri

9.30am-4pm, Sat-Sun closed.

Automatic toilets are located throug-

hout town, for example beside the Old

Market Hall, in Esplanade Park and in

Sibelius Park. Price: €0.40/person

INTERNET CAFÉSKohtaamispaikka@LasipalatsMannerheimintie 22-24 (2nd floor), Mon-Thu 10am-10pm,Sat-Sun 12noon-6pm

mbarLasipalatsi, Mannerheimintie 22-24, Mon-Tue 9am-12midnight, Wed-Thu 9am-2am, Fri-Sat 9am-3am, Sun 12noon-12midnight

Netcup caféStockmann, Aleksanterinkatu 52 Mon-Fri 9am-9pm, Sat 9am-6pm,

Wayne’s CoffeeKaisaniemenkatu 3, Mon-Fri 7.30am-9pm, Sat 10am-9pm, Sun 12noon-9pm

Call CenterVuorikatu 8, Mon-Fri 10am-9pm, Sat 11am-9pm, Sun 12noon-9pm

TAXISTaxis can be ordered by phone:

+358 (0)100 0700 (€0.99/call + €0.08/10s.+local call charge)

Airport Taxi, tel. 0600 555 555 (€1.25/call+local call charge),

when calling from abroad

Tel. +358 (0)9 2515 3372. Special

prices from airport to centre. Reserva-

tions one day in advance before 6pm.

CAR RENTALSAvis, tel. +358 (0)9 441 155www.avis.fi

Budget, tel. +358 (0)9 686 6500 www.budget.fi

Europcar, tel. +358 (0)200 12 154 www.europcar.fi

Hertz, tel. +358 (0)20 555 2300www.hertz.com

Netrent, tel. +358 (0)20 155 0000 www.netrent.fi

Scandia Rent, tel. +358 (0)9 633 194 www.scandiarent.fi

Transvell Oy, tel. +358 (0)9 350 5590 www.transvell.fi

Auto Alex, tel. +358 (0)40 522 3938 www.autoalex.com

Useful information

ENGLISH-FINNISH BASICS

Hi / Bye = Hei (whether greeting or leaving)

Thank you = Kiitos

Good morning = Huomenta

Hello / Good evening / Goodnight = Hyvää päivää / iltaa / yötä

Goodbye = Näkemiin

Sorry / Excuse me = Anteeksi

How are you doing? = Mitä kuuluu?

How much does this cost? = Mitä tämä maksaa?

I do not speak Finnish = En puhu suomea

“A natural way to dress...”

Kiseleff House 2nd floor, Aleksanterinkatu 28Tel./fax: +358 (0)9 2600 115

Open: Mon-Fri 10am-6pm, Sat 10am-4pm

Individual clothing solutions for quality-

conscious women, Finnish design products,

outfits and accessories.

studio emKiseleff House 2nd floorAleksanterinkatu 28, tel. +358 (0)40 505 6346Open: Mon-Fri 11am-6pm, Sat 10am-4pm

Aleksanterinkatu 28, Kiseleff House 2nd floor

00170 Helsinki, tel +358 (0)9 660 400

Open mon-Fri 11am-6pm, Sat 11am-3pm.

Individual Clothing in the Kiseleff House

Aleksanterinkatu 28, Senate SquareTel. +358 (0)9 635 156

30 31History Places on the Map

HELSINKI IN FIGURES

● Helsinki founded in 1550

● Capital of Finland since 1812

● Population: 560,000

Population of Greater

Helsinki: 1.2 million

● Finnish-speakers: 86%

● Swedish-speakers: 6%

● Other language groups: 8%

● Foreign nationals: 5.5%

● Evangelical Lutherans: 72%

● Orthodox: 2%

● Total area: 686 km2

● Coastline: 98 km

● Islands: 315

● Hotels: 45

● Restaurants: 900

● Museums: 78

● Universities and colleges: 7

● Mobile phones per 100

inhabitants: 96

● Average temperatures

yearly: +6.6°C

warmest month (July):

+19.2°C

coldest month (February):

-5°C

Finland in figures

● Independent since 1917

● Total area: 338,000 km2

● Population: 5.2 million

● EU member since 1995

● Introduced euro in 2002

HELSINKI’S HISTORY

Sweden’s King Gustavus Vasa founded

Helsinki on the mouth of Vantaanjoki

River in 1550 to compete with Tallinn

for Baltic Sea trade. The centre of

Helsinki was moved to its current

location in the 1600s.

In 1748 Sweden began construction

of the Suomenlinna Maritime Fortress

off the coast of Helsinki to counter the

growing threat from Russia.

Russia conquered Finland in 1809. The

status of Helsinki was raised to capital

of the Grand Duchy of Finland in 1812.

A monumental Empire-style city plan

was drawn up to reflect the power of

Russia and the Tsar.

Finland became independent in

1917, and Helsinki assumed the

demanding new role of capital of

the young republic. City planning

was characterised by Classicism and

Functionalism.

Recovering from the hardships of war,

Helsinki hosted the Summer Olympics

in 1952. The games created an

international reputation for Helsinki as

an efficient and friendly host city.

Helsinki is recognised as a city in which

many differing views can interact in a

constructive atmosphere. The Finlandia

Hall has hosted many international

summit meetings, including the

Conference for Security and Co-

operation in Europe in 1975. Finland

became an EU Member State in 1995.

Finland has held the EU Presidency in

1999 and 2006.

Helsinki was one of nine European

Cities of Culture in 2000.

Further information:

www.hel.fi

www.helsinki.fi

1. Helsinki Cathedral

2. Senate Square

3. Government Palace

4. University of Helsinki (Main Building)

5. National Library of Finland

6. Helsinki City Hall and City Hall Quarter

7. Helsinki City Museum

8. Market Square

9. Old Market Hall

10. Departure point for sightseeing cruises

11. Suomenlinna waterbus (JT-line)

12. Suomenlinna ferry (Helsinki City Transport)

13. Helsinki Zoo (Korkeasaari) waterbus

14. Havis Amanda statue

15. Tourist Information

16. Esplanade Park (departure point for Helsinki Expert sightseeing buses)

17. Presidential Palace

18. Uspenski Orthodox Cathedral

19. Suomenlinna Maritime Fortress

20. Ateneum Art Museum

21. Central Railway Station

22. General Post Office and Post Museum

23. Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma

24. National Museum of Finland

25. Lasipalatsi (Glass Palace)

26. Kamppi Shopping Centre

27. Tennis Palace Cinema Complex, Museum of Cultures, and Tennis Palace Art Museum

28. Kunsthalle Helsinki

29. Temppeliaukio Church

30. Parliament House

31. Finlandia Hall

32. Finnish National Opera

33. Olympic Stadium and Stadium Tower

34. Winter Garden

35. Linnunlaulu Wooden Villa District

36. Sibelius Monument

37. Seurasaari

38. Hakaniemi Market and Market Hall

39. Arabia Factory and Museum

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© Kaupunkimittausosasto, Helsinki 001/2007

34 35

3T

Places on the Map

40. Sinebrychoff Art Museum

41. Kaapelitehdas (Cable Factory)

42. Linnanmäki Amusement Park and Sea Life

43. Helsinki Zoo on Korkeasaari Island

44. Swimming Stadium

45. Design Museum

46. Design Forum Finland

47. Amos Anderson Museum

48. Helsinki Fair Centre

49. Finnair Stadium

50. Jäähalli (Helsinki Ice Hall)

51. Finnair ticket office

52. Central Bus Station

53. Länsiterminaali (West Terminal)

54. Olympiaterminaali (Olympic Termi-nal)

55. Katajanokan terminaali (Kata-janokka Terminal)

56. Kanavaterminaali (Kanava

Terminal)57. Makasiinitermi-

naali (Makasiini Terminal)

58. Wanha Satama

59. Korjaamo Culture Factory

The city that’s easy to get around

Helsinki has excellent public transportation, incorporating trams, buses, metro and the Suomenlinna municipal ferry. Choose also from a range of convenient ticket options.

The tourist ticket offers unlimited travel for 1, 3 or 5 days on all public transportation within Helsinki. Tourist tickets can be purchased from automatic ticket machines located, for example, at metro stations. 1-day tickets can also be purchased from the driver.

Single tickets can be purchased from the driver. Single tickets are valid for one hour from the time of purchase.

The Suomenlinna ticket is valid for one round-trip aboard the Suomenlinna municipal ferry. Tickets can be purchased from the ferry terminal at the Market Square (summer season), from the HKL Service Point and from Tourist Information. The Suomenlinna ticket is valid only on the municipal ferry.

Tram tickets are valid for one hour aboard all trams. Tram tickets can be purchased from the driver and from automatic ticket machines.

Helsinki transportation ticket prices in 2007Tourist ticket: adults €6 (1 day), €12 (3 days) and €18 (5 days), children (7-16) €3/6/9Single ticket: adults €2.20, children €1.10Suomenlinna ticket (12 hour): adults €3.80, children €1.90Tram ticket: from driver €2, from automatic ticket machine €1.80

Regional transportation ticket prices in 2007Regional tourist ticket: adults €11 (1 day), €22 (3 days) and €33 (5 days), children (7-16) €5.50/11/16.50Single regional ticket: adults €3.60, children €1.80

(Changes possible for all ticket prices)

Helsinki City Transport Service Point. Situated in the metro

station at the Central Railway Station, the Service Point provides

Helsinki and regional tourist tickets, information, timetables,

free public transportation maps and brochures.

Open Mon-Thu 7.30am-7pm (summertime 7.30am-6pm),

Fri 7.30am-5pm (summertime 7.30am-4pm), Sat 10am-3pm.

Travel information: tel. +358 (0)100 111

Mon-Fri 7am-7pm, Sat-Sun 9am-5pm

(€0.66/call+local call charge: price changes possible)

36 37

37Cultural Offerings

Cultural OfferingsHelsinki’s cultural life is undeniably the most

active in Finland. Whether you wish to enjoy music, theatre or the arts, there

is plenty to see and experience every day of the week. You are

sure to find your favourite among the city’s 80

museums. Check out also what’s happening at the new Korjaamo

Culture Factory in the Töölö district.

Music ....................................................37Theatre ...............................................38Cinemas ............................................39

Museums ........................................40Art museums and galleries ............41Architecture .................................42Finnish design ............................43

MUSIC Finnish classical music is highly

respected and appreciated

throughout the world. Helsinki

is filled with concert halls

where you can choose between

traditional or contemporary

classical music. Helsinki also hosts

many international pop and rock

superstars every year. Major concerts

are held at the Helsinki Arena,

Olympic Stadium and House of

Culture (Kulttuuritalo).

www.hartwall-areena.comwww.stadion.fiwww.helsinginjaahalli.fiwww.kulttuuritalo.fi

Jazz

The Umo Jazz House is the most

active jazz club in Helsinki and a

favourite among the new generation

of jazz fans. Umo also presents

rhythm and other music, so check

the schedule.

Umo Jazz HousePursimiehenkatu 6Restaurant opens on weeknights at 8pm, Fri-Sat at 9pm, enquiries Mon-Fri 10am-4pmTel. +358 (0)9 6122 1914www.umo.fi.

Storyville has been

named one of the world’s

top 100 jazz clubs. The

menu features Cajun

and Creole dishes, and

there is an outside terrace

with live piano music in

summertime.

StoryvilleMuseokatu 8Tel. +358 (0)9 408 007www.storyville.fi

Rock and other live music

The most legendary rock club

in Helsinki and all of Finland is

Tavastia. New talent takes to the

stage downstairs at Semifinal, while

some of the biggest names in rock

music play upstairs at Tavastia. Top

Finnish and international bands

perform almost every night.

Tavastia and SemifinalUrho Kekkosen katu 4-6Sun-Thu 9pm-2am, Fri-Sat 9pm-3amwww.tavastiaklubi.fi

On the RocksMikonkatu 15www.ontherocks.fi

NosturiTelakkakatu 8 (Tram 6)www.elmu.fi

Tickets

Lippupalvelutel. +358 (0)600 10 800 (€1.50/min+local call charge)

www.lippupalvelu.fi

Lippupistetel. +358 (0)600 900 900 (€1.25/min+local call charge)

www.lippu.fi

Tikettitel. +358 (0)600 1 1616 (€0.66/min+local call charge)

www.tiketti.fi

Classical music

The Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra is founded in 1882 and

the first professional symphony

orchestra in the Nordic countries.

Further information: Tel. +358 (0)9 40 241tickets: Lippupiste or from the door

one hour before concertwww.hel2.fi/filharmonia

The Radio Symphony

Orchestra plays an important

role in Finnish music. The

orchestra performs primarily at

the Finland Hall and the Hall of

Culture (Kulttuuritalo).

Further information: Tel. +358 (0)9 1480 4368Tickets: Lippupalveluwww.yle.fi/rso

The Sibelius Academy (Pohjoinen

Rautatiekatu 9) is one of the biggest

music colleges in Europe. The

academy holds hundreds of concerts

every year.

Further information: tel. +358 (0)207 5390Tickets: Lippupiste and from the door 1 hour before concert, www.siba.fi

OPERA AND BALLETEnjoy breathtaking opera and

ballet performances at the Finnish National Opera

(Helsinginkatu 58). The

programme includes beautiful

classics and intriguing modern

works.

Tickets and information: Tel. +358 (0)9 4030 2211 or LippupisteTicket prices: €14-115www.operafin.fi

Enjoy fine ballet and opera at the Finnish National OperaUmo Jazz House

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Photo © Charlotte Estman-Wennström

Cultural Offerings Cultural Offerings

THEATRESHelsinki offers a broad range of

theatre productions. In addition to

those presented here, many smaller

theatre and dance groups perform

in Helsinki. Daily information about

performances is available from

the Theatre Information Centre

(09) 2511 2120. See also

www.teatteri.org and www.valiverho.

com. Performances are generally in

Finnish or Swedish.

The Finnish National Theatre

was established 130 years ago

as the country’s first professional

Finnish-language theatre. The

theatre building itself is a monument

itself to National Romantic granite

architecture. The theatre restaurant

Morkku is open Mon-Sat from

11am-7pm.

Läntinen teatterikuja 1Tel. +358 (0)9 1733 1331www.kansallisteatteri.fi

The Helsinki Municipal Theatre presents both traditional plays as

well as spectacular musicals.

Eläintarhantie 5Tel. +358 (0)9 394 022www.hkt.fi

The Lilla Teatern serves as the

Swedish-language stage of the

Helsinki Municipal Theatre.

Yrjönkatu 30Tel. +358 (0)9 6962 7033www.lillateatern.fi

The musical Beauty and the Beast at the Helsinki Municipal Theatre Finnish National Theatre

The Swedish Theatre presents

Swedish-language theatre and

musical performances. The interior

of the theatre is in Baroque style.

Pohjoisesplanadi 2Tel. +358 (0)9 6162 1411www.svenskateatern.fi

The Savoy Theatre hosts over 200

performing groups every year from

Finland and around the world.

Kasarmikatu 46-48Tel. +358 (0)9 169 3703www.kulttuuri.hel.fi/savoy

The Alexander Theatre is a

historical yet at the same time

youthful and modern 500-seat

theatre where guest performances

of classical plays meet of cabaret,

dance, opera and circus acts.

Bulevardi 23-27Tel. +358 (0)9 676 980www.aleksanterinteatteri.fi

Other theatre venues

Comedy Theatre ArenaHämeentie 2lTel. +358 (0)9 2709 0530

Linnanmäki PeacockTivolikuja 1Tel. +358 (0)9 7739 9500 (Uusi Iloinen Teatteri), www.uit.fi

Suomenlinna Summer TheatreTel. +358 (0)9 718 622 (Ryhmäteatteri) www.ryhmateatteri.fi or Tel. +358 (0)9 4542 1333 (Q-teatteri)www.q-teatteri.fi

Mustikkamaa Summer TheatreTel. +358 (0)9 656 969 (Ylioppilasteatteri)www.ylioppilasteatteri.fi

CINEMAS Helsinki boasts many top-class

cinemas. Movies are usually shown

in their original languages with

subtitles in Finnish and Swedish.

Tennispalatsi (Tennis Palace)Salomonkatu 15Tel. +358 (0)600 007 007 (€0.99/min+local call charge)

Kinopalatsi (Kino Palace)Kaisaniemenkatu 2 BTel. +358 (0)600-9 4444 (€0.99/min+local call charge)

BristolMikonkatu 8, tel. +358 (0)600 9 4444 (€0.99/min+local call charge)

MaximKluuvikatu 1, tel. +358 (0)600 9 4444 (€0.99/min+local call charge)

Bio Rex (film festival venue)Mannerheimintie 22–24Tel. +358 (0)20 155 5800

For further information about

cinemas, see www.finnkino.fi and

www.sandrewmetronome.fi

Animator at the Savoy Theatre Korjaamo bar and lounge

Bio Rex at Lasipalatsi

Swedish TheatreP

hoto

© C

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otte

Est

man

-Wen

nstr

öm

Finnkino at Tennispalatsi

59

Finnish contemporary dance from the top of the world

Tero Saarinen Company has performed on the world’s most prestigious dance stages. In Helsinki you can experience Tero Saarinen Company’s thrilling dance performances on its home stage in the Alexander Theatre! The Stravinsky Evening (Petruhska / HUNT) features two of Tero Saarinen’s reinterpretations of Igor Stravinsky’s classics.

As the Finnish choreographer Tero Saarinen proved on Thursday in arguably the [Lyon] biennial’s most moving performance, space can be transformed into a magic box. The New York Times

...we’re kept in a fascinating suspension between the familiar and the strange, the classic and the new. The Guardian

The music is ingeniously arranged for two accordions --- the excellent choreography and dance gives this story new colours and facets. Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung

Completed in 1880 originally to serve as the Russian Theatre, the Alexander Theatre offers audiences Finnish and international dance, theatre, circus and musical performances in a unique and historic cultural setting.

Programme and further information: www.aleksanterinteatteri.fi and +358 (0)9 676 980.Address: Bulevardi 23-27 (Tram 6, Bus 14 or 20)Tickets: Lippupalvelu +358 (0)600-10 800 (€1.50/min+local call charge) www.lippupalvelu.fi, Alexander Theatre +358 (0)9 676 980 (weekdays 10am-3pm) and one hour before performance from the door.

Performances 2-19.8.2007 Thu-Sat at 8pm, Sun at 3pm. Tickets €40-15

www.aleksanterinteatteri.fi www.terosaarinen.com

KORJAAMO

CULTURE FACTORY Housed in a converted tram depot,

the Korjaamo Culture Factory is

a brand new centre for theatre,

music, circus and other cultural

events. The facilities include a bar

and lounge and a gallery that host

clubs, exhibitions and seminars. The

courtyard is converted into a skating

rink in wintertime and a picnic

park in summertime. Korjaamo is

currently expanding further into the

Tram Museum located next door.

Korjaamo Culture FactoryTöölönkatu 51 a and bTel. +358 (0)20 7417 000www.korjaamo.fi

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41Cultural Offerings Cultural Offerings

MUSEUMSHelsinki has over 80 fascinating

museums, many of which also have

attractive cafés and gift shops. As is

common practice, most museums are

closed on Mondays.

Museumgoers can pick up the

free brochure Helsinki Region Museums from Tourist Information.

The brochure is available in

five languages and can also be

downloaded in PDF format from:

www.visithelsinki.fi (“Brochures”).

Helsinki City MuseumSofiankatu 4Tel. +358 (0)9 169 3933www.helsinkicitymuseum.fiSee also page 12.

Other Helsinki City museums:

Hakasalmi VillaKaramzininkatu 2Tel. +358 (0)9 169 3444 �School MuseumKalevankatu 39–41

Tel. +358 (0)9 3108 7066 �JBurgher’s HouseKristianinkatu 12Tel. +358 (0)9 135 1065 �JSederholm HouseAleksanterinkatu 16-18Tel. +358 (0)9 169 3625 �

Tuomarinkylä Museum and Children’s MuseumTuomarinkylä ManorTel. +358 (0)9 728 7458Bus 70V or 650 JPower Station MuseumHämeentie 163, tel. +358 (0)9 3108 7064 Bus 68 or 71 J

National Museum of Finland 24Mannerheimintie 34Tel. +358 (0)9 4050 9544, www.nba.fiTram 4, 7A/B or 10. See also page 16

Design Museum 45

Korkeavuorenkatu 23Tel. +358 (0)9 622 0540 www.designmuseum.fiTram 10. See also page 43

Post Museum 22

Asema-aukio 5 HTel. +358 (0)20 451 4888www.posti.fi/postimuseo. See also page 16

Museum of Cultures Tennis Palace, Salomonkatu 15Tel. +358 (0)9 4050 9806www.kulttuurienmuseo.fi. See also page 17

Helsinki Automobile MuseumMunkkisaarenkatu 12Tel. +358 (0)9 667 123, www.automuseo.fi, Bus 16 �J

Mannerheim MuseumKalliolinnantie 14, tel. +358 (0)9 635 443www.mannerheim-museo.fi, Tram 3 B/T

Military MuseumMaurinkatu 1, tel. +358 (0)9 1812 6387www.mpkk.fi/fi/sotamuseo, Bus 16

Mission MuseumTähtitorninkatu 18Tel. +358 (0)9 129 7343www.mission.fi/museo, Tram 10 �JPäivälehti MuseumLudviginkatu 2h-4Tel. +358 (0)105 195 210www.paivalehdenmuseo.fi New exhibition opens February 2007 �x€

Bank of Finland MuseumSnellmaninkatu 2Tel. +358 (0)9 010 831 2981www.rahamuseo.fi � x€

Helsinki University Museum ArppeanumSnellmaninkatu 3, tel. +358 (0)9 1912 4071www.museo.helsinki.fi �

Technical MuseumViikintie 1, tel. +358 (0)9 7288 4428 www.tekniikanmuseo.fiBus 68 or 71. See also page 20

Arabia Factory and Museum 39Hämeentie 135Tel. +358 (0)9 0204 395 357www.arabia.fi, Bus 68 or 71See also page 20

Civil Protection MuseumSiltavuorenranta 16 BTel. +358 (0)9 278 2018, Tram 3Bwww.kolumbus.fi/hvssy �

7ART MUSEUMS AND

GALLERIESHelsinki is one of Europe’s most

important centres for Jugend art

(Art Nouveau). The golden age

of Finnish art occurred at the

same time that Jugend art was

blossoming. Modern art is well

represented in the city’s many

galleries.

Ateneum Art Museum 20Kaivokatu 2, tel. +358 (0)9 1733 6401 www.ateneum.fi. See also page 16

Kiasma, Museum of Contemporary Art 23Mannerheiminaukio 2Tel. +358 (0)9 1733 6501www.kiasma.fi. See also page 16

Tennis Palace Art Museum 27 Salomonkatu 15Tel. +358 (0)9 3108 7001www.taidemuseo.fi. See also page 17

Kunsthalle Helsinki 28Nervanderinkatu 3Tel. +358 (0)9 454 2060www.taidehalli.fi. See also page 17

Sinebrychoff Art Museum 40Bulevardi 40, tel. +358 (0)9 1733 6460 www.sinebrychoffintaidemuseo.fiSee also page 20

Amos Anderson Art Museum 47Yrjönkatu 27, tel. +358 (0)9 6844 4634 www.amosanderson.fi

Art galleries

Helsinki has dozens of smaller

art galleries presenting the works

of Finnish and foreign artists,

including the boldest examples of

contemporary art. Many art galleries

are located on Uudenmaankatu,

Bulevard and Annankatu streets.

The Taide-Art brochure is published

three times a year and includes a

useful map. The brochure presents

up-to-date information about

exhibitions in 10 art museums and

27 galleries. The brochure is free of

charge and is available in English,

Finnish and Swedish. Pick up a copy

of from any museum or gallery, or

from Tourist Information.

For more information about art

galleries, see: www.visithelsinki.fi

Guided gallery tours

Once a month it is possible to tour

Helsinki’s art galleries with an art

expert. Each tour explores four or

five interesting exhibitions and

explains the style, technique and

materials used in the artworks. It

is often possible to meet artists in

person, who will tell about their

work and paintings. Between

galleries the guide tells about

interesting places in Helsinki’s

history.

Tickets: €8-10 from the point of departureGuided tours: first Sunday of the month (except July) from 12noon-2pm or by reservation Further information and reservations: Tel. +358 (0)9 680 2423+358 (0)50 327 8525

Ateneum Art Museum Kunsthalle Helsinki Amos Anderson Art Museum

27

Artist HomeMarja & Jorma Helenius

Sininen Huvila (Blue Villa), Linnunlauluntie 11 Btel. +358 (0)9 763 660. Opening hours: Sat-Sun

12noon-6pm (Note! Opens 1.4.07). Entrance fee: €5, incl. coffee/tea + pastry, www.sininenhuvila.fi

The magnificent Jugendsali presents exhibitions,

concerts and films and also supplies information about

the City of Helsinki and its services.

Helsinki Information, Pohjoisesplanadi 19www.hel.fi/jugendsaliOpening hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sun 11am-5pm

Five hectares of culture: large and

small events, festivals, fairs and

exhibitions. This unique cultural

space includes 3 museums and 8

galleries, as well as dance theatres,

sports clubs, art schools and a

popular café-restaurant. Finland’s

largest cultural centre offers

experiences throughout the year!

Kaapelitehdas – The Cable FactoryTallberginkatu 1 Ctel. +358 (0)9 4763 8330Museums open: Tue-Sun 11am-6pmwww.kaapelitehdas.fi

42

42

43

43

!

!

Cultural Offerings Cultural Offerings

ARCHITECTUREIn Helsinki you can undertake a

fascinating journey through the

centuries. The architecture of the

city is typified by Nordic modesty

and refinement. The city centre,

especially around the Senate Square,

is a unique and cohesive example of

Neoclassical architecture.

The Byzantine-Russian architectural

tradition is represented by Alexander

M. Gornostajev’s Uspenski Cathedral

(1868), the largest orthodox church

in Western Europe.

The city centre features many build-

ings 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 Espla-

nade, 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 (1899) and the

National Museum (1910) by famous

architect trio Gesellius-Lindgren-

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

Classicism.

Bold examples of Functionalism

include the Olympic Stadium (1940)

and the Lasipalatsi “Glass Palace”

(1935).

The works of world-famous Finnish

architect Alvar Aalto represent

Modernism at its finest. These in-

clude the Academic Bookstore (1969)

and the Finlandia Hall (1971/1975).

One of the most popular tourist

destinations in Helsinki is the Temp-

peliaukio “Rock” Church (1969),

designed by Timo and Tuomo Suoma-

lainen 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.

Interesting districts and

buildings along tram routes

City centre, Kiasma, Parliament

House, National Opera, Finlandia

Hall: Tram 4, 7A, 7B or 10

Eira: Tram 3B or 3T

Katajanokka: Tram 2 or 4

Käpylä: Tram 1

Senate Square: Tram 1, 1A, 2, 3B/T,

4 or 7A/B.

Ruoholahti: Tram 8

Tip!

The magnificent Jugend

architecture in the Eira and

Katajanokka districts is best explored

on foot.

A special Architecture Map is

sold at Tourist Information on

Pohjoisesplanadi 19.

The Houses of the Estates High Tech Center in RuoholahtiSanoma House

Uspenski Orthodox

Cathedral

FINNISH DESIGN

Design District Helsinki

Helsinki’s Design District is home to

designer shops, interior decorating

studios, antique dealers, clothing

and jewellery boutiques, artist

workshops, galleries, museums,

restaurants and lots more. The

area is particular popular among

designers, architects and advertising

agencies. A new lifestyle hotel

operated by Design Hotels, the

Klaus K, was opened in November

2005 in the neighbourhood. The

Design District lives and develops

together with the city and its

residents. The symbolic centre of

the area is Dianapuisto Park. From

here the Design District stretches

into the districts of Kaartinkaupunki,

Kamppi, Punavuori and Ullanlinna.

Tip!

For more shopping tips, look for the

b-guided map and brochure, or see:

www.b-guided.net

The Design Museum presents

the history and development

of Finnish design. The perma-

nent exhibition is supported

by many temporary Finnish

and international thematic

exhibitions of historical and

contemporary design.

Opening hours: Tue 11am-8pm, Wed-Sun 11am-6pmSummer 1 June-30 September: Mon-Sun 11am-6pmEntrance fees: adults €7, students €3, schoolchildren and children free

Korkeavuorenkatu 23

www.designmuseum.fi

44

!

Cultural Offerings

RestaurantsHelsinkiMenu

Participating HelsinkiMenu

restaurants offer special, seasonal

dishes made of Finnish ingredients.

These recipes interpret Finnish

food traditions in new and exciting

ways. The menu varies according to

restaurant and season. See the list

of participating restaurants on the

next page.

Michelin-star restaurants

Chez Dominique ** Rikhardinkatu 4, tel. +358 (0)9 612 7393

Restaurant G. W. Sundmans * Eteläranta 16, tel. +358 (0)9 622 6410

George * Kalevankatu 17, tel. +358 (0)9 647 662

Island restaurants

The restaurants in the Helsinki

archipelago are usually open from

May to September, and they all offer

a ferry connection to the mainland.

NJKValkosaari, tel. +358 (0)9 639 261. Ferry departs from pier behind Olympic Terminal.

Ravintola SaariSirpalesaari, tel. +358 (0)9 7425 5566. Ferry departs from Merisatamanranta beside Café Carusel.

Uunisaaren ravintolaUunisaari, tel. +358 (0)9 636 870. Ferry departs from the middle of Merisataman-ranta beside Kaivopuisto Park.

Klippan PalaceLuoto, tel. +358 (0)9 633 408. Ferry departs from pier behind Olympic Terminal.

SärkänlinnaSärkkä, tel. +358 (0)9 1345 6756. Ferry departs from pier next to Café Ursula.

Boathouse HSS RestaurantLiuskasaari, tel. +358 (0)9 1345 6787. Ferry departs from Merisatamanranta near Café Carusel.

Cafés

Café Engel, Aleksanterinkatu 26

Café Ekberg, Bulevardi 9

Café Strindberg, Pohjoisesplanadi 33

Fazer, Kluuvikatu 3

Café Esplanad, Pohjoisesplanadi 37

Café Ursula, Kaivopuisto Ehrenströmintie 3

Café Carusel, Kaivopuisto Merisatamanranta 10

Tip!

You can find more interesting

restaurants in the Helsinki

This Week magazine. The magazine

appears eight times a year and is

available free of charge, alongside

other restaurant guides, from Tourist

Information.

Helsinki offers a wide range of restaurants – over 900 in fact! Choose from gourmet delights to bistro treats and ethnic specialities.

Finnish cuisine is based on fresh

and natural ingredients that vary

according to the season. In addition

to vegetables, mushrooms, berries

and fish, Finnish food is typified

by simplicity and purity of taste.

Helsinki’s own cuisine also features

influences from both the East

and the West.

Try these seasonal specialities

January burbot and roe with blinies

February Runeberg tarts, pea soup and laskiaispulla (Shrove

buns)

March-April lamb, mämmi (Finnish Easter pudding), pasha

May perch, whitefish, pike-perch, sima (mead) and

tippaleivät (May Day fritters), nettles

June-July new potatoes, salmon, sausage, herring, strawberries,

blueberries, cloudberries

August root vegetables, crayfish, wild duck, chanterelles,

apples

September Baltic herring, vendace, hare, trumpet chanterelles,

lingonberry

October-November lamb, cabbage, elk, reindeer, goose

December ham, rosolli salad, root vegetable casseroles, ginger

biscuits, Christmas pies

Helsinki – your travel destination for design!

Design Forum FinlandErottajankatu 7, tel. +358 (0)9 6220 8132

www.designforum.fi, [email protected]

Design District Helsinkin

ossl

eir

baGi

die

H

Design Forum Finland is a gallery, boutique and living room for Finnish design in the centre of Helsinki’s Design District in the heart

of the city. Exhibitions present the latest trends in Finnish design.The Design Forum Shop sells Finnish designer products, from classic

names to new discoveries and unique objects. While shopping you can enjoy the delights of the Café Kakkugalleria (Cake Gallery).

You can also purchase top-quality Finnish design at the Design Shop at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport!

The neighbourhood around the Dianapuisto Park is home to countless design, decorating and antique shops, clothing and

jewellery boutiques, galleries and museums, restaurants and lots more. Discover the Design District and enjoy Helsinki’s living culture! www.designkortteli.fi

46 47Restaurants Restaurants

Russian Restaurant Saslik

Neitsytpolku 1200140 Helsinki

tel +358 (0)9 7425 5500

A culinary trip to Czarist Russia

Summer Restaurant Saari

Sirpalesaari00150 Helsinki

tel. +358 (0)9 7425 5566

Season’s Finnish delicacies on the island

by the open sea

Lappish Restaurant Saaga

Bulevardi 34 B00120 Helsinki

tel. +358 (0)9 7425 5544

The genuine tastes and feelings of

Lapland

Restaurant Savotta

Aleksanterinkatu 2200170 Helsinki

tel. +358 (0)9) 7425 5588

Real Finnish food seasoned with authentic

atmosphere

www.asrestaurants.com, [email protected]

Haaga Inn Nuijamiestentie 10, tel. +358 (0)9 5807 877

www.hotelhaaga.com Restaurant Vuorikatu 19, tel. +358 (0)9 173 441

Arthur www.hotelarthur.fi Restaurant Mannerheimintie 12, tel. +358 (0)9 6126 330

Baker’s www.ravintolabakers.com Restaurant Erottajankatu 4, tel. +358 (0)20 770 4712

Filmitähti www.filmitahti.fi Restaurant Säästöpankinranta 6, tel. +358 (0)20 7424 250

Graniittilinna www.juttutupa.com Restaurant Eteläranta 16, tel. +358 (0)9 6869 5660

Havis www.royalravintolat.com

Restaurant Tehtaankatu 21, tel. +358 (0)10 270 1702

Henri’x www.henrix.fi Restaurant Bulevardi 2, +358 (0)20 7704 700

Ilmatar www.klauskhotel.com Restaurant Prinsessatie 2, tel. +358 (0)9 3108 4770

Kokki www.ravintolakokki.edu.hel.fi Restaurant Mannerheimintie 22 - 24,

Lasipalatsi tel. +358 (0)20 7424 290

www.ravintola.lasipalatsi.fi Restaurant Mechelininkatu 39, tel. +358 (0)9 440 833

Lehtovaara www.ravintolaopas.net/lehtovaara Restaurant Lyon Mannerheimintie 56, tel. +358 (0)9 408 131

www.ravintolaopas.net/lyon Restaurant Kanavaranta 7 F, tel. +358 (0)9 6877 330

Nokka www.royalravintolat.com Restaurant Eteläranta 16, tel. +358 (0)9 6226 4120

Sundmans Krog www.royalravintolat.com Restaurant Ainonkatu 3, tel. +358 (0)9 4366 0320

Taidehallin Klubi www. taidehallinklubi.fi Restaurant Torni Kalevankatu 5, tel. +358 (0)9 433 60

www.ravintolaopas.net/torni Restaurant Zetor Mannerheimintie 3–5, tel. +358 (0)9 666 966

www.ravintolazetor.fi

HelsinkiMenu restaurants – the best way to discover Finnish food!

The HelsinkiMenu presents the richness and diversity of Finland’s food culture, offering the most delicious seasonal dishes made of the finest Finnish ingredients. Bon apetit – or as we say, hyvää ruokahalua!

Choose a restaurant that suits your

entourage

In HOK-Elanto restaurants you can arrange parties

and banquets with a minimum of fuss and at rea-

sonable prices, whether you would like a quiet din-

ner with friends of an evening party for hundreds!

Our restaurants offer a hint of Italian authenticity,

Spanish temperament, Finnish national traditions

and historical atmosphere.

To make a reservation or order for a private function, contact +358 (0)20 1234 800 [email protected]

Restaurant Lasipalatsi – a classic in the heart of the city

The “Glass Palace” Lasipalatsi is one of the most

famous landmarks in Helsinki’s city centre. Housed

within this superbly restored 1930s Functional

building, the Restaurant Lasipalatsi offers guests the

best Finnish cuisine in a unique atmosphere that is

ideal also for special events.

Restaurant LasipalatsiMannerheimintie 22-2400100 HelsinkiTel. +358 (0)20 7424 290www.ravintola.lasipalatsi.fi

Four unique restaurants, four unforgettable experiences

(opening spring 2007)

49Bars and Nightlife

the elevator to the top of the Hotel Torni (Yrjönkatu 26), where you will

find the cosy Ateljee bar. The ladies

room in particular offers a great

panoramic view over the rooftops.

Ice bar or Finnish tango?

Foreign visitors should check out

the Arctic ice bar at Club Uniq (Yliopistonkatu 5), where the

temperature is kept a permanent

-5Cº. You can borrow mittens from

the bar! Film freaks must find their

way to the complex on Eerikinkatu

11 that is partly owned by award-

winning Finnish film director Aki

Kaurismäki. This includes the

billiards bar Corona, the nightclub

Dubrovnik, and the tiny Moskova Bar. To experience Finland’s

unique ballroom dance culture,

and for a little dance yourself, ask

directions to Wanhan Tanssikellari (Mannerheimintie 3).

Popular nightclubs in Helsinki

include Lost & Found (Annankatu

6), Rose Garden (Iso Roobertinkatu

10), Baker’s (Mannerheimintie 12)

and Manala next to Parliament

(Dagmarinkatu 2). Young business

types like to party at the end of the

Esplanade Park at Teatteri (Pohjois-

Esplanadi 2) and in the stylish

Mecca (Korkeavuorenkatu 34).

Popular bars in Helsinki include

Erottaja (Erottajankatu 15-17),

which specialises in DJ music,

Åbo, which was once a Russian

restaurant but is now a trendy

bar, and its musical neighbour

Ou Jee (pronounced “Oh Yeah”,

Uudenmaankatu 28). On the

same street you will find Café Bar nro 9, which also serves food

(Uudenmaankatu 9).

To feel the vibes of an authentic

local bar, try Tori (Punavuorenkatu

2). Helsinki’s rock elite gather at

Bar Loose (Fredrikinkatu 34), which

is said to have the best jukebox in

town. The older cultural elite meet at

Kuu Kuu (Museokatu 17) and Elite (Eteläinen Hesperiankatu 22) in the

Töölö district.

The city’s hottest party spots

Lux (Urho Kekkosen katu 1 A)

and Kungliga Klubben

(Mannerheimintie 6 A) are high-

quality nightclubs that satisfy even

the most demanding

tastes.

If you want to taste

the best drinks

in town, head

for the Sling-In

inside Aikatalo

(Mikonkatu 10),

which is a

favourite among

restaurant workers.

For a great bird’s eye

view of the city, ride

Bars and Nightlife

Quiet Finns become much less restrained when they are out partying. Helsinki’s

bars and clubs are lively places, offering something for everyone. The trendiest

hangouts for media and cultural people are in the Kamppi and Punavuori districts. Large friendly establishments for all types can be found around the Central Railway Station. Töölö is popular among older cultural types, while youthful alternatives can be found in the former workers district of Kallio. For a list of live

music venues, see page 37.

Arkadiankatu

Mannerheim

intie

Oksasenkatu

Museokatu

Eteläinen HesperiankatuPohjoinen Hesperiankatu

Tunturikatu

Temppelikatu

Nervanderinkatu

Töölönkatu

Cygn

aeuk

senk

atu

Apollonkatu

Lutherinkatu

AurorankatuR

uneberginkatu

Min

erva

nkat

u

Dagmar

inkatu

V. Stoolinkatu

Mannerheim

intieYrjönkatu

Annankatu

Fredrikinkatu

Albertinkatu

Kalevankatu

Eerikinkatu

Lönnrotinkatu

Bulevardi

Uudenmaankatu

Iso Rooberti

nkatu

Erottaja

Fabianinkatu

Mikonkatu

Keskuskatu

Pohjoisesplanadi

Eteläesplanadi

Korkeavuorenkatu

Aleksanterinkatu

YliopistonkatuKaivokatu

Kaisanie

men

katu

MMRAUTATIENTORI

KAISANIEMI

Punavuorenkatu

Ratakatu

Vuorikatu

Simonkatu

U. Kekkosenkatu

MKAMPPI

50

!

Bars and Nightlife

Laid-back Kallio

The former workers district of Kallio

is famous for its bohemian and laid-

back atmosphere. The inexpensive

pubs here are popular among

residents, students and alternative

youth.

The beer restaurant Milenkka

(Haapaniemenkatu 3-5) is popular

among students from the Theatre

Academy next door and is worth

visiting for its interior décor

alone. Kola (Helsinginkatu 13)

and Rytmi (Toinen linja 2) are hip

places for young trendy residents.

Alternatively, the restaurant

Juttutupa (Säästöpankinranta

6) has traditionally been popular

among workers and plays live jazz

on Wednesdays. Here you can sip a

beer at the same table where Lenin

planned the Russian revolution!

The newest establishment in

Kallio’s nightlife is Club Liberté

(Kolmas linja 34), which plays live

music six nights a week. Kuudes linja (Hämeentie 13) is the only

restaurant in Kallio that is open until

4 in the morning.

Helsinki in wintertime offers lots to do and experience for cultural city break vacationers, energetic families with children

and shoppers alike. A diverse range of outdoor events are guaranteed to

warm the hearts of visitors even in the frostiest weather! The Hot Winter Helsinki presents the most colourful and exciting winter experiences in Helsinki. Check out their website and discover that the heart of the winter in Helsinki is hot!

www.hothelsinki.fi

Hot Winter Helsinki

Tip!

Karaoke fans have plenty to choose from in Helsinki. Pataässä (Mariankatu 9) and Satumaa (Arkadiankatu 2) are great for traditionalists,

while headbangers and air guitarists can go wild at heavy karaoke bars

such as Hevimesta (Hallituskatu 3), Corner Bar (Hietaniemenkatu 2) and

Jone’s (Kaisaniemenkatu 13). In Helsinki it is even possible to order a special

Karaoke Taxi from www.karaoketaxi.fi or by calling +358 (0)40 500 6070.

Säästöpankinranta

Hämee

ntie

Kolmas linja

Toinen linja

Neljäs linjaViides linja

Haapaniemenkatu

Suon

ionk

atuCa

stré

nink

atu

Wal

linin

katu Fl

emin

gink

atu

Helsinginkatu

Vaasankatu

Tork

kelin

katu

MHAKANIEMI

MSÖRNÄINEN

Peng

erka

tu

Kaa

rlen

katu

Agricolankatu

Porth

anin

katu

52 53Hot Winter Helsinki Hot Winter Helsinki

A new Ice Park opened in Helsinki’s

Central Railway Station Square in

November 2006. The Ice Park is

in the heart of the city, making it

easy for tourists, families and even

office workers to enjoy skating. Ice

hockey will not be allowed, so even

less experienced skaters should not

be intimidated to give the ice a try!

Skates are available for rent. Visitors

are entertained by weekly theme

events and evening programmes.

For example, Fridays feature social

get-together skating, Saturdays

feature live music and performances

at the Ice Club, and Sundays are

designed for families with children.

Many other seasonal events are also

promised, and there is a café serving

warm drinks.

Opening hours (November-March): Mon-Fri 10am-9pm, Sat-Sun 12noon-9pm. Prices: adults €2, children and special groups €1. Further information: www.jaapuisto.fi

Guided winter walks around

Suomenlinna

A great way to bring the famous

maritime fortress to life in the winter

is with a guided walk. Discover

the secrets behind the walls and

embankments, and learn about life

on the islands in war and peace

during the Swedish and Russian

periods. Why was such an enormous

fortress built on these islands,

who was the unfortunate Carl

Olof Cronstedt, and why is there a

lighthouse on top of the church?

Guided winter walking tours are offered from 13.1 to 27.5.2007 on Saturdays and Sundays at 1.30pm.Prices: adults €6.50, children €3, free of charge with Helsinki Card.Tickets: Suomenlinna Visitor Centre.

Guided walking and theme tours are available in over 15 languages throughout the year by reservation.www.suomenlinnatours.com

Christmas markets

The St. Thomas Christmas Market (Esplanade Park) fills the Esplanade

Park with over a hundred booths

selling local Christmas treats, gifts

and handicrafts. The selection

ranges from fried herrings to straw

animals. Visitors can also watch as

traditional smiths work their magic,

and you may even bump into Santa

Claus himself on weekends handing

out sweets to children.

The Women’s Christmas Market (Wanha Satama, Pikku Satamakatu

3-5) sells new and unique Finnish

products made by women, including

jewellery, knitting, carpets, ceramics,

leather and woodwork, outfits,

clothing, baked goods and Christmas

treats and decorations.

The Old Student House Christmas Market (Vanha Ylioppilastalo,

Mannerheimintie 3) sells handicrafts

and other unique products,

including textiles, knitted goods,

candles and ceramics.

The Ornamo O-gallery design market (Design Forum Finland,

Erottajankatu 7) sells unique works

of art, handicrafts and industrial

design by over 80 designers. The

Christmas Bazaar offers the chance

to discover the latest Finnish design

and meet some of the top names in

the industry.

Sauna and swimming

Swimming in a hole that has been

cut in the ice, or “avantouinti”, is

an extreme sport practised by the

heartiest of Finns. Ice swimming

relaxes and refreshes the body, while

improving stress tolerance levels.

Believers also claim that it keeps

away the flu and enhances blood

circulation. In Helsinki you can try

ice swimming at Rastila, for example.

Rastila Camping Centre, Karavaanikatu 4Prices: €4.50, children €2. Check swimming and sauna times by calling tel. +358 (0)9 321 6551Metro to Vuosaari, Rastila stop.Read ice-swimming instructions at: www.hothelsinki.fi

The Yrjönkatu Swimming Hall has

the feel of a Roman bath. Built in

1928, it is the oldest swimming

hall in the entire Nordic region. Its

specialty is nude swimming, with

separate hours for men and women,

so check times by calling in advance.

Naturally, swimsuits can also be

worn. You can also rent your own

stall with a bed, where you can relax

after a sauna. A massage can also be

ordered in advance. There are two

steam saunas and two wood-heated

saunas.

Yrjönkatu Swimming HallYrjönkatu 21, tel. +358 (0)9 3108 7401Prices: adults €4.20-11, children and special groups €1.80-5.50.

For more information about Rastila,

Yrjönkatu Swimming Hall or other

swimming possibilities, see:

www.hel.fi/liv

Helsinki’s last totally wood-heated

public sauna is Kotiharjun Sauna

in Kallio. A traditional washing

lady and masseuse can be reserved

in advance. A sauna can also be

reserved for groups.

Winter at Suomenlinna Swimming in the ice Ice Park

Harjutorinkatu 1tel. +358 (0)9 7531 535Open: Tue-Fri 2pm-8pm (sauna time until 10pm) and Sat 1pm-7pm (sauna time until 9pm).Prices: adults €8, students and senior citizens €6.50, children (12-16) €4, children under 12 free of charge.www.kotiharjunsauna.fi

You can also try a sauna in almost

any hotel in Helsinki.

Skating

Brahen kenttä in the Kallio district is

a popular open-air skating rink that

plays music and sells warm juice and

hot chocolate. Skates are available

for rent. Public skating is organised

from November to March.

Helsinginkatu 23. Opening times: Tel. +358 (0)9 753 2932, 710 618Prices: adults €2, children (7-17) €1, rental skates €4

Other skating rinks:Johanneksen kenttä, Merimiehenkatu 9Kaisaniemen kenttä, Kaisaniementie Väinämöisen kenttä, Etu-Töölö, Väinämöisenkatu 4-6

Enquiries: Tel. +358 (0)9 310 8771 or www.hel.fi/liv

Ice hockey

Ice hockey, or ‘lätkä’ as the locals

call it, is the national sport of

Finland. The Finnish Ice Hockey

League season stretches from

September to April. Exciting Finnish

league matches can be watched at

Helsinki Ice Hall and Helsinki Arena.

Tickets from LippupalveluTel. +358 (0)600 10 800(€1.50/min+local call charge)www.lippupalvelu.fiwww.hartwall-areena.comwww.helsinginjaahalli.fi

Skiing

Helsinki has 180 kilometres of skiing

trails. The best are located in Central

Park; these are maintained as far as

possible into the spring. Paloheinä

Recreational Centre (approximately

9 km from the centre of Helsinki)

rents skis and offers tuition.

Pakilantie 124, bus 66 or 66A to the last stop. Tel. +358 (0)9 8775 2281www.ulos.fi/paloheina

Downhill skiing and

snowboarding

Serena5 slopes, Tornimäentie 10, EspooTel. +358 (0)9 8870 5521

Talma7 slopes, Talmantie, SipooTel. +358 (0)9 2745 410; specialised in snowboarding

Alhovuori11 slopes, Nummi-PusulaTel. +358 (0)9 225 2290

Peuramaa7 slopes, Peuramaa, KirkkonummiTel. +358 (0)9 296 2055

Vihti Ski Center6 slopes, Vihdin OjakkalaTel. +358 (0)9 225 2550

Rental equipment and tuition is

available at all ski centres.

For more information about downhill

skiing, see: www.ski.fi

Hot Winter Helsinki Events

2007Until 7.1.2007 Stable Elf’s Christmas Path, Helsinki Zoo24-28.1. DocPoint – Helsinki Documentary Film Festival27-28.1. Art Meets Ice – Korkeasaari International Ice Sculpture Competition, Helsinki Zoo9.2-3.3. Linnanmäki Winter Event, Linnanmäki Amusement Park

15.2. Parade of Graduating Students, route includes Esplanade17.2. Seurasaari Shrovetide18.2. Suomenlinna Shrovetide2-3.3. Viapori Winter Blues, Suomenlinna10-17.3. Musica nova Helsinki, International New Music Festival6.-9.4. Easter Island at Korkeasaari, Helsinki Zoo7.4. Easter at Seurasaari7-8.4. Easter at Suomenlinna7.4. Via Crucis – Stages of the Cross7-13.10. Herring Market, Market Square13-20.11. Carnival of Lights, Linnanmäki Amusement ParkNovember Opening of the Christmas Lights on AleksanterinkatuNovember-December Winter Circus5-9.12. Women’s Christmas Market 16.12. Seurasaari Christmas Path December Suomenlinna Christmas FairDecember Christmas fairsDecember Lucia Parade6.12.07-6.1.08 Stable Elf’s Christmas Path, Helsinki Zoo

Other events can be found on the

event calendar on pages 59-60.

Check dates and times from:

www.hothelsinki.fi.

Search for other winter events using

the search engine on:

www.visithelsinki.fi

Yrjönkatu swimming hall Sledding Cross-country skiing

55Exercise and Outdoor Recreation

Sports arenas

Olympic Stadium: International

football and athletics Paavo Nurmen tie 1tel. +358 (0)9 436 6010, www.stadion.fi

Finnair Stadium: FootballUrheilukatu 1, tel. +358 (0)9 742 161www.finnairstadium.fi

Helsinki Arena: Ice hockey,

International Horse Show, sports

and music eventsAreenakuja 1, tel. +358 (0)204 1997 www.hartwall-areena.com

Helsinki Ice Hall: Ice hockey,

ice-skating performancesNordenskiöldinkatuTel. +358 (0)9 4777 110www.helsinginjaahalli.fi

See preceding pages for winter

sports activities. Swimming beaches

are presented on page 23.

Exercise and Outdoor RecreationThe beautiful clean nature surrounding Helsinki offers unlimited possibilities for enjoying the outdoors. The range of high-quality sports and activities is diverse throughout the year. Here we offer some ideas and suggestions for restless feet.

Nordic Fitness Sports Park is a

full-service rental outlet that offers

nature guide services in Helsinki.

Rental equipment includes hiking

gear, walking poles, rollerblades,

bicycles, kayaks and skis.

Töölönlahti Recreational Centre, Mäntymäentie 1Tel. +358 (0)9 4776 9760

Equipment rentals

Helsinki is a dream city for walkers, but

you can also gain a fresh perspective

by biking, skiing or canoeing.

The Canoe Rent Center supplies

canoes for your own use, whether

for one hour or an entire week.

Canoe safaris are also arranged.

Open from May to autumn.

Kaivopuisto carpet washing shore, opposite Uunisaari Islandtel. +358 (0)50 585 6000

The Helsinki Canoeing Centre rents canoes and arranges guided

canoeing tours along the coast of

Helsinki.

Rajasaarenpenger 8Tel. +358 (0)9 436 2500

Bear & Water rents kayaks and

equipment for long-distance skating.

Keilaranta 11, Otaniemi, EspooTel. +358 (0)9 455 6066

Greenbike rents bicycles that include

a biking map with three different

routes.

Fredrikinkatu 31, tel. +358 (0)50 550 1020 Open: Mon-Fri 10am-6pm, Sat 10am-3pm. Summertime open daily 10am-8pm

Helsinki City Transport also offers

free city bikes during the summer

months. These are standard bikes

without gears and can be taken

with a two-euro deposit. City bike

racks are located throughout the

city, for example by the Market

Square and at the Central Railway

Station. Helmets can be borrowed

free of charge from Jugendsali Hall,

Pohjoisesplanadi 19. A free biking

map is available from the same

location or Tourist Information.

Fishing

Enjoy Helsinki’s sea and clean waters

with a day or two of fishing. Visitors

can buy a traveller’s fishing permit,

which is not required if you plan to

fish only with a bob and hook.

The Old Town Rapids located around

the Technical Museum have been

especially preserved for fishing.

During the summer months permits

can be obtained for a day, a week or

an entire year. Permits are available

from Meri-Info behind the Technical

Museum. The mouth of Vantaajoki

River is also a natural reserve

complete with bird watching towers.

You can get there on Bus 68 or 71

from the Central Railway Station or

Tram 6 to the Arabia district.

Fishing Lords offers fishing outings

for groups on the Gulf of Finland

and elsewhere in Finland.

Where to buy fishing permits: Schröder, Unioninkatu 23tel. +358 (0)9 656 656Stockmann, Aleksanterinkatu 52tel. +358 (0)9 1211Salakala, Fredrikinkatu 31tel. +358 (0)9 607 200

A map of Helsinki’s fishing waters is available free of charge from the City of Helsinki Sports Department, Paavo Nurmen kuja 1 C or from Helsinki Information at Jugendsali Hall, Pohjoisesplanadi 19.

Golf

There are two full-size golf courses

in Helsinki and nearby. Practice

ranges are located at Laajasalo and

Paloheinä. The season usually begins

at the beginning of May and lasts

until September-October.

Helsinki Golf ClubTali Manor, tel. +358 (0)9 225 2370

Vuosaari GolfLaivanrakentajantie 100tel. +358 (0)9 681 2210

Laajasalo Golf ClubReposaarentie, tel. +358 (0)41 510 6011

Paloheinä GolfKuusmiehentie 13, tel. +358 (0)9 756 2440

Further information:

www.golfpiste.com

Hietaniemi Swimming Beach

Helsinki’s most popular beach

is packed on hot summer days.

“Hietsu” is a favourite hangout for

young people and a popular place

to listen to weekend concerts and

enjoy nighttime swimming. Take bus

55A to the last stop.

Swimming halls

Mäkelänrinne Swimming Centre

is Finland’s largest swimming hall

and is popular among competitive

swimmers due to its 50 metre

main pool. There is also a separate

children’s pool, a diving pool, cold-

water pools and a hot tub.

Mäkelänkatu 49tel. +358 (0)9 3484 8800Prices: adults €5.30, children and special groups €2.80

Itäkeskus Swimming Hall is good

for training, and children have their

own pool and slides. Hot tubs and

cold pools can also be enjoyed,

along with a fitness centre and six

saunas, including one steam sauna.

Olavinlinnantie 6tel. +358 (0)9 3108 7202Prices: adults €4.50, children and special groups €2.20

Gyms

Motivus KamppiSalomonkatu 17 CTel. +358 (0)9 5860 3410

Motivus CenterSimonkatu 9, tel. +358 (0)9 4153 3500

Motivus StockmannAleksanterinkatu 52 B, 7th floorTel. +358 (0)9 170 277

Esport CenterSalomonkatu 1, 5th floorTel. +358 (0)9 586 8600

57Outside Helsinki

From Helsinki it is easy to make day-trips to the countryside or even neighbouring countries. The Estonian capital of Tallinn is especially popular.

Ferries

There are daily ferry connections

from Helsinki to Estonia, Sweden

and Germany. For more information,

ask your tour operator or enquire

from the Tour Shop inside Tourist

Information.

Tour Shop, tel. +358 (0)9 2288 1500www.helsinkiexpert.fi Port of Helsinki, tel. +358 (0)9 173 331 www.hel.fi/port

Tallinn

Eckerö Line, Mannerheimintie 10Tel. +358 (0)9 2288 544www.eckeroline.fi

Linda Line, Makasiiniterminaali, Eteläsatama, tel. +358 (0)9 668 9700 www.lindaline.fi

Nordic Jet Line, Kanavaterminaali K5 Tel. +358 (0)600 01 655, www.njl.info

Silja Line, Makasiiniterminaali Eteläsatama, tel. +358 (0)600 174552 www.silja.fi

Tallink, Erottajankatu 19Tel. +358 (0)9 228 311, www.tallink.fi

Viking Line, Lönnrotinkatu 2Tel. +358 (0)9 123 577, www.vikingline.fi

Stockholm

Silja Line, Olympiaterminaali, Eteläsatama, tel. +358 (0)600 174552

Viking Line, Lönnrotinkatu 2Tel. +358 (0)9 123 577

Riga and Gotland

Silja Line, Olympiaterminaali, Eteläsatama, tel. +358 (0)600 174552

Kristina Cruises, tel. +358 (0)5 21 144www.kristinacruises.com

Flights

Helsinki-Vantaa Airport is located

19 kilometres from the centre of

Helsinki, approximately 25 minutes

by car. The taxi ride will cost around

30 euros. Finnair’s airport bus costs

5.20 euros (30% discount with the

Helsinki Card). Regional buses (451,

415, 615) cost 3.40 euros.

Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, Finavia, information 24h, tel. +358 (0)200 14636 (€0.57/min+local call charge)www.ilmailulaitos.fi

Trains

There are regular train connections

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, three trains leave

Helsinki daily for Russia, one to

Moscow and two to St. Petersburg.

VR Passenger Service, local Tel. 0600 419 00 (€1/min+local call charge), from overseas tel. +358 9 2319 2902www.vr.fi

Buses

The Matkahuolto bus station is

situated at the Kamppi Centre in the

Narinkka Square.

Matkahuolto, tel. +358 (0)200 4010 (€1.64+local call charge)www.matkahuolto.fi

Outside Helsinki

Welcome to Helsinki’s western neighbour

– Espoo!

Adventures Awaiting you in Espoo are the beautiful sea and surrounding archipelago, the hiking trails and wilderness of the Nuuksio National Park, countless high-quality events, plus cultural and sports activities, excellent shopping possibilities, and a wide range of accommodation choices.

Action Active people will always find something to do in Espoo. The most adventurous can enjoy the wild slides at the Serena Water Park. Alternatively, active vacationers can try canoeing or long-distance skating in the archipelago, or visit the Nuuksio National Park, where you can hike throughout the year.

Culturally minded visitors must visit the new WeeGee House, which offers experiences and events with no less than five museums – including Finland’s largest art gallery: EMMA. The Gallen-Kallela Museum presents the life and works of our grea-test national artist alongside visiting exhibitions.

EventsMany events will take place in Espoo in 2007. April Jazz, the biggest event of its kind in the Helsinki region, kicks off the spring, bringing the biggest names in jazz to Tapiola. The Organ Nights and Aria concerts in the Espoo Cathedral have become a mainstay of the summer. Espoo Ciné, Vermo trotting races, Nice Run, Espoo–Suursaari Race, eCross, exhibitions at WeeGee, the 9th Espoo Piano Week… it’s all happening in Espoo!

See what we have to offer: www.espootravel.com

Espoo Convention & MarketingKeskustorni 10. krs, Tapiola, 02100 Espoo

Tel. +358 (0)9 8164 7230

E-mail: [email protected]

Spend a day in the hanseatic old town of Estonia’s capital Tallinn!

Nordic Jet Line operates with two

high speed car-catamarans from

the centre of Helsinki to the centre

of Tallinn. The operating season

stretches from the beginning

of April to the end of the year,

depending on the ice situation.

There are several departures

each day, and the crossing takes

approximately 1.5 hours.

Reservations:www.njl.info

e-mail: [email protected]. +358 600 01 655

(€1.97/call + local call charge)

Kanavaterminaali K5, 00160 HELSINKI

Welcome to the Viking Line World!

Our Routes:Helsinki-Mariehamn-Stockholm

Helsinki-Tallinn

Turku-Mariehamn-Stockholm

Mariehamn-Kapellskär

Information:Tel : +358 (0)9 123 51

e-mail: [email protected]

58

!

Outside Helsinki

Over 3000 events are held each year in Helsinki. This year Finland will host for the first time ever the Eurovision Song Contest, which was won by the band Lordi in Athens in 2006. The 2007 contest will be held at the Helsinki Arena during the second week of May.

On these pages you will find a list of Helsinki’s biggest and most noteworthy happenings. For more information, enquire from Tourist Information or see: www.visithelsinki.fi

JANUARY6.1. Strauss concert, Finnish National

Theatre

18.-21.1. Nordic Travel Fair Matka

2007, Helsinki Fair Centre

25-28.1. Docpoint – Helsinki

Documentary Film Festival

25-28.1. Disney On Ice, Helsinki Arena

Until 7.1. Winter Circus Aika/Time,

Dance Theatre Hurjaruuth

Until 21.1. Pentti Lumikangas

– Timeless Space, Didrichsen Museum

of Art and Culture

Until 21.1. Athos – Monastic Life on

the Holy Mountain, Tennis Palace Art

Museum

Until 28.1. Ars Fennica 2007

– exhibition of candidates, Museum of

Contemporary Art Kiasma

Until 22.4. Puukko – the Finnish

Sheath Knife, National Museum of

Finland

Until 2.9. Landscape in Kiasma’s

Collections, Museum of Contemporary

Art Kiasma

FEBRUARY2-4.2. Apassionata Horse Show,

Helsinki Arena

18.2. Suomenlinna Shrovetide

18.2. Seurasaari Shrovetide

MARCH10-17.3. Musica nova Helsinki

– International New Music Festival

13.3. Cliff Richard in concert, Helsinki

Ice Hall

15-17.3. Wine Expo 2007, Helsinki

Fair Centre

18-25.3. Church Music Festival,

Helsinki

APRIL6.-9.4. American Car Show, Helsinki

Fair Centre

7.4. Via Crucis – Stages of the Cross,

Kaisaniemi Park-Senate Square

7.4. Easter at Suomenlinna

10.4. Nine Inch Nails in concert,

Helsinki Ice Hall

30.4. May Day Eve celebrations

– Students give Havis Amanda a wash

and her graduation hat, Market Square

MAY1.5. May Day, student and national

celebrations, including traditional

picnics in Kaivopuisto Park

12.5. Eurovision Song Contest (semi-

finals 10.5), Helsinki Arena with

supporting events throughout the city

16.5-3.6. Mamma Mia! – musical,

Helsinki Arena

20.5. Cecilia Bartoli in concert,

Finlandia Hall

25.5-7.6. International Maj Lind Piano

Competition, Sibelius Academy

26-27.5. World Village Festival,

Kaisaniemi Park

27.5. Women’s 10K Fun Run – start at

Olympic Stadium

JUNE2.6. Finland vs. Serbia-Montenegro,

football, Finnair Stadium

6.6. Finland vs. Belgium, football,

Finnair Stadium

8.-9.6. Helsinki Samba Carnival,

Esplanade

11.6. Genesis in concert, Olympic

Stadium

12.6. Helsinki Day, birthday events

throughout the city in Esplanade Park,

Senate Square, Kaivopuisto Park

14-16.6 Finnish Provinces in Helsinki:

Ahvenanmaa, Senate Square

16-18.6. (provisional) Finlandia Junior

Games, athletics, Olympic Stadium

22.6. Midsummer Celebrations,

Seurasaari Island

29.6-1.7. Helsinki Salmon Market and

European Championships in Salmon

Fishing, plus supporting events,

Kaivopuisto Park, Merisatamanranta

Tuska Festival, the biggest heavy metal

event in the Nordic region, Kaisaniemi

Park

Koneisto Festival of Electronic Music

Women’s Christmas Market Ice Sculpture Competition Women’s 10K Fun Run

Events in 2007 Porvoo is nearby!

Small and idyllic Porvoo, Finland’s second oldest town,

is situated just 50 kilometres east of Helsinki. Porvoo

is a truly lovely place to visit. Come and see its unique

waterfront red ochre sheds, medieval cobblestone streets,

the charming boutiques in Old Porvoo, its restaurants,

cafés, museums, galleries…

Porvoo is just an hour’s drive from Helsinki along the E18

highway. Many bus services operate every hour between

Helsinki and Porvoo. For example, there are daily year-

round departures from Helsinki at 8.50am, 10.20am and

11am, and from Porvoo at 5.15pm, 6.20pm and 7.45pm.

Tickets cost €10-13.

You can also take a summer cruise from Helsinki’s

Market Square to Porvoo aboard the m/s King and m/s

J. L. Runeberg. An historic museum train departs from

Helsinki’s Central Railway Station to Porvoo on certain

Saturday mornings in summertime.

11.6-14.9: Half-day guided excursion from Helsinki

(Esplanade Park/Fabianinkatu) to Porvoo: Mon, Wed &

Fri at 1pm. Duration: 4 hours. Prices: adults €52,

children €20.

Porvoo is also a Christmas town!Porvoo is also a charming destination during the

Christmas season, offering small and cosy Christmas

markets, great gift ideas in the boutiques of Old Porvoo,

and delicious food in the cafés and restaurants.

Tip! Pick up a copy of the Porvoo travel brochure

from the Porvoo Tourist Office. Languages: English,

Finnish, Swedish, German, French, Italian, Spanish and

Russian.

Slow train to PorvooExperience that old-time travel

atmosphere and beautiful scenery

along the way to Porvoo as you ride the

historic railcar, affectionately known as

the ”Flat Hat”. The train departs from

Helsinki’s Central Railway Station on

Saturday mornings in July and August

at 10.30am and returns from Porvoo

Station departing at 4.30pm.

Prices and schedule: http://helsinkiww.net/pmr/

Porvoo Museum Railway Society – Museum train trips since 1991

Restaurant Wanha LaamanniBeside the ancient King’s Road in the

heart of Old Porvoo is a house dating

back to the 1700s that for the last 30

years has housed the famous Restaurant

Wanha Laamanni. The restaurant provides

a truly historical setting in which guests

can enjoy Finnish and international

cuisine in a Gustavian atmosphere.

Wanha Laamanni has cosy facilities on

two floors. The atmospheric upper floor

with its open fireplaces can be divided into two cabinets.

The restaurant has seating for eighty customers, and there is

also a pleasant terrace open in the summertime offering an

additional eighty seats with a splendid view over Old Porvoo.

Open year round 10.30am-10pm, tel. +358 (0)20 752 8355

www.wanhalaamanni.fi

Hommanäs GårdThe historic manor Hommanäs Gård dates

back to the 1700s and once belonged to

partisan leader Stefan Löfving. Today the

manor house offers a high quality and

relaxing setting for meetings, holidays,

family banquets and group visits. Hom-

manäs is located an hour’s drive from

Helsinki (62 km) by the sea to the south

of Porvoo (12 km) on the island Vessö. The grounds include

two holiday houses: Villa Eva (max. 12 persons) and Villa Brita

(max. 8 persons). There is also a well-equipped meeting facil-ity seating up to 50 persons, as well as sauna facilities and a traditional smoke sauna. The Café Löfving is open daily in summertime.

www.hommanas.com, Magnus Andersson

tel. +358 (0)40 7036 492, [email protected]

Porvoo City Tourist OfficeRihkamakatu 4 (in Old Povoo)Tel. +358 (0)19 520 2316/2304www.porvoo.fi, [email protected]

60 Events

JULY2-31.7. Jazz Espa, jazz concerts on the

Espa Stage daily 4pm-6pm, Esplanade

Park

8-14.7. Helsinki Cup, international

junior soccer tournament

AUGUST16.-25.8. Art goes Kapakka, cultural

happenings in bars throughout the city

Bombing of Viapori, Finnish Fireworks

Championships, Hernesaari

Viapori Trophy, sailing competition off

of Suomenlinna

17.8-2.9. Helsinki Festival, events

throughout the city

18.8. Helsinki City Marathon, Finland’s

biggest running event, start and finish

at the Olympic Stadium

22.8. Finland vs. Kazakhstan, football,

Finnair Stadium

22-25.8. Viapori Jazz, Suomenlinna

Night of the Arts, cultural happenings

fill the streets of Helsinki late into the

evening

SEPTEMBER7.9 and 21.9. Night of the Cats,

Helsinki Zoo

12.9. Finland vs. Poland, football,

Finnair Stadium

20-30.9. Love and Anarchy Film

Festival, internationally current

directors and themes at various cinema

venues

Helsinki Design Week

Charity Concert for Children, featuring

music stars from Finland and abroad,

Olympic Stadium

OCTOBER7-13.10. Herring Market, Helsinki’s

oldest traditional event, Market Square

14.10. Sailing Ship Day, Market Square

18-21.10 Helsinki International Horse

Show, Helsinki Arena

NOVEMBER17.11. Finland vs. Azerbaidzhan,

football, Finnair Stadium

Opening of the Christmas Lights on

Aleksanterinkatu

November-January: Winter Circus,

Dance Theatre Hurjaruuth, Cable

Factory

DECEMBER5-9.12. Women’s Christmas Market,

featuring Finnish handicrafts, Wanha

Satama

6.12. Finnish Independence Day,

ceremonial events and festivities

7-10.12. European Veterans Indoor

Track & Field Championships,

Liikuntamylly, Myllypuro

10-23.12. St. Thomas Christmas

Market, featuring treats, gifts and

handicrafts, Esplanade Park

Christmas Market at the Old Student

House, Vanha Ylioppilastalo

13.12. Lucia Parade from Helsinki

Cathedral to Finlandia Hall

31.12. New Year’s Eve celebrations,

speeches, concerts and fireworks,

Senate Square

To search for events, see:


FAIRS AND EXHIBITIONS Helsinki Fair CentreMessuaukio 1Tel. +358 (0)9 150 91www.finnexpo.fi

Wanha SatamaPikku Satamakatu 3-5Tel. +358 (0)9 173 341

www.wanhasatama.com

Lucia Parade Herring Market Christmas Lights on Aleksanterinkatu

Helsinki offers plenty of choices for accommodation, from inexpensive hostels to luxury hotels. Finland does not use official hotel ratings, so the stars after the name are those of the Helsinki City Tourist & Convention Bureau.

Best Western Hotel Haaga ***Nuijamiestentie 10, 00320 HelsinkiTel. +358 (0)9 5807 877www.hotelhaaga.com

Crowne Plaza Helsinki ****Mannerheimintie 50, 00260 HelsinkiTel. +358 (0)9 2521 0000www.crowneplaza-helsinki.fi

Cumulus Kaisaniemi ***Kaisaniemenkatu 7, 00100 HelsinkiTel. +358 (0)9 172 881, www.cumulus.fi

Cumulus Olympia ***Läntinen Brahenkatu 2, 00510 HelsinkiTel. +358 (0)9 69 151, www.cumulus.fi

Cumulus Seurahuone ***Kaivokatu 12, 00100 HelsinkiTel. +358 (0)9 691 41, www.cumulus.fi

Hilton Helsinki Kalastajatorppa *****Kalastajatorpantie 1, 00330 HelsinkiTel. +358 (0)9 458 11, www.hilton.com

Hilton Helsinki Strand *****John Stenbergin ranta 400530 Helsinki, tel. +358 (0)9 393 51www.hilton.com

Holiday Inn Helsinki City Centre ****Elielinaukio 5, 00100 HelsinkiTel. +358 (0)9 5425 5000www.hi-helsinkicity.com

Holiday Inn City West ****Sulhasenkuja 3, 00180 HelsinkiTel. +358 (0)9 4152 1000www.hi-helsinkicity.com

Holiday Inn Helsinki ****Messuaukio 1, 00520 HelsinkiTel. +358 (0)9 150 900www.holiday-inn.com/hihelsinki

Hotel Anna ***Annankatu 1, 00120 HelsinkiTel. +358 (0)9 616 621www.hotelanna.com

Hotel Arthur ***Vuorikatu 19, 00100 HelsinkiTel. +358 (0)9 173 441www.hotelarthur.fi

Hotel Avion ***Malmin asematie 6, 00700 HelsinkiTel. +358 (0)9 350 7440www.hotelavion.net

Hotel Kämp *****Pohjoisesplanadi 29, 00100 HelsinkiTel. +358 (0)9 576 111, www.hotelkamp.fi

Hotel Linna ***Lönnrotinkatu 29, 00180 HelsinkiTel. +358 (0)10-3444 100Sales office +358 (0)10-3444 110www.palacekamp.fi

Hotel Rivoli Jardin ****Kasarmikatu 40, 00130 HelsinkiTel. +358 (0)9 681 500, www.rivoli.fi

Hotel Skatta **Linnankatu 3, 00160 HelsinkiTel. +358 (0)9 659 233www.hotelskatta.com

Hotelli Aurora ***Helsinginkatu 50, 00530 HelsinkiTel. +358 (0)9 770 100www.hotelaurorahelsinki.com

Hotelli AVA **Karstulantie 6, 00550 HelsinkiTel. +358 (0)9 774 751, www.ava.fi

Hotelli Finn **Kalevankatu 3 B, 00100 HelsinkiTel. +358 (0)9 684 4360, www.hotellifinn.fi

Hotelli Helka ***Pohjoinen Rautatiekatu 2300100 Helsinki, tel. +358 (0)9 613 580www.helka.fi

Hotel Katajanokka ***(opening spring 2007)Vyökatu 1, 00160 Helsinkiwww.hotellikatajanokka.fi

Hotelli Seurahuone Helsinki ***Kaivokatu 12, 00100 HelsinkiTel. +358 (0)9 691 41www.hotelliseurahuone.fi

Hotelli Vuoranta ***Sodexho Oy, RamsinniemiTäkykuja 3, 00980 HelsinkiTel. +358 (0)9 341 940www.sodexho.fi/hotellivuoranta

Klaus K****Bulevardi 2-4, 00120 HelsinkiTel. +358 (0)9 621 6064www.klauskhotel.com

Kokoushotelli Rantapuisto***Ramsinniementie 14, 00980 HelsinkiTel. +358 (0)9 31 911, www.rantapuisto.fi

Marttahotelli ***Uudenmaankatu 24, 00120 HelsinkiTel. +358 (0)9 618 7400www.marttahotelli.fi

Omenahotelli Eerikinkatu ***(opening March 2007)Eerikinkatu 24, 00100 Helsinkiwww.omena.com

Palace Hotel ****Eteläranta 10, 00130 HelsinkiTel. +358 (0)9 1345 6661www.palacehotel.fi

Palace Kämp Hotel Glo ****(opening March 2007)Kluuvikatu 4, 00100 HelsinkiTel. 0103 444 000, www.palacekamp.fi

Park Hotel Käpylä ***Pohjolankatu 38, 00600 HelsinkiTel. +358 (0)9 799 755www.parkhotelkapyla.fi

Radisson SAS Plaza Hotel ****Mikonkatu 23, 00100 HelsinkiTel. +358 (0)20 1234 703www.radissonsas.com

Hotels and other accommodation

62

!

Hotels and other accommodation

Radisson SAS Royal Hotel ****Runeberginkatu 2, 00100 HelsinkiTel. +358 (0)20 1234 701www.radissonsas.com

Radisson SAS Seaside Hotel ****Ruoholahdenranta 3, 00180 HelsinkiTel. +358 (0)20 1234 707www.radissonsas.com

Scandic Hotel Continental Helsinki ****Mannerheimintie 46, 00260 HelsinkiTel. +358 (0)9 47 371, www.scandic-hotels.fi

Scandic Hotel Grand Marina Helsinki ****Katajanokanlaituri 6, 00160 HelsinkiTel. +358 (0)9 16 661, www.scandic-hotels.fi

Scandic Hotel Marski ****Mannerheimintie 10, 00100 HelsinkiTel. +358 (0)9 68 061, www.scandic-hotels.fi

Scandic Hotel Simonkenttä ****Simonkatu 9, 00100 HelsinkiTel. +358 (0)9 683 80www.scandic-hotels.fi

Sokos Hotel Albert ****(opening August 2007)Albertinkatu, Helsinki, www.sokoshotels.fi

Sokos Hotel Helsinki ****Kluuvikatu 8, 00100 HelsinkiTel. +358 (0)20 1234 601www.sokoshotels.fi

Sokos Hotel Presidentti ****Eteläinen Rautatiekatu 400100 Helsinki, tel. +358 (0)20 1234 608www.sokoshotels.fi

Sokos Hotel Torni ****Yrjönkatu 26, 00100 HelsinkiTel. +358 (0)20 1234 604www.sokoshotels.fi

Sokos Hotel Vaakuna ****Asema-aukio 2, 00100 HelsinkiTel. +358 (0)20 1234 610www.sokoshotels.fi

Sokos Hotel Pasila ***Maistraatinportti 3, 00240 HelsinkiTel. +358 (0)20 1234 613www.sokoshotels.fi

GUESTHOUSES

Kongressikoti *Snellmaninkatu 15 A 10, 00170 HelsinkiTel. +358 (0)9 135 6839www.kongressikoti.com

Omapohja * (no-smoking)Itäinen Teatterikuja 3, 00100 HelsinkiTel. +358 (0)9 666 211www.gasthausomapohja.com

HOSTELS

Eurohostel **Linnankatu 9, 00160 HelsinkiTel. +358 (0)9 6220 470www.eurohostel.fi

Hostel Erottajanpuisto *Uudenmaankatu 9, 00120 HelsinkiTel. +358 (0)9 642 169www.erottajanpuisto.com

Hostel Mekka *Vuorikatu 8 B, 00100 HelsinkiTel. +358 (0)9 630 265www.hostelmekka.com

Hostel Suomenlinna *Suomenlinna C 9, 00190 HelsinkiTel. +358 (0)9 684 7471www.leirikoulut.com

Lönnrot Hostel *Lönnrotinkatu 16 D, 00120 HelsinkiTel. +358 (0)9 693 2590www.hostellonnrot.com

Stadion Hostel *Pohjoinen Stadiontie 3 B 00250 HelsinkiTel. +358 (0)9 477 8480www.stadionhostel.com

SUMMER HOSTELS

Hostel Academica *Hietaniemenkatu 14, 00100 HelsinkiTel. +358 (0)9 1311 4334www.hostelacademica.fi

Hostel Karavaani ***Karavaanikatu 4, 00980 HelsinkiTel. +358 (0)50 363 0455www.hel.fi/liv

Hostel Satakuntatalo *Lapinrinne 1 A, 00180 HelsinkiTel. +358 (0)9 6958 5232www.sodexho.fi/satakunta

CAMPING

Rastila Camping ***Karavaanikatu 4, 00980 HelsinkiTel. +358 (0)9 321 6551www.hel.fi/liv

Tip!

For information about

Helsinki’s apartment hotels,

see www.visithelsinki.fi

Hotel BookingHelsinki Expert Hotel Booking takes care of all your accommodation needs in and around Helsinki, including hotels, hostels and camping lodges. Enquire also about family rooms. Hotel Booking also offers other travel services, including the Helsinki Card, tickets for sightseeing tours and half-day excursions, ferry tickets and car rentals.

Hotel Booking is located at the Central Railway Station,

and you can also book rooms online from our website.

Tel. +358 (0)9 2288 1400, [email protected]

www.helsinkiexpert.fi/accommodation

Hotel Booking .................................62Hotels ..............................................61Hot Winter Helsinki .........................51Ice Park ............................................52Internet cafés ..................................29Korjaamo Culture Factory ...............39Lego Show Helsinki .........................23Linnanmäki Amusement Park .........24Lost and Found ...............................29Map, City Centre .............................32Map, Seurasaari ...............................19Map, Suomenlinna ..........................15Museums ........................................ 40Music ...............................................37Olympic Stadium .............................18Parliament House ............................17Porvoo .............................................58Post Office ......................................29Presidential Palace ..........................13Public transportation ......................35Restaurants .....................................45Saunas .............................................52Sea Life ............................................23Senate Square .................................12Seurasaari ........................................19Shopping .........................................25Sights and attractions .....................11Sightseeing cruises......................9, 10Sightseeing tours ..............................8Skating ............................................53Skiing ...............................................53

Alphabetical index:

Accommodation ..............................61Architecture ....................................42Banks and currency exchange .........29Buses ...............................................56Cafés ................................................45Camping ..........................................62Car rentals .......................................29Churches ..............................12, 13, 17Cinemas ...........................................39Clubs and nightlife ......................... 48Concert and theatre tickets ............37Emergency numbers ........................29Equipment rentals ...........................54Espoo ...............................................57Events ..............................................59Excursions outside Helsinki ............58Excursions to neighbouring countries ..........................................56Exercise ...........................................54Ferries ..............................................56Finlandia Hall ...................................18Finnish National Opera ...................18Fishing .............................................54Flights ..............................................56Guide Booking ...................................7Guided half-day excursions ...............9Helsinki Cathedral ...........................12Helsinki Zoo, Korkeasaari ................24Heureka ...........................................24History .............................................30Hospitals..........................................29

Suomenlinna Maritime Fortress ......14Taxis .................................................29Temppeliaukio Church .....................17Theatre ............................................38Tourist Information ...........................6 Trains ...............................................56Useful Information ..........................29Uspenski Orthodox Cathedral .........13WC ...................................................29

Helsinki City Tourism Brochure

“Helsinki Visitors Guide” 2007

published by Helsinki City

Tourist & Convention Bureau

Translation by Crockford Communications

Design and layout by Ezpa / Katariina Tirkkonen-

Wane

Printed in Finland by Uusi Kivipaino, Tampere, 2006

Printed on Stella Press 80 g

Photos: Helsinki City Image Bank, photo material

provided by advertisers

This brochure includes commercial advertising. The

information within this brochure was updated in

October 2006. The Tourist & Convention Bureau

is not responsible for possible changes. The

publisher is not responsible for possible misprints

or the correctness of contact information, opening

times, prices or other information mentioned in

this brochure.

HELSINKI

Tourist & Convention BureauPohjoisesplanadi 19, P.O. Box 28FI-00099 City of Helsinki Tel. +358 (0)9 169 3757, Fax +358 (0)9 169 3839New numbers from 1.2.2007:Tel. +358 (0)9 3101 3300, Fax +358 (0)9 3101 [email protected]

Open 2.5-30.9: Mon–Fri 9am–8pm, Sat–Sun 9am–6pm1.10-1.5: Mon–Fri 9am–8pm, Sat–Sun 10am–4pm


Helsinki is a modern European cultural city whose urban cosmopolitan lifestyle exists in perfect harmony with nature. Surrounded by the sea and its own exotic archipelago, Helsinki offers visitors an endless number of possibilities. These possibilities are represented by Best of Helsinki -nominees. They are all distinctive in their own fields and demonstrate various great alternatives to fully enjoy your stay in Helsinki. Vote for your own favourite! www.bestofhelsinki.fi

(Travel-Finland) Helsinki Visitors Guide (2007)

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