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Helsinki (Finland) - the most detailed information about the city with a photo. The main sights of Helsinki with descriptions, guides and maps.

City of Helsinki (Finland)

Helsinki is the capital of Finland and the administrative center of the province of Uusimaa. This is the largest city in the country, located in its southern part on the shores of the Gulf of Finland. Helsinki is a beautiful modern city that was modeled after St. Petersburg after a fire destroyed 1/3 of the historical core. As a result, the Finnish capital received a neoclassical center with wide beautiful streets and boulevards. Helsinki is a city with the makings of a metropolis, which has still retained its provincial character and measured rhythm of life.

Geography and climate

Helsinki is located in the south of Finland on the coast of the Gulf of Finland of the Baltic Sea. The city grew up on a rocky coastline with little elevation change. The historical center is located on the peninsula. The climate of Helsinki is temperate, transitional from maritime to continental. Summers are cool, while winters are quite cold and snowy.

Practical Information

1. The population is more than 640 thousand people (agglomeration 1.3 million).
2. Area - 715.48 km 2.
3. Language - Finnish and Swedish.
4. Currency - euro.
5. Visa - Schengen.
6. Time - UTC +2, summer +3.
7. The best time to visit is summer and winter.
8. The Tourist Information Center is located at the corner of Pohjoisesplanadi and Unioninkatu (near the Market Square).
9. The international airport is located 18 km north of the city and is the largest in Finland. The best and cheapest way to get to Helsinki from neighboring countries is by ferry. Regular ferry service has been established with the following cities: St. Petersburg, Tallinn, Stockholm, Gdynia (Poland), Rostock (Germany).
10. The main shopping street in Helsinki is Aleksanterinkatu. It has many shops and the largest department store in Scandinavia - Stockmann. Esplanadi Street runs parallel with many branded boutiques. 15 minutes from the city center is the largest shopping center in Scandinavia - Itis (Itäkeskus metro station). Large shopping center in the center of Helsinki - Kampin Keskus.
11. Markets - Hakaniemen (food and souvenirs), Vanha kauppahalli (old market hall), Kauppatori (Market square).
12. Going to a restaurant in Helsinki is quite expensive. Budget food: fast food, pizza and various kebabs.

Story

Helsinki was founded in 1550 by the Swedish king Gustav Vasa. The first settlement arose on the site of the modern Arabia region and was called Gammelstadt. But the harbor here turned out to be too shallow and the city was moved to another place (in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe modern Market Square). The new settlement was named Helsingfors. Gradually, the two settlements merged into one city.

Until the middle of the 16th century, Helsinki was a small provincial town with wooden buildings. In 1748, the Swedes began building the fortress of Sveaborg, which was designed to protect the coast from the sea. During this period, the first stone houses appeared in Helsinki. During the 18th - 19th centuries, Russian troops captured the city four times, until in 1809 Finland became part of the Russian Empire.

Market Square in Helsinki

In 1808, a significant part of the city was damaged by a severe fire. In 1812, Helsinki was declared the capital of the Finnish Principality. In 1816, the German Karl Ludwig Engel was appointed the chief architect of the city, who rebuilt the center of Helsinki in a modern neoclassical look.

In 1918 Helsinki became the capital of independent Finland. The city was bombed during the Soviet-Finnish war in 1939 and World War II. In 1952, Helsinki hosted the Summer Olympics.

Attractions

There are no sights of the Middle Ages in the historical center of Helsinki, since the city was founded only in the 16th century and was actually built in the 19th century on the model of St. Petersburg. However, Helsinki is a beautiful modern city that is great for walking and visiting on the weekend.

Sveaborg or Suomenlinna is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located 20 minutes from the center of Helsinki. This building was built in the 18th century on the island to protect the coast of the Gulf of Finland from the sea and is often called the Swedish castle. The fortress was taken by Russian troops and later expanded. Until our time, some old buildings, many fortifications, catacombs and cast-iron tools have been preserved in Sveaborg. The visit to the island is free. The best way to get here is to take the ferry that departs from the Market Square.

Market Square or in Finnish Kauppatori is the main square of Helsinki and one of the oldest places in the Finnish capital, which hosts one of the most famous street markets in Northern Europe. The square is located on the coast of the Baltic Sea and is famous for Finnish products and souvenirs.

The Cathedral is the main Lutheran church of Helsinki, which is the architectural dominant of the Senate Square and one of the symbols of the city. The cathedral was completed according to the design of Carl Ludwig Engel in 1852. It is an impressive building made of white marble, built in the style of classicism.

The Assumption Cathedral is one of the most impressive buildings in Helsinki. This Orthodox Church is the largest in Western Europe. It is a beautiful brick building with numerous towers crowned with golden domes.

Temppeliaukio is a Lutheran church of very unusual architecture built right into the rock in the late 1960s. It has a minimalist interior and excellent acoustics.

The railway station is an original Art Nouveau building.

Church of St. John's is the largest stone church in Finland, built in the late 19th century in the Gothic Revival style.

Finlandia Hall is a building made of white Carrara marble, which was built in 1971 and serves as a concert and conference hall.

• Keskuspuisto is a huge central park with an area of ​​more than 1000 hectares.
• Seurasaari is a small island north of central Helsinki filled with hiking trails and authentic old Finnish houses.
• Helsinki Zoo, which is located on the island of Korkeasaari and has 200 species of animals.
• Kaivopuisto is a beautiful park by the sea in the southern part of the city.
• Linnanmäki is an amusement park with 43 attractions.
• Sibelius Park, dedicated to the famous Finnish composer. Known for the original monument of large metal pipes that create music under the influence of the wind.

• Museum of the famous Finnish artist Gallen-Kallela, located in a picturesque place on the shores of Laahalahti Bay in the eastern part of Helsinki.
• Finnish National Museum - a collection of archaeological artifacts, a Finno-Ugric collection with traditional costumes and items of everyday culture, expositions on the history of Finland from the Middle Ages to the present.
• Finnish National Art Museum - more than 600 paintings, including works by Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Gallen-Kallela. The museum is located on the south side of the station square in a beautiful neoclassical building of the late 19th century.

The capital of Finland is located on the coast of the Gulf of Finland and is famous for its picturesque landscapes and architecture. Helsinki is a unique city that brings all the best features of Finland together. In 2011, the city was recognized as one of the best in the world, so you should definitely come here and feel what the capital of Finland is so famous for.

Finnish Helsinki attracts Russian tourists with its location, so many vacationers emphasize that this is one of the best weekend options.

The capital of Finland is located on the coast of the Gulf of Finland in the Baltic Sea. The city is the largest in the province of Uusimaa.

Helsinki on the world map

City climate

The capital of Finland is a city with a temperate climate, but a little milder than in St. Petersburg and Moscow. The longest season is winter, but the temperature very rarely drops below -17°C, in summer the temperature does not rise above +30°C. Helsinki in winter is an opportunity to visit ski resorts, and in summer you can walk around the city and see all the sights. The climate in Helsinki is mild, so there are no large temperature fluctuations, which makes the city attractive to tourists from all over the world.

In autumn there are heavy rains, so many say that the most favorable time for a trip is July.

What you can see in the capital of Finland - Helsinki

1. Senate Square is the main square of Helsinki and the most popular place among tourists. Here is the Cathedral, which is known as the Nicholas Cathedral. Also here are the buildings of the Senate, the university and a monument to the patron saint of Finland - Alexander II.
2. Assumption Cathedral is the largest Orthodox church in Northern Europe.
3. The fortress of Sveaborg was built in order to defend the city from opponents. Now there are museums that will tell in more detail about the history of the state.
4. Zoo Korkeasaari, which is located on the island and has a large number of animals and plants.
5. Temppelaukio Church, which is located in the rock and is a unique landmark of the city. The acoustics here are incredible, so concerts are often held indoors.

Where to stay in Helsinki

There are many hotel options in the capital of Finland, which differ in cost and level of comfort. Here you can stay in budget three-star hotels or more expensive five-star hotels. In addition, the location of the hotel is of great importance, so tourists who plan to get acquainted with the city center can choose a hotel here so as not to waste time and money on moving around the city.

Helsinki has economy class hotels, hotels with a lot of additional services, such as a spa center, and even hotels where you can stay with animals.

Where to eat

There are a lot of establishments in the city, so tourists have a lot to choose from. Swedish and Russian cuisines harmoniously merge here. But still, the Finns have their own national dishes, which can be tasted both in large tourist places and small restaurants, where the main visitors are local residents.

The city has very expensive meat, but the prices of desserts and berry sauces are also not inferior, so it’s better to visit non-tourist places. Very often there are more suggestions on the menu in Finnish.

Map of Helsinki with attractions

1. In Helsinki it is not customary to haggle in most shops and malls, but it can be done in smaller markets.
2. Tips in restaurants and hotels are included in the price, so it is not customary to leave extra money.
3. In hotels, high-class service, regardless of the number of stars.
4. Tourists who come with their families can take advantage of a favorable system of discounts.
5. Smoking is prohibited in public places, but littering is also prohibited, because fines are high here and Finns carefully monitor the environment.
6. You need to have an ID with you to avoid trouble.
7. During the Christmas holidays there are big discounts, so this is the best time for shopping and buying gifts for loved ones.
8. Tourists who are going to recover in nature should wear tightly closed clothes and take insect repellent so that no one spoils the rest.
9. In Helsinki, there are many home goods that will not leave anyone indifferent.
10. Many tourist areas have free internet, also on some buses with the WLAN sign and in all restaurants, cafes, bars.

Helsinki, the dynamically developing capital of Finland, is a city filled with life and energy, located on the sea coast, with beautiful islands and luxurious green parks. Helsinki is a city with its amazing and unique rhythm that impresses visitors with its cuisine, design, architecture and saunas! Helsinki, like all the northern European culture represented in it, was created by the painstaking work of local residents.

Helsinki is the largest city in Finland. The population living in the metropolitan area is 1.4 million. If you look at the map, you can see that Helsinki is comfortably located in the northernmost corner of Europe, but getting to it is not difficult, thanks to convenient flights connecting eastern and western directions. No flights? No problem! Helsinki can be easily reached from St. Petersburg, Estonia and Sweden via the Baltic Sea. In fact, the sea is one of the most characteristic elements of this city. The Helsinki archipelago consists of more than 300 islands that captivate with their beauty.

Life in the city proceeds in an imposing and unhurried rhythm, and it is very easy to establish contact with this city, both literally and figuratively. Helsinki's public transport system is considered one of the best in the world - thanks to one excellent metro line - the city is also easy to get around on foot or by bike.

In addition to Helsinki, within the radius of the capital region there are also other equally interesting cities to visit and places full of attractions. These include the neighboring cities of Espoo and Vantaa, the historic city of Porvoo, the Järvenpäa-Tuusula region, known for its rich artistic heritage, and the artisan villages west of Helsinki that were once home to iron foundries. Less than 2 hours from Helsinki there are 6 national parks and countless other natural attractions.

Go for a walk in the woods, enjoy concerts, festivals, a traditional Nordic dinner or visit one of the iconic public saunas - you'll find it all here!

Scientific, industrial, educational and cultural center of the country. It was founded in 1550 by King Gustav Vasa of Sweden. For a long time, until the 18th century, Helsinki remained a small town, mostly of wooden construction. However, in 1748, on the islands located near Helsinki, the Swedes begin building the Sveaborg fortress to protect the city from attack from the sea. This gives impetus to the further development of the settlement.

Helsinki was captured four times by Russian troops. Twice in May and July 1713 during the Great Northern War, then during the Russo-Swedish War of 1741-43 and the Russo-Swedish War of 1808-09. During Russian rule, the rapid development of the city begins, which made the central part of Helsinki similar to St. Petersburg. In 1860, the first railway was built in Finland, connecting Helsinki with Tampere and Riihimäki. And in 1870 the railway was laid to St. Petersburg.

Helsinki is a city created for tourism, since most of its attractions are in close proximity to each other. The environment of the Senate Square is a unique architectural ensemble in the neoclassical style. It consists of four buildings designed by Karl-Ludwig Engel in 1822-1852: the building of the State Council, the Cathedral, the National Library and the Main Building of the University. In addition, on the Senate Square there is a monument to Emperor Alexander II by Walter Runeberg, 1894. The bronze sculpture stands on a red granite pedestal.

One of the main attractions of Helsinki is the Assumption Cathedral. Erected according to the project developed by the Russian architect A.M. Gornostaev in 1886, at present it is the largest cathedral in Western and Northern Europe. The exterior of the cathedral is made in the pseudo-Byzantine style and makes an indelible impression. It stands on a high rock, and from the platform at the entrance to the cathedral offers a magnificent view of Helsinki.

The Cathedral, standing on Senate Square, designed by Karl-Ludwig Engel, was built in the period from 1822 to 1852, simultaneously with St. Isaac's Cathedral in St. Petersburg and has much in common with it.

Do not ignore the symbol of Helsinki - the Havis Amanda fountain, which means "sea nymph" in Swedish. Made in 1905 in Paris, it was installed in Helsinki in 1908 and features an image of a young woman emerging from the water. The fountain is located on another iconic place in Helsinki - Market Square, where you can buy souvenirs, all kinds of sweets and drink coffee all year round.

In addition, Helsinki is a very green city: all kinds of parks, squares and gardens occupy a third of the total area of ​​the city. The most famous and oldest park in Helsinki is Kaivopuisto. The park is home to many embassies, including those of the United States and Russia. The beauty of the surrounding nature, the proximity of the sea, rocks, spacious green lawns have made the park a favorite vacation spot for citizens and guests of the city. At the highest point of the park is the Ursa observatory. And on the nearest islands and the seashore, restaurants and cafes await their visitors.

One of the oldest parks in the city, founded in 1812 for public use, is Kaisaniemi Park. It owes its name to the owner of the restaurant located in the park, Kaisa Vallund. The restaurant, by the way, is still open today. The park itself smoothly flows into the botanical garden founded in 1829.

In addition, it is certainly worth visiting the Sveaborg fortress (now Suomenlinna). Located on the islands near Helsinki, the fortress was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1991. Currently, the fortress houses the Finnish Navy Naval Academy, several museums and a light security prison, whose prisoners maintain the fortress in proper condition. On the territory of the fortress there are museums: the Manege War Museum, the Ehrensvärd Museum, the Suomenlinna Museum, the Toy Museum, the Customs Museum and the Vessiko submarine. Entrance to the territory of the fortress is free, but you will have to pay to see the exposition of museums.

Particular attention should be paid to visiting the Temppeliaukio church, which is completely carved into the rock. One of the principles used in the construction of the church was the complete preservation of the surrounding landscape. And the interior, completely carved into the rock mass, is illuminated by natural light that enters through the glass dome of the building. The excellent acoustic characteristics of the church have led to the fact that it hosts many concerts. It was consecrated in 1969 and is visited by more than half a million people a year.

In addition, one of the largest and northernmost zoos in the world, Korkeasaari, and the Serena Water Park, the largest in Northern Europe, are located in Helsinki. In addition, Helsinki has a large number of theaters, cafes and restaurants, entertainment centers and other establishments created in order to brighten up the leisure of a tired tourist.

And if you visit Helsinki in the summer, you can use the free bicycles provided at 26 parking lots located in the city center to explore the historical part of the city, the deposit for a bike is only 2 euros.

According to the English magazine Monocle, Helsinki topped the list of the best cities in the world in 2011. In the same 2011, Helsinki was recognized as one of the safest (after Luxembourg) cities in the world. And in 2012, The New York Times ranked Helsinki second on its list of cities to visit.

The harsh beauty of this city, located on the rocks, can amaze the imagination and be remembered forever.

Helsinki - the capital of Finland - is a city located on the quiet shores of the Baltic Sea. Proximity to St. Petersburg and fairly close historical ties with Russia make traveling to this city fast, with minimal customs formalities. The pearl of Finland is one of the most beautiful capitals of Northern Europe, rich in architectural monuments, unique culture, safety and well-developed tourist infrastructure. Despite its northern location, Helsinki has a huge range of activities to offer at any time of the year. No wonder Finland is on the list of leaders in terms of the best standard of living - the pleasure of visiting Helsinki cannot be compared with any other trip.

Geography

The Finnish capital is located in the southern part of the country on the sea coast and occupies many islands and peninsulas. The area of ​​​​Helsinki itself is 716 square kilometers with a population of just over 600 thousand people - while more than half of the area is occupied by the sea. Helsinki is the main city of the metropolitan agglomeration, which includes three more satellite cities of Espoo, Vantaa and Kauniainen - the population of the entire region is more than 1 million people and is the largest population union in Finland. Despite its location, Helsinki is an attractive city with many green areas, and rocky and mountainous forms - the familiar landscape of the Finnish capital. The uniqueness of the location ensured the protection of the city from the mainland and the sea, and also led to the development of various types of public transport - land and sea. Administratively, Helsinki is divided into eight districts, consisting of 59 districts, most of which have developed both historically and geographically - for example, small islands, plains or residential areas. Helsinki is located in a time zone that differs from Moscow time by one hour - on a par with Cairo, Tallinn, Kyiv and Minsk.

Climate

Weather conditions in Helsinki are average between continental and maritime climates, and the seasons are strongly marked by calendar time. Winters are quite long and cold, with snowfalls and constantly low average temperatures around -7-10°C. Sharp drops in the thermometer are not often. Spring and autumn are characterized by temperature fluctuations from plus to minus, with frosts and rains. The proximity of the sea provides several foggy periods. Summer in Helsinki lasts from June to the end of August with high temperatures in the region of +20°C and the sea warmed up to +17°C. Hot days last for a long time and there is very little rainfall - this is enough for locals and tourists to relax on the city's numerous beaches. The uniqueness of Helsinki lies in the fact that you can go to the Finnish capital at any time, although July is considered the most attractive - as the warmest and most pleasant month in terms of weather. Also in summer, the city observes the season of "white nights", as it is located on the same latitude as St. Petersburg. In spring and autumn travelers go to Helsinki to get the most out of the changing seasons, when nature changes and the city takes on an unforgettable look. Winter in the Finnish capital gives a real New Year and Christmas mood, as everything is covered with snow, and the city itself shines with thousands of colorful lights. In addition, walks in the suburbs with extensive forests and a rocky coastline are popular in winter.

Story

The territory of modern Finland for a long time was the property of the Swedish crown, until the moment of its transfer to the Russian Empire. Helsinki was founded on June 12, 1550 under the name of Helsingfors - this name is still used in official mention and in the Swedish-speaking community of Finland. The Arabia urban area is the oldest part of Helsinki, from where the city originated. For a long time it was a simple provincial town, built mainly of wood. Only in 1748, when the construction of the defensive fortress Sveaborg started, Helsingfors began to acquire stone buildings, but still remained an average village, since Abo was the capital of Finland.

Proximity to the borders of Russia led to the fact that the city participated in all Russian-Swedish conflicts as a stronghold for the armies. In 1809, at the end of the last war with Sweden, Finland completely ceded to the Russian Empire on the rights of a fairly wide autonomy, more like a personal union. The rulers of Russia have done a lot to improve the condition of the new Principality of Finland, and therefore are highly revered in this country. Alexander the First moved the capital of Finland to Helsingfors and sent one of the most famous architects, Karl Engel, to the city, who built the most famous architectural monuments here - the Presidential Palace, the Cathedral of St. Nicholas, Orthodox churches and the entire Senate Square. His students subsequently engaged in the further expansion of the city in the Russian Empire style, in the image and likeness of St. Petersburg. In 1860, the first Finnish railway appeared, and in 1870 it connected Helsinki and St. Petersburg. The Russian government has done a lot to introduce and spread the Finnish language and support national interests - as opposed to the Swedish roots of the country. Therefore, in Helsinki, monuments dedicated to the emperors and empresses of Russia, as well as prominent figures of Finnish origin, are found everywhere. At one time, even Lenin was honored as a liberator, since it was the October Revolution that led to the complete independence of Finland from Russia.

After gaining independence in 1917, the country began to develop independently, and Helsinki became the capital of the state, where the main administrative centers are concentrated. The Second World War did not affect Finland much, as it leaned more towards neutrality during the conflict and was able to maintain its usual way of life. The post-war period is marked by the intensive growth of Helsinki and the introduction of the latest methods of construction and organization of life. In 1952 the city hosted the 15th Olympic Games. Modern Helsinki is one of the safest and most prosperous cities in the world, both in terms of protecting the population and tourists, and providing for citizens. In 2007, Helsinki was the center of the Eurovision Song Contest, and besides this, various cultural, political, and industrial events are constantly taking place in the city.

Sights of Helsinki

• Senate Square and the Cathedral are the architectural value and landmark of Helsinki. The square is surrounded by a rare neoclassical architectural complex. On its territory is the Cathedral, which is over 150 years old. The cathedral was built in 1852, designed by K. L. Engel. The figures of the apostles are located on the roof of the cathedral, and a wonderful view of the South Harbor opens from the steps.
• Very interesting is the building on Temppeliaukio square - a church in the rock. The church was erected in 1969, it was hollowed out in a stone massif. From above, the church is decorated with a glass dome, which is supported by copper plates. The church is famous for its excellent acoustics, which is why various concerts, including organ music, are often held here.
• The largest sea fortress in the world is the fortress of Somenlinna. It is located on an island near the entrance to the southern port. The fortress is a unique military structure, one of the most popular attractions in Finland and an urban area of ​​the city.

• It is also worth paying attention to the Serena water park, especially if you are relaxing with children or just like water adventures. This is the largest complex in Northern Europe, which operates around the clock. Here you can spend the whole day enjoying the unique sensations in the indoor and outdoor pools.
• Helsinki is famous for its large number of museums. For example, the Natural Science Museum, which will introduce you to the nature of the city, plunge you into the depths of the Baltic, a collection of bone remains of majestic dinosaurs.
• The fortress-museum preserves old military traditions. The Naval Academy is located on the Little Black Island to this day. The fortress was included in the UNESCO list of world cultural monuments.
• Another attraction of Helsinki is the Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art. His collection is focused on modern trends in art. The museum presents works of Finnish and international (Russian, North European and Baltic) art.
• Also in Helsinki there is a wonderful Olympic Stadium. It was built specifically for the 1940 Olympic Games, however, due to the World War, the games were postponed for 12 years and were held here only in 1952. Currently, the stadium houses the Sports Museum. In addition to it, there is another attraction on the territory of the stadium - a 72-meter observation tower, thanks to which it is possible to admire the delightful surroundings of the capital from a bird's eye view.

Events and festivals

Finns love and know how to relax, despite their seriousness and strict adherence to the rules. Residents of Helsinki and tourists can spend a few fun days at one of the city holidays every year. The Finnish capital is not only the center of nationwide celebrations, but also has its own unique festivals to visit:

• Winter is a traditional time for Christmas and New Year holidays, which take on amazing and unusual features in the northern city. Christmas weeks are held throughout the city with various fairs, concerts, processions and other entertainment events starting from December 2. Notable dates are also St. Lucia's Day (December 13) and the Tuomos fair in Senate Square, which takes place almost the entire month. In January, Helsinki turns into a center for documentaries with the Doc Point festival, and in February for contemporary music with the Musica Nova event.
• Spring is famous for several major celebrations that are timed to coincide with major dates. Easter enjoys great honor, in honor of which fairs, carnivals and processions are organized. Helsinki also celebrates May 1st, called Vappu, with various fun activities. On the second Sunday in May, Mother's Day is celebrated, when all women are honored with various gifts, and stores often have big discounts on goods.
• Summer is also not the most eventful season, but one of the most memorable and vibrant. On June 12, Helsinki celebrates the founding of the city with large-scale festivities, concerts, open-air exhibitions and other fun. June 4 is the nationwide Defense Forces Day, which traditionally includes a military parade. In the summer they celebrate Ivan Kupala Day (Midsummer Day), Finnish Flag Day, and the Sea Festival is held. But the most famous event in Helsinki in early July is the largest rock festival Tuska Open Air, which brings together performers and fans from all over the world. At the end of July, a beer festival is held, and in August - numerous musical and theatrical events dedicated to ethno, folk, jazz, modern and others.
• Autumn is very rich in various events that have a different direction - from the Finnish fashion week (in early September) to huge exhibitions dedicated to hockey and winter sports. The most notable is the celebration of Salaki Day - in honor of the Baltic herring and other seafood. At this time, a large fair is held on the Market Square, in which many folk craftsmen take part. At the end of October, the city hosts Sauna Day - when all city institutions open their doors to those who wish. November 30 is St. Andrew's Day, when the first Christmas trees are put up in Helsinki, and the holiday is considered the starting point for Christmas markets.

Restaurants and cafes

As a European capital, Helsinki has a wide range of catering establishments ranging from ultra-modern to small national restaurants. In the city, you can try dishes from all cuisines of the world, but locals prefer authentic and familiar dishes that are typical for the Finnish capital. The peculiarity of national restaurants and cafes in Helsinki is that they prepare dishes from seasonal organic products - that is, no one will offer strawberries to tourists in October. In addition, Finnish cuisine is famous for its original game dishes, which have been served for over 150 years at the Kappeli restaurant; simple dishes of herring, red fish or with sausages and cabbage - at Sunday fairs on Kauppatori Square; craft breweries and stylish art restaurants in the Design Quarter; gourmet author's dishes in Michelin-starred restaurants - Demo, Luomo, as well as in Postres, Olo. Many small establishments and cafes offer buffet business lunches, and there are a huge number of small coffee shops with pastries in the city - the Finns are among the leading coffee-consuming nations in Europe.

The hallmark of Helsinki is salmon, whitefish, trout, which are served in almost all restaurants and cafes with a variety of side dishes and additives. The Finns are also very fond of game and hot dishes, in particular soups, of which there are a large number in the national cuisine. Be sure to try at least some of the local breads and the famous pastries with cloudberry jam. When visiting Helsinki, it is worth remembering that the Finns drink alcohol and quite a lot - few people can outdrink the representatives of this nation. Locally produced drinks are strong, and therefore you need to be careful about local varieties of alcohol.

shopping

A famous shopping destination in Helsinki, Aleksanterinkatu Street is home to major international brands as well as local designers offering a wide range of stylish products. One of the most popular brands is Marimekko, which is a must-have item for any traveler to Finland. In the shops on Torgovaya Square, Esplanade Boulevard, Mannerheim Street, you can buy anything - from high-quality furniture to the latest clothing collections, but do not forget about traditional souvenirs from Helsinki:

• wool and leather products;
• bone figurines;
• Hunter knives;
• the famous Moomin trolls - in the form of toys, figurines, clothes, accessories;
• wooden crafts - mugs, kitchen utensils, coasters, figurines;
• sauna accessories - from hats and towels to buckets and aromatic oils;
• stone, copper, porcelain and glass products - Iittala, Hackman, Arabia brands, folk crafts;
• cloudberry jam;
• pastries and bread;
• famous alcoholic drinks - vodka Finlandia, Koskenkorva; liqueurs Minttu, Lapponia;
• smoked, salted fish, canned food, products from the annual fish fair;
• Fazer chocolate;
• natural coffee of the highest quality.

How to get to Helsinki?

The proximity of Finland to Russia solves many transport problems and makes travel easier, as it provides a variety of travel options. Trains run regularly from Moscow and St. Petersburg to Helsinki, arriving at the central station, which is an architectural monument of the century before last. Bus service also operates regularly - the central bus station is located in the center of Helsinki, close to the main transport arteries of the city. Vantaa Airport is located just 17 kilometers from the center of the Finnish capital and has excellent communication with the city via public transport. Finnish and Russian airlines operate regular flights from the largest cities in Russia. Helsinki can be reached by sea - there is a ferry service to St. Petersburg. Travel time does not pass much, but upon arrival you can enjoy the panorama of Helsinki, which opens from the Gulf of Finland. The port is also located in the city center and allows you to quickly get to the most interesting places. You can also go to Helsinki by your own car, since the distance from St. Petersburg is only about 400 kilometers. Simplified customs control and immigration laws will allow you to quickly get to the Finnish capital.

Transport

In terms of traffic intensity and congestion of roads, Helsinki occupies one of the last places in Europe - the unhurried pace of life makes it convenient and comfortable to use any type of public urban transport without fear of getting stuck in traffic jams. A valid Helsinki Card provides additional discounts on all modes of transport except taxis. Helsinki is well connected, both in the city center and when driving to more remote areas:

• the subway - has only two branches and 17 stations - passes through the whole of Helsinki;
• bus service - connects all areas of the city with each other and is one of the most extensive;
• Tram communication is a very developed mode of transport, allowing you to quickly get to different parts of Helsinki. Many routes are laid through the historical center;
• sea ​​trams - a regular mode of transport that runs through the bays and straits of the city, uniting islands and peninsulas;
• Taxi is a common and rather expensive mode of transport, which has its own nuances when ordering by phone and stopping on the street. The second option will make the trip a little cheaper, but it is still recommended to book a car in advance.

Car rental is represented by dozens of international and local companies offering cars of any class. With this choice, it is worth remembering that there are not so many parking spaces in the center, and different parking and payment rules apply on the streets - one on weekdays, and completely different on weekends. In Helsinki, you can rent bicycles, which are offered near all major hotels, railway stations, metro stations. The total length of equipped bike paths is more than 750 kilometers and will allow you to see all the sights and not spend extra money on public transport.

Accommodation

There are many hotels in the city, some of which have the generally accepted "star rating", and some are not marked with distinctions at all - but the level of service and service is quite high. Helsinki has many expensive hotels of the international chains Hilton, Radisson, Holiday Inn, as well as small family hotels with a small number of rooms. Among tourists, affordable accommodations like Hotel Anna, Hotel Sofia, Omena Hotel Helsinki Lonnrotinkatu are popular. Many high-class hotels, such as Hotel Kamp, Scandic Grand Marina, have a very developed infrastructure - their own beaches, sports and recreation centers. If you want to spend your holidays in a majestic castle, then the four-star Glo Hotel Art is just for you. No less popular are various apartments, hostels and rental apartments that allow you to plunge into the life of the Finnish capital and take care of your own food. It must be remembered that during the most popular seasons, places of residence must be booked in advance - two to three months in advance, especially for the summer period and Christmas holidays. The All Right and Cheap Sleep Youth Hostels are the best in the city as they provide a fairly large selection of services at an affordable price and are located close to the main attractions.

Connection

Mobile operators in Russia support roaming when traveling to Helsinki, but for a long stay it is better to purchase a card from a local company. The cost of local and international calls will be several times lower. The city also has a regular telephone connection - in hotels, restaurants, on the street, in public places there is where to call. Internet and Wi-Fi surround almost the entire city, including transport - metro, tram, bus. Remote access to the network is provided by all shopping centers, hotels, restaurants, shops, entertainment complexes. Connecting to the main servers does not cause difficulties and allows you to save on communication using an Internet message.

1. If you are going to the capital of Finland in March, then you should take a warm scarf with you, as the weather at this time is still not warm enough and the air temperature fluctuates around 0 degrees.
2. There are not very many Internet cafes in the city, but you have the opportunity to check your email address at the post office or in the library for free.
3. Currency exchange should not be done in banks, as there are quite high commissions, and banks work only on weekdays. It is better to use city exchange offices.
4. It is better to carry out a city tour by public transport, and not by your own car, since fuel here is quite expensive, and even there are strict traffic rules.
5. If you suddenly get lost in the city, then you should go to the sea and move along the embankment.
6. Shops are open from Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 17:00, and on Saturday from 9:00 to 14:00. In the summer, on Saturday, shops close a little later (around 16:00).
7. It is worth knowing that it is not customary to bargain in shopping centers and shops, but in local markets you should not miss this opportunity.
8. If you are going to visit the forest, it is better to wear tightly closed clothes, and also take some kind of insect repellant with you so that the walk is not spoiled.
9. It is worth taking care of the environment, because the locals care about it very much, and any neglect on your part can result in a large fine.

Helsinki on the map, panorama