Ketch "Walborg"

Helsinki is very beautiful city with amazing architecture. A rich history has left an imprint on its appearance. Having arrived here, vacationers can visit squares and museums, admire the beauty of churches and parks. Even a week may not be enough to get to know the capital - the sights are located literally at every step.

Senate Square (Senaatintori)

It is best to start exploring the city from its cultural and historical center. The name speaks for itself: it is here that the building of the Senate (now the State Council) is located. The University is located nearby, and opposite the former residences of wealthy merchants of the nineteenth century can be seen. In the middle of the square stands a monument to the Emperor of the Russian Empire Alexander II, who did a lot for the Principality of Finland. Four figures are installed next to it, personifying law, peace, labor and light. The houses that surround the square in a ring form a harmonious architectural ensemble.

Church in the rock (Temppeliaukio kirkko)

There are many religious sites in Helsinki, but the most unusual of all is the Lutheran Church in granite rock... The avant-garde building caused a mixed reaction from society, but now Temppeliaukio is considered one of the symbols of the city, and even the most skeptical citizens have come to terms with its original style.

The hall of the church is spacious, and part of the walls is rough rock. The light enters through the windows surrounding the huge dome, so there is no feeling of stiffness. The acoustics are excellent here, which is why the temple is often used for concerts. However, even on ordinary days it is worth coming here to listen to the magnificent organ with over 3,000 pipes. There are no bells in Temppeliaukio, instead of them speakers are installed in the walls through which bell music written by Tanel Kuusisto is broadcast.

Entrance to the church is free, but you need to be guided by the schedule of services. In summer, from Monday to Saturday, it is open from 10:00 to 17:45, and in winter from 10:00 to 17:00. On Sundays, Temppeliaukio Church starts work an hour later.

Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Jumalansynnyttäjän kuolonuneen nukkumisen katedraali)

Another religious building, whose appearance will not leave anyone indifferent, is made in the classic pseudo-Byzantine style. The Assumption Cathedral, built at the end of the 19th century on the foundations of the Katajanokka Peninsula, is considered one of the most beautiful in all of Finland. It is built on a rock and stands proudly above the nearby buildings. The outer walls are made of red brick, and the thirteen onion domes are covered with gold leaf. The main dome rises in the central part of the square structure, while the bell tower is located on the south side. A beautiful view of the entire Helsinki opens from the platform in front of the cathedral.

The cathedral can be visited on all days except Monday. Opening hours: Tuesday-Friday - 9: 30-16: 00, Saturday - 9: 30-14: 00, Sunday - 12: 00-15: 00. If tourists want to attend the service, the time must be specified separately.

Market Square (Kauppatori)

Helsinki Market Square is worth a visit not only for shoppers, but also for those who want to see the daily life of the city. Along its perimeter there are retail outlets selling everything your heart desires - from delicacies to clothes and souvenirs. It is worth taking a leisurely stroll here, because Helsinki does not tolerate a hustle and bustle. In addition to the tents, there is one of the symbols of the city - the Sea Nymph fountain, as well as an obelisk in honor of the Russian Empress Alexandra Feodorovna.

As in any market, trading is carried out on weekends in the morning. It is especially interesting on the square during the Christmas holidays, when everything around is decorated with garlands. You can refresh your strength after shopping, and in winter you can warm up in small cafes.

Fortress Suomenlinna

Sveaborg ("Swedish Fortress") or Suomenlinna ("Finnish Fortress") are the names of the same historical site included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. At present, the strengthening has passed to civilian management, but previously it performed an important defense function.

The fortress was erected on islands located two kilometers from Helsinki. Lovers of history, architecture and military affairs will find a lot of interesting here. Among the tourist sites are:

• Suomenlinna Museum (Suomenlinna-museo) - ticket from 5 euros;
• Toy Museum (Suomenlinnan Lelumuseo) - entry from 5 euros;
• War Museum (Sotamuseon Maneesi) - a ticket costs 4 euros;
• Field Marshal Ehrensvärd Museum (Ehrensvärd-museo) ticket from 3 euros;
• Customs Museum (Tullimuseo) - free admission;
• submarine museum "Vesikko" ticket price from 4 euros.

Not the entire fortress is open to the public - part of it is set aside for the naval academy, and there is also a prison here. It is interesting that it is the prisoners who are engaged in maintaining order in Sveaborg.

You can only get here by ferry or river tram from the Market Square. A one-way ticket costs 4 euros. Tourists who decide to visit the attraction for the first time should remember that there is no transport on the territory of the fortress, therefore, shoes should be worn as comfortable as possible.

Winter Garden

The Winter Garden is a wonderful romantic place, perfect for leisurely walks. This is a kind of oasis wildlife in the middle of a metropolis. Having crossed the threshold, you immediately find yourself in a tropical forest: birds sing, vines hang from the ceiling. However, going a little further, one cannot fail to note the order reigning here: the paths are covered with gravel, and the animals are located in cages.

The territory is divided into several parts: a pool with fish, a cactus garden and a zone of exotic plants and flowers. The entrance to the Winter Garden is free, but it is open only until 15:00, and on Saturday and Sunday - until 16:00, the day off is Monday. You can get here by tram No. 2, 4 and 7A, stop Töölön halli.

Museum of Contemporary Art "Kiasma"

The Kiasma Museum is one of the youngest in Helsinki. It is dedicated to contemporary art in the broadest sense of the word. The museum does not look like classical galleries - rather, it is several creative platforms gathered in one place. There are 25 departments in total, covering areas such as painting, cinema, photography, sculpture, music, architecture and so on. The exhibitions are constantly being updated, and audio guides are issued at the entrance so that visitors can freely navigate the expositions.

The museum is located at Mannerheiminaukio Square, 2. Kiasma opens at 10:00, but the opening hours vary: on Tuesday it is open until 17:00, on Wednesday and Thursday until 20:30, on Friday - until 20:00, on Saturday - until 18:00, on Sunday - until 17:00. The day off is Monday. Entrance ticket costs 12 euros, for students - 8 euros.

Aleksanterinkatu Street

Aleksanterinkatu or Aleksandrovskaya Street is the historical center of Helsinki, the richest street in the city. Trade here was conducted several centuries ago, and since then nothing has changed in this regard. It is here that the stores of the most famous brands are located, as well as the largest shopping center in the capital - Stockmann. A visit to Aleksanterinkatu will be interesting not only for the purpose of shopping - the street itself is very beautiful. You can get here by bus (No. 4, 4A, 7A and 7B) or tram (3B).

Acquaintance with the city

By bus or tram

Bus tours in Helsinki start at the central station (Simonkatu 1) or at the port (Silja and Viking terminals). Inexpensive but addicting alternative bus excursion- acquaintance with the city by tram line 3T. In this case, we recommend starting the excursion from the station, then the tram follows almost all the main attractions of Helsinki. Together with the ticket, it would be nice to buy an accompanying brochure with a description of the objects, past which the tram is rolling.

On foot or by bike

The Helsinki Information Center brochure lists popular routes and bike rentals to explore the city.

By boat around Helsinki

Pleasure boats in the summer every hour (from 10.00) depart from the Market Square and from Hakanie Square - you can take a trip to the islands off the coast of Helsinki.

Leisure

Holidays in Helsinki do not have to be limited to sightseeing - the city has a huge selection of places where you can spend time actively and fun. Of course, first of all, tourists will want to go on a trip by water. It can be either going out to the open sea or walking along the coastline on a boat. You can get acquainted with the underwater inhabitants without leaving the mainland - in the Sea Life aquarium. There are more than 50 aquariums in it, and under the largest of them, where sharks are kept, there is a glass tunnel.

The Vanhankaupunki Historic District is a must-see for fishing enthusiasts. To fish in law-abiding Finland, you need to have a license, but you can freely buy it at the Meri-Info kiosks located in the Stockmann department store on ul. Aleksanterinkatu 52, or at the address: st. Unioninkatu 23.

Winter is perhaps the most favorite time of the year for the Finns, and how can you resist the temptation of ice skating or skiing down the slope, especially if all these activities are available in the city center? In addition to indoor ice parks and sports complexes located in and around Helsinki, ski slopes and the rollers are also poured directly under open air.

The Finnish sauna is a must-see for any tourist who comes to Helsinki. Couples are equipped right in homes, on rooftops, and sometimes even on buses, and visiting them is an important part of the culture. One of the most colorful public saunas is Rauhaniemi. Its peculiarity is that instead of an artificial pool, visitors plunge into the wormwood of Lake Näsijärvi.

Every year, from late August to mid-September, there is a festive atmosphere in Helsinki for three weeks. Concerts, performances are held everywhere, and various events are organized. All kinds of performances are held in cafes and restaurants in the capital. The culmination of the festival is "The Long Night of Art".

Shopping

Finnish-made goods, in particular clothing, footwear and interior items, are of high quality, for which they are highly valued all over the world. The choice of a place for shopping depends on the product - you should go to the market for souvenirs and colorful handicrafts, but branded items can be purchased profitably in large shopping centers.

Woolen hats and sweaters with a characteristic pattern are usually brought from Helsinki. Warm and original, they will find a place in every wardrobe. Of the national brands, Marimeko has recently become popular - things are distinguished by an unusual bright design, but at the same time they are well suited to any style.

In addition, you can pay attention to bath accessories. They are sold both separately and as gift sets.

A traditional souvenir is also a kuksa - a wooden cup with a ring handle. In ancient times, the Finns took them on hikes, tying them to a belt.

The main shopping streets, Esplanada and Aleksanterinkatu, are home to brand shops and small boutiques.

All the favorite food of the Finns (and sometimes visiting foreigners) can be bought at the market near the port. Opening hours: Mon. Sat. 6.30-14.00; in the summer 15.30-20.00.

Not far from the Pitkasilta Bridge, there is a market in Hakaniemi Square. Here, the food is slightly cheaper than in the port market.

At the end of Bulevardi Boulevard is the Hietalahdentori market. It is worth going to the central pavilion. Working hours: Monday to Friday - 8.00-18.00, Saturday and Sunday - until 15.00.

How to save money in Helsinki

The national currency of Finland is the euro, and at the current exchange rate, even a short trip can be very expensive. In order to have a good rest and at the same time save money, it is worth remembering some travel tricks.

Free entrance to museums

The schedule of most cultural sites includes days or hours of free visits. So, in the Museum of Culture this time is from 17:00 to 20:00 on the first Tuesday of each month, the next day you can freely go to the Ateneum and Kiasma museums at the same time. On Fridays from 11:00 to 16:00 there is no need to pay for a ticket to the Museum of Finnish Architecture. In addition, the city has a huge variety of free objects, including churches and parks.

Savings on food

On most trips, food will be the most significant expense. However, if you cook your own food by buying groceries at the supermarket, you can save a lot.

Savings on purchases

Avid shopaholics should pay attention to the outlets, of which there are a lot in Helsinki. Discounts in them can reach up to 70%.

When buying things as a gift, you should ask if you can get a refund Tax Free... In stores operating on this system, you need to take a special check, which is stamped when leaving the country. A refund of paid VAT can be obtained directly at customs.

Travel

Of course the most The best way save money on travel - stay close to attractions. If this is not possible, and the tourist will have to use public transport every day, it is worth purchasing single ticket... To do this, you need to contact the city's transport department or the tourist office.

Accommodation in Helsinki

Visiting all the sights is a pleasant but rather tiring experience, so you need to take care of accommodation in advance. Traditionally, most travelers choose hotels. The capital of Finland is a place where you can find a suitable hotel that meets all the requirements for comfort, price per room, and range of services. Chain stores such as Hilton and Radisson in a separate characteristic do not need, however, besides them, there are many interesting options. For example, Hotel Kämp is the epitome of elegance and chic. It is not surprising that it is here that the world elite prefers to stay. You can book a room and feel your belonging to the upper strata of society for 200 euros per day.

Entrance to Glo Hotel Art

There are many more economical ones in the capital, but no less interesting hotels... So, Glo Hotel Art is a real medieval castle, Radisson Blu Seaside Hotel is an eco-hotel, all room interiors in which are made exclusively from natural materials.

For those who are going to stay in Helsinki for at least a week, as well as tourists with children, it is better to consider such an option as renting apartments (apart-hotels). Among them are Citykoti Downtown Apartments, Helsinki Central Apartments, Forenom Helsinki City Aparthotel.

There are also quite a lot of hostels in the city that will appeal to young people, since accommodation in them is inexpensive. Not far from the city center are Eurohostel, Hostel Erottajanpuisto, Domus Academica and others. At the height of the tourist season, it is better not to postpone the choice of housing, since good profitable options are quickly dismantled. You can find and book a room through our website following the link.

How to get to Helsinki

The fastest way to get to the capital of Finland from Russia is by plane. Direct flights from Moscow run daily in this direction. The road will take no more than 2.5 hours.

Those for whom air transport is not suitable for some reason can use the services of Russian Railways. The high-speed train will take tourists from St. Petersburg to their destination in just 3.5 hours. But the journey from Moscow will last significantly longer - 15.5 hours.

Another option that is also popular is the ferry from the Northern Capital. The approximate travel time is 13 hours, but this solution will be the most beneficial for those who are used to traveling abroad in their own car - the car deck is at the disposal of passengers.

Helsinki

Helsinki

Helsingfors, the capital of Finland. The city was founded in 1550 under a Swede named Helsingfors; the helsing stem is often found in scandal toponymy, but its meaning is unclear, fors Swede, "waterfall"... Fin. name of Helsinki (Helsinki) formed from Swede. the name of the waterfall. In Russia before 1917 g. was taken by Helsingfors.

Geographical names of the world: Toponymic dictionary. - M: AST... Pospelov E.M. 2001.

Helsinki

(Helsinki, Helsingfors), Swedish Gelsingfors , capital Finland... The city is located in the south of the country, on the coast Finnish hall. Baltic Sea. 539 thousand inhabitants (1998), in the agglomeration, incl. Vantaa and Espoo cities, more than 800 thousand people The climate is temperate, transitional to continental. Wednesday January temperature -9.7 ° С, July 16.8 ° С, precipitation approx. 700 mm per year. The bay does not freeze for long in winter. X. was founded in 1550 by decree of the Swedish king, in 1641 it was moved 5 km to the south, in the second half of the 18th century. at the entrance to the harbor, the Swedes erected the Sveaborg fortress. Since 1812, the capital of the Grand Duchy of Finland (as part of the Russian Empire), since December 1917 - an independent Finland. The historical core of X. is the Estnes Peninsula and the Sveaborg Fortress. The main monuments of architecture belong to the era of classicism 1st half of the XIX in .: building of the former. Senate (1822), St. Nicholas Cathedral (1830–52), Helsinki University with a library (1828–45). Archyt. buildings of the Finnish nat. theater (1901), nat. Museum (1906–09), center. railway station (1904–14), parliament (1927–31). University, Academy of Music. J. Sibelius, the Academy of Fine Arts, the Academy of Finland and a number of scientific institutions. Botanical Garden... Finnish nat. opera, nat. Finnish and Swedish theaters, a number of other theaters. Important railway. node, seaport, int. Malmi airport. Ferry service to Tallinn. Machine; chem., ceramic, text., sewing, knitted, leather and footwear., furniture., paper., polygraph., food. prom-st. Metro. In 1952, the Games of the XV Olympiad were held in X. In 1975, the final act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe was signed here.

Dictionary of modern geographical names... - Yekaterinburg: U-Factoria. Under the general editorship of Acad. V. M. Kotlyakova. 2006 .

HELSINKI

FINLAND
Helsinki (Swedish name - Helsingfors) is the capital of Finland and the administrative center of Liani Usima. The city stands on the shores of the Gulf of Bothnia of the Baltic Sea. The population of the capital is about 508 thousand inhabitants. Helsinki was founded in 1550 and since 1812 was the main city of the Grand Duchy of Finland (part of the Russian Empire). At the end of 1917, the city became the capital of independent Finland.
Helsinki is modern city, whose life is characterized by an international character, ties with the East and West, as well as a powerful cultural development. The vibrant business life is giving the entire region a new dynamic.
The sea that surrounds Helsinki gives the city a special charm. This is an integral part of the urban image of the capital. The coastline of the city is almost 100 km, and there are 300 islands in the water area. In the summertime, it is very popular to visit the islands of the archipelago. In winter, the islands can be reached over sea ice.
The people of Finland affectionately call their capital the daughter of the Baltic Sea. The city center is located on a promontory surrounded by the sea. Today's Helsinki has a wonderful combination of old and new, the beauty of the city with the beauty of nature. A specific feature of the city's architecture is the rather significant territories built up according to a single plan, which represent various trends in architecture from neoclassicism to the modern school, such as Ruoholati. The true masterpieces of architecture are the buildings in the Empire style on Senate Square: the Cathedral, the University, the State Council.
Cultural life is at its best, which was recognized by the election of Helsinki as one of the cultural capitals of Europe in 2000. Diversity cultural life provide three symphony orchestras. National Opera and Ballet, almost 70 museums, a large number of art galleries, wonderful concert halls, 8 theaters, etc. The National Opera is a meeting place for theater, ballet and opera lovers, and in the Museum of Modern Art, avant-garde lovers can see the Finnish and world avant-garde art of our time.
The parish center of Helsinki located in Vanta is an example of a compositionally preserved whole rural village of the 17th-19th centuries. It has been declared a monument of national importance and is subject to protection as a landscape complex. The Nissbakka manor dates back to the 16th century, and during the summer, temporary art exhibitions are held in its park and exhibition premises, and the works of the sculptor Laila Pullinet are also displayed there.
At the turn of the century, the Jugend style emerged in Helsinki, examples of which can be seen in the Katajanokka area. Other important attractions are, for example. Palace Finland, a church carved into the rock on Cathedral Square, Sibelius monument, Olympic stadium and new Palace opera. A suitable object for a walk on the sea is the zoo on the island of Korkeasaari, located near the center.
Esplanade is the busiest shopping street in the city, which starts from the Market Square located on the seaside. The largest department stores in the capital are located nearby. Along with the popularity of a trading city, Helsinki has also gained fame as a city of traditional diplomatic meetings, international conferences and congresses, so it can rightfully be called the Geneva of the North. In 1952, the Games of the XV Olympiad were held here.
Helsinki is interesting for tourists at any time of the year. In summer, the bright nights and the sea, in winter, the snow and the tense rhythm of the city attract to themselves. On Christmas and New Year's Eve, department stores beckon with a wide selection of gifts. But even then, many concerts and theatrical performances are held.
Helsinki is a major seaport and the main industrial center of the country. Machine building, shipbuilding, electrical, textile, chemical, ceramic, food industries are well developed here. The city has a subway. International transportation is carried out by Malmi airport.
The capital is home to the University of Helsinki, the J. Sibelius Academy of Music (1882), the Academy of Fine Arts, the Suomenlinna Fortress Museum (Sveaborg), the Ateneum Art Museum, the Architectural, National, Customs, Ethnographic and other museums.
In 2000, Helsinki will celebrate the 450th anniversary of the city.

Encyclopedia: cities and countries. 2008 .

Helsinki

Helsinki (population - about 546 thousand people) - the capital of Finland (cm. Finland)- they call the White City of the North. It stands on the shores of the Gulf of Bothnia in the southernmost part of Finland. The main Finnish port is located here. The city center is located on a promontory surrounded by the sea. The sea is an integral part of the city. It is not for nothing that residents call Helsinki "the daughter of the Baltic Sea". The capital is adjacent to the Helsinki region, or Greater Helsinki. On the territory of this region there are Vantaa city with the international airports of Espoo, Tikkurila, Kauniainen, Järvenpää and Kerava, the municipalities of Tuusula, Nurmijärvi and Vihti.
Helsinki was founded by King Gustav Vasa of Sweden in 1550 at the mouth of the Vantaa River. In 1640, the Governor-General of Finland Peter Braache ordered to move the city to the peninsula, where the city center is now. Four years later, a fire destroyed the main part of Helsinki. In 1710, a plague broke out in Helsinki, which killed about half of the population. Not many more than three hundred people survived. After the war of 1808-1809, when Finland became an autonomous Grand Duchy of Finland within the Russian Empire, the city became the capital of Finland in 1812 by the imperial decree of Alexander the First. Since 1917, Helsinki has been the capital of independent Finland. During World War II, Helsinki, along with London and Moscow, was the only capital of a country not occupied in Europe during the entire war that took part in the war. After the war, Helsinki was the venue for many important international events: the 1952 Olympic Games, the Consultative Meeting on the Limitation of Strategic Arms in 1970, the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe in 1975.
Today Helsinki is attracted by a wonderful combination of old and new, the beauty of the city with the beauty of nature. A significant part of the city was built up according to a single plan, these areas represent various trends in architecture from neoclassicism to modern schools, such as Ruoholati.
The true masterpieces of architecture are the buildings in the Empire style on Senate Square: the Cathedral, the University, the State Council. Senate Square with the surrounding buildings was built according to the designs of K. L. Engel. All buildings were erected between 1818 and 1852. The main merit of the architect is that he managed to create a harmonious and integral ensemble, sustained within the framework of neoclassicism, on the terrain rugged by hills and rocks.
In the center of the square there is a monument to Alexander II, created in 1894 by Walter Runeberg. Emperor Alexander II was loved by the Finnish people because he gave the Finns autonomy. Alexander II is depicted in the form of a guards officer during his speech. Around the imperial figure there is a sculptural group: "Law", "Peace", "Light" and "Labor".
The project of the cathedral, the old name of St. Nicholas Cathedral, was created in early 1818 by the architect Angel, but construction work began only in 1830. In 1852 the Temple was consecrated. Angel was very pleased with the progress of the construction of the Temple. In his last letter, dated September 3rd, 1839, he wrote: “Elegance, which is difficult to surpass, prevails in appearance Temple ". Unfortunately, the architect never saw his creation fully completed.
In section, the Temple has the shape of a Byzantine cross. The cathedral is crowned with a high central dome and Corinthian columns on each side. Angel's successor, EB Lohrmann, added 4 small towers and two buildings to the building on the Senate Square side. Later, statues of the 12 apostles were added.
The building of the university was built in 1832, but the university itself is much older: it is more than 350 years old. The university was founded in the city of Turku, and after the fire was moved to Helsinki.
One of the most interesting sights in Helsinki is the church on Temppelinaukio Square, carved right into the rock. Its only adornment is the copper plates with which the ceiling is lined; the church does not even have a dome. The church in the rock is perhaps the most successful monument of Art Nouveau architecture. It was built in just one year by the Finnish architects Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen. In 1969, the church was consecrated, and very soon it received the status of an international church. The premises of the church have the best acoustics in the world. Organ and violin music concerts are held here.
The oldest building on the territory of the city is the Sveaborg sea fortress (the Finnish name is Suomenlinna). Its construction began in 1748 when Finland was part of Sweden. The architect and construction manager is the famous Swedish military leader, Count A. Ehrensvard. In 1808, during the Russian-Swedish war, the fortress passed to Russia. With the transfer of the capital of the Grand Duchy of Finland to Helsinki, Sveaborg acquired great strategic importance as military base guarding the sea approaches to the city. After Finland gained independence, the fortress was first used as a concentration camp for soldiers of the Finnish Red Guard. Then a military garrison was located here, and in 1973 Sveaborg came under civilian control and turned into a unique archipelago-museum in the open air, keeping the history of three countries - Sweden, Russia and Finland.
Among the main attractions, in addition to the fortifications themselves, are a Finnish submarine from the Second World War, the Manezh military museum, museums of dolls and toys, customs, and several art galleries.
The largest Orthodox cathedral in Europe, the Assumption Cathedral, is located in Helsinki. The cathedral was built in 1868 by the architect Alexander Gornostaev. Architectural solutions go back to the church wooden architecture of the 14th century. According to the Orthodox tradition, there is a lot of symbolism in the architecture of the cathedral: 13 onions of the domes are a symbol of Christ and the twelve apostles. The interior is made in the Byzantine and Russian traditions.
One of the most visited attractions in Helsinki is the monument to the composer Sibelius.
Competition for best project hosted by the Sibelius Society, won by Eila Hiltunen. The competition aroused great public interest: the controversy between abstractionists and figurative artists was resolved when a bust of Sibelius was added to the composition of Hiltunen. This monument is unique in its spatial solution, which allows visitors to go inside, where various acoustic effects are achieved.
In the center of Helsinki, a huge station building stands out, built at the beginning of the 20th century by the architect E. Saarinen in the style of national romanticism using decorative elements of medieval Finnish architecture.
The Parliament building, a symbol of Finland's independence, is impressive in its massiveness, built in the late 1920s by the architect J. Siren in the neoclassical style. Not far from the Parliament, a monument to Marshal KG Mannerheim is erected, the central avenue of the city is named after him. Next to the Parliament is located a built in the form medieval castle National Museum.
The statue of a cheerful nymph, created by the sculptor Ville Wallgren, was installed in the fall of 1908. It has been one of the symbols of Helsinki for almost 100 years. Unlike other monuments to great figures located in the city center, this fountain is playful and casual. The statue was named "Havis Amanda", which means "sea nymph" in Swedish. In the 1930s, a tradition arose for the student holiday "Vappa", which falls on May 1, to put on a student's cap on Manta's head (as the Finnish statue is called).

Cyril and Methodius Encyclopedia of Tourism. 2008 .

Synonyms:

See what "Helsinki" is in other dictionaries:

Helsinki- Helsinki. Finnish building national theater... HELSINKI (Swedish Helsingfors), the capital (since 1917) of Finland. 502 thousand inhabitants. Port on the shore Gulf of Finland; international Airport... Metro. Mechanical engineering (shipbuilding, ... ... Illustrated Encyclopedic Dictionary

- (Helsinki), Swedish Helsingfors, capital of Finland. Located on the shores of the Gulf of Finland, the Baltic Sea. The city was founded in 1550. Planned building was carried out from the beginning of the XIX century. according to a regular plan (1808 17, architect I. ... ... Art encyclopedia

- [Finnish. Helsinki is the name of the capital of Finland] watered. the abbreviated title of the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE), signed by the heads of 35 participating countries (including the USSR and the USA) in 1975 in Helsinki from ... ... Dictionary of foreign words of the Russian language

If you ask the average Russian to write a few associations that arise after pronouncing the word "Finland", a number of similar concepts will appear on paper, such as cold, lakes, Scandinavia, Santa Claus and, of course, Helsinki.

Helsinki! This material aims to give the interested reader as much information as possible about this amazing city - the capital of a neighboring state, which will increase the associative list at least threefold.

What does "Helsinki" mean: the interpretation of the name

There are many legends, each of which tells about the etymology of the name Helsinki. Two of them, in comparison with many mythical stories, have a more real appearance:

1. Swedish name sounds like Helsingfors. Finns, being somewhat lazy by nature, decided to shorten the long word, giving it their own national flavor.

The Swedish name itself is made up of 2 separate lexemes: "Helsin" and fors.

The first comes from a Swedish word meaning "narrow section": two Swedish cities with similar names - Helsiger and Helsingborg - are on opposite banks of a narrow strait.

The second part - fors - is interpreted as fort, which means "fortress".

1. Once upon a time, the inhabitants of Sweden, the province of Hälsingland, settled in southern Finland. Nostalgic for their homes, they named their refuge Helsingeå (by analogy with the abandoned homeland). The settlement was located near the Helsingfors waterfall. In 1550 a city was founded here. The progenitor and founder of Helsinki was Gustav Vassa, one of the Finnish kings.

Geographical location of Helsinki

from. br. - 600 10 '24 ";
in. etc. - 240 56 '55 ".

The city is located in the southern part of the Scandinavian Peninsula, right on the coast of the Gulf of Finland. The territory of Helsinki covers about 1150 km 2, it represents the total area of ​​315 islands.

Important: In Helsinki, it is customary to change the clock hands to summer time, therefore, in relation to the capital of Finland, 2 time zone designations are applicable: UTC + 3 (in summer) and UTC +2 for the rest of the year. Read more about the time in Helsinki.
Telephone area code +358 9.

The city of Helsinki is located in the province of Uusimaa, in the province of South. Finland.

Climatic conditions of Helsinki

The northern location of the capital already excludes the presence of a tropical climate in the city with hot summers and snowless winters. Helsinki's climate is slightly milder compared to the annual average in Moscow or St. Petersburg, but the city's location in an open space, around which the water element rages, makes it vulnerable to strong wind currents attacking the mainland from all over the world.

From a tourist point of view, the best time to visit Helsinki is June.

The table shows average temperature in Helsinki for each month:

Times of Day

in January

in Feb

in March

in April

in May

in June

in July

in August

in sep.

in oct.

In November

in December

Afternoon (0 C)

At night (0 C)

Administrative division of Helsinki

The most populous point in Finland - the capital region, with the main city of Helsinki, has sheltered more than 1 million people. Every year the number of local residents of Helsinki and the surrounding area increases by about 10 thousand people. The central region is the most large area state, consisting of 4 separate cities: Vantaa, Kauniainen, Espoo and the main Finnish metropolis of Helsinki.

The entire southern territory of Finland, located on the coast of the Gulf of Finland, belongs to the capital region, which includes 14 administrative units.

Municipalities in the Helsinki region are:

Each municipality in Helsinki chooses its own governing body, which are endowed with certain rights. The responsibilities of municipalities include the implementation of specific activities in the following spheres of life:

• Medical;
• Educational;
• Communal;
• Social;
• Construction.

Elections to the governing bodies of municipalities are held every 4 years.

In addition to the division of Helsinki into municipal units, the city includes several districts, including:

Kruununhaka
The oldest district of Helsinki, on the territory of which most of the attractions of the Finnish capital are located: the Cathedral, the Church of the Holy Trinity, the Senate Square, the State Library, etc.

Teele
The name of the area comes from Teelenlahti - a bay located in its vicinity. As a new separate administrative unit, it began its existence at the beginning of the last century. The belonging of local buildings to a recently bygone era is evidenced by architectural style structures made in the spirit of classicism.

The most famous sights of the area are called the Sibelius monument with the famous church carved into the rock.

Katanokka
Initially, it was a promontory that goes deep into the bay. The main path that attracts the attention of the tourist public is a surprisingly harmonious combination of old and new, neoclassicism and romanticism.

Eira
The area was mainly built up in the 1st half of the 20th century. The architecture of local buildings is realized in the Jugend style.

Ruololahti
This is a fast growing business district of Helsinki.

Callio
Rapid construction on the territory of the region was observed at the end of the last century. The local landscape is a steep sloping hill, occupying about a kilometer of the capital's territory.

Punavuori
If you are heading into the area, you should drive to Helsinki's main harbor or shipyard. The developed infrastructure of the territory is pleasantly surprising: you will be greeted by nightclubs and restaurants, fashionable boutiques and bars, and other components of the tourist service.

Kamppi
Kampi is the central district of Helsinki.

Meilahti
Located near Meilahdentie - the capital's expressway.

Yakomyaki
A modern area with a large number of high-rise buildings located in the northern part of Helsinki.

Basic national concepts

The ethnic composition of Helsinki mirrors the ethnic picture of the whole of Finland. They found shelter here, and several nations coexist comfortably. 5 nationalities are worth highlighting as the most numerous:

(*) information 2011

The Karelians are considered here as a sub-ethnos, therefore they are considered the Finnish group. The national minorities also include Roma, of whom there are about 10 thousand people throughout the country.

How to get to Helsinki

Finland is gaining momentum in the segment of tourism business development every year. There are several reasons for the growing popularity of the state with a vibrant and multinational public. In the era of mass tourism, new ways of moving citizens over long distances are being developed for the purpose of enlightenment, health improvement, shopping, business provision.

Decided to visit Famous places Helsinki? We recommend choosing one of the 5 types of transport as a transportation option:

1. Plane.
2. A train.
3. Bus (fixed-route taxi).
4. Own transport (car).

Flight: Helsinki-Vantaa Airport

From the two main cities of the Russian Federation - Moscow and St. Petersburg - several airlines fly to Helsinki:

• Modern airbuses Aeroflot and Finnair will take you from Moscow airport to the capital of Finland. Flight time - 1 hour and 45 minutes;
• From airport northern capital in Helsinki passengers are transported by planes of the Pulkovo airline. The flight time is 55 minutes.

Reference: the base airport of the Finnish capital is Helsinki-Vantaa. Most of Finnair's international and domestic flights, a member of the Oneworld international alliance, operate from here. In addition to this carrier, Helsinki-Vantaa has "sheltered" Finncomm Airlines and Air Finland.

About 90% of international flights go through the airport.

Vantaa is a reception point for aircraft of more than 30 international airlines, including Russian ones.

Helsinki Airport is equipped with two terminals - T1 and T2, international and domestic, respectively. The terminals are laid out in the form of a hub. This ensures maximum comfort for the transfer of passengers from the arrivals area to the departure area.

Speaking of Helsinki-Vantaa, one cannot fail to mention the airport infrastructure, namely Aviapolis, which is an international class business park. The alliance includes several dozen companies that provide airport services. There are also a number of luxury hotels nearby and the famous landmark of Helsinki - the National Aviation Museum.

Railway service to Helsinki

An alternative and relatively inexpensive way of transporting passengers from Russia to Finland is by train. Russian Railways and Railways Finland offers citizens several railway routes:

Allegro train	St. Petersburg - Helsinki	Flights from Finland Station: 06 hours 40 minutes; 11 hours 25 minutes; 15 hours 25 minutes; 20 hours 25 minutes; Return flights: 06 hours 00 minutes; 10 hours 00 minutes; 15 hours 00 minutes; 19 hours 00 minutes;	Travel time: 3 hours 36 minutes.
"Leo Tolstoy", No. 31 and No. 32	Moscow - Helsinki (Helsinki - Moscow)	From the Leningradsky railway station, departure 22.50 (arrival 12.00). From the station of the Finnish capital leaves at 18:23, arrives in Moscow at 8:25.	About 14 hours.
"Repin", No. 33 and No. 34		Departure from Finlyandsky railway station in St. Petersburg at 07:27, arrival at 12:35. Departure from the railway station in Helsinki - at 15 h 23 min, arrival in St. Petersburg - 22 h 41 min.	6-7 hours
"Sibelius", No. 35 and No. 36	St. Petersburg - Helsinki (Helsinki - St. Petersburg)	Departure from the railway station to St. Petersburg - at 4:44 pm, arrival in Helsinki - at 20:58. Departure from the railway station of the Finnish capital - at 7 h 23 min., Back - at 14 h 05 min.	6-7 hours

Travel by bus

Bus passenger transportation is considered the cheapest way of delivering Russian citizens to the territory of ancient Suomi, moreover, convenience is provided by a large number of operators who carry out regular flights to and from Helsinki.

Passenger transportation is entrusted only to comfortable buses with the most developed service, which includes toilets and air conditioners, spacious luggage compartments, distribution of soft drinks and a light breakfast. After 6 or 7 hours, the bus arrives at the final destination. The starting point of the route of any car operator is the Oktyabrskaya hotel, located not far from the Moscow railway station.

Ferry service Russia - Finland

The fact that Russia and Finland have common water borders has become the reason for the popularization of another method of travel - ferry service, despite the fact that it is not considered cheap. If in winter passengers try to buy a ferry ticket with a seat in the most comfortable and warm cabin, then in summer you can save money on the ferry crossing: in calm sunny weather it is not at all necessary to use the amenities of the cabin. You can simply enjoy the coolness, standing on the open deck and admiring the beauty of the water - accessible, beautiful, comfortable.

Attractions in Helsinki

The formation of Helsinki is mostly associated with convenient place location. Daughter of the Baltic is the second, unofficial name of the capital.

Hundreds of tourists try to visit as many memorable places, historical and modern sights as possible during their short-term vacation, the overwhelming majority of which are located on the peninsula. Museums and parks, churches and monuments to famous personalities - colorful photos of Helsinki will remind you of this trip throughout your life.

The most visited and famous places in the Finnish capital are:

Suomenlinna fortress	The sea fortress, one of the largest coastal defenses on the planet, has been under the auspices of UNESCO since 1991.
Helsinki Zoo	Korkeasaari is the name of the zoo in Helsinki, which occupies an entire island.
Linnanmaki - amusement park	If you want to ride the highest roller coaster in the country, or view the city from a 35-meter Ferris wheel, this is the place for you.
Church carved into the rock	Lutheran Church located in Teele. The monument is carved into the granite mass and covered with a glass dome, which gives the church a lot of natural light.
Assumption Cathedral	The main Orthodox church of the state, named in honor of the Assumption of the Mother of God, was built in 1868.
Cathedral	The main Lutheran church of the country, located on Sennaya Square (1840)
Athenaeum - art museum	A repository of the most famous works of world culture. Located near the railway station, on the street. Kaivokatu.
Monument to Sibelius	Monument to the famous Finnish composer Jan Sibelius is a monument of several hundred short and long copper pipes. One of the most visited places in Helsinki.
Sirena water park	Located in Espoo, a suburb of Helsinki, it operates all year round, except for September (at this time, preventive work is carried out here).

Where to stay: hotel service

If you decide to visit Helsinki on your own, abandoning the service offered by numerous travel agencies, we suggest considering the following accommodation options:

1. Hostels are an example of the European system of accommodation for foreign tourists, which consists in providing guests with a bed-place for a short or long period.
2. Rented apartments are an alternative option. For the price, this option will cost a little more, but if you install an extra bed or a folding bed in the apartment, this method becomes the most attractive in terms of cost.
3. A hotel of the Hotel Room type is a modern variant of accommodation, which implies living in a separate apartment converted into a hotel.
4. Hotel: this option does not require additional presentation. The room and the hotel itself are chosen in accordance with life priorities and finances.

Transport Helsinki

- a city that is convenient to travel by public transport, by bike or on foot. At the service of tourists and local residents, the authorities provided several options for vehicles to move around the capital:

• Bus;
• Tram;
• Taxi.

Payment for travel on any type of transport is made using a single travel card, which can be purchased for a period from 2 hours to 7 days: by purchasing a card in one of the special machines, the action of which is limited, for example, 2 hours, its owner during this time can travel by any urban form of transport. The timing starts from the first ride.

General characteristics of the economic development of the capital region

The leading position in the list of demanded work areas in Helsinki is occupied by the service sector. The distribution of jobs in the capital is as follows:

• 86% belong to the service sector;
• 14% to the industrial sector.

The private service sector owns half of the jobs, the public sector - about a third. The direction that brings the maximum income to the treasury of Helsinki is the business services sector, in particular, real estate operations (maintenance, rent, purchase and sale, research, etc.). First of all, it is worth highlighting the following economic areas that are popular in the Finnish capital:

• Service providers in the advertising sector;
• Processing information sources;
• Research (analytical) activity;
• Economic consulting.

About 50% of the named industries and work areas in Finland are concentrated in Helsinki. About of the jobs associated with freight postage and telecommunications are located here. One third belongs to the printing sector.

Medical service

In order to freely cross the border into Helsinki, you do not need to pre-do a specific list of vaccinations. If you are used to drinking raw water directly from the tap, you should not deprive yourself of this "pleasure", although the taste of life-giving moisture leaves much to be desired.

Be sure to take out health insurance. This will help to exclude huge bills for services rendered in the event, besides, medical care and the cost of services in Finland are fundamentally different from medical services in Russia.

Famous medical centers in Helsinki

Travel is a collection of positive emotions that are sometimes diluted with unpleasant negativity, such as a fall and a bruise. If an extraordinary case and self-treatment can lead to a worsening of the condition, it is better to seek a professional medical help... Anyone in need can get emergency assistance in Helsinki, at any time.

List of well-known medical centers local residents and tourists, looks like this:

1. Aava, medical center.
2. Diacor.
3. Dextra
4. HUS - services of doctors on duty around the clock for children and adolescents.
5. Pikkujätti.
6. Mehiläinen.

Shopping in Helsinki

The volume of sales in the city can be characterized as follows - the choice of goods here is so huge that you will not be able to leave without souvenirs or local products. In addition to consumer goods, supermarkets and shopping centers in Helsinki present a varied collection of handicrafts, copyrighted glass products, jewelry, fashionable clothes from local and foreign couturiers, confectionery, and food products.

In terms of types of outlets, the bulk of businesses are department stores, huge shopping malls or compact boutiques. If the main purpose of your trip is shopping, we recommend taking a look at the streets Unioninkatu and Aleksanterinkatu, Fabianinkatu and Esplanadi, Kluuvikatu and Mannerheimintie. The colorful showrooms and boutiques are replaced by the shopping pavilions of the Forum, Stockmann, Kamppi and Sokos centers.

Only small establishments close on weekends. The friendly sellers of most outlets will serve you any day of the week from 9.00 am to 9.00 pm (with the exception of Sunday, when shops close a couple of hours earlier).

Helsinki Tourism

The city of Helsinki is one of the 9 cultural capitals of the European continent. A metropolis that never ceases to amaze with its versatility, leaving in memory vivid images of cultural monuments of the past and modern times.

If you suddenly need to describe Helsinki in a few words, you get the following chain of epithets: the capital of Finland is a rich history, replaced by technological progress; these are white nights, in the bright light of which lush festivals and entertainment shows take place; it is a market town where you can buy everything - from a small souvenir to a luxurious furniture set.

It is convenient to rest here for those who cannot stand the tropical heat. The moderate climate in this case is an advantage, which is also felt in winter, when a snow-white fluffy tablecloth envelops the entire city. A picture familiar to the inhabitants of central Russia.

The best time for tourism in Helsinki, however, is a warm summer. Autumn is especially rainy here, so the "dull time" is convenient for traveling with the purpose of doing business, but not for recreation.

So close to Helsinki: weekend tour

The following information can be useful for those who even prefer to spend Saturday and Sunday in active holidays and trips. A weekend tour to the capital of Finland will cost about 400 Euros (per person, airfare inclusive).

If you are traveling without the help of a travel agency, you will have to buy a plane ticket yourself, paying up to 250 Euros. Price hotel room- the category is not unambiguous:

• 3 stars - about 60 Euro;
• 4 stars - about 70 Euro;
• 5 stars - about 90 Euro.

Taking into account the approximate price of one lunch, which ranges from 7 to 10 Euro, and the above data, you can calculate the approximate cost of the tour. All kinds of cafes and restaurants are ready to offer such a diverse cuisine of the peoples of the world that this excludes problems with food for tourists of different nationalities. Exotic dishes based on seafood, fish and venison are especially popular in Helsinki.

Built on the peninsulas and islands of the Baltic coastline, Helsinki is a maritime city. Streets bend around bays, bridges connect islands, and ferries link to distant islands. It is saturated with the smell of the sea, and in the ports there is a constant noise from arriving and departing ships.

Helsinki covers an area of ​​1140 sq. Km and includes 315 islands; at least 30% of the city is devoted to parks and open spaces. However, most of the city's attractions are concentrated within one peninsula.

History

Founded in 1550 by King Gustav I of Sweden as a trading rival to Tallinn, Helsinki had a hard time in its early years. The nascent settlement was threatened by poverty, war and disease. For a long time it remained an insignificant coastal city dominated by other prosperous cities - shopping centers in the Baltic region. Construction of Suomenlinna ( sea ​​fortress) helped to raise the status of Helsinki, but fundamental changes began to take place in the city after the victory of Russia over Sweden in the Finnish War, as a result of which Finland was annexed to Russia as the Grand Duchy of Finland in 1809.

In order to reduce the Swedish influence in the country, Tsar Alexander I moved the capital from Turku to Helsinki. Abo Academy, Finland's only university, also moved here in 1827 and eventually became a University. This move strengthened the new role of the city, and in the following decades the city grew and developed at an unprecedented rate; all the prerequisites for birth were created modern capital Finland - Helsinki. These changes are best seen in the business part of the city, which has been rebuilt in a neoclassical style and is somewhat reminiscent of St. Petersburg. As in other cities, the progress of science and technology was a key factor behind the rapid development.

Although the first half of the 20th century was a difficult and devastating time for Helsinki, the city continued to develop. The modern post-war urbanization of the 70s of the last century has tripled the number of the urban population, and this made the city one of the fastest growing centers of the European Union in the 90s of the 20th century.

How to get to Helsinki

You can get here both by air and by land and water.

Vantaa Airport is located 19 km north of the city center. A taxi from the airport to the city center costs 30 euros, the trip will take about 30-40 minutes. There are also special taxi buses for eight people that can take passengers anywhere, the cost of such a trip can vary from 40 to 50 euros. Bus 615 runs regularly between the airport and the train station square in central Helsinki.

By land, the city can be reached either by train or by bus. The railway station is located in the city center and is connected by special passages to the metro. The capital is located at the intersection of three main railway lines, and trains from its station leave for Turku in the west, Tampere in the north and Lahti in the northeast. Bus routes connect the Finnish capital with Sweden, Norway and Russia. Helsinki's main bus station is located between Kamppi metro station and Mannerheim street. Local and regional routes also depart from this station.

When to go

The summer tourist season runs from mid June to mid August and is characterized by long days and cool nights. It should be said that spring and summer in the south of Finland start a month earlier than in the north. Although many places and attractions in Helsinki shorten access hours at the end of the tourist season, this time offers many benefits as well: periods of mosquito activity can be avoided, especially in the north; enjoy the picturesque foliage of the trees in autumn and enjoy skiing in winter. Spring here is short, but magical: the snow melts and the ice breaks open, and nature explodes with life, making the transition from winter to summer in almost one day.

One can hope for warm (but not hot) days in Helsinki from mid-May. Summer nights are short and never too dark, while in winter the day is very short and lasts only a few hours.

Transport

The capital has a very convenient transport network, including bus, tram, metro, ferry and taxi routes.

Guests of Helsinki can purchase a single travel pass for 1, 2 or 3 days, with it you can travel without restrictions on buses, trams, metro and ferries, and it also allows you to make one bus trip to the main attractions with a guide. This ticket also allows you to visit about 50 museums in the city. The cost of such a pass (Helsinki Kortti) for an adult is 25 euros for 1 day, 35 euros for 2 days and 45 euros for 3 days, for children from 7 to 16 years old - 10, 13 and 16 euros for 1, 2 and 3 days respectively. Tickets can be purchased at travel agencies and hotels.

You can also purchase a tourist ticket for 1, 3 or 5 days. With this ticket, you can travel within Helsinki using all types of public transport, except regional buses. A ticket for adults for 1 day costs 5.40 euros, for 3 days - 11 euros, for 5 days - 16 euros. A ticket for children costs 2.70 euros for 1 day, 5.40 euros for 3 days, 8.10 euros for 5 days. Children under 7 travel free of charge. Tickets can be purchased at tourist offices and at metro stations.

Metro / bus / train

The Helsinki City Transport Office is located at the Rautatientori metro station and is open Monday through Thursday from 7:30 am to 7:00 pm and Friday from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm. The city's transport system works every day from half past five in the morning until half past one at night. A single-trip ticket with a transfer option costs 2 euros for adults and 1 euros for children, a tram ticket costs 1.8 euros without a transfer option.

Ferry

Ferries leave from the South Esplanade (Eteläesplanadi) and head towards the islands of Suomenlinna and Korkeasaari.

Taxi

All taxis in Helsinki carry a yellow TAKSI / TAXI sign. The boarding fee is 5 euros, then - according to the meter, depending on the mileage. Rates depend on the time of day, they are higher in the evening - from six to ten in the evening, on Saturdays - after two in the afternoon, and on Sunday - from ten in the evening to six in the morning.

Car

It is not recommended to travel around Helsinki by car due to the limited number of parking lots, it is better to take a walk or use public transport. However, for the outskirts of the city, the car fits perfectly. You can rent a car at the airport or in the city center.

Bicycle

Bicycle rental rates range from 10 to 15 euros per day. A deposit of EUR 16 is required and a passport is required.

Nightlife in Helsinki

IN last years the city is experiencing a significant increase in recreational opportunities at night. Friday and Saturday evenings are the busiest times, so if you plan to go to the club, it is better to show up there as early as possible, since then you may not be allowed in. Mostly people gather in the bars of popular hotels, for example, in the "Scandic Hotel Continental".

Almost all theatrical performances are in Finnish or Swedish. However, the language of music is universal and the cultural landscape of Helsinki is rich in musical events at any time of the year. The main concerts are held at the Finland Hall. Operas are performed in the original language at the Finnish National Opera.

Some nightclubs have small casinos. If you want something more serious in this regard, go straight to Casino Rey.

The best source of information about what is happening on this moment events - a small magazine "Helsinki Guide", which can be found in most hotels and travel agencies.

Holidays

Finns know how to have fun, so they take the holidays seriously. One of the noisiest and funniest festivities in Helsinki, especially for students, is the Vappu holiday, celebrated on the night of April 30 to May 1. Each area of ​​the city welcomes the arrival of spring in its own way; the main event takes place in the market square along the esplanade, where crowds gather on April 30 to watch the statue of Amanda Havis wear a white cap specially made for the occasion. The cap is a symbol of the transition to a new stage of life, it is received by all graduates of Finnish lyceums. From this moment, the general fun begins, taking the form of a grand party on the streets of Helsinki.

The festival takes place in the capital of Finland in late August - early September. This festival, founded in 1968, is dedicated to Finnish and international art and its various forms. Every year about 300 thousand people come here to enjoy the full program of classical and contemporary music, dances, theater programs, cinema and art exhibitions. One of the most famous moments of the festival is the Night of Art, when city streets, parks, churches and galleries are filled with dance groups, bands and street singers. The Children's Festival is also held within the framework of this festival.

The Helsinki City Marathon attracts thousands of runners from all over the world in August. Perhaps one of the reasons for such popularity is that the marathon track runs along the most picturesque places along the sea coast in the city and beyond.

The Baltic herring fair is the oldest tradition in the city, its history goes back about 200 years. At the fair, the main Scandinavian product is presented to visitors in different forms, and the number of dishes and serving amaze the eye and taste.

Shopping

Finland is renowned for its creative approach to interior design. Here you should buy ceramic and glass dishes, hand-knitted clothes, woodwork and rugs. Textiles and jewelery also carry a special Finnish spirit, and toy stores are overflowing with educational toys for all ages. Souvenir abundance is represented by products made of reindeer leather, dolls in national costumes, baskets, spicy liqueur from yellow cloudberries, gooseberries and drupes. And, of course, here you can buy everything you need to go to the sauna.

The most famous shopping spots in the center of Helsinki are the Esplanade, Market Square, Aleksanterinkatu, Iso Robertinkatu and Bulevardi streets.

Most shops are open Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and Saturday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Sometimes, especially in summer, shops on Saturday are open until four days... In stores with EUROPE TAX-FREE SHOPPING signs, residents of countries outside the European Union can shop, with the expectation that upon leaving the country they will be refunded value added tax (usually 16%). The amount for which purchases are made must exceed 40 euros.

The capital of Finland is located on the shores of the Gulf of Finland and is famous for its picturesque landscapes and architecture. Helsinki is unique city, which brought everything together in the best features of Finland. 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.

Finland 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 world map

City climate

The capital of Finland is a city with a temperate climate, but slightly 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 the 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.

There are heavy rains in autumn, so many people 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 in Helsinki and the most popular tourist destination. Here is the Cathedral, which is known as the Nicholas Cathedral. There are also buildings of the Senate, a university and a monument to the patron saint of Finland - Alexander II.
2. The Assumption Cathedral is the largest Orthodox church in Northern Europe.
3. The Sveaborg fortress 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. Korkeasaari Zoo, which is located on the island and has a large number of animals and plants.
5. Temppellaukio Church, which is located in the rock and is a unique landmark of the city. The acoustics are incredible here, so concerts are often held indoors.

Where to stay in Helsinki

In the capital of Finland, there are many options for hotels, 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.

There are economy class hotels in Helsinki, hotels with a large number of additional services such as a spa and even hotels where you can stay with pets.

Where to have a snack

There are a lot of establishments in the city, so tourists have a wide choice. Swedish and Russian cuisines harmoniously merge here. Nevertheless, the Finns have their own national dishes that can be tasted both in large tourist places and in small restaurants, where the main visitors are locals.

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

Helsinki map with landmarks

1. In Helsinki, it is not customary to bargain in most shops and malls, but you can do it in smaller markets.
2. Tipping in restaurants and hotels is included in the price, so it is not customary to leave extra money.
3. The hotels have high quality service regardless of the number of stars.
4. Tourists who come with a family can take advantage of a favorable system of discounts.
5. It is forbidden to smoke in public places, but it is also forbidden to litter, because here the fines are high and the Finns carefully monitor the environment.
6. You need to have an ID with you to avoid trouble.
7. There are big discounts during the Christmas holidays, so this is the best time to shop and buy gifts for loved ones.
8. Tourists who are going to go back to nature should wear tightly closed clothes and take insect repellent so that no one spoils the rest.
9. There are many home furnishings in Helsinki that will leave no one indifferent.
10. Many tourist areas have free internet, also in some buses with the WLAN badge and in all restaurants, cafes and bars.