Old name of Helsinki. Open left menu Helsinki

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 began construction of the Sveaborg fortress to protect the city from attack from the sea. This gives impetus to further development settlements.

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

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

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

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

You should not ignore the symbol of Helsinki - the Havis Amanda fountain, which translated from Swedish means “sea nymph”. Made in 1905 in Paris, it was installed in Helsinki in 1908 and depicts the image of a young woman emerging from water. The fountain is located on another iconic place Helsinki - Trade area, on which all year round you can buy souvenirs, all kinds of sweets and drink coffee.

In addition, Helsinki is 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, and spacious green lawns have made the park a favorite vacation spot for citizens and guests of the city. In the most high point The park houses 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 Wallund. 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). The fortress, located on islands near Helsinki, was included in the List World Heritage UNESCO in 1991. Currently, on the territory of the fortress there is a naval academy of the Finnish Navy, several museums and a light security prison, the prisoners of which maintain the fortress in good condition. On the territory of the fortress there are museums: the Manege military museum, the Ehrensvärd museum, the Suomenlinna museum, the toy museum, the customs museum and the Vessico submarine. Entrance to the fortress territory is free, but you will have to pay to view the museum exhibitions.

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 out of the rock, is illuminated by natural light entering through the glass dome of the building. The excellent acoustic characteristics of the church have led to it hosting many concerts. It was consecrated in 1969 and is visited by more than half a million people a year.

In addition, Helsinki is home to one of the largest and northernmost zoo in the world, Korkeasaari, and the Serena water park, the largest in Northern Europe. In addition, in Helsinki a large number of theaters, cafes and restaurants, entertainment centers and other establishments created to brighten up the leisure time of a tired tourist.

And when visiting Helsinki in the summer, to explore the historical part of the city, you can use free bicycles provided at 26 parking lots located in the city center, the deposit for a bicycle will be only 2 euros.

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

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

It is difficult to simply describe Helsinki, as it is, because it is a diverse city, because over the course of 450 years it has accumulated so many interesting sights that are worth getting to know. In its architecture and cultural events you can feel the flavor of past times.

How to get to Helsinki

For 15 euros you can get there from St. Petersburg by bus. This is the cheapest way, where you do not need to reserve or book, because the ticket itself is purchased upon boarding. Finnord and Sovavto companies transport tourists by bus for tickets costing up to 50 euros. It all depends on the level of comfort, in addition, these buses do not stay at customs for a long time.

For several years now it has been possible to get from St. Petersburg to Helsinki by ferry. Typically, a four-berth cabin costs around 30 euros if booked in advance. Well, in the usual version it’s about 40 euros. The PrincessMaria ferry has 606 cabins, they differ in price category and class. There is also a car deck that can accommodate about 395 cars. The ferry will conveniently take you to Helsinki in 11 hours.

Cycling around Helsinki

One of the most enjoyable ways to explore Helsinki is by bike, which allows you to easily and enjoy the local attractions. This is especially convenient in summer and spring. Helsinki's excellent cycling routes make it possible to get around in any direction. The total length of bicycle paths is 750 kilometers. For example, an excellent cycling route is the Baana trail, which is 1.3 kilometers long. Previously, a railway tunnel ran through this site all the way to the coastal region of Ruoholahti.

The routes have separate lanes for both pedestrians and cyclists. About four thousand shrubs, 180 trees and other perennial plants were planted along the route. This route is framed by stone walls and massive rocks that appeared here about a hundred years ago. Also along the route you can find works of natural art and places to relax. Near the Maria Hospital there are places for recreation and active games. To find out more information about cycling in the city, you need to buy a walking and cycling route planner. This will allow you to avoid getting lost and explore the city better.

Basic prices for travelers to Helsinki

In Helsinki, the best option for exchanging currency is to use a local ATM to withdraw money, because in this case there is a fixed commission. Another convenient option is called exchange office Forex. In this case, it is worth changing the entire amount at once, because the commission is fixed.

Finland is a country where you can get benefits even from garbage. So, for example, in Helsinki, used cans and bottles of drinks are handed over to a special machine that accepts recyclable materials, for which you can get up to 40 euro cents. If you go to the market in the port part of the city, you can buy fresh vegetables and fruits there at an affordable price, at least cheaper than in supermarkets. Here you should also pay attention to fur products and original models of hoods.

There are also many second-hand stores in Helsinki, where you can inexpensively buy unique items for your wardrobe. It is better to buy food products in small stores. In some supermarkets, the cost of products is much lower than in the market. Since most tourists live in hotels, they don’t have to cook on their own. Therefore, it is better to stay in inexpensive hotels that provide breakfast in the morning.

Where to go and what to see

Helsinki has a sufficient number of interesting attractions that deserve special attention. Senate square was designated the center of the capital back in 1812, when the city was proclaimed the capital. The Senate is the first building to appear on this square; even today the government sits here. The other oldest building is the University, which is located opposite the Senate.

The main University Library is located on the corner of Senaatintori Square, everyone can enter there. Thanks to the unique collection of Slavic literature, you can meet many Slavists here. Tuomiokirkko Cathedral is the architecturally dominant structure. After all, this Lutheran cathedral is distinguished by its snow-white appearance and magnificent design.

You should definitely visit the Temppelinaukio Church. This unique temple was carved into the rock, where its entire internal volume is located. Only the dome is visible from the outside. Thanks to the excellent acoustics in the church and the best organ, you can listen to wonderful concerts here. The Hietaniemi cemetery resembles a real exhibition stone sculptures. Since almost all Finnish presidents are buried here, the cemetery was decorated in the best possible way.

Helsinki establishments: clubs, museums, observation rooms

In the numerous clubs in Helsinki, anyone can find something suitable for themselves. If you want to listen to live music and various pop performances, then you should go to the ApolloLive club. Another popular establishment is the AteljeeBaari bar, which has been operating since 1951. Since this establishment is located on the 14th floor, which allows you to admire beautiful view to the city. In the city center there is a cozy night club LadyMoon, where DJs play hits from recent decades.

Tourists are offered to visit interesting museums Helsinki, which are united in the Finnish national gallery. These include Art Museum, Sinebryuchov Museum, Seurasaari Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art. Almost all the exhibits are admirable, so these museums are worth a visit.

Recently, a new observation deck was opened in Helsinki, from where anyone can enjoy a beautiful view of the city. Moreover, this is one of the good ways explore the sights of Helsinki. You can also admire the city from the roof of the Verkkokauppa store. And also with observation deck which is located on the roof tall building on Tyunenmerenkatu street.

Shopping in Helsinki stores

Helsinki offers an excellent opportunity for an exciting and rewarding shopping experience. Shopping can be done in huge department stores and shopping centers, as well as small boutiques and high fashion stores. In addition, quality items can be found at markets and inexpensive flea markets. In the city center, shops are located almost next to each other. Every visitor to the city should visit the Punavuori design district. Here you can find fashionable and designer clothes and interior items.

In Helsinki, the main shopping streets are Bulevardi, Korkeavuorenkatu, Aleksanterinkatu, Mannerheimintie, Eteläesplanadi. At the same time, the largest department stores are located on Mannerheimintie Avenue, where there are many clothing and shoe stores. And on Aleksanterinkatu Street you can find shops that represent international and Finnish chains, and most of the first-class jewelry stores are located here.

Finnish design products are sold in a place like Esplanade. And if you go to Bulevardi Street, they sell art and antiques. Major sales in Helsinki begin after Midsummer and Christmas. During this period, you can buy goods at a big discount.

What hotels can you stay at?

The Finnish capital has many opportunities for temporary accommodation, ranging from inexpensive hostels to luxury hotels. Therefore, you can always choose the ideal option that meets a person’s financial capabilities and needs. Since there is no official classification of hotels in Finland, the number of stars is determined by travel agencies.

Close to railway station The Avion Hotel is located, to get from there to the city center you need to take the train. By the way, next to the hotel there is a highway that leads to St. Petersburg. The best option For any tourist it is considered BestWesternHaaga, it belongs to the category of “three stars”. The rooms are well furnished and visitors receive a high standard of service. It is considered the largest hotel in Helsinki.

And the SokosHotelPasila hotel is located next to Linnanmaki Park, and is cozy and hospitable. Interestingly, this hotel does not strictly target certain guests, so you can conduct various events. Private beach The HiltonHelsinki Kalastajatorppa hotel can be proud of its picturesque location. For guests who want to live in a green area of ​​the city, this hotel is the right place.

Popular excursions for tourists

Guests of the capital are offered a number of interesting excursions. If you go to the classic sightseeing tour, then you can get acquainted with the main attractions of Helsinki. The matter is not limited to the Church in the Rock and the Sibelius Monument. At the same time you can see famous park Kaivopuisto, it was popular in the 19th century among the Russian nobility.

A designer tour is a walk through the DesignDistrictHelsinki, where the most fashionable boutiques in Helsinki are located. It's also the most unusual shopping excursion. During the tour you can see designer furniture, as well as other branded goods. It is thanks to this quarter that Helsinki received the name “Northern Tokyo”. The designer tour allows you to see the various stores.

You can get acquainted with Finnish cuisine during a gastronomic excursion. Because Helsinki is not limited to Chinese restaurants and pizzerias. Guides tell and show you the best Finnish restaurants where you can try local cuisine. Tourists are definitely invited to an old shop where they sell delicious chocolate, as well as a beer bar and a traditional bakery. This is probably the most delicious excursion in Helsinki.

Restaurants worthy of tourist attention

What is Finnish cuisine? This is a combination of Russian and Swedish cuisine. As a rule, restaurants serve venison, salmon soup, mashed potatoes with meat gravy, and blueberry pie as traditional dishes. Here, meat is quite expensive, so the dishes are also expensive.

Organic food lovers can go to the Chef&Sommelier restaurant, which is a real paradise for vegetarians. It is only open in the evenings, so a nine-course menu is served for dinner. Any product in the restaurant is limited, because vegetables and fruits are brought from local farms. If you order in advance, the chef will prepare a special menu for vegetarians. Finnish snacks and organic delicacies can be sampled at the Juuri restaurant. They serve excellent pike perch with caviar and sour cream, gooseberry jam, homemade sausage, and baked cottage cheese with oregano. Constantly updating the menu allows you to arrange surprises for your visitors. In addition to regular wines, the menu includes biodynamic and organic wines.

You should also not miss the famous Nokka restaurant in Helsinki, where you can try traditional northern cuisine. For example, beet salad and smoked Baltic herring.

Tram-pub in Helsinki

While on public transport, drinking alcoholic beverages is strictly prohibited. But Helsinki has a one-of-a-kind tram, which was created with the SparaKOFF pub, which travels around best places cities. At the same time, while exploring interesting city sights, he can drink cold beer.

This tram was used for a long time as a regular route transport. Its interior is decorated with mahogany, copper trim and velvet. The name SparaKOFF comes from the slang word spara, which means "tram", and also KOFF - a famous prefix for breweries in the Nordic countries.

A tram ride around the city takes approximately an hour. During this time you can see many sights of Helsinki - the Finlandia Hall, the Olympic Stadium, Central station, Market Square, Museum of Modern Art and Helsinki Cathedral. The interior of the tram has a large television screen, which allows you to see the city as if from the driver’s window.

You can take the tram at any time at five stops located in the center of Helsinki. In addition to the driver, the tram has waitresses who serve approximately thirty passengers. The tram's menu includes soft drinks, cider and beer. Typically, this tram only operates from May to August.

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 a unique city that brings together all the best features of Finland. In 2011, the city was recognized as one of the best in the whole world, so you should definitely come here and experience 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 best options weekend.

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 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 changes, which makes the city attractive to tourists from all over the world.

In autumn there is heavy rain, so many people note 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. The Cathedral is located here, which is known as St. Nicholas Cathedral. Also located here are the buildings of the Senate, the 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. Sveaborg Fortress was built to defend the city from enemies. Now there are museums here that will tell you 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. 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 in the room.

Where to stay in Helsinki

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

There are economy class hotels in Helsinki, hotels with a large number of additional services, for example, a spa center and even pet-friendly hotels.

Where to eat

There are a lot of establishments in the city, so tourists have a wide choice. 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 in small restaurants where the main visitors are local residents.

Meat is very expensive in the city, but the prices of desserts and berry sauces are also not inferior, so it is better not to visit tourist places. Very often menus in Finnish have more offerings.

Map of Helsinki with attractions

1. In Helsinki, it is not customary to haggle in most shops and shopping centers, but you can do it in small markets.
2. Tips in restaurants and hotels are included in the price, so it is not customary to leave extra money.
3. The hotels provide high-quality service regardless of the number of stars.
4. Tourists who come with families can take advantage of a favorable discount system.
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. There are big discounts during the Christmas holidays, so this best time for shopping and buying gifts for loved ones.
8. Tourists who are going to go outdoors should wear tightly closed clothing and take insect repellent so that no one spoils their vacation.
9. Helsinki has many home goods that will not leave anyone indifferent.
10. Many tourist areas have free internet, also in some buses with the “WLAN” badge and in all restaurants, cafes, bars.

The capital of Finland cannot boast of pompous, lush architecture, a large number of historical attractions and any particularly outstanding cultural heritage. However, Helsinki is a distinctive, atmospheric city and it definitely has its own charm.

City authorities welcome modern architectural projects. Thanks to this, tourists can admire the unusual Temppeliaukio Church and the Kamppi Chapel of Silence. The granite-clad embankments of the Finnish capital give way to discreet and majestic panoramas. Baltic Sea where they swing on the waters cruise ships and ferries.

Helsinki is a solid, solid and prosperous city. There are no enchanting Gothic cathedrals and castles here, but there is incomparable Kiasma, strict northern nature and the triumph of common sense.

The best hotels and inns at affordable prices.

from 500 rubles/day

What to see and where to go in Helsinki?

The most interesting and beautiful places for walks. Photos and brief description.

1. Cathedral and Senate Square

Senate Square is one of three central squares Finnish capital. Sights and main attractions are concentrated around it. tourist routes. The place is decorated architectural ensemble The Cathedral, which was erected in the first half of the 19th century after Helsinki was declared the capital of the Grand Duchy of Finland. Inside the cathedral there is a monument to the founder of the Reformation - M. Luther.

2. Monument to Sibelius

A monument dedicated to the famous and revered Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. Several streets, a music academy, and a city park are also named in honor of this outstanding historical figure. The monument was erected in 1967 according to the design of E. Hiltunen. This is an abstract composition, representing a pile of metal pipes and a bas-relief of the composer located at the foot.

3. Havis Amanda

City fountain, one of the symbols of the Finnish capital. The project was developed by sculptor V. Wallgren at the beginning of the 20th century. In the middle sculptural group There is a statue of a woman - a “sea nymph”, with fabulous sea lions on the sides. It’s hard to believe, but before the installation of the monument, there were heated discussions for more than two years about the propriety of installing a naked figure in the city center.

4. Sveaborg Fortress

Sea fort located on rocky islands near Helsinki. From the city center you can quickly get there by ferry. Sveaborg is the Swedish name; the Finns call the fortress Suomenlinna. The structure was erected in the middle of the 18th century at a time when Finland was part of Sweden. The fortress was a base for the Swedish fleet and protected the approaches to Helsinki.

5. Temppeliaukio Church

An original temple located in a natural rock. The church is considered one of the most striking attractions of Helsinki. Thanks to the unusual architecture, a stunning acoustic effect is created in the church hall. The idea of ​​progressive design belongs to the Suomalainen brothers. The temple was built in the 70s. XX century and quickly gained fame and popularity. Hundreds of thousands of tourists visit Temppeliaukio Church every year.

6. Assumption Cathedral

Orthodox church, built according to the design of A.M. Gornostaev in the middle of the 19th century. The architectural style of the cathedral is a mixture of Byzantine style and traditions of Russian temple architecture. In 1872 it was given cathedral status. On this moment The Assumption Cathedral in Helsinki is the largest Orthodox church in Western and Northern Europe.

7. Kallio Church

The granite bulk of Kallio Church is often called a striking creation of the so-called “Finnish” Art Nouveau or “national romanticism”. This rather original structure appeared in 1912 and soon became the main attraction of the entire Kallio region. It is believed that the architect L. Sonck, when designing the building, took as a model the description of the Old Testament Temple of Solomon (including its impressive dimensions).

8. St. John's Church

Lutheran church of the late 19th century, a grandiose creation of the Swedish architect A. Melander. It was built on the spot where the pagan holiday of Ivan Kupala was always celebrated. The church is very impressive in size - 2,600 people can fit inside at a time. The building was built in the “standard” neo-Gothic style, the interior space is decorated with wooden decor, which was worked on by the best Finnish craftsmen.

9. Chapel of Silence Kamppi

The modern building, erected in 2012 according to the design of M. Summanen, N. Sirol and K. Lintul, is an interesting and striking example of the latest architecture in Helsinki. The chapel is not a temple in the usual sense; services are not held here, but on its territory you can get psychological help or simply take a break from the bustle and oppressive city space.

10. National Museum of Finland

Museum of the History of Finland, where you can trace the development of the land of Suomi (as the Finns call their state) from ancient times to the modern period. The museum exhibitions are quite extensive - from clay shards to the thrones of rulers, from medieval weapons to the technical achievements of Nokia. The museum was opened to visitors in 1916.

11. Design Museum

The museum's exhibitions demonstrate the achievements of Finnish applied art. Exhibitions, international events, and demonstrations of fashion collections of young designers are often held here. The museum was founded in 1873 as a workshop for teaching applied arts. Now this place is considered one of the best modern creative venues in Europe.

12. Natural History Museum

One of the three largest national museums Finland. Exhibition dedicated to natural history and evolution, is located on four floors. Among the especially valuable artifacts are fossil exhibits that are more than a thousand years old. The collection is divided into four parts: “The History of Life”, “The Nature of Finland”, “The History of Bones”, “The Nature of the World”.

13. Science Museum "Eureka"

The museum is located in Vantaa city not far from the Finnish capital. It is an interactive gaming, educational and entertainment center where visitors of different ages can conduct experiments, explore the nature of physical phenomena and simply have a good time. More complex experiments can be carried out in museum “laboratories” under the guidance of specialists.

14. Athenaeum Art Museum

An art gallery housing a rich collection of works of art. A special place is given to the paintings of Finnish artists - representatives of the Golden Age period in national art. There are also works by recognized world classics: Van Gogh, P. Gauguin, Modigliani, Degas, F. Goya, Cezanne and others. The collection contains a large number of paintings by Russian artists: Levitan, Shishkin, Repin, Polenov.

15. Kiasma

A grandiose museum of contemporary art, located in a monumental building of modern architecture. The museum specializes in collecting works by Finnish masters and artists from surrounding countries. Often many works are created by order of Kiasma. Now the museum’s collection numbers about 9 thousand exhibits, but the funds are continuously replenished and the exhibition is growing.

16. Seurasaari – open air museum

The museum is located on the island of the same name west of Helsinki. There are similar exhibitions in many European countries; they are designed to introduce tourists to the traditional way of life and the life of the local population. In Seurasaari you can see wooden dwellings of villagers, Finnish saunas, outbuildings, mills, and religious buildings brought from all over the country.

17. Market Square

The square was formed at the beginning of the 19th century. Since then, there has been a market here, popular among guests of Helsinki and local residents. On the square you can buy souvenirs, fresh food, excellent fish, and also have a delicious lunch. Ferries depart from here to Suomenlinna. An obelisk in honor of the Russian Empress Alexandra Feodorovna was erected on the square.

18. Old covered market

Shopping arcades on the shores of the South Bay, located in an elegant brick building of the 19th century. The market offers a large selection of meat, fish, seafood, bread, and a variety of baked goods. There is also a local specialty shop and a sushi restaurant. Old indoor market– a rather atmospheric place with carved wooden counters, small shops and friendly sellers.

19. Helsinki Train Station

The relatively small building of the capital's railway station is architectural monument beginning of the 20th century. It was built according to the design of the architect E. Saarinen. The Art Nouveau facade is decorated with figures of stone giants created by E. Wikström. There are numerous departures from the station commuter trains and trains long distance to various European countries and to Russia.

20. Waterpark Serena

A water park in the suburbs of Helsinki, which is open to the public all year round. Quite a lot of slides are located under open air, and you can often see children frolicking in the water during the cool Finnish summer at temperatures as low as +19 °C. When purchasing an All Inclusive ticket, you can enter all attractions, bar and restaurant (alcohol for a fee).

21. Sea Life Marine Center

An oceanarium located in the northern part of the Finnish capital. Sea Life aquariums feature a wide variety of marine life: stingrays, sharks, corals, jellyfish, seahorses, exotic tropical fish, and inhabitants of the harsh northern seas. On the territory of the aquarium there are group excursions in Finnish, Swedish and English languages. The guide also contains information in Russian.

22. Linnanmäki

An amusement and amusement park, quite popular among tourists and local residents. Up to a million visitors come to Linnanmäki every year. Carousels and park rides manufactured in leading European countries and meet the latest safety requirements. There are several free attractions for children in the park.

23. Korkeasaari Zoo

The zoo is located on the island of the same name. It was founded in 1889 by A. Fabritius. The first inhabitants of the zoo were bears. The territory of Korkeasaari is home to snow leopards, which are now on the verge of extinction. In addition to the magnificent northern animals, at the zoo you can admire reptiles, tropical birds, and representatives of exotic fauna.

24. Botanical Garden

The garden is located near the central part of Helsinki. Rose gardens have been laid out in the park, greenhouses and a system of artificial ponds have been created. In summer, the garden turns into a magnificent blooming and fragrant canvas. Thematic events, various exhibitions, competitions, and actions to protect nature are regularly held on its territory.

25. Esplanade Park

City park, Finnish " Champs Elysees"and one of the favorite places for walking for locals and guests of Helsinki. Here you can have a great rest between visiting the many shops and attractions of the Finnish capital. In the eastern part of the Esplanade there is a small concert venue where progressive musical groups perform in the summer.

Built on the peninsulas and islands of the Baltic coastline, Helsinki is a maritime city. Streets wrap around bays, bridges connect islands, and ferries provide connections to distant islands. It is saturated with the smell of the sea, and the ports are constantly noisy from arriving and departing ships.

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

Story

Founded in 1550 by the Swedish king Gustav I as a trade rival to Tallinn, Helsinki had a difficult time in its early years. The fledgling 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 raise the status of Helsinki, but dramatic changes began to occur in the city after the Russian victory 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 Swedish influence in the country, Tsar Alexander I moved the capital from Turku to Helsinki. Åbo Academy, Finland's only university, also moved here in 1827 and eventually became a University. This move reinforced the city's new role, and in the following decades the city grew and developed at a rate never before seen; all the prerequisites for birth were created modern capital Finland - Helsinki. These changes are best seen in the business part of the city, which was rebuilt in a neoclassical style and is somewhat reminiscent of St. Petersburg. Just 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 destructive time for Helsinki, the city continued to develop. Modern post-war urbanization of the 70s of the last century tripled 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 by air, land and water.

Vanta 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 eight-person taxi buses 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.

You can get to the city by land either by train or by bus. Train Station located in the city center and connected by special passages to the metro. The capital is located at the intersection of three main railway lines, with trains leaving 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 is worth saying that spring and summer in the south of Finland begin a month earlier than in the north. Although many establishments and attractions in Helsinki are reducing access hours after tourist season, this time also offers many advantages: you can avoid the period of mosquito activity, especially in the north; enjoy the picturesque foliage of the trees in autumn time and enjoy skiing in winter. Spring here is short, but magical: the snow melts and the ice breaks up, and nature explodes with life, making the transition from winter to summer in almost one day.

You 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 days are very short and last only a few hours.

Transport

The capital has a very convenient transport network, including buses, trams, metro, ferries and taxis.

Visitors to Helsinki can purchase a single pass for 1, 2 or 3 days, which allows unlimited travel on buses, trams, metro and ferries, and allows one guided bus trip to the main attractions. 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 tourist ticket for 1, 3 or 5 days. With this ticket you can travel within Helsinki on all types of public transport, except regional buses. An adult ticket 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 years old travel free of charge. Tickets can be purchased at tourist offices and metro stations.

Metro/bus/train

The Helsinki City Transport Office is located at Rautatientori metro station and is open Monday to Thursday from 7:30 to 19:00 and Friday from 7:30 to 17:00. The city's transport system operates daily from half past six in the morning until half past one at night. A ticket for one trip with transfer rights costs 2 euros for adults and 1 euro for children, a tram ticket costs 1.8 euros without transfer rights.

Ferry

Ferries depart from the South Esplanade (Eteläesplanadi) and head to the islands of Suomenlinna and Korkeasaari.

Taxi

All taxis in Helsinki are equipped with a yellow TAKSI/TAXI sign. Landing fee - 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 Sundays - from ten in the evening to six in the morning.

Automobile

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

Bike

Bicycle rental costs range from 10 to 15 euros per day. A deposit of 16 euros is required and a passport must be presented.

Nightlife in Helsinki

In recent years, the city has experienced a significant increase in leisure options at night. Friday and Saturday evenings are the busiest times, so if you are planning to go to a club, it is better to show up as early as possible, as you may not be allowed in later. Mostly people gather in the bars of popular hotels, for example, at the Scandic Hotel Continental.

Almost all theater 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 take place in Finlandia Hall. Operas are performed in their 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 current events is the 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 most fun festivals 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; all graduates of Finnish lyceums receive it. From this moment on, general fun begins, taking the form of a grandiose 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 types. Every year about 300 thousand people come here to enjoy full program classical and modern music, dance, theater programs, cinema and art exhibitions. One of the most famous moments of the festival is the Night of the Arts, when the city streets, parks, churches and galleries are filled with dance groups, orchestras and street singers. Within the framework of this festival there is also a Children's 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 route runs along the most picturesque places along the sea coast in and around the city.

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 types, and the number of dishes and serving amazes the eye and taste.

Shopping

Finland is famous for its creative approach to interior design. Here you can buy ceramic and glassware, hand-knitted clothes, wood products and rugs. Textiles and jewelry also carry a distinct Finnish spirit, and toy stores are filled with educational toys for all ages. Souvenir abundance is represented by products made from reindeer skin, dolls in national costumes, baskets, spicy liqueur made from yellow cloudberries, gooseberries and stone fruits. And, of course, here you can buy everything you need to go to the sauna.

The most Famous places for shopping are located in the center of Helsinki - these are the Esplanades, Market Square, Aleksanterinkatu, Iso Roobertinkatu and Bulevardi streets.

Most stores are open Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 17:00 and Saturday from 9:00 to 14:00. Sometimes, especially in summer, shops are open until Saturday four days. Residents of countries outside the European Union can shop in stores with EUROPE TAX-FREE SHOPPING signs, with the expectation that when leaving the country they will receive a refund of value added tax (usually 16%). The amount for which purchases are made must exceed 40 euros.