Book a hotel in Helsinki

Helsinki is situated on a number of bays and peninsulas and also over a number of islands. The Finnish capital attracts tourists with its modern Northern European lifestyle, and is famous for being an important center of commerce, finance, culture, politics and education. The city, where the historical heritage from neighboring countries Sweden and Russia is evident, is also well-known for its abundant parklands and green spaces. Ice swimming, sauna, ice skating, modern hotels, trendy restaurants, fancy shopping and markets make Helsinki special. Finland is also the place to try new Scandinavian flavors with beverages made of exotic cloudberry fruit and lingonberry.

Helsinki or Helsingfors was founded by the Swedish King Gustav Vasa in 1550 in order to challenge the position of the Hanseatic city of Reval (Tallin). In the 17thcentury, the city was moved closer to the sea for strategic reasons.

Visitors can easily spend days in the fairytale-like Suomenlinna Sea Fortress. Sense the historical environment entering the old barracks or underground pathways in the fortress, originally called Sveaborg. The Swedish Crown constructed the fortress to protect themselves against a Russian invasion after (more...) changing the position of the city. Regardless of the effort to keep Helsinki Swedish, it was conquered by the Russians in 1809. Today the fortress attracts about 700,000 visitors annually and is considered one of UNESCO´s World Heritage Sites. This exciting environment holds historical walls, cannons, tunnels, museums, cafés, restaurants and also a submarine. During summer, visitors can try the exquisite Walhall Gourmet Restaurant, famous for its high-quality wine selection and extensive menu. In the Suomenlinna Brewery Restaurant clients are offered beer that comes directly from the brewery and a tasty islander’s buffé consisting of seasonal delicacies, including smoked fish. On the island of Suomenlinna you will also find the interesting Ehrensvärd Museum that shows historical paintings, furniture, weapons and ship models.

Tourists will find many distinctive landmarks and monuments to visit. In the central part of the city the old Tuomiokirkko Cathedral, originally called St. Nicholas’ Church receives more than 350,000 visits annually. Another popular tourist attraction is the underground Rock Church, built inside a massive block of natural granite. The North Esplanade, Helsinki’s Fifth Avenue, offers fashionable designer shopping. Art interested people have plenty of museums to choose from. The Ateneum Art Museum holds Finnish art from the 1750s to the 1960s. A guided bus tour is one of the best ways to learn more about the city.

Interesting fashion shops and pretty waterways make tourists go to the Punavuori area in the southern part of Helsinki city. Explore Helsinki’s oldest park, theKaivopuisto Park, frequently enjoyed by the locals for walking and skating. Relax in the park as you have a coffee in one of the many cafés along the shore. Finish the visit exploring the constellations of the Universe in the astronomical Ursa Observatory, situated on the highest point of the park.

Linnanmäki Amusement Park in Helsinki is the largest amusement park in Finland. The park is famous for it wooden roller coaster, the Vuoristorata, originally designed as a temporary attraction for the 1952 Summer Olympics. The temporary status of this attraction was renewed for long periods, until it was given permanent status.

The biggest water park in Scandinavia is the Vesipuisto Serena. And great news for you, it’s also situated within the Helsinki metropolitan area. Visit also the Helsinki Zoo and the spectacular Seurasaari Open-Air museum, a few kilometers outside the center of Helsinki.

The humid continental climate gives the city an average temperature of 17.3 C (63.1 F) in July and -4 C(24.3F) in January. This all-year-round destination offers ice swimming and saunas during winter, while popular Suomenlinna Sea Fortress and Seurasaari Open-Air museum are best enjoyed in summer.

Sight-seeing, shopping and new exotic flavors, there are always many new experiences to make in the capital of Finland. Discover for yourself the beautiful city of Helsinki, chosen to be the World Design Capital for 2012 by the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design.

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