Helsinki & Surroundings

Helsinki (in Finnish Helsinki, in Swedish Helsingfors) is a city that presents itself with quiet elegance. Not a loud metropolis, but a city to be discovered layer by layer — and it gets better every day. 670,000 inhabitants live on a peninsula and surrounding islands in the Gulf of Finland, surrounded by sea and forest.

What makes Helsinki special: The city combines four architectural eras in a small space — Russian Tsarist splendor (the white cathedral reminiscent of St. Petersburg), Art Nouveau districts, functionalism of the 1930s–50s (Alvar Aalto!), and contemporary masterpieces like the Oodi Library and Amos Rex. Additionally, nature extends right into the city: islands, bays, forests, and parks are everywhere.

Plan at least 2–3 days for Helsinki. One day for the classics (Cathedral, Market Square, Suomenlinna), one day for design and culture, and one day for strolling, sauning, and eating. Those who stay longer can explore the suburbs of Espoo and Vantaa or take day trips to Porvoo or Tallinn.

Senate Square & Helsinki Cathedral

The heart of Helsinki: The Senate Square (Senaatintori) with the white cathedral (Helsingin tuomiokirkko) is one of the most beautiful neoclassical squares in Europe. Carl Ludwig Engel designed the square after the model of St. Petersburg — the Russian influence is unmistakable. The cathedral with its five green domes towers over a wide flight of steps and is Helsinki's landmark. Admission: free.

Suomenlinna — UNESCO Fortress Island

The sea fortress Suomenlinna (until 1918 "Sveaborg") is Helsinki's number 1 highlight. Built from 1748 on six islands off the harbor, it is part of the UNESCO World Heritage. Thick walls, cannons, tunnels, museums, and a charming village with cafés and galleries. The ferry ride (from Kauppatori, 12 min., part of the HSL ticket!) is an experience in itself. Plan at least 3–4 hours, the whole day in good weather. In summer, there are picnic spots with sea views.

Temppeliaukion kirkko — Rock Church

The Rock Church (1969) is blasted into a granite rock and covered with a copper dome. Natural light falls through a ring of windows between rock and dome — the acoustics are fantastic. One of the most visited buildings in Finland. Admission: €4.

Oodi — Central Library

The Oodi opened in 2018 is not an ordinary library — it is an architectural statement and Finland's "living room". Curved wooden facade, three levels with books, 3D printers, sewing machines, recording studios, gaming area, and a spectacular rooftop terrace with a view of the parliament. Admission: free.

Amos Rex — Art Museum

The Amos Rex (2018) is recognizable from the outside by its domed skylights on the Lasipalatsi Square, which have become a playground. Inside: spectacular underground exhibition spaces with changing contemporary exhibitions. Admission: €18.

Market Hall & Kauppatori

The Old Market Hall (Vanha kauppahalli, 1889) at the harbor is a food paradise: salmon, reindeer meat, cheese, berries, and Finnish delicacies. Right in front is the Kauppatori (Market Square) with seasonal stalls — strawberries and pea soup in summer, mushrooms and berries in autumn.

Uspenski Cathedral

The Russian Orthodox Uspenski Cathedral (1868) is the largest Orthodox church in Western Europe. Its red brick walls and golden domes on the Katajanokka hill form a dramatic contrast to the white Lutheran cathedral opposite — a symbol of Helsinki's position between West and East.

Design District Helsinki

The Design District encompasses over 200 shops, galleries, and studios in the Punavuori and Kaartinkaupunki districts. Here you will find everything that makes Finnish design:

• Marimekko — The legendary Finnish prints. The flagship store on Pohjoisesplanadi is a must.
• Iittala & Arabia — Glass, ceramics, and tableware in timeless Scandinavian design. The Arabia factory area in Arabianranta has an outlet store.
• Artek — Alvar Aalto's furniture brand. The Aalto stool (Stool 60) is one of the best-selling pieces of furniture in the world.
• HAM (Helsinki Art Museum) — City art museum in Tennispalatsi with changing exhibitions. Admission: €15.
• Design Museum — The history of Finnish design from its beginnings to today. A must-visit for design fans. Admission: €14.

Alvar Aalto in Helsinki

The great Finnish architect and designer Alvar Aalto (1898–1976) shaped Helsinki like no other. His most important works:

• Finlandia Hall — Concert and congress hall on Töölönlahti Lake with the iconic white marble facade (1971).
• Academic Bookstore (Akateeminen Kirjakauppa) — The bookstore on Keskuskatu is an architectural masterpiece: light shafts flood the space.
• Studio Aalto — Aalto's studio in Munkkiniemi can be visited (tour: €20).
• Aalto House — His residence in Munkkiniemi, also visitable (tour: €20).

Cultural Highlights

• National Museum (Kansallismuseo) — Finland's history from the Stone Age to today. Spectacular building in National Romantic style. Admission: €16.
• Kiasma — Museum of contemporary art, designed by Steven Holl. Changing, often provocative exhibitions. Admission: €17.
• Ateneum — Finland's most important art museum with works by Akseli Gallen-Kallela, Hugo Simberg, and international masters. Admission: €18.

Helsinki's food scene has rapidly developed in recent years. Several Michelin-starred restaurants, an innovative New Nordic cuisine, and a vibrant street food scene make the city a culinary hotspot in Northern Europe.

Must-Try in Helsinki

• Lohikeitto (Salmon Soup) — Creamy soup with fresh salmon, potatoes, and dill. Try it at the Old Market Hall or Kauppatori (8–14€).
• Karjalanpiirakka (Karelian Pies) — Small oval pastries filled with rice porridge, served with egg butter. The Finnish national dish, available everywhere as a snack (1–3€).
• Kalakukko — Fish pie from the lake district: whole fish (vendace or perch) baked in rye bread. A unique delicacy.
• Ruisleipä (Rye Bread) — Dark, sour whole grain rye bread is THE Finnish staple. Buy it at the supermarket and enjoy with butter.
• Pulla (Cardamom Bun) — Sweet yeast buns with cardamom and sugar. Available in every café, often homemade (2–4€).

Where to Eat?

• Old Market Hall (Vanha kauppahalli) — Salmon, reindeer meat, cheese, pastries. Perfect for lunch.
• Hakaniemen kauppahalli — The less touristy market hall in Hakaniemi. More authentic and cheaper.
• Tori Quarters (Torvehallarna) — Food hall in Hietalahti with international cuisine.
• Kallio — Helsinki's trendy district with the best bars and affordable restaurants. Ethnic cuisine, vegan spots, craft beer.
• Restaurant Day — Four times a year (February, May, August, November) hundreds of pop-up restaurants open all over Helsinki. Anyone can cook and sell — a brilliant concept.

Coffee Culture

Finns are world champions in coffee drinking — 12 kg per capita per year, more than any other country. Coffee in Finland is not a beverage, but a basic right. Every meeting, visit, workday begins and ends with coffee. Good cafés in Helsinki: Kaffa Roastery, Good Life Coffee, Johan & Nyström.

Helsinki is the sauna capital of the world. In recent years, a new generation of public saunas has opened, combining the ancient ritual with modern design and urban lifestyle.

The Best Public Saunas

• Löyly — Helsinki's most famous sauna (2016): Spectacular wooden architecture right by the sea in the Hernesaari district. Wood sauna, steam sauna, and cooling off in the sea. Restaurant and terrace with sea view. Admission: €21 (Mon–Fri), €23 (weekend). Tip: Book online in advance, especially on weekends.
• Allas Sea Pool — Swimming pool and sauna right at the harbor, with a view of the cathedral. Three saunas, heated pool, and seawater pool. Admission: €17. Open year-round, even in winter (ice swimming!).
• Kotiharjun sauna — Helsinki's oldest public sauna (since 1928) in the Kallio district. Traditional wood-heated sauna, no tourist hype, authentic experience. Admission: €15.
• Kulttuurisauna — Architectural highlight: a minimalist concrete sauna by the sea in Merihaka, designed by Tuomas Toivonen. Wood-heated, no electricity, pure sauna experience. Admission: €16.
• Sompasauna — The legendary DIY sauna at the Sompasaari harbor. Run by volunteers, free and open around the clock. Bring your own towel and beer. It doesn't get more authentic than this.

Sauna Etiquette in Helsinki

There are a few rules in public saunas:

• Naked or Towel: In traditional saunas, nudity is the norm (separated by gender). In newer saunas (Löyly, Allas), you wear swimwear.
• Löyly (Infusion): Pouring water on the stones is encouraged — but ask the other sauna-goers first. “Saako heittää löylyä?" (May I pour?).
• Cooling Off: After the sauna: jump into the sea, lake, or under the cold shower. In winter: ice hole (avanto). The temperature shock is half the experience.
• Vihta/Vasta: Birch twig bundles for gently beating the skin — promotes circulation and smells fantastic. Not common everywhere, but standard in traditional saunas.