Nordic Countries - Ideas for Helsinki?

Hi - I'll be in Helsinki for a conference in early September and am fortunate to have a few days (4th-7th Sept.) for sight-seeing.

I have read the thread from 2007, and looked at the wiki-travel guide but wonder if any 'locals' are able to suggest some absolute must-sees/must-dos?

I like museums/galleries, wandering around and ferry to Suomenlinna sounds perfect for Sunday tourist venture.

Any and all suggestions will be welcome ... thank you!

Not a local, but I would suggest you take the hydrofoil, and day-trip to Tallinn Estonia.

Krhmm, that Wikitravel guide (http://www.amazon.com/Wikitravel-Helsinki-Complete-Up-Date/dp/1440474974) is edited by a local, namely yours truly :p

As it happens, I'll be playing tour guide in Finland again for the next two weeks, and (off the top of my head) here's what's on agenda:

Sunny days
- Picnic in Suomenlinna with supplies grabbed from the Market Square/Old Market Hall
- Seashore walk from Hietaniemi Beach to and around the Seurasaari open-air museum, dropping in at the Sibelius Monument along the way
- Daytrip to Tallinn

Rainy days
- Arabia factory outlet (beats most museums if you have any interest at all in modern Finnish design)
- Temppelinaukion kirkko (aka Church in the Rock)
- Kiasma art museum
- Shopping in Stockmann and along Esplanadi

Food and drink
- Lunch: Postres (Michelin star), Mesta (light Russian), Kahvila Suomi, VPK
- Dinner: Mostly home cooking, but one splurge in Kosmos or Manala?
- Cafes: Fazer, Aalto, Strindberg

Early September is a good time to go, the summer crowds will be gone but it's still warm -- at least by Finnish standards.

Krhmm, that Wikitravel guide (http://www.amazon.com/Wikitravel-Helsinki-Complete-Up-Date/dp/1440474974) is edited by a local, namely yours truly :p

OK ... I'm impressed :)

Thank you for the ideas - from the two messages posted, Tallinn for a day trip seems a must!

Two other summer stalwarts:

Outdoor swimming and people watching at the Swimming Stadium next door to its Olympic cousin.

The Linnanmaki amusement park and especially the old fashioned wooden rollercoaster with great city views.

THanks for the tips ... in a fit of rashness I booked the Lindaline ferry to Tallinn last night ... Linda class course ;)

I'm looking forward to my first visit to HEL!

A few more suggestions:

* Visit to the Hakaniemi Market (Hakaniemen tori) in the morning (much less touristy than the main market, with mostly locals having coffee and shopping for produce and/or fish)
* Tram sight seeing ride on the 3B/T combo (does a circular route) to see several different areas of Helsinki
* Visit to the American Bar at Torni Hotel -- great views over Helsinki
* For lunch (on a week day), I'd suggest Chez Dominique over Postres (both are excellent, though)

Cheers,
T.

Thank you all for your ideas ... seems like I'll have no trouble filling in (and enjoying!) my free time in HEL ... if you see a middle-aged Oz librarian wandering around, take pity - say hello - that'll be me :D

* Tram sight seeing ride on the 3B/T combo (does a circular route) to see several different areas of Helsinki

This has become less fun than it used to be, since 3B and 3T are now separate half-circles, not a full loop, meaning you need to change trams halfway through. :td: On the upside, it might solve the problem of bums who've crapped their pants riding around all day long...


* Visit to the American Bar at Torni Hotel -- great views over Helsinki

I think you mean Ateljee Bar, which is the one on top? Don't expect Eiffel Tower kind of views though, this skyscraper is all of 13 stories tall :cool:

This has become less fun than it used to be, since 3B and 3T are now separate half-circles, not a full loop, meaning you need to change trams halfway through. :td: On the upside, it might solve the problem of bums who've crapped their pants riding around all day long...


You don't need to change the tram. The tram will change its designator at Eläintarha. This was made to make it clearer that it is 3T running on the west side of the circle and 3B on the east side. Anyway a great and rather cheap way to browse around. If using public transport consider the tourist ticket: it gives you opportunities for unlimited travel within Helsinki (or area, depending on the ticket) for selected period. Easily worth the investment, at least in my opinion.

Day-trip to Tallinn is great and a good way to explore a bit more than just Helsinki.

For the Finns luring around here I would like to initiate the following challenge:
Could we somehow try to compile the additional interesting spots/sigths/to-do's of Helsinki? These could possibly be off-the-beaten-track or places that would interest persons like the OP who wanted to see musseums and such.

Like I said above, there is nothing wrong in Tallinn. But I just feel it is rather lazy from us Finns to recommend Tallinn as a great sight of Helsinki. (No offence to anyone & please correct me if I am wrong, I hope I am.) There should be a lot to see also in Helsinki, even though it can for us seem to be too evident to be worth checking out. At least Finland, as is Helsinki, is loaded with museums. Some of those are even specialized in small sectors and while they might not be world class, they could offer something special.

Suomenlinna is very beautiful place to visit but so is Korkeasaari, the zoo of Helsinki. Take a ferry/boat from Market Square. Great views from "the wooden ball".

If you like jogging it is very popular to run over Töölönlahti that is a bay (almost a lake) in middle of Helsinki. Keskuspuisto (Central Park) begins from Töölönlahti and goes all the way north towards Helsinki-Vantaa Airport. Beautiful and quiet forest area in central Helsinki. If extremely beautiful Finnish forest area is your thing take a bus to Nuuksio National Park.

Finnish Design Museum is also a good museum to visit.

Like I said above, there is nothing wrong in Tallinn. But I just feel it is rather lazy from us Finns to recommend Tallinn as a great sight of Helsinki. (No offence to anyone & please correct me if I am wrong, I hope I am.) There should be a lot to see also in Helsinki, even though it can for us seem to be too evident to be worth checking out. At least Finland, as is Helsinki, is loaded with museums. Some of those are even specialized in small sectors and while they might not be world class, they could offer something special.

You Finnish nationalist, why are you so against recommending Tallinn? I'm sure you still want to annex Estonia into "greater Finland" and re-take Viipuri from the Russians along with Sortlava and the whole of the peninsula since it would look very nice on a map ;)

In all seriousness, good recommendations. I would like to see a few more in the city or surroundings of Helsinki proper.

Anyone know if the nuclear power plant in Loviisa offers tours? It would be interesting to see around a soviet make nuclear plant.

You Finnish nationalist, why are you so against recommending Tallinn? I'm sure you still want to annex Estonia into "greater Finland" and re-take Viipuri from the Russians along with Sortlava and the whole of the peninsula since it would look very nice on a map ;)

In all seriousness, good recommendations. I would like to see a few more in the city or surroundings of Helsinki proper.

Anyone know if the nuclear power plant in Loviisa offers tours? It would be interesting to see around a soviet make nuclear plant.

Here are a few outside of city centre:

Tarvaspää: the studio of Akseli Gallen-Kallela with some of his works and changing exhibitions (10 km outside of city centre in Espoo). Smallish but well worth the visit.

EMMA (Espoo Museum of Modern Art): in Tapiola, the largest modern art museum in Finland. Possibly a stronger permanent collection than Kiasma, the changing exhibitions vary greatly in quality. The building is a 1950 printing facility, quite spectacular. The same building houses some ethnographic collections, a watch museum etc. 10 km from Helsinki Centre, an easy bus ride.

Hviträsk: the studio of architects Saarinen, Lindgren, and Gesellius. A fantastic example of Finnish art deco building, with great insights into the life of Eero Saarinen. Spectacular location on a hilltop over some lakes. Roughly 30 km from city centre, easiest seen with a car.

Didrichsen Museum: a small, private museum just outside of city centre (in Kuusisaari). Lovely 1950's modern house with a small but high quality modern art collection and interesting changing exhibitions.

Villa Gyllenberg: a private museum close to Didrichsen with one of the largest collections of Schjerfbeck paintings around. Very limited hours (Wednesday 16-20, Sunday 12-16).

Seurasaari Outdoor Museum: the traditional Finnish way of life is displayed in the cottages, farmsteads and manors of the past four centuries that have been relocated from all around Finland. Five kilometers outside of the city centre, near Meilahti.

Tamminiemi: the official residence and now museum of Urho Kekkonen, the president of Finland from 1956 until 1981. Very close to Seurasaari.

Nuuksio National Park: pristine wilderness with plenty of hiking opportunities and spectacular views just 30 km from the city centre.

Cheers,
T.

EMMA (Espoo Museum of Modern Art): in Tapiola, the largest modern art museum in Finland. Possibly a stronger permanent collection than Kiasma, the changing exhibitions vary greatly in quality. The building is a 1950 printing facility, quite spectacular. The same building houses some ethnographic collections, a watch museum etc. 10 km from Helsinki Centre, an easy bus ride.


And for some strange reason the two best steak restaurants in the Helsinki area are both located in the same suburb. Spartanic decor but good value for money and very, very local.

Grill Ribis: http://eat.fi/en/espoo/grilli-ribis

Grill Toro: http://eat.fi/espoo/grilli-toro

And for some strange reason the two best steak restaurants in the Helsinki area are both located in the same suburb. Spartanic decor but good value for money and very, very local.

Grill Ribis: http://eat.fi/en/espoo/grilli-ribis

Grill Toro: http://eat.fi/espoo/grilli-toro

Toro, especially, is a local legend. It is located in a totally nondescript mini strip mall in a mostly residential neighborhood just north of Tapiola. Spartan is really an understatement as far as the decor goes, but the portions are epic. And the steaks are pretty good -- as long as you are not expecting something like Morton's or Ruth's Chris.

Highly recommended.

Cheers,
T.

Here are a few outside of city centre:

Tarvaspää: the studio of Akseli Gallen-Kallela with some of his works and changing exhibitions (10 km outside of city centre in Espoo). Smallish but well worth the visit.

EMMA (Espoo Museum of Modern Art): in Tapiola, the largest modern art museum in Finland. Possibly a stronger permanent collection than Kiasma, the changing exhibitions vary greatly in quality. The building is a 1950 printing facility, quite spectacular. The same building houses some ethnographic collections, a watch museum etc. 10 km from Helsinki Centre, an easy bus ride.

Hviträsk: the studio of architects Saarinen, Lindgren, and Gesellius. A fantastic example of Finnish art deco building, with great insights into the life of Eero Saarinen. Spectacular location on a hilltop over some lakes. Roughly 30 km from city centre, easiest seen with a car.

Didrichsen Museum: a small, private museum just outside of city centre (in Kuusisaari). Lovely 1950's modern house with a small but high quality modern art collection and interesting changing exhibitions.

Villa Gyllenberg: a private museum close to Didrichsen with one of the largest collections of Schjerfbeck paintings around. Very limited hours (Wednesday 16-20, Sunday 12-16).

Seurasaari Outdoor Museum: the traditional Finnish way of life is displayed in the cottages, farmsteads and manors of the past four centuries that have been relocated from all around Finland. Five kilometers outside of the city centre, near Meilahti.

Tamminiemi: the official residence and now museum of Urho Kekkonen, the president of Finland from 1956 until 1981. Very close to Seurasaari.

Nuuksio National Park: pristine wilderness with plenty of hiking opportunities and spectacular views just 30 km from the city centre.

Cheers,
T.

Thanks for these additional suggestions ... I should have noted that I'll be relying on public transport ... so I guess I'll be staying within the 5-10k radius?

Didrichsen Museum: a small, private museum just outside of city centre (in Kuusisaari). Lovely 1950's modern house with a small but high quality modern art collection and interesting changing exhibitions.

Villa Gyllenberg: a private museum close to Didrichsen with one of the largest collections of Schjerfbeck paintings around. Very limited hours (Wednesday 16-20, Sunday 12-16).Thanks very much for these. Mrs999 and I went today; wonderful places, both. The Didrichsen also has a Schjerfbeck exhibition on at the moment, until the end of August.

cheers,

Henry

There´s only one public wooden sauna left in Helsinki. http://www.kotiharjunsauna.fi/ They have a PDF-file in English at the bottom of the page. For the more adventurous this is an experience not to be missed. There used to be plenty of these around town before running water and pipes came into every building.

It all depends on what you like. Some would like to visit a great skatebording park at Eläintarha park. http://fi.wikipedia.org/wiki/Micropolis Someone else is intrested in seeing the graffiti at "Pasila Galleria", a railroad tunnel/warehouse with plenty of pieces. http://www.flickr.com/photos/25610169@N05/2464196627/

There´s only one public wooden sauna left in Helsinki. http://www.kotiharjunsauna.fi/ They have a PDF-file in English at the bottom of the page. For the more adventurous this is an experience not to be missed. There used to be plenty of these around town before running water and pipes came into every building.

I was in Helsinki in November and really had a great time here. I was a little apprehensive at first but soon settled in and enjoyed the authentic experience. Not that Lapin Kulta is the best beer in the world but it was nice to relax with one for One Euro post-sauna. Also flipped through an Aku Ankka (Donald Duck) comic afterwards to feel like I was being authentically Finnish :D

Highly recommended. Cheap and easy to walk to from the Sörnäinen metro station.

I walked past this sauna on saturday evening around 18.30 and I saw people with only towels on the hips chilling outside in the fresh air. I should make anoher visit soon.

Finally got around to writing up one of my favorite little walks in Helsinki:

http://wikitravel.org/en/A_seaside_stroll_in_Helsinki

This one's great when the weather is nice.

Now that's my kind of scenery jpatokal ... thanks for the link ... should be a really pleasant Sunday stroll ... I somehow don't think that any sauna anywhere in the world is quite ready for me :D

As I prepare to leave HEL for JFK via ZRH my thanks to all those who suggested wonderful itineraries ... i did take (mostly) your advice ... although the day I headed to Tallinn the seas were incredibly rough (for a novice sailor) and it was most definitely not a pretty site ... fortunately the skies cleared, the wind disappeared, the seas calmed and the return trip was uneventful.

HEL is incredibly beautiful, and I spent a couple of days walking around - have the blisters to prove it!- before I settled down for the conference I was there to attend.

The city council generously provided a reception for our 300 strong group, and the former hotel-cum-town hall is a truly magnificent building ...

So ... my thanks to you all and for the generosity of the many Finns I met who offered friendship and generosity of spirit to a foreign traveller who spoke only english ...

What great info - and the walking tour looks great. Here is the dilemma, will the weather be comfortable enough for the walking tour in early May? We simply want to walk around the city, sort of urban trekking, and take in what the city and its surroundings show us.

Also, what would HEL be like around Vappu? [long weekend is the US and the reason to get on a plane] Will that weekend be something to see or avoid? We're not the youngsters we used to be, but we find nothing wrong with having a party :D

Cheers

What great info - and the walking tour looks great. Here is the dilemma, will the weather be comfortable enough for the walking tour in early May? We simply want to walk around the city, sort of urban trekking, and take in what the city and its surroundings show us.

Also, what would HEL be like around Vappu? [long weekend is the US and the reason to get on a plane] Will that weekend be something to see or avoid? We're not the youngsters we used to be, but we find nothing wrong with having a party :D

Cheers

Early May can be very variable. Anything from snowfall to 20+ °C weather is possible. The likelihood is 10 °C and upwards with sun and some wind. You should be fine for walking. Rain is a distinct possibility, though.

Vappu is quite something. From about 5 pm or so on April 30, the centre of town will be completely filled with people, the crowds centering on the Esplanade (the highlight being the Havis Amanda statue getting her hat).

There will be a LOT of people in various degrees of drunkenness, but Vappu eve is the time when there is something like a Mardi Gras atmosphere in Helsinki. Should be quite safe if you don't mind the crowds.

May 1st is more of a family thing. There will still be a lot of people about but it will be a lot calmer than the night before. There will be some marches and a lot of political speeches on markets and at malls.

On May 1st, most restaurants tend to be full for lunch.

Cheers,
T.

Thanks for the info. Will pass it along to my g/f and see what she thinks.

Cheers

Also, what would HEL be like around Vappu? [long weekend is the US and the reason to get on a plane] Will that weekend be something to see or avoid? We're not the youngsters we used to be, but we find nothing wrong with having a party :D



On the last of April the place to be is the statue of Havis Amanda. Unless I'm entirely mistaken the hat is placed at 18.00. The place starts filling up with people a couple of hours before that. If you want to be close, come early.

On the first of May a lot of people go for a picnic in Kaivopuisto. There's everything from families to large groups of students. The first people arrive in the morning and the party goes on long into the afternoon. I heartily recommend checking this out and bringing a champagne bottle along.

On the last of April the place to be is the statue of Havis Amanda. Unless I'm entirely mistaken the hat is placed at 18.00. The place starts filling up with people a couple of hours before that. If you want to be close, come early.
I'm not entirely sure I'd recommend this to a lone visitor -- it gets pretty rowdy pretty fast. By midnight Helsinki is a disaster zone, with lots of wasted teenagers puking in the bushes and picking fights.

On the first of May a lot of people go for a picnic in Kaivopuisto. There's everything from families to large groups of students. The first people arrive in the morning and the party goes on long into the afternoon. I heartily recommend checking this out and bringing a champagne bottle along.
This, on the other hand, tends to be somewhat more civilized, and the weird part is that the party goes on no matter what -- there will be picnickers out in force even if it's raining sleet :D

The sky has opened in Helsinki! The sun is out again and I may try the seaside stroll today as recommended on this site.

Also, I ended up taking Tram #4/4T last week by mistake and got off Vanha Munkkiniem and had a very nice along the shores despite the rain.

The sky has opened in Helsinki! The sun is out again and I may try the seaside stroll today as recommended on this site.

Also, I ended up taking Tram #4/4T last week by mistake and got off Vanha Munkkiniem and had a very nice along the shores despite the rain.That's Hilton Kalastajatorppa neighborhood. A very civilized area!

Can anyone recommend a "hip" self-serve laundromat anywhere within walking distance of the Hilton Strand? At the end of a four-day stay, we would like to wash our clothes before heading to the Baltics :)

Can anyone recommend a "hip" self-serve laundromat anywhere within walking distance of the Hilton Strand? At the end of a four-day stay, we would like to wash our clothes before heading to the Baltics :)

We don't have a real laundromat culture in Helsinki so I cannot say anything about hip. But a decent place close to your hotel is Kallion itsepalvelupesula (Kallio self-service laundry) at Toinen linja 15 (Corner of Toinen linja and Suonionkatu, entry from the inner courtyard).

A map link is here (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=toinen+linja+15,+helsinki&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=39.184175,78.574219&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Andra+linjen+15,+00530+Helsingfors,+Finland&z=15).

It should open at 8 am Monday thru Saturday. Open until 5 pm or 7 pm on weekdays, 2 pm on Sat.

Cheers,
T.

Then there´s this one not too far either. A 10 minute walk. We don´t really do laundromats as most people prefer their own machines or the apartment building have a communal one.

http://www.pesulavic.fi/

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Agricolankatu+13,+helsinki&sll=60.182359,24.946747&sspn=0.012526,0.051455&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Agricolagatan+13,+00530+Helsingfors,+Finland&ll=60.184315,24.951882&spn=0.012525,0.051455&z=15

Then there´s always the option to do a real Helsinki thing and go wash your clothes by the sea, where many locals will be washing carpets if the weather is nice.

http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Europe/Finland/Etelae_Suomi/Helsinki-242105/Local_Customs-Helsinki-Washing_carpets_at_the_beach-BR-1.html

There´s one place not far from Hilton Strand at Tervasaari. Do not go to Sörnäsiten Rantatie as it´s not a nice scenery.

Map here:

http://www.hel.fi/palvelukartta/?l=1&lang=fi&dohaku=1&haku=mattolaiturit&kauposa=C91&pid=0&kml=1

Eurohostel on Linnankatu (Tram #4) has coin-operated washers. I'm sure they will let you use the machines even if you are not staying there.

Sorry to hijack this thread, but I am being tempted by Finnair to do JFK - HEL - DEL and back. On the return, I would be able to spend 23 hours in Helsinki. This would be in December.

(1) recommendations for such a short stay (sightseeing)?
(2) will it be too cold to enjoy the city?
(3) recommendations for a hotel (not too expensive)?

Thanks!!!!!!

(1) recommendations for such a short stay (sightseeing)?

During the summer Suomenlinna / Sveaborg and/or the sea cruises would be nice, but not in December. Stroll around the town if it's your first time, check church / museum / galleries etc. depending on your interests. All the xmas buzz is at full speed in December, there are some concerts (usually in churches) that your day might match.

(2) will it be too cold to enjoy the city?

Nope, usually the cold front hits in January when it can go down to -20..-25 C for a week or two.

December weather can be a hit or miss, hopefully there's snow because it makes everything so much better. Anyway, unlike some other countries we keep the outside and inside temperatures separate :D

(3) recommendations for a hotel (not too expensive)?

Depends on your budget but Klaus K and Hotel Glo are good value for their style (design) and location.

The upscale hotels in Helsinki are pretty decently priced, even at Hotel Kämp you can book a room for December for 216 €.

I spent 7 days in Hel a couple months ago. Did lots of the things listed here, but also one not covered - a day trip to Fiskars. You can do it either via a train/bus combo or all bus. I picked the combo as I like trains.

Fiskars is the home of those orange handled scissors we all have somewhere in the house. They don't actually make them there any more, but the town has done a wonderful job on preserving the history. Very sweet, charming, interesting place.

Thinking of my own 23-hour layover experience a year ago in August 2009:

(1) recommendations for such a short stay (sightseeing)?

Definitely take #615 city bus. Buy a 24-hour regional ticket for 12 Euros and use it all day. It will be dark by the time you arrive at your hotel. I suggest taking it easy on that first evening. Have a meal in the hotel, in the harbor or in Lasipalatsi.

There are several options the following day: with your 24-hour ticket, take #3 tram or any the trams. Think of it as your hop-on, hop-out transport. Or you can walk in the harbor and have a pre-lunch meal there. Or go to Stockman's and buy your lunch in the food hall down in the basement. Be sure you board the #615 bus back to the airport by noon so you make it to the 2 pm flight to JFK.

(2) will it be too cold to enjoy the city?

You know the saying: there's no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing. Dress appropriately and warmly and you'll have a heck of a time.

(3) recommendations for a hotel (not too expensive)?

I stayed at Radisson Blu Plaza, a short walk from Central Train Station, where you can catch the #631 bus to the airport. Since my first visit, I've also stayed at Cumulus Hakaniemi and next week at Holiday Inn in Pasilla. Helsinki hotels are not cheap and, as a rule of thumb, weekdays are more expensive than weekends.

It will be dark by the time you arrive at your hotel.Unfortunately, in December it will be dark most of the time. The OP doesn't say when in December, so let's just pick the 15th: sunrise 9:18 a.m., sunset 3:12 p.m. On the positive side, the Christmas lights should be in full bloom, which helps a lot. And if he's very lucky, there might even be a little snow on the ground, which also tends to brighten things up a bit.

cheers,

Henry

Thinking of my own e23-hour layover experience a year ago in August 2009:

(1) recommendations for such a short stay (sightseeing)?

Definitely take #631 city bus. Buy a 24-hour regional ticket for 12 Euros and use it all day. It will be dark by the time you arrive at your hotel. I suggest taking it easy on that first evening. Have a meal in the hotel, in the harbor or in Lasipalatsi.



There is no bus #631. I think you mean #615, that's the airport bus.

As for what to do in December, there's usually a Christmas market on Esplanadi, and another (indoor) one at the Vanha Ylioppilastalo. Lots of artisans selling their wares.

There is no bus #631. I think you mean #615, that's the airport bus.

Silly me! Thanks for the correction. After all, we don't want the poor fellow to wait for the wrong bus in the dead of winter.

All this talk about Helsinki gives me the craving for a Finnish yogurt!

thanks to all for the lovely recommendations. I think i will do a 2 day trip, rather than 1 day trip. I've never been to that part of the world before. It will be December 2 - 4 if anyone is around and wants to grab a cocktail :)