Helsinki

  
Finland's capital, Helsinki, together with its neighboring cities of Espoo and Vantaa, is the biggest urban concentration in the country with a combined population of about one million. As Finland's busiest port, Helsinki is surrounded by hundred kilometers of shoreline, spilling across a group of Baltic islands and promontories.

Helsinki, which has been the capital of Finland for more than 200 years, is a very dynamic and future-oriented city. Its history, however, is well preserved, making the city a unique mixture of trend and tradition. The locals are known for their friendliness and openness. Helsinki is a city of bustling, colorful market squares and halls, of design and architecture, of seaside parks, of excellent cafes and restaurants for every taste and budget, top-notch hotels and cutting-edge art in fine museums.

Attractions range from the fabulous island fortress of Suomenlinna at the entrance to the South Harbour to Museum of Contemporary Art. Discover the beautiful Helskinki Cathedral, the magnificent Senate square or go on a stroll around the Design District. The Sky Wheel Helsinki offers visitors a 360° view of the beautiful city and its surroundings. The National Museum of Finland, where visitors can study the history of Finland and its culture, is also located in Helsinki and worth a visit.

May interesting sights and excursions can also be found just outside of Helsinki. Excursions from Helsinki might include a coastal steamer trip to the Old Town of Porvoo, a leisurely cruise around the local archipelago or a trek through the National Park at nearby Nuuksio.

The city of Helsinki offers free WiFi service to all travelers and residents, no password required. Countless hotspots are spread all around the city.

Travel connections
Most visitors to Finland arrive in and depart from Helsinki. Helsinki-Vantaa International Airport, 19 km to the north of the city, is the biggest international airport in the country, with flights to destinations throughout Finland, Europe, North America and the Far East. There are daily cruise ferry connections between Stockholm and Helsinki as well as Tallinn and Helsinki, operated e.g. by the Tallink Silja and Viking Lines. Rail connections operate from Helsinki to all Finnish rail destinations, including Lapland. Express bus services also cover the country from Helsinki.

For more tourist information: www.visithelsinki.fi/en