The Finnish capital is a wonderful Scandinavian tourist destination with a rich history and an excellent starting point for exploring the unspoilt Finnish nature. Helsinki is located on a peninsula, on the northern coast of the Gulf of Finland, flirting with the Baltic.
Before flying north, it is worth getting to know the history of this fascinating city. In 1550, the city was founded under the patronage of King Gustav Vasa of Sweden, and in 1808, the city was attached to the autonomous Finnish province of the Russian Empire. After the terrible fire of the same year, a neoclassical city center with charming alleys and parks was created on the initiative of Carl Ludwig Engel. In the heart of the city there is a harbor where about three hundred ships anchor every year, and the main attractions are only a stone's throw away. That's why Helsinki is a wonderful destination for a weekend break or a longer visit, as it will impress you with its homeliness and remarkable history.
When to Helsinki?
The best time to visit Helsinki is between May and September, when the average rainfall is low and in July temperatures rise to 26°C. The city with a continental climate otherwise boasts hot summers and very cold winters.
What should I see in Helsinki?
One of the most beautiful ways to get to know the city is by boat, which will also take you to the Sveaborg fortress and the islands of Suomenlinna, which can be reached after just 20 minutes of sailing. Sveaborg, translated as Swedish Castle, dominates the archipelago. It was built in the middle of the 18th century to block the Russian route to the Baltic Sea. After the Swedish-Russian war, it fell into the hands of the Russians, who only enlarged it, and later it landed with the Finns, who named it Suomenlinna - Finnish castle. It was in the hands of the army for a while, but later underwent a thorough renovation and is now under the protection of UNESCO.
There is also something special Temppeliaukio Rock Church, located in the city's Hietaniemi area, designed by Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen. The interior of the church is hollowed out and made of ancient stone found on the Helsinki peninsula. When visiting Helsinki, don't miss the Uspenski Cathedral, which dominates the sky above the city. The exterior is as impressive as the interior. To the east of the city you can find the island of Seurasaari, which is only connected to the city by a bridge. The island became home to an open-air museum with old wooden houses and farm buildings, including a church from 1686. Many log cabins were brought here from all parts of Finland, as a reminder of how Finns lived for centuries.
It is also a real feast for the eyes Sibelius Memorial Park, designed by Eila Hitunen and dedicated to the great Finnish composer, for this purpose large metal pipes create music in the breeze. Not far from Lake Töölönlahti you can find Helsinki Olympic Stadium, which boasts a 72-meter-high tower that offers beautiful views of the city. The Olympic Games in Finland should have been held just before the Second World War and the Soviet invasion, but because they were canceled, they were finally able to be held only in 1952. In front of the entrance to the main stadium, you can find a statue of the famous Olympic runner Paavo Nurmi.
Linnanmäki amusement park is also close to the Olympic complex, with a giant wheel and a water tower. The park is a real attraction, especially if you visit the city with children. But when you get tired of admiring the sights, go to the central park of Helsinki, which is located in the center of the city. It stretches for more than 10 kilometers, all the way from the Olympic Stadium to the Paloheinä Forest. When visiting the city, don't forget the famous Finnish saunas, there are more than 3 million of them in Finland.
How to explore Helsinki?
You won't need a car in Helsinki, as you will cover most of the distances either by excellent public transport or on foot. Public transport consists of buses, trams, subways, trains and ships, all of which require just one ticket.
How much is a plane ticket to Helsinki?
You can fly from Brnik to Helsinki with Finnair from 261 euros. The cheapest tickets are in August, the prices are slightly higher in spring. You can search for flight tickets according to your vacation date HERE.
Covid-19 restrictions in Finland
To enter Finland, you need a vaccination certificate or a certificate that you have been vaccinated with one dose and have also recovered from the coronavirus. A certificate of recovery, which must not be more than six months old, or a negative PCR or HAT test result is also sufficient. In the latter case, you must also take the test 3 to 5 days after your arrival in Finland. Check all current information about Covid-19 restrictions HERE.
Accommodation in Helsinki
Bob W City Centre
Just a few hundred meters away from the cathedral you will find a lovely apartment with a private sauna, offering picturesque views of the city. The apartment is fully equipped, in the kitchen you will find everything you need to prepare meals. Many attractions are just a stone's throw away.
VALO Hotel Helsinki
The hotel offers guests the use of a hot tub, an outdoor and indoor pool, and a sauna. The hotel also has a fitness center, and guests are treated to a buffet breakfast in the mornings. The tastefully decorated owls are equipped with water heaters, hairdryers and minibars.
