Seurasaari is a small, uninhabited island near Helsinki. Locals and tourists from around the world flock to Seurasaari to enjoy the quiet, peaceful atmosphere. Seurasaari is densely forested and is home to many varieties of wildlife. Hares, birds and red squirrels are just a few of the animals that live on the island. People also travel to Seurasaari to enjoy the nude beach, the midsummer bonfire and the outdoor museum. The Seurasaari Open-Air Museum was [...]

Water parks are an ideal place to spend time while on a family vacation. Water parks are designed specifically to entertain people of all ages. Many have separate pools for their youngest guests to enjoy. Older kids and teenagers love the thrill they get from riding a waterslide. Tourists may not know it, but Helsinki is home to several wonderful water parks. Serena Water Park Finland’s largest water park boasts a tropical climate year-round. Serena [...]

Hotel Torni is currently Helsinki’s fourth-tallest building; however, when it opened it was the tallest structure in Finland. Located in Helsinki’s Design District, Hotel Torni was designed in 1931 by the renowned architects Jung and Jung. The interior of the building was refurbished in 2005 to ensure the hotel’s atmosphere would remain modern and beautiful for years to come.     Hotel with fascinating history The 14-story building has always been an important part of [...]

Helsinki’s Market Square, or Kauppatori, is a large, open-air market that rests on the shores of the Gulf of Finland. The area is a unique blend of farmers’ market, craft show and flea market. The stalls are swathed with cheerful orange fabric, and each one offers something different. Fresh fish and reindeer meat Some of the best food in Helsinki can be found at Market Square. Fresh-caught salmon, reindeer meat, vegetable and baked goods are [...]

Temppeliaukio Church, or Rock Church, is a Lutheran house of worship that opened in 1969. The design for this modern building was chosen during an architectural competition. The brothers Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen won the contest in 1961, but construction on the church did not start until 1968. The church is built underground and features a roof constructed of copper wire. To build the church, the Suomalainen brothers blasted out the interior of a large [...]

The Helsinki Music Center is located in a well-traveled area, between Kiasma Art Museum and Finlandia Hall. Before construction on the Music Center started in 2008, the land was the home of the VR warehouses. The building was completed in 2011 and is home to a 1,700-seat concert hall and five smaller halls. The halls include dedicated space for chamber music, chamber opera, organs, rehearsal and electrically amplified music. Students of the Helsinki Music Center’s [...]

Unique boutiques, Finnish design One of Helsinki’s more chic neighborhoods, surrounding Diana Park, was officially named the Design District in 2005. Activities in the area are coordinated by the Design District Helsinki Association. The Design District holds nearly 200 stores, galleries and restaurants, all within walking distance of each other. While some stores carry only products from some of the world’s best-known designers, other shops house the works of Finland’s newest, most talented designers. Visitors [...]

The immense sea fortress Suomenlinna (also known as Viapori or Sveaborg) is one of Helsinki’s most impressive and most visited tourist attractions. Over half a million people visit Suomenlinna yearly. The island was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991 and houses around 850 permanent residents. How to get there Visitors can travel to Suomenlinna at any time of year on the Helsinki City Transport ferry. A waterbus is operated during the summer months [...]

Tomorrow on January 30, 2012, starts the ticket sales for one of the most awaited sports events of this year, the Ice Hockey World Championship 2012. As Finland won the championship last year, half of the preliminary games, the semi-finals, and the medal games will be played in Hartwall Arena, Helsinki. Sweden, who lost the final game in 2011, will host the other half of the preliminary games. The preliminary games will take place on May [...]

Exercise is one of the best ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Helsinki has many gyms and fitness centers to help residents and visitors stay active. Some of Helsinki’s gyms can only be used by members, but others are open to the public. In addition to the gyms listed below, some of Helsinki’s swimming halls and parks offer weightlifting rooms or gyms. Swimming Stadium, Liikuntamylly Gym, Maunula Sports Hall and Pirkkola Sports Park are a [...]