The Finnish capital Helsinki, also known as Helsinki, is known for its green and lush nature, and is a favorite tourist destination in the summer.
Unlike many other capitals, the city is relatively quiet and intimate, despite the fact that over 500,000 Finns live there. During the winter months, it is usually dark and cold, so visits are recommended in the spring, summer or autumn. Especially in the latter season, the autumn sun is beautiful, and such a trip is often popular to combine with shopping and visits to museums when temperatures have become somewhat lower.
According to Abbreviation Finder, Helsinki (often also referred to as Helsinki) has not been the most popular destination for Norwegians, but more and more tourists are opening their eyes to this world gem. The city has many sights, including a number of well-preserved cathedrals and churches, as well as a good transport system that takes you efficiently from a to b without you having to feel the big city chaos. The city can also offer many attractions for the little ones.
Recommended hotels in Helsinki
- Hotel Kamp-Beautiful and luxurious five star hotel centrally located in the center of Helsinki. If you want a high-class hotel in the Finnish capital, Hotel Kamp is a safe choice.
- Hotel Haven-This hotel is centrally located, a six-minute walk from Helsinki Cathedral. The hotel maintains a very high standard and with five stars you can expect a stately stay at Hotel Haven.
- Hotel Lilla Roberts-A slightly cheaper alternative than the previous two, but here you really get a lot for your money! Just take a look at the feedback from guests and you will understand what we mean. An obvious alternative for you who are looking for a good hotel in Helsinki.
Travel to Helsinki
Helsinki is only an hour and a half flight from Oslo Airport, and both Norwegian and Finnish airlines have several departures daily. If you book well in advance, you can therefore fly cheaply to the Finnish capital. The price level in Finland and Helsinki can generally be compared with Norway, but it can be somewhat cheaper for some goods. The euro is the official currency in Finland, and at current exchange rates, 1 euro is equivalent to just over 8.5 Norwegian kroner.
Helsinki is considered a safe and quiet city to travel in, both for children and adults. The city is not known for having a pronounced violent crime, but with over 500,000 inhabitants, there is a danger of both pickpocketing and the like. Therefore, pay attention when you are in the major tourist areas, and protect your valuables. The drinking water in Helsinki and large parts of Finland is generally good, and drinking tap water is no problem. Remember that there is an hour time difference from Norway, where Finland is one hour ahead of us.
Hotels and restaurants in Helsinki
Helsinki is not the largest hotel city, but has hotels of varying standards from both well-known chains and independent inns. We recommend that you book accommodation well in advance of the trip, so that you can stay in a central place in relation to the attractions you want to see. Most hotels are located in the city center or near the city center, and will thus provide direct access to many sights.
The Finnish food is very reminiscent of the Norwegian, and perhaps especially the northern Norwegian. If you want a typical Finnish dish, it will usually be reindeer or fish that is served, but there are of course countless restaurants that serve everything you can think of from steak to meatballs or pasta. Some restaurants also bear the mark of the country’s close connection to Russia, and can thus serve some exciting meals for Norwegian stomachs.
Attractions in Helsinki
Helsinki is probably not the city you first think of when it comes to sights, but the Finnish capital still has a number of attractions that may be worth a visit.
Helsinki Cathedral
Religious or not – you should experience this miracle. The Cathedral of Helsinki was completed in 1852, and is a masterpiece of a building. For many, this is the very symbol of the city, and the church was designed by architect Carl Ludwig Engel in the early 20th century. Very many tourists come to see the building every single year.
Esplanade Park
It may not be quite Central Park (New York), but I’m fine because. In the Esplanade Park, both locals who want to relax from everyday stress meet with tourists. The large green areas are also home to many concerts and happenings, especially during the summer. Here is both festival and entertainment, and a place you want to be when you are in Helsinki.
Helsinki Zoo
The Helsinki Zoo is actually one of the oldest in the world, and was opened in 1889. Here you can see animals from all continents of the world, with a total of over 200 different animal breeds. In addition, the park houses over 1000 different plants!
Linnanmäki Amusement Park
No capital without a fun fair. Linnanmäki Amusement Park has entertained families since the 1950s and is a popular attraction for those traveling with their families to Helsinki. Here you will find everything from arcade halls to roller coasters.
Ateneum Art Musem
Those interested in culture will find a visit to the Ateneum Art Museum well worth the time. It houses more than 20,000 works of art from 1750 to 1950, which are painted in very different eras. The building itself was completed in 1887, and has since been used as a museum.
Suomenlinna Fortress
Suomenlinna Fortress is located just outside Helsinki and is a comprehensive fortress listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The fortress was started by the Swedes in 1748 and it was completed in 1791. It was the Swedish king Gustav the Third who ordered the construction. Today, Suomenlinna is a popular tourist destination and a guided tour of the fortress is recommended.
