About Helsinki Region, Finland

Finland (in Finnish "Suomi") is a republic and a member of the European Union since 1995. Its population is 5.4 million and its surface area 338,145 sq. km. Finland has about 190,000 lakes and as many islands.

Capital of Finland, Helsinki is a modern European city of culture that is famous especially for its design and high technology. Helsinki is one of the safest cities in Europe. Helsinki was declared the capital of Finland in 1812, making 2012 is its bicentenary year as the Capital. Helsinki is also the World Design Capital 2012. In 2011, the Monocle Magazine selected Helsinki as the most liveable city and in 2012 Helsinki was second after Zurich.

Helsinki is a Capital where Eastern and Western cultures meet

Helsinki is unique among Northern European cities. The lifestyle in the second-most northern capital city in the world is full of contrasts and activities in the form of hundreds of events and friendly people. Helsinki’s identity has been formed by cultural influences from both the East and West. The archipelago that surrounds Helsinki with hundreds of tiny islands creates an idyllic environment for cruises, for example.

Over 450 years of history, several architectural layers and the impact of different periods can be clearly seen in Helsinki. Finnish design has also made the country’s capital city world famous. The beauty of the surrounding nature blends seamlessly together with high-tech achievements, while old traditions mix with the latest contemporary trends. The city centre has many beautiful parks, and the nearby forests offer an ideal setting for peaceful and quiet walks.

Helsinki’s rhythm is laid back yet at the same time refreshingly active in terms of both the number and quality of restaurants and nightclubs. Everything is nearby – Helsinki is a pocket-sized metropolis that is ideal for visitors!

Helsinki Visitors Guide in 11 languages

The Tourist & Convention Bureau’s brochures offer both tourist information, as well as ideas and tips for planning your holiday. The main brochure ”Helsinki – Visitors Guide” is published in 11 languages.  Brochures in English,  Swedish, German, Russian, Estonian, Spanish, French, Italian, Japanese, Chinese and in Finnish.

Helsinki Region

The Helsinki Region is a dynamic world-class centre for business and innovation. Its high-quality services, arts and science capabilities, creativity and adaptability promote the prosperity of its citizens and bring benefits to all of Finland. The Metropolitan Area is being developed as a unified region, close to nature, where it is good to live, learn, work and do business. The harmonious urban structure of the region is based on public transport; it is versatile by its operations as well as eco-efficient and low carbon. The compact core area is encircled by a network of distinctive centres. Read more

Visa

Citizens of some countries are required to have a visa for entry into Finland. Please check if you require a visa from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs.

Transportation

To and From Helsinki-Vantaa airport, you can either take a bus or taxi:

• Airport taxi: The airport taxis (yellow minivans) have flat rates and leave when the minivan has enough passengers. (1-2 persons is 29 € total, 3-4 persons 45 € total).
• Normal taxi (yellow taxi sign on the roof) to the center of the city from the airport should be about 40-45 €. All taxis have a meter, charge the same rates, and all accept major credit cards.
• Bus no. 615: Single fare from the airport ("lentoasema") is 4.50 €, and the journey time is about 35 minutes to the main railway station.
• Finnair City bus: Single fare is 6.20 €, journey time is 35 minutes. The bus stops near various hotels and ends at the main railway station ("rautatientori") just like bus 615.

Climate and weather in Helsinki

The winter begins in either November or December depending on the year. The temperature fluctuates either side of 0°C (32°F). The first snowfall makes the city look picture perfect. The average temperature between December and February is around -4°C (24,8 °F).

Average temperatures in Helsinki

•entire year +5.0°C (41 °F)
•warmest month, June +21.7°C (71,06 °F)
•coldest month, January -10.4°C (13,28 °F)
Helsinki Local Weather