Things to do in Helsinki
Helsinki is becoming one of Europes most interesting summer cities, with several top-class attractions and an easy-to-navigate city centre. There are quality landmarks and museums here as well as lush parks and gardens, fun family attractions and some great places to go walking. Zoos and amusement parks are great for the kids, while the World Heritage Suomenlinna Fortress features an array of attractions for the whole family.
Botanical Gardens
Helsinkis botanical gardens are located fairly near to the city centre and within a five-minute walk of Central Station. The gardens are very peaceful and feature shrubs and flowers, Finnish wildflowers, trees and bushes, and many statues. The greenhouses (closed on Mondays) have been extensively renovated and are well worth a look.
Church in the Rock
Located in the Tl residential district of Helsinki, not far west of the National Museum, the Church in the Rock (Temppeliaukio Church) was built into solid rock and rises about 40 feet above street level. Designed by architect brothers Tuomo and Timo Suomalainen and consecrated in 1969, only the churchs roof can be seen from the outside. The churchs interior walls were blasted from the rock and its acoustics are superb, with many concerts and English-language services being conducted here as a result.
Helsinki Zoo
The Helsinki Zoo is a great alternative for families with children and features a fascinating collection of animals from all over northern Europe and Asia. Of special note are the herds of wolves and wild forest reindeer, while the northern owl species and other wildlife and attractions here make for a great day out.
Lutheran Cathedral (Tuomiokirkko)
The Lutheran Cathedral is perhaps Helsinkis most recognisable building. The early to mid-19th century structure features a highly visible green dome that can be seen from miles around, and it has recently undergone extensive renovation. The cathedral was built during the period of Russian control over Helsinki and its stark style and form reflects this.
Serena Water Amusement Park
Enjoyable at all times of the year, the Serena Water Amusement Park features heated pools and water slides, making it ideal for children during snowy winter days. There are also outdoor pools here where visitors can cool off during the summer heat, although nothing can beat relaxing in the Jacuzzi during a winter storm.
Sibelius Park and Monument
Known locally as Sibeliuksen Puisto, Sibelius Park and Monument commemorates Jean Sibelius, Finland's most revered composer. The rugged landscape of the park reflects the great composers nature and music, where old birch trees and rocky outcrops are featured. Sibelius died in 1957, and the monument was unveiled in the park ten years later in 1967. The monument, Eila Hiltunen's tribute to Sibelius, lies at one end of the park and shows him at his best.
Vesikko submarine
Built in 1933 at the orders of the Germans in Turku, the submarine Vesikko was an experiment that was later sold to the Finnish. It was used during WWII and saw action when it successfully torpedoed the Russian ship Vyborg. Finnish submarines were all scrapped after the war and the signing of the Paris Peace Treaty of 1947, but the Vesikko was saved, eventually being turned into a museum in 1973.
Suomenlinna Fortress
Built on an island by Swedish rulers in the 18th century, Suomenlinna Fortress is one of Helsinkis biggest attractions. The fortress is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and the barracks are lived in today by Finnish residents. Suomenlinna was originally built as a military shipyard and it features one of the worlds biggest dry docks. There is much to do in and around the attraction, with several museums and galleries, parks, nature areas, beaches, excellent guided walks, cafs and restaurants. The fortress is particularly popular in the summertime, when many concerts and festivals are staged.
Museums
Like any other European capital, Helsinki has an array of quality museums and galleries that tell the rich history of the city and country through art and fascinating exhibitions. Mannerheim was originally the home of former president CGE Mannerheim and features military medals, photos and souvenirs of the former Chief of Staff. Also known as the Ateneum, the National Gallery houses Finnish paintings and sculptures from the 18th century as well as a collection of foreign art including paintings by Van Gogh and Cezanne. The other major Helsinki museum is the National Museum of Finland (Kansallismuseo), which was built in 1916 and resembles a Gothic church. Renovated in 2000, the National Museum covers Finnish history including archaeological finds, religious relics and many fine cultural exhibitions.