Top Attractions in Helsinki

Temppeliaukion Kirkko

One of the biggest success stories in modern Helsinki architecture, Temppeliaukion Kirkko's design initially roused controversy because it involved a large hole in the granite outcrop covered with a concave roof. There are no ornaments, belfry or altar. Criticism is now a thing of the past and it receives about 500,000 visitors annually. The stonewalls and metal ceiling give a feeling of warmth and security. The temple is also an excellent venue for musical events; the acoustics are superb, attracting many of the world's best organists.

Porvoo

This half-day tour of the old town of Porvoo will take you back to a more idyllic world in which small wooden houses, little shops and craftsmen's workshops were a part of everyday life. Although destroyed by fire in 1760, Porvoo still has a medieval design reminiscent of many Central European towns. It used to be popular among artists—its citizens have included painter Albert Edelfelt, sculptor Ville Vallgren, national poet J.L. Runeberg and his son, sculptor Walter Runeberg. This tour covers, among other places the Medieval church and the Town Hall. Visitors would be wise to also visit the Porvoo bridge with its views of the city. The tours start in front of the Helsinki City Tourist Office, and have commentary in Finnish, Swedish and English. Tickets can be purchased in Esplanadi park, close to the Tourist Office.

Hietaniemen Hautausmaa

The unusual Hietaniemi Cemetery is within walking distance of the city centre, right next to a beach. It is divided into four parts: a Lutheran cemetery, an Orthodox one, a Jewish and an Islamic one. The very lush, park-like area is popular for strolls amongst people, red squirrels and various kinds of waterfowl. The Lutheran cemetery is divided into two areas. The magnificent older part is the final resting place of a number of famous people, including C. L. Engel, the man who designed a large part of the city, and world-renowned architect Alvar Aalto. Finland's best-known artist Gallen-Kallela, authors Mika Waltari and Topelius and six Finnish presidents were also buried here. There are separate sections for National Theatre actors and the Finnish martyrs; the latter are commemorated by students each Independence Day. Helsinki Expert arranges two-hour tours of the Jewish cemetery.

Vanha Kirkko

The Old Church is not only the oldest but perhaps also the most beautiful church in Helsinki. The small, white and peacefully plain building is located in one of the prettiest parks in Helsinki. Construction began in the 1820s when Ulrika Eleonora Church on Senate Square became too small and the new cathedral had not yet been built. Famous Helsinki architect C. L. Engel designed the church in 1826. The wooden exterior is in simple Neo—Classical style, with a delightful belfry and green dome reminiscent of the Cathedral. With its attractive simplicity the interior is traditionally Finnish; its colours are whites and pastels, against which the gilded altarpiece, organ and pulpit stand out. The altarpiece, the only picture in the church, is signed by court painter Ekman; the organ and pulpit are also 19th—century originals. Services are held at in Finnish regularly and in Swedish on Sundays and Christian holidays. Eucharist is held on Wednesday mornings, and ! short organ concerts are held on Tuesdays. This is a very popular concert and wedding venue.

Kaivopuisto

Kaivopuisto is Helsinki's most famous park, filled with sights. Its cliffs offer fantastic views of the city and archipelago. Kaivopuisto was founded in 1830, mainly as a spa facility for aristocrats. They also built Kaivohuone, still a popular place for relaxing, parties and dining. As the Crimean War and the 1850 cholera epidemic came along, the spa shut down and was later destroyed during World War II. Nowadays, Kaivopuisto is a popular place for strolls and summer picnics. On May Day, this is the best place in the city, and thousands of people spend the day here. The park is used for many events, celebrations and free concerts. Kaivopuisto and its surroundings contain a multitude of sights, such as the American, British and French embassies, Mannerheim Museum and Cygnaeus Gallery. Across the road that lines the shore is the popular café Ursula. The park's two most famous landmarks are along Iso Puistotie street: Kaivohuone, and the Kalastava Karh! u or "Fishing Bear" well. In the centre of the park stands the elegant Ursa observatory. Nearby is a bust of Nordenskiöld, the explorer who discovered the passage from the Atlantic to the Pacific.

Tropicario

Tropicario is the largest and most modern indoor tropical animal house in the Nordic countries. Tropicario prides itself both on the spacious and well-maintained living conditions of the animals as well as on the large selection of rare snakes and lizards. They have, for example, specimens of the largest and most poisonous snakes in the world, as well as spiders, monitor lizards, and other such cool creatures. Tropicario has received a "Best of Helsinki" award in the "Best Family Resort & Fun" category. There’s interesting info about each animal in four languages: Finnish, Swedish, English and Russian. - Kati Hurme

Oittaa Recreation Centre

Oittaa Recreation Centre, located by the beautiful lake Bodom, offers great facilities to enjoy outdoor activities and experience Finnish countryside charm. The center includes an equipment rental service, camping grounds, public saunas as well as a restaurant and catering services. In the summer, people gather to enjoy the sun and a swim at the lake’s sandy beach. The rental service provides inexpensive gear for around the year hiking and outdoor activities. Biking, rowing and canoeing are popular summer activities. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on maintained tracks are winter favorites. The nearby nature park Nuuksio has a wide selection of hiking routes. Guided hiking tours will introduce the participants to the local flora and fauna. - Paula Holst

Nature House Villa Elfvik

The beautiful 19th-century Art Nouveau-styled Villa Elfvik was originally built as a summer house by a local nobleman. It was later sold to the City of Espoo and is now converted to a center introducing visitors to the local wildlife and nature in a permanent exhibition called "Long live Espoo". There is also a 700-meter nature path with a bird-watching tower on the way. A nature guide is available during the summer season. The house's staff arranges themed nature hikes open for everyone upon interest. The villa's lovely café takes you back a hundred years to the time when noblewomen sat cozily in the salon sharing their tales of daily life over a cup of tea. The café is open on weekends, and the villa is closed on Saturdays during winter. - Paula Holst

Uunisaari Island

Uunisaari is a lovely small recreational island right by the shore of the South tip of Helsinki. In the summer, there is a short boat connection from the neighboring marina, and in the winter, a pontoon bridge is set up across a narrow channel. The island has been in recreational use for over 100 years. The old health spa premises have now been converted into a pleasant center hosting a café, restaurant, public saunas and conference facilities. Uunisaari is truly a great location for different kind of receptions the year round. In the summer, a cozy and child-friendly beach gathers families to spend a sunny day out by the sea. - Paula Holst

M/S Baltic Princess

Want to set sail on the Baltic aboard a classic beauty offering you multiple entertainment options? Book the M/S Baltic Princess and sail in the Scandinavian waters between Helsinki and Tallinn. With 927 cabins, hoards of multicuisine restaurants, plenty of shopping options among others, you'll never be bored atop this cruise. Businessmen can make use of the 9 conference spaces for their meetings and events.Guests can also enjoy live music and entertainment on board. Want to soak your feet in a tub of warm water as masseurs massage your stress away? No problem, the cruise has exotic saunas and  pools for your enjoyment and relaxation. So what are you waiting for? Book now!