Helsinki Travel Forum

Hello,
I am coming to Helsinki in November and actually staying for some weeks because of work.. I wont have much time to explore but I want to see as much as I can!

Can anyone recommand some good interesting museums and other places of interest that must be seen?

Thanks
Stefan

the rock church in helsinki is very interesting.
i'm not much of a church man myself, but i found that church very very interesting.

Thank you - that sounds interesting!

Stefan

I agree that the church hewn out of the rock, called Temppeliaukio, is a must. The modern architecture and the atmosphere there is unique, with Sibelius's music playing in the background.
As for museums: I liked the Kiasma museum of contemporary art. It's original and interesting, located in the very center of the city.
The other items on my "top 10" list:
- Kauppatori fish market / open air market near the harbor.
- Seurasaari open-air museum, which consists of traditional houses and farmhouses from the 18th-19th century.
- Sibelius monument, a large kinetic sculpture erected in 1967.
- Arctic ice bar (UNIQ): a special experience, get a drink in a below-zero environment; the small bar is all made of ice!
- Sip coffee and watch the people in Kappeli cafe on the esplanade.
- Day trip to Porvoo, with its picturesque old wooden houses.
- Suomenlinna island-fortress (15 min ferry ride from Helsinki).
- Dinner in the "Boathouse" restaurant on a tiny island offshore.

Enjoy!

Ilan

I did the Ice Bar in Helsinki last month and it is a unique experience if you have never done one. I'd recommend it.
Ann, The Travel Slut

Thank you very much Ilan! I think I will do all of those things!

Stefan :)

Hi
I visited helsinki this year and let me say..
you'll enjoy it...
I'ld add.. the Kotiharju Sauna..to your must do's
take the metro to Harjutorinkatu station...
a five minute walk away
it's the only public wood fired sauna..a treat
kikili

Thank you very much!

I am also looking for some sort of a National Museum, something that shows the history of the country. And perhaps a fine art museum.. Anyone know some places?

Hi Stefan,

The National Museum is called Kansallismuseo and contains historical and ethnograpgic exhibits. I haven't been there.

The most famous fine arts museum is the Ateneum, dedicated mainly to Finnish works of art, which I found interesting and inspiring.

Ilan

Ilan

Thank you both for all of your help! I appreciate it!

One more thing. I am from Iceland, I understand all of the nordic languages except for finnish - that one is hard! Is english widely spoken? Stupid question maybe, but I will have to be able to communicate.. hehe

Thanks again!
Stefan

Very widely spoken in Helsinki.Especially by those under 30, who speak English
really well. Maybe in Porvoo or Turku some of the older folk don't speak English well, but all over I found the young finns of helsinki spoke excellent english..
By the way...something else to check out in Helsinki is Stockmans.After visiting the rest of Scandinavia I can't say I found a more impressive version of Harrods or Macy's than this Departnment store .

Thank you very much. I am getting very excited about coming here.. But I wont be doing any shopping - but I might buy some finish design or something like that..

Well thank you very much for your help! Its much appreciated :) Cant wait to go!

Stefan