HELSINKI REGION
Helsinki, the sustainable capital of Finland, is a vibrant seaside city of beautiful islands and great green urban areas. Helsinki marches to a wonderful and unique beat of its own with dynamic food, design, architecture – and sauna! – scenes. Helsinki and its Nordic culture are made by the locals.
Helsinki is the largest city in Finland and the metropolitan area is the home of 1.4 million people. When you look at a map, Helsinki is in the northernmost corner of the Europe but it is an easy hub to reach with fast flight connections from East to West. No flight? No problem. Helsinki can be reached from St. Petersburg, Estonia and Sweden via the Baltic Sea. In fact, the sea is one of the most characterizing elements of the city. The Helsinki Archipelago consists of over 300 mesmerizing islands.
The rhythm of Helsinki is laid-back and the city is easily approachable, literally. The public transportation system is one of the best in the world – with that one beautiful metro line – and it is also easy to walk and bike everywhere.
In addition to Helsinki, the capital region is made of a hub of other interesting cities and sights to visit. These include the neighboring cities of Espoo and Vantaa, the historical town of Porvoo, Järvenpää-Tuusula area – famous for its artistic heritage – as well as the ironwork villages west of Helsinki. There are 6 national parks less than 2 hours away from Helsinki and countless other nature sites to visit.
Venture out to the forest, enjoy a concert, flow to a festival, enjoy a Nordic dinner or try one of those iconic public saunas – it’s all here.
Explore the Helsinki region
Here’s a look the most interesting places to visit in the region:
HELSINKI BY YUKI
“When I arrived in Helsinki for my studies, I didn’t know any Finns.
At first, Finnish people keep their distance, but once you get to know them, they make great friends.
Helsinki is a beautiful, green city by the sea. It’s as if the whole city was planned hand in hand with nature.
I immediately fell in love with the seasons, their colours and the fresh air. Soon, I felt at home.
I live in a neighbourhood that’s known for its lush nature and serenity, but it’s also full of life.
After work I walk around the city, shop for Finnish design, visit cafés
and go to second hand stores, which are abundant. Biking is the best way to explore the city
while taking in the fresh sea air and being present in the moment.
It’s easy to see that Finnish people are genuinely part of nature.
I’ve been most impressed by their ability to enjoy nature.
They don’t even need activities, just being in nature is enough for them.
Simply being there has a healing effect.
The best parts of Helsinki – its beaches, forests, verdant streets and small ponds – are now much
more rewarding, as I can see them through Finnish eyes, at least a bit!”
-Yuki
Getting there
Loving the Helsinki region and can’t wait to get there?
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Articles from the Helsinki region:
Get to know the region
Areas in the Helsinki region
More places to visit in the Helsinki region
Find experiences, accommodation and more on My Stay
Cultural Lake Cruise on Lake Tuusula
Unwind on a peaceful cruise in the historical surroundings of Lake Tuusula. Learn fascinating stories…
Löyly
Löyly, an urban oasis occupying a stretch of beautiful Helsinki waterfront, offers a warm welcome…
The Tom of Finland Experience
Touko Laaksonen alias Tom of Finland has become an international gay culture icon during the…
Old Wooden Town of Porvoo
Join this guided half-day tour from Helsinki to the idyllic town of Porvoo with its…
Free Walking Tour Helsinki
An entertaining city walk to meet fellow travellers and learn about Helsinki and Finland! This…
Fazer Visitor Centre
Fazer is a 125-year old, international, family-owned business offering quality bakery, confectionery, biscuit and grain…
Linnanmäki Amusement Park
Linnanmäki is the most beloved amusement park in Finland and has the widest selection of…
Helsinki by Kayak
Explore Helsinki as close to the sea as you can get! Our daily 3-hour guided…
Opera and Ballet in Helsinki
Unique productions and performances where classics meet modern times. The Finnish National Opera and Ballet…
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Read MoreInterior design shops, fashion boutiques, jewellers, antique shops, galleries, museums, restaurants, hotels, design agencies - everything can be found in the Helsinki Design District.
Read MoreThe archipelago of Helsinki consists of around 330 islands, providing a great getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Read MoreSlow your pace and head out for time travels in the little artisan villages of Finland - all with a surprising and intriguing past.
Read MoreTove Jansson, the world-famous Finnish creator of the Moomins, loved the sea. To get into the artist's mindset we visited the Pellinge Islands in Porvoo - her favorite place of all.
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