Finland's Capital & International Gateway. Top attractions, local tips and how to reach Helsinki in Finland.
Finland's Capital & International Gateway
Design, sauna culture, and sea fortresses, with direct flights north to Lapland.
For many, Lapland starts here. Helsinki-Vantaa Airport is the main international hub with direct flights to Rovaniemi, Kittilä (Levi), Ivalo (Saariselkä), and Kuusamo in just 1–1.5 hours. But Helsinki itself is worth a stay, design capital, sauna culture, sea fortress, and a food scene that rivals Stockholm.
June–August for white nights and the archipelago. December for the Christmas markets. Flights north year-round.
Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL) is Finland's main international hub. Direct flights from 150+ destinations. Central railway station for trains north.
Direct flights to all the northern airports: Rovaniemi (1h15), Kittilä/Levi (1h20), Ivalo/Saariselkä (1h30), Kuusamo/Ruka (1h15). Finnair and Norwegian operate multiple daily flights.
UNESCO World Heritage fortress on a group of islands. 15-minute ferry from the Market Square. Explore tunnels, ramparts, museums, and seaside cafés.
25 streets, 200+ design shops, studios, galleries, and museums. Finnish design, Marimekko, Iittala, Artek, in its home city. Walk from Esplanadi to Punavuori.
Architectural landmark opened in 2018. Free to enter. Three floors of public space, rooftop terrace, 3D printers, recording studios, and books. Finland's most visited building.
Open-air swimming pools and saunas floating in the harbour. Swim in heated pools with views of the harbour and cathedral. Open year-round, swim outdoors at -20°C.
Vanha Kauppahalli, a 19th-century food hall. Finnish delicacies: smoked salmon, reindeer, cloudberry jam, Finnish cheese. The best food souvenirs in one place.