Destination Guide

The town of Helsinki was founded by King Gustav Vasa of Sweden. The date 12.6.1550 is regarded as the date on which the city was founded. Growth was slow, for the medieval trading traditions were slow to change. Due to the wars in Russia, the Baltic countries and Germany, Helsinki was nevertheless a strategic military centre, a point of embarkation for troops and a winter haven for the navy.

Helsinki is one of the most attractive cities in Europe. The theatres, museums, churches, cathedrals, cobblestone streets and embankments, shopping malls and parks - all these attractions wait for you in one of the most amazing cities in the world.

A great number of various museums of Helsinki are welcoming the art connoisseurs. There you can find Athenium Art Museum, Kiasma, Museum of Contemporary Art, Helsinki City Art Museum, Amos Anderson Art Museum and many others offering the most extraordinary expositions.

The most famous theatres of Helsinki - the Finnish National Opera, Alexander Theatre, Puppet Theatre Sampo and Savoy Theatre - invite all the city guests to dive into cultural life of the capital of Finland.

Helsinki offers a great variety of opportunities for relaxation and entertainment. There you can find fitness centers with swimming pools and saunas; skiing resorts, yachting and parachute jumping and other activities for adventure and active leisure lovers.

In Helsinki you can find numerous various night clubs. A top-level service, music of all sorts, a wide selection of cocktails and tasty food and many others will brighten up you night life in Helsinki.

In all parts of Helsinki you can find various restaurants, bars and cafes. Dishes of the traditional cuisines all over the world, wide selection of beverages, highly professional personnel make your breakfast, lunch or dinner unforgettable.