Helsinki Travel Guide 2022

HELSINKI

The further north you travel in Europe, the more you begin to experience the seasons in their greatest calibre; the Nordic summers are a time of wondrous greenery, light-filled days and surprisingly warm weather. In the winter, temperatures dramatically drop, snow falls thick akin to a fairy tale, and midwinter sees little light beyond midday.

It is here that Finland, the Land of a Thousand Lakes, and the happiest country in the world for the fifth time in a row, experiences such unique times of the year that bring a certain magic to the lands. With winter in effect and Christmas around the corner, Finland’s tourism industry is firing up saunas and warming log cabins with the expectation of seasonal festive business pouring into the

HELSINKI

Take a culture tour to the Nordic festive capital this winter; a city where snow and saunas meet the sea

country.

The majority of tourism in Finland is split between the northern province of Lapland (and the city of Rovaniemi) and the capital of Helsinki. Lapland is the quintessential land of Christmas where herds of reindeer wander beneath the dancing aurora borealis, and where Santa, the old and original, receives visits in his classic cottage.

Surrounded by the sea and forest, Helsinki is the central hub of activity in Finland and a capital very much in touch with nature. Be it summer or winter, the capital has a lot to offer native city dwellers and visitors from abroad, from historical sites and cultural landmarks to dishes and drinks unique to Finland, and a wide variety of leisure facilities surrounding fire, water and steaming saunas.

Writer: Marcus Kääpä | Project Manager: Dave West

Impressive design, Finnish art, and original details – Iconic hotel Torni opens fully renewed in Helsinki

“Over the decades, the hotel guests with their thousands of stories and the exquisite architecture have created Torni's unique spirit. Maintaining and enhancing the hotel's artistic, somewhat bohemian atmosphere has been one of the objectives of the renovation. I am happy to finally welcome guests to experience it with us, again”

Aki Keskitalo, General Manager

Known for its art and architecture, Helsinki has the perfect hotel to serve the two mediums - the Solo Sokos Hotel Torni. The classic building is embedded in the cultural history of Finland’s capital city and has recently reopened its doors after a two-year renovation project.

The iconic skyscraper-esque hotel, which originally opened in 1931, pierces the Scandinavian skyline and encompasses the Art Deco and Art Nouveau styles. A distinct historic ambience is captured within the walls of this unique building of two halves.

The first part of the Torni, which means tower in Finnish, was designed by architects Jung and Jung, in the 1980s, later joined by the Kyllikki side, a 1903 residential building. It stands today as one of the most recognisable landmarks in Helsinki.

The art-filled haven has the appearance of a boutique hotel and exudes a feeling of bohemian luxury, as the vintage décor is mixed with a fresh and modern aesthetic. One of the most visible changes of the recent renovation is the Art Deco glass dome which now houses the American Bar, one of the Torni’s five restaurants and bars.

The bar at the heart of the hotel is a timeless space of sophistication with decorative sconces by Finnish designer Paavo Tynell, restored to illuminate the dark green velvet curtains, marble flooring and the blacktopped marble bar.

The hotel is also home to the city’s first rooftop bar, the Ateljee, which has been converted over two floors and offers the best views of Helsinki. Patrons can enjoy an ice cool cocktail on the terrace, against the backdrop of pastel-coloured façades attached to majestic turrets. The interior of the bar has a more subdued, muted palette of beige and blue with a sprinkling of cinnamon, allowing the panoramic view to take centre stage.

The hotel Torni is the epicentre of culinary expertise with its ensemble of eateries, which includes the Restaurant OR, a wine bar and modern brasserie. Head chef Janne Kantola and restaurant manager Samuli Sidensnöre are responsible for the gastronomic delights of the Torni kitchen, known for serving delicacies unknown in Finland.

There is plenty of interesting cuisine at the most desirable selection of restaurants in Helsinki; OR has an impressive Raw Bar where oysters, appetisers, and desserts are an option, while Ateljee has afternoon tea with handmade pastries, and “Breakfast with a View” served with sour dough bread

from the Torni’s own recipe. The revamped bars include the American Bar, offering care-free enjoyment with enchanting drinks, whose ingredients, such as syrups and berry powders, are made by hand in the Torni kitchen, as well as O’Malley’s Irish bar, offering a relaxing rendezvous for those who enjoy a pint of Guinness.

The hotel boasts an extensive art collection, the most bohemian in Finland. One of the joys of the collection is that it can be appreciated throughout a visit or stay as it is displayed in all the Torni’s facilities, including all 154 rooms. The diversity of art disciplines enhances the hotel’s artistic vibe with paintings, sculptures, fine art photography and graphics all around for the guests to enjoy. It distils nearly 100 years of Finnish art, mixing hotel operator SOKOS’ work with the Torni’s own.

The music, by Finnish composer Petri Alanko, plays in the hotel hallways and accompanies the artwork, complimenting treasures such as the sculpture Aino, by Kaarlo Haltia, positioned in the elevator lobby. The musical piece depicts a day in the life of the Torni, from the lingering hours of the morning through to the champagne toasts of the evening.

The hotel channels eclectic mid-century playfulness, through the refined lens of its heritage; maintaining the exquisite architecture has been one of the objectives of the renovation. The Torni cuts quite a figure on the Scandinavian cityscape with the stainedglass oeil-de-boeuf windows, ornate on the outside, but allowing natural light to flood inside.

The Kyllikki section of the building takes advantage of the Art Nouveau style with the restored tiled stoves in the guest rooms, and the plaster mouldings and decorative murals on the original staircase. Its many architectural features exude character, such as the rotunda skylight in the reception and an old lift with a manual door.

The vibrant venue has a colourful past, which is more than just its architecture, as it has a rich history of famous faces. Esteemed guests include legendary singer Josephine Baker and US President Herbert Hoover has been known to frequent the hotel, along with Finnish Nobel literature prize winner F.E. Sillanpää. As Helsinki’s oldest operating hotel, it was also a centre for war time espionage.

With its scenic rooms, unique atmosphere, and the sophisticated way the past segues into the present, the Solo Sokos Hotel Torni is a remarkable Scandinavian sight and a must-see and stop.

HELSINKI PARTNERS INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

Operating at the centre of Helsinki’s tourism space, Helsinki Partners is the primary organisation promoting travel and business growth within the city, driven by its passion for people.

Outlook Travel (OT): Can you talk us through the origins of Helsinki Partners, its vision and the organisation’s current goals?

Leena Lassila, Director of Visitor Attraction (LL): Helsinki Partners is a city marketing, investment and talent attraction company owned by the City of Helsinki. Our mission is to promote the city’s sustainable growth, to attract investments, businesses, talent and visitors, to conduct international sales and marketing, as well as to build Helsinki’s global brand and reputation. We match people with possibilities for sustainable growth. Our current goals are divided between recovery, attraction, workforce and big business cases. It means getting back international visitors, increasing awareness of Helsinki among businesses and professionals, attracting more talent to Helsinki and more big deals.

OT: How do you market Helsinki as a destination?

LL: We market Helsinki in many ways and for our chosen target groups. On the business-to-business (B2B) side we promote our services; we help in setting up, growing and investing in businesses in Helsinki, organising a congress or meetings, bringing in visitors and helping them discover the best Helsinki has to

– LEENA LASSILA, DIRECTOR OF VISITOR ATTRACTION, HELSINKI

offer, as well as helping journalists to experience the city and sharing a story about Helsinki. We also help international talent find their perfect career in Helsinki, Europe’s most inspiring location for innovative people, start-ups and ecosystems. For visitors and talent, our source of information is MyHelsinki.fi which is based on genuine recommendations and accurate data. There are over 150 local guides who have created the content. You can find the best locations to visit, the most interesting events and relevant activities.

Helsinki is a good place to travel all year around. There are various international events throughout the

year. For example, the world’s leading start-up event, Slush, will bring well over 10,000 business visitors, start-ups, and investors to the city every November. In Helsinki, there are also new and interesting products, which are available all year round. One of our novelties in Helsinki is Kalastajatorppa and their igloos by the sea.

OT: Are there any interesting projects in the pipeline you wish to highlight?

LL: The second Helsinki Biennial will happen in 2023. It is an art event that lasts for the whole summer, from 12th June to 17th September 2023. Helsinki Biennial is an international art event that brings outstanding contemporary art to maritime Helsinki. The biennial will return to the unique surroundings of Vallisaari Island in the Helsinki archipelago, whilst building upon its inaugural edition through a greater presence on the mainland in locations across the city, such as HAM Helsinki Art Museum, Helsinki Central Library Oodi, and cultural centres.

Hotel capacity has grown a lot in Helsinki with unique properties and is still growing. Next summer for example there will be the opening of Hyatt Grand Hansa Hotel in Helsinki city centre. In the summer of 2024, Solo Sokos Hotel Pier 4 will open in the most attractive spot in Helsinki, on the shore of Katajanokka. Their ambitious goal is to be the most climate-friendly hotel in Finland. The building’s stunning architecture is a sight in itself.

For more information: https:// www.sokoshotels.fi/en/helsinki/ solo-sokos-hotel-pier-4

Leena Lassila

“THE MOST UNIQUE FEATURE WOULD BE THAT HELSINKI IS THE HAPPIEST CITY IN THE WORLD AND FINLAND IS THE HAPPIEST COUNTRY”

PARTNERS

A unique place in the heart of Helsinki city centre

Epic Moments on a waterfront. This is what Allas Sea Pool o ers to visitors, regular members and corporate customers in the city centre of Helsinki, the capital of Finland. It’s an urban, outdoor well-being oasis o ering a unique Finnish sauna experience including the opportunity to swim outdoors either in heated or sea temperature pools.

Ice swimming is rather common among Finns and o ers a totally unique experience for bold visitors abroad, guaranteeing a lasting memory when you make it. Allas Sea Pool is the perfect place for a first taste of ice swimming, with a sea water pool. It has clean sea water that is the same temperature as the Baltic Sea around the pool, except the pool is kept open even when the sea is frozen. Warm saunas are just a few steps a way to keep bold ice swimmers warm and cosy after a dip. For less adventurous swimmers – or those wanting to make their laps before morning meetings – Allas Sea Pools also o ers a 25-metre-long heated adult pool which is a steady 27°C all year around. This warm water pool is heated with residual energy from Helsinki’s central heating system to keep the operations sustainable.

The one-of-a-kind location downtown Helsinki, opposite the Presidential palace, and the distinct Finnish wood architecture make Allas Sea Pool one of the most instagrammable locations. From the big pool deck, outdoor pools and saunas you can enjoy views of the historical sights of Helsinki. On the roof top bar and terrace

visitors can enjoy full 360 degree views over Helsinki and it is the best location to capture breath taking sunsets.

In the summer months, the pool deck attracts sunbathers and families. The warm kids pool opens in May and transforms the place into a family destination for recreation and fun. Café, restaurant and terraces o ers local specialties and refreshments.

During the summer months, the courtyard of the Allas Sea Pool turns into the hottest live music stage in Helsinki. With over 60 gigs by Finnish A-list artist and bands, the Allas Live provides entertainment for everyone.

Above explains why Allas Sea Pool is on the bucket list of many travellers when they visit Helsinki. At Allas, you will find the perfect time and place just for you, and the sweetest of Helsinki moments.

OT: Why, in your opinion, should someone visit Helsinki?

LL: We say that in Helsinki you don’t have to choose – you can have it all. Helsinki is for the curious ones. The city offers infinite sources of inspiration through unique experiences. In a bustling yet humansized city, it’s possible to experience more and feel more. The locals are community-minded, kind at heart and they’ll welcome you just as you are.

A curious mind needs recharging. Helsinki’s ever-present nature offers silence and space to recalibrate yourself. Surrounded by the sea and forest, the city is designed to allow easy access to nature for everyone.

Helsinki stimulates both sides of your brain. It offers a totally unique combination of nature and urban life – a metropolitan village. It’s quirky, energetic and cool yet peaceful and down-to-earth. It offers you the freedom to have it all. Helsinki will leave its mark on you. Once you leave, you won’t be the same again. Quite a promise, isn’t it?

OT: What are some of Helsinki’s most unique features and landmarks?

LL: The most unique feature would be that Helsinki is the happiest city in the world and Finland is the happiest country.

The following landmarks are worth highlighting: the Helsinki Cathedral at Senate Square is probably the most iconic and most-photographed sight. Then we have Löyly, which is a sauna that you do not want to miss when visiting Helsinki. Our amazing library building Oodi, is like a living room for our citizens. The unique congress centre Finlandia Hall and its little sister, Little Finlandia, the art museum, Amos Rex, and of course the sea fortress Suomenlinna are also architectural masterpieces.

OT: What trends are transforming the tourism industry in Helsinki and how are you utilising them?

LL: I would say that “a must” in the tourism industry is sustainability. We have put a lot of effort into the Think Sustainably service which helps both locals and visitors to find sustainable options for things to see and do. The service was launched in the summer of 2019, and more and more venues, restaurants, cafes, shops and places to visit are joining the service, which is very promising! What is great is that Think Sustainably helps visitors and locals to choose more sustainably by combining sustainable services, experiences, and transportation in Helsinki into one easy-to-use digital service on MyHelsinki.fi.

“HELSINKI STIMULATES BOTH SIDES OF YOUR BRAIN. IT OFFERS A TOTALLY UNIQUE COMBINATION OF NATURE AND URBAN LIFE – A METROPOLITAN VILLAGE”

– LEENA LASSILA, DIRECTOR OF VISITOR ATTRACTION, HELSINKI PARTNERS

The base of the service is on sustainability criteria that have been tailor-made for Helsinki, highlighting ecological and social sustainability as well as different dimensions of environmental responsibility. It is not a new official sustainability label or certificate, and therefore the fulfilment of the criteria is not evaluated by a third party. Think Sustainably is based on trust and transparency, both of which are very important values to us.

What is great, is that other European cities are also interested in bringing the Think Sustainably service into use. We want to do

meaningful

OT:

LL: It is definitely an awareness of Helsinki. The Helsinki brand is unfortunately behind the product. We have a wonderful destination, but it still is a bit of a hidden secret. I’m quite optimistic about the future. Both leisure and business travel are recovering nicely and there is a lot of interest towards Helsinki.

initiatives in Helsinki and this is a good example of it.

What challenges does the tourist industry in Helsinki face, and are you optimistic about the future?

OUTLOOK RECOMMENDS

EAT:

DO:

Allas Sea Pool

Why not try a seaside floating sauna and swimming experience at Allas Sea Pool? An urban oasis open all year round.

Sat beside the city harbour, the open air Allas Sea Pool caters to the leisure lover and the athlete with slow and fast lanes, pools warmed to 27 degrees all year round, a chilly sea water pool for those wanting a fresh wake up, sunbathing areas and communal sauna to embody the true Finnish experience.

SLEEP:

Solo Sokos Hotel Torni

For a luxury stay in the bustling heart of Helsinki, try Solo Sokos Hotel Torni. Whether for business or leisure, the hotel lifts you above everyday life, offering magnificent views while being walking distance from everything Helsinki has to offer.

Visitors can expect elegant rooms featuring unique artwork and comfortable fluffy beds, making their stay truly memorable. Having originally been opened in 1931, the hotel boasts a unique history and embodies this in its architecture and interior design.

On top of the aesthetic visuals, Solo Sokos Hotel Torni hosts a brilliant atmosphere and features top-class restaurants including the OR Restaurant & Bar, the Ateljee Bar, the American Bar, and O’Malley’s Torni, all centred around high-quality service.

FOR BUDGET TRAVELLERS…

Kalakeitto (salmon soup) and karjalanpiirakat (Karelian pies) are two classic Finnish dishes available to try at restaurants such as Savotta in Helsinki.

Trams HELSINKI

Trams

The Helsinki tram network forms part of the Helsinki public transport system organised by Helsinki Regional Transport Authority and operated by Metropolitan Area Transport Ltd.

Trams moving along the green, tunnel-like street of Makelankatu in the Vallila district.

delivering shoppers and tourists to the centre of Helsinki.

LANDMARK ATTRACTIONS

HELSINKI CATHEDRAL

Standing atop a rise in front of Parliament Square, the iconic green and white roof of Helsinki Cathedral can be seen almost anywhere in the capital. Open all year round to visitors, it merges history, culture and architecture with a fantastic central view over the city.

KORKEASAARI ZOO

Take a wander and witness natural wonders of our world, such as forest reindeer, Amur tigers, Bactrian camels and brown bears – all animals adapted to extreme winter. Korkeasaari Zoo is uniquely placed on an island in the Baltic Sea, accessible by a bridge walkway, and promises a full day of marvellous wildlife.

OLD MARKET HALL

To experience a wide variety of Finnish foods, drinks and more, walk through Helsinki’s Old Market Hall, where stalls offer goods ranging from exotic Nordic meats and cheeses to sweet jams and spirits – a great place to round off your city break and purchase gifts for friends or family.

GETTING THERE AND AROUND

FLIGHTS TO HELSINKI (Helsinki-Vantaa) Airport are widely available via any major international airport – in complete contrast to the destination, you are looking for a ticket to HEL! Once there, a 40-minute train ride to Helsinki Central Station places you at the heart of the city, amid several streets rich with shopping and dining opportunities, and a 10-minute walk from Helsinki Cathedral. The capital is navigable by easy and accessible bus networks, as well as the inner-city tram network that runs through the old, cobbled streets of the city. On top of taxi services, e-scooters (TIER, Voi, Lime) can be found from public stations throughout Helsinki and are available to anybody with a valid registered driver’s licence – simply download the app(s), unlock and ride away at any time of day!