Helsinki Card - Sigth of the Month
Bohemian 0800-1200hrs
24 hours no-nonsense in Bohemian Helsinki.
Central Railway Station: Restaurant Eliel & Asematunneli station tunnel
Warm up to the rhythm of Helsinki with morning coffee in the splendid Jugend style Restaurant Eliel. The eclectic mix of people enjoying breakfast on their way to work or study represents a fascinating cross-section of the city¿s residents.
Helsinki Central Railway Station was designed by world-famous Finnish architect Eliel Saarinen (1873-1950). Beneath the station is the Asematunneli ("station tunnel"), which serves as a subterranean shopping centre that is open every day of the week.
Railway Station Square & local transportation
The Central Railway Station and its surroundings are a busy hub for local public transportation. In addition to long-distance and local trains, commuters can continue their journeys by metro, tram or local bus. In summertime city bikes are also available for a minimal deposit. For an inexpensive figure-of-eight sightseeing tour of the city, jump on either Tram 3T or 3B, which loop in opposite directions through the city centre ¿ from the elegant Eira district to colourful Kallio. The Railway Station Square also often stages various public events. For more information about public transport in Helsinki, go to www.hkl.fi/english.
Swimming Stadium
The Swimming Stadium, fondly referred to among city residents as "Stadikka", is a popular swimming place and hangout in summertime. The outdoor complex features several swimming pools, diving boards and diving platforms.
Hammarskjöldintie 5, Open 7 May to 9 September 2007
Kallio & the Bear Park Café
The charming open-air Bear Park Café in Karhupuisto Park is an excellent starting point for a walking tour of the bohemian district of Kallio. A few decades ago this district had a rather "sinful" reputation, but these days Kallio is home to many students and artists. Both the Theatre Academy of Finland and the Academy of Fine Arts are situated in Kallio. Karhupuisto Park is named after a famous sculpture in the park depicting the national animal of Finland, the brown bear.
Tram stop: Karhupuisto (Tram 3B or 3T)
Hakaniemi Market & Hakaniemi Market Hall
With their stalls selling a wide range of foods and handicrafts, Hakaniemi Market and its redbrick market hall buzz with an authentic city atmosphere.
Hietalahti Market
Hietalahti Market offers traditional market goods, as well as a popular flea market, throughout the year. Especially in summertime "Hietsun kirppis", as it is known among locals, is the city's busiest outdoor flea market. Here you make all kinds of unique finds, from old costumes worn by local actors to high-quality Finnish design. The indoor Hietalahti Market Hall also sells antiques.
Tram stop: Hietalahdentori (Tram 6)
Valtteri Flea Market
Housed in historic redbrick buildings in the Vallila district, Valtteri is Finland's biggest year-round flea market. The old factory grounds used to produce train cars. The market is busiest on weekends, when buyers and sellers mill around the countless stalls. On weekdays Valtteri operates as a self-service flea market.
Aleksis Kiven katu 17
Suomenlinna
The grandiose maritime fortress, the beautiful archipelago setting and the lively village atmosphere combine to make Suomenlinna a fascinating destination for outings. You can buy picnic items from the island's own grocery store, or you can enjoy any number of attractive cafés and restaurants.
Ice swimming in Rastila
Ice swimming is regularly practised by 120,000 Finns. A refreshing dip in the icy water will leave you feeling totally revitalised. If you are unsure of your physical condition, consult a physician in advance about the risks associated with ice swimming.
Rastila Camping, Karavaanikatu 4, winter swimming season: 1 October 2006 to 30 April 2007
Links:
Helsinki City Tourist & Convention Bureau
Text: Helsinki City Tourist & Convention Bureau
Photo: City of Helsinki Picture Bank
