Practical Information

University of Helsinki, exact room tbd.

There are many options for your stay in Helsinki, but we have negotiated the following discounts:

: discount for days 26th-30th August with code SHAPINGMEN26. Click for location on Google maps.

: discount for days 26th-29th August with code WORKER. Click for location on Google maps.

: discount for days 26th-29th August with code WORKER. Click for location on Google maps.

Helsinki has excellent public transport. Tickets from cover travel across buses, trams, commuter trains, and ferries in the Helsinki area. You can use the for planning your journeys. Ticket costs are based on the zones you travel, and can be paid through the HSL app, the machines on the transport, or the HSL machines in the main stations. You can buy multi-day tickets as well as single tickets.

You can take the commuter trains I or P from the airport straight to Helsinki Central Station. You will need an HSL ticket.

There are plenty of taxi options, but we recommend using the following companies:

•  Tel. 0100 0700
• , Tel. 0800 02120
• , Tel. 0600 555 555
• , Tel. 0200 6060
•  Tel. 0100 7300
•  Tel. 0100 6060

Uber and Bolt operate in Helsinki, if you prefer this option.

There are lots of options for lunch and dinner in central Helsinki. Affordable options can be found in nearby shopping centre food courts:

Ellie recommends at least once having salmon soup by the harbour:

You can also use the cafeterias in the University buildings.

You can view a Google map with the options above labelled.

For dinner, there are lots of options in central Helsinki, and plenty of more upmarket options in downtown Helsinki. Vegetarian, vegan, lactose and gluten intolerances are very well-catered for. Ellie’s favourites are the Nepalese and Georgian restaurants.

If you’re stuck, you can always use the options on .

If you’re staying a day or two longer than the workshop, there are lots of amazing things to see whilst you’re in Finland. Below is a list of Ellie’s picks, all easy to reach from Helsinki city centre. You can also check for the best activities to do in Helsinki.

Despite its size, there’s a lot of culture and history in Helsinki. Below is a list of just some of Ellie’s favourites within the city.

• Fortress. UNESCO World Heritage site. A fortress called ‘Gibraltar of the North’, built in the 19^th century. Several museums, cafes, and lunch options. You get there by ferry from the Market Square harbour, and you use an HSL ticket.
• The ‘’ (Wise Mouse) statue. It’s Helsinki’s smallest public statue. Try and find him outside the !
• are the iconic landmarks of Helsinki. Well worth a photo trip in the sun (and if you’re old enough, you will recognise it from the by Darude – you can register to in an event the day after the workshop).
• is a strip of Finnish nature in the middle of Helsinki. It has lots of very walkable paths, and it’s encouraged to pick the blueberries (mustikka) you find!
• is Helsinki’s art gallery in the centre of the city by the train station. They often have excellent temporary exhibits.
• There are lots of options if you would like to try a Finnish sauna. is a great option, as is pool. Check nearby beaches if they have a public sauna – then you can jump into the sea straight after! Remember, saunas are best enjoyed with other people! You can also always check your hotel if they have a sauna and when they’re open. Check sauna etiquette .
• You can go on a self-guided , where you can see where the artist (famous for his hypermasculine erotic artwork) lived and worked.
• is a great zoo specialising in animals found in arctic or cold climates. It’s located on an island close to Helsinki accessible in the summer months by ferry.
• If you’re visiting Helsinki with small children, Ellie recommends the . It’s free entry, and is an interactive museum of Helsinki’s history.
• If you’re interested in something more active, there are several spots to go kayaking in Helsinki. A good spot is .
• Ice hockey is serious business in Finland, and though August is before the main leagues start, there will be some pre-season games. Check the in case there’s a game!
• Remember that Finland is the home of metal! Check if there are any concerts in local venues, or hang out at for a drink. You can even go to Children of Bodom’s bar in Espoo (and yes, there is a sauna).

If you’re staying a little longer, consider a day trip outside Helsinki.

• One of Finland’s national parks, , is easily accessible from the city centre via public transport. It has a great nature centre called which has a good café and exhibitions.
• Catch a train and visit one of the nearby cities. Ellie’s favourites are Hämeenlinna’s , Porvoo’s and , Turku’s and , and Tampere’s and Museums.
• If you want some adventure, you can . Remember to bring sausages for the barbecues on the islands! If you have time, you can plan for an overnight excursion as well.