The hip and funky city of Helsinki is fast becoming one of Europe’s hottest destinations. This ancient capital of Finland is over 450 years old and a wonderful holiday destination at any time of the year for anyone regardless of age.

Helsinki was built in 1550 and modeled after the Russian city of St. Petersburg. You will find many similarities in the architecture and physical layout of the two cities. Helsinki has no high rise buildings, allowing a visitor to step back in time. When walking the streets you will see wonderful examples of 19th century Gothic, Art Deco, and even Contemporary architecture.

A tour of the city of Helsinki is highly recommended and a great way to get your bearings. Walking tours of the city are led by Helsinki Helpers, locals in green and white uniforms. You may book a Helsinki Helper at the Helsinki Tourist Office. You may also book a boat tour of the city. A ferry will take you on a guided tour around the peninsulas, islets, and outer islands of the city giving you unique views you would not get on land.

There are several landmarks you will not want to miss. The Church of the Rock is a church that has actually been dug out of solid rock. It is one of Helsinki’s most popular attractions; check to see if they are holding a concert here while you are in town. You will also want to visit Suomenlinna, the greatest sea fortress on the Baltic. Suomenlinna is reached by ferry and you will be able to spend hours wandering around the old buildings and catacombs.

Helsinki was the sight of the 1952 Winter Olympics. Several of the Olympic buildings are now open to the public. You can tour Olympic Stadium and visit the Museum of Sport. You might also consider riding to the top of the Olympic Tower which rises 72 meters above the city and will give you a great view.

The Finns love the outdoors and you will find many outdoor activities in and around Helsinki. Year round visitors and locals alike can be found skating, cycling, ice fishing, skiing, and sailing. And after your day of activity you can indulge in another Finnish tradition, a soak in a sauna.

Helsinki is has two well known shopping streets, Aleksanterinkatu and Esplanadi. These streets both connect to Senate Square which is the historical center of the city. Kauppatori, or Market Square, is the perfect place to end your day at a café, wrapped in a cozy rug, drinking a mug of gloggi, (spiced wine).

You will arrive and depart Helsinki from the Vantaa airport. 15k from the city, Vantaa is served by all major airlines and with over one hundred flights daily you will have no trouble making your travel plans.