Whether you're a first-time visitor or you've been to Helsinki many times, you probably have a few ideas of what to see and do when you visit the city. But, there are so many great things to do, that you'll want to plan your time carefully.
Moomin Shop
Moomins are a beloved Finnish cartoon character. They have been a major focus of the merchandising industry for a long time. Moomin merchandise is available in stores throughout Finland and abroad. A Moomin theme park is available in Japan and Tampere. You can even book a Moomin cruise from Helsinki's harbour.
If you are a Moomin fanatic, you'll want to check out the official Moomin shop in Helsinki. The shop offers a wide variety of Moomin products, from books to toys and stationery. The staff are knowledgeable and willing to help you find the right Moomin item for your needs.
The shop also offers other things to do. It has an art gallery, cinema and museum of culture. There are special exhibitions and free tours of the Moomin museum. You can also learn about Tove Jansson, the author and illustrator of Moomin.
Olympic Stadium
Located in Helsinki, Finland, the Helsinki Olympic Stadium is a landmark in Finnish architecture. It is one of the largest and most beautiful sports arenas in the world. It is also a multipurpose venue and a museum. The stadium is now undergoing major renovations and is ready for the Olympics of the future.
The Olympic Stadium is a great example of the modern Finnish architectural style, which combines craftsmanship with the latest technology. It has been renovated in a sustainable manner.
The Olympic Stadium is the first Finnish venue to be certified as a UEFA Elite A level stadium. This means that it has met all the requirements for lighting, TV coverage, and control systems.
Cathedral
Located in the center of Helsinki, the Cathedral in Helsinki is one of the most visited sites in the country. Founded in 1852, the church is symmetrical in four cardinal directions and is constructed in a Neoclassical style. It is regularly used for worship services and special events. The crypt, which was renovated by Wilhelm Helander and Juha Leiviska in the 1980s, is also a popular site for visitors.
The cathedral was originally named Storkyrkan, and the ruins of a previous church were used as the foundation for the new one. It was built with 700,000 bricks from the Bomarsund Fortress, which was destroyed during the Crimean War.
Kiasma
Located in the heart of Helsinki, Kiasma is one of the most visited museums in Finland. It is part of the Finnish National Gallery and aims to promote contemporary arts. This museum houses a diverse collection of modern art from Finland, Sweden, and the rest of the world.
The Kiasma Museum is housed in a building designed by famous architect Steven Holl. It is centrally located and offers a wide variety of activities. You can take a guided tour, visit the theater, shop, and cafe. The museum also offers family-friendly activities and weekend workshops.
In the summer months, you can enjoy the outdoor park and take a walk to the nearby islands. There is also a ferry to get to the island, which has a zoo with over 1,000 plant and animal species. You can also go cross-country skiing and snowshoeing at Keskuspuisto, a beautiful lake that is perfect for wildflowers in the summer and snowshoeing in the winter.
Seurasaari Open-Air Museum
Located on Seurasaari island, the Seurasaari Open-Air Museum offers a unique way to experience Finnish culture. This open air museum showcases historical buildings from different provinces of Finland. You will have the opportunity to explore a variety of outbuildings and traditional manors, including an 18th century gentleman's manor house and the 17th century church.
There are dozens of different farm buildings on the island, each representing a different area of Finland. The oldest building in The Open-Air Museum is the Karuna Church, which is still used for weddings during the summer months.
There are several other notable structures on the island. You will also find the Y installation, which was created by a team of international architects. This temporary installation was a fun and meditative spot to reflect on the state of time and the changing landscape of the museum milieu.
Suomenlinna
Located on an island off the coast of Helsinki, Suomenlinna is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fortress is one of Finland's most popular tourist attractions.
The fortress was originally built by the Swedes in 1748 as a military base. It was transferred to Finland in 1918. It became a civilian administration in 1970.
Suomenlinna was a strategic location for Finland's defense against Russia in the mid-19th century. The fortress was also a naval fortification. It had five miles of walls and hundreds of cannon. It successfully resisted an allied attack during the Crimean War.
The fortress has a population of around 900 permanent residents. They are a mix of civilians, soldiers, and prisoners. They are mostly Finns, but there are a number of non-Finnish families living there too.