Holidays in Helsinki

The Finnish capital is somewhat of a mystery for many travellers with its freezing temperatures, midnight sun and difficult to pronounce language. Beyond these stereotypes visitors to Helsinki will be welcomed to a city which is both energetic and easy to get around. Holidays in Helsinki are a treat for those who like architecture and design, and the city has many interesting tourist attractions, including museums, cathedrals and parks.

Helsinki holidays: some pratical information

Direct flights from the UK into the Finnish capital take approximately three hours, plus a 25-minute transfer to the centre of town. Another way to reach Helsinki is by rail, with trains from the Estonian capital Tallin taking around two hours. Average temperatures throughout the year remain between -4 and 18 degrees celsius with highs of 32 in the summer and - 34 in winter. The time zone is GMT+3.

Helsinki - enjoy the world's design capital

Travellers spending holidays in Helsinki should also be sure to reserve some time for the sauna, a Finnish ritual which culminates with a dip in an ice cold pool. Suitably refreshed why not take in the city's sights such as the Helsinki Cathedral and Alvar Aalto's Finlandia Concert Hall.The city was voted the design capital of the world in 2012 and at the Design Museum visitors will discover the history of design through the last century. The arts are taken seriously in Helsinki and there are a number of museums, galleries and cinemas showcasing the most exciting developments in these fields both from Finland and surrounding countries. The Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art and the Forum Box Gallery are good places to discover highlights of contemporary Finnish art. The Ateneum Art Museum focuses on national pieces and has an incredible art collection.