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 Exotic animals |
3 Tiilenlyöjänkuja Helsinki 01720 Finland +358 9 854 0517 |
Akvaariolinna (the Aquarium Castle) is a rather small animal exhibit in Vantaa. It is open year-round, though with different opening hours in late autumn and winter. They have a few crocodiles and parrots and around 100 fish-tanks, filled with both freshwater and saltwater fish, piranhas and rayfish, to mention the most exciting ones. Akvaariolinna is really not a busy spot, except for the odd day during the holiday season. You can get there by bus 362 from the bus station. Admission for adults is EUR4.25 and for children under 10, EUR2.55. Children under three are admitted free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Archtours Ltd |
Pohjoinen Hesperiankatu 13 B 17 Helsinki, Finland 00260 Finland +358 9 4777 300 www.archtours.com archtours@archtours.com |
If you are interested in Finnish design and architecture, take part in one or more of the architectural excursions organised by Arch-Tours. There are many alternatives to choose from, both regular tours and tailored excursions, available in Finnish, Swedish, English, French, German, Russian, Japanese, Italian and Spanish. There are four basic tours, two of which have commentary in English. Aalto Bus gives a four-hour tour of Alvar Aalto's architecture; this starts in front of the Finlandia Hall. The Urban and Historical Centre Tour is taken on foot; it starts at the Senate Square and takes about two hours. A wide variety of tailored tours are available, three of which focus on the work of Alvar Aalto. The other tours give varied views of the city. Modern Classics is an introduction to the greatest modern and contemporary architecture around the city, while the Annual Rings of Helsinki tour examines the different stages and styles connected with the expansion of Helsinki. Helsinki Urban Centre and Jugend Architecture concentrate on the city's historical buildings, and Culture and Restaurants is an introduction to the city's dining and social life through the ages. Arch-Tours also hosts architectural excursions to Tallinn and St. Petersburg. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
 Fitness centre |
17 Iiluodontie Helsinki 00980 Finland +358 9 3434 6430 |
This is a big gym that can accommodate up to 70 working out people. While you are training you can watch the TV reflected on the wall. There is also a big aerobics hall where many different kinds of aerobics classes are offered like Body-Firming, Basic Step, Latinobic, BoxBic, etc. They also offer a brand-new solarium with face effects and a powerful fan. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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See a real farm |
Malminkaari Helsinki 00700 Finland +358 9 351 1326 http://nk.hel.fi/talot/fallkulla/ |
Fallkulla animal farm is run by the city of Helsinki. This is a real farm, with horses walking around in their paddocks, cows grazing at the pasture and pigs making a mess of their pigsties. You can also meet the goats, sheep or hens and a bunch of ducks and geese. The farm is run like any other, so if you stumble by at the right time, you can see the animals being fed or cleaned. You can have your own packed lunch, and the café is open on Sundays from 11a to 3p. The easiest way to get there is on trains P, I or T; get off at Tapanila and walk the rest of the way (about one kilometre). Entrance is from Malminkaari. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Follow in Mika Häkkinen's footsteps |
15 Köyhämäentie Helsinki 01510 Finland +358 9 870 1911 |
This indoor karting hall is situated in Vantaa, right next to Martinlaakso, which is the home of the past Formula 1 World Champion, Mika Häkkinen. See for yourself whether you can achieve top lap times on this 400-metre course. The cost is EUR8.50 for 10 minutes on weekdays before 4pm, and EUR11.90 for 10 minutes on weekdays after 4pm and weekends. Private races are arranged on demand for groups, so if you are planning just to drop by, call to make sure you don't arrive there just as a race is starting. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Stage for children in Espoo |
2 Juhannusmäki Helsinki 02200 Finland +358 9 439 1220 |
This theatre resides in Espoo. It is a quarter of a century old, and has both live stage and puppet theatre on its programme. The ages the shows are directed at vary, but range from two to 12 years. There is usually a show every weekday, except on Mondays. Book your tickets in advance! Usually a decent understanding of Finnish is required, but some shows are also in Swedish and it is possible to order a show in other languages (mainly English). There is a small collection of puppets from old shows on display. The easiest way to get there is by bus 105 from the bus station. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Activities for adventurers |
65 Kaislammentie Helsinki 02880 Finland +358 208 311 611 http://www.kaikuva.fi kai.pihlstrom@kaikuva.fi |
Kaikuva Oy offers a wide variety of activities for the adventureous people. Activities include skiing, hiking, paddling, trips with kicksleds and snowshoes and many other kinds. You can also take part in a survival course or a nature photography trip. These suit groups of people who know exactly what they want. For people with a more artistic bent of mind, Kaikuva offers art courses in the wild as well as courses in other crafts, such as whittling. As a bonus, Kaikuva has a lakeside sauna in which you can relax after a long day's hiking and enjoying nature. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Challenging golf |
32 Kirkantie Helsinki 01750 Finland +358 9 276 6650 keimolagolf@dlc.fi |
The surface area of this golf course is 106 hectares, the terrain is variable and there are lots of water obstacles. The club consists of 27 holes, over three nine-hole courses. All the courses are different; te first nine holes (course A) are the easiest, the second (course B) are quite average and the last nine holes (course C) are the hardest. Playing in Keimola demands calm and patience when choosing your club, and alertness at all times. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Sports ground with multiple options |
1 Myllypurontie Helsinki Finland +358 9 3108 7530 http://www.hel.fi/liv/lajit/li... liikuntavirasto@liv.hel.fi |
This sports centre opened on the eastern side of Helsinki. There are 12,060 square meters to use for different types of sports and 648 square meters of dressing-room space. The area for track and field covers 6,070 square meters and there are grandstands with 400 seats. There are areas for wrestling, gymnastics and martial arts, and night and street basketball is also arranged. There is also a climbing wall, but its use is forbidden without an instructor. On weekends and in the evenings spaces are mainly booked by sports societies, but in the daytime it is mainly free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Tennis, squash, badminton |
4 Varikkotie Helsinki 00900 Finland +358 9 341 7130 |
At Myllypuro Tenniskeskus there are six indoor tennis courts. In the winter there are three tennis courts in an "air dome" which convert into outdoor courts in the summertime. All in all there are five outdoor tennis courts. The indoor courts have Plexipave coating. At Myllypuron Tenniskeskus there are also 12 courts for badminton and two courts for squash. It is possible to use the solarium and sauna and have a massage. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Puppet theatre and art for children |
11 Klaavuntie Helsinki 00910 Finland +358 9 323 6968 http://www.ntsampo.fi/ ntsampo@ntsampo.fi |
Puppet Theatre Sampo offers children and adults alike the chance to wonder. The very popular Christmas and Easter plays draw crowds year after year, and it is advisable to book your tickets in advice. Mainly the plays are directed at children over two. Sampo is one of the few professional puppeteering theatres in Finland. There is also a historically impressive Gallery of Theatre Puppets—the oldest exhibits are a century old—and an exhibition on the art of the popular Finnish children's writer and artist Kristiina Louhi. Sampo resides in Puotila; the easiest way to get there is by subway. There are also shows in the Cultural Centres of Helsinki (Annantalo, Kanneltalo, etc.). Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Ski trails in Paloheinä |
22 Paloheinäntie Tuomarinkylä Helsinki Finland +358 400 774 413 |
Put on your skis and take advantage of the cross-country ski trails at Paloheinä, only nine kilometres from the heart of Helsinki. If you don't own skis, you can rent all the equipment there. Ski equipment servicing and waxing is also available. The skiing season normally lasts from November until April. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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The best place for tobogganing |
124 Pakilantie Helsinki 00670 Finland +358 9 754 1204 |
In winter, every kid wants to find a big hill and ride down it on a toboggan. And there are no better places in Helsinki than Paloheinä hill. This huge hill is over forty metres in height and a great place to enjoy a winter's day when the sun is shining. Unfortunately, many local people know this as well and the hill tends to be crowded when the weather is beautiful. However, the exhilaration and excitement as you zoom towards the bottom of the hill are worth it. There is also good illumination until 9p. At the foot of the hill is the Paloheinä Outdoor lodge, with a café that serves hot drinks and small sandwiches for the exhausted ones. Unfortunately, no toboggans or other equipment can be hired, so remember to bring your own transport. The easiest way to get there is by taking bus 66, 66A or 66B which all have their final stops near the hill. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Fishing and small-scale safaris |
54 N 38 Finnoontie Helsinki 02280 Finland +358 9 803 8318 |
Sariusa Oy arranges fishing trips and small-scale safaris for small groups. While fishing you can enjoy the wonders of nature and marvel at the aspect of Helsinki that many tourists do not discover. The organisers will pick you up straight from whichever hotel you are staying in and also drop you off after the fishing trip, so they do not have to worry about anything and can concentrate on simply having fun. These fishing trips are a perfect way to spend a day in Helsinki and are great for becoming acquainted with nature. Finns feel very close to fish, fishing and water and after going to this trip you will be able to appreciate why Finland is known as the land of a thousand lakes. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Skiing centre in Espoo |
10 Tornimäentie Helsinki 02970 Finland +358 9 887 0550 http://www.serena.fi |
There are five slopes at Serena ski centre. The longest one is 450 metres and the vertical drop is 60 metres. There are four T-bar lifts and lifts for children and beginners. If there is not enough snow on the ground, snow cannons and the snowcat will make sure that slopes are in good condition. At the ski equipment rental outlet you can hire skis for cross-country and downhill skiing, snowboards and also telemark equipment. At the ski school you can have private or group lessons. The price of the ski school includes instruction and the use of the beginners' ski lift. You can also get a combined all-day ticket for the ski lifts and the adjacent water park. On Mondays, it offers a Lady Ski session; that means women get half price evening tickets. For recorded info in English call +358 9 887 055 57. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Parachuting club |
Malmåsintie Helsinki 10900 Finland +358 9 387 8827 |
Whether you are an experienced jumper or want to try parachuting for the first time, the Parachuting Club of Finland is a place worth contacting. They have a Twin Otter aircraft at their disposal, which takes 24 passengers to 4,000 meters altitude in 12 to 15 minutes. They offer basic courses and further training on two different student programmes: JAD (Jumpmaster Assisted Development) and AFF (Accelerated Freefall). Both programmes are suitable whether you want to jump once or twice or make skydiving your hobby. For further information on prices, courses etc., contact the club. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 The renowned garden city |
1-3 Kimmeltie Helsinki 02110 Finland |
The Tapiola garden city is an internationally renowned pearl of urban design, where buildings, people and nature all work together; where walking and cycling are encouraged. Tapiola was born after the war, as the desire to develop the areas around Helsinki grew. It was based on the garden city ideology of Ebeneser Howard. Tapiola consists of three areas with a pedestrian centre. Several architects were involved in the design, each building a harmonious unit. Variety was all-important; there had to be a combination of tall and low buildings. The buildings had to fit in well with the surrounding nature, and the great Otsolahti bay was to be kept undisturbed. Aarne Ervi was given the job of designing the famous centre with its tower, busy shopping district, pond, hotel, swimming baths, Cultural Centre and church. Tapiola was commended in the US in 1967 as one of the best cityscapes in the world. The garden city is now an important commercial and cultural centre; for instance the Tapiola Choir, Espoo Big Band, Espoo City Theatre and Tapiola Sinfonietta are greatly renowned. Tapiola is also home to the popular April Jazz festival and Espoo Ciné International Film Festival. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Tero Lakkala  |
 Photo: Tero Lakkala |
 Photo: marco_pozzo |
 Photo: Kosti Kannas |
 Photo: Oliver Weidlich |
 Photo: Emil Lupu |
 Photo: Arja Kirvesoja |
 Photo: Chittagong |
 Photo: Jonttu Leskinen |
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Small isles for relaxing and berry-picking |
Westendintie (15 kilometers west of Helsinki) Helsinki Finland |
Tvijälp and Korkeasaari are two peaceful islands in the Espoo archipelago, both perfect for picking berries. The islands are located in the wealthy district of Westend. Tvijälp is has a long history, having been home to a peaceful fishermen's village for a long time. The beautiful nature and timeless, peaceful atmosphere are great for a relaxing day. Korkeasaari is located just east of Tvijälp and is known for lush forests and a rocky outcrop. Both islands are better for a few hours' rest and relaxation than for a whole day's stay, and they are best explored on a boat of your own; there is no regular boat traffic to either one. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jani Tarvainen |
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Heated water park |
10 Tornimäentie Helsinki 02970 Finland +358 9 8870 550 http://www.serena.fi |
Serena is the largest heated water park in Europe and it is open year-round. There is a 2000m2 pool area where the climate is almost tropical. There are several pools, water slides and hot tubs plus regular saunas and Turkish steam rooms. In the summertime, the pool area is 1000 m2 larger as the outside part is opened. Refreshments can be bought at the Terrace bar or you can have a meal in cave restaurant Granina. A day ticket (11a-8p) costs EUR13.60, and a ticket for the evening only (4p-8p) is EUR10.20. Under four-year-old children can go for free. Group discounts are given for groups of more than 15 people. In order to receive this discount the group manager has to announce beforehand when the group is coming. The Serena area also includes a hotel, and it offers packages for hotel accommodation at night and a day in the water park. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Popular skiing centre |
Vihdin Hiihtokeskus Oy Helsinki 03250 Finland +358 9 2252 5510 http://www.vihtiski.fi skicenter@vihtiski.fi |
The VihtiSkiCenter offers avid skiing enthusiasts a total of eight slopes, the longest of which is 570 metres long. For snowboarders the center has a halfpipe, quarterpipe and a snowboard park. Children, on the other hand, can avail of the facilities of the Snowland section. If you get hungry while skiing grab a bite at the Skiburger restaurant, the Alpine World Cup restaurant or the Skicafé. There is a rental outlet on site and you can also attend a ski school here. You can reach Vihti via the Skibus, which leaves every Saturday and Sunday at 9:15am from the Helsinki bus station. Review © 2007, Wcities |
