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 Art to play with |
30 Annankatu Helsinki 00100 Finland +358 9 169 3747 |
The Annantalo arts centre for children and the young is a beautiful old wooden building in Kamppi, behind Forum. This lovely place has art courses, but for the visitor, more interesting are the exhibitions, aimed mainly at children of various ages. There may be several exhibitions at one time, one lasting usually from a few weeks to several months. The centre is very spacious, and many exhibitions are to be played with (or in). The curators take into account what keeps children interested and what art means to them. There is also a café, though its open hours are slightly different than the centre's. If you plan to go during the week, remember than until the afternoon it might be full of kindergarten groups. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
 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 |
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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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Information and entertainment |
1 Messuaukio (Helsingin Messukeskus) Helsinki 00520 Finland +358 9 1 5091 http://www.finnexpo.fi/exhibit... info@finnexpo.fi |
Child is the perfect fair for families with children. The aim of the event is to provide as much information about new products and services as possible and still be entertaining. The programme is organised in cooperation with different children's cultural organizations. Product groups represented at the fair include housing and interior decoration, hobbies, leisure and culture, organizations and public administration, child welfare, children's clothes, magazines, toys and much more. The organizer of the event is the Finnish Fair Corporation with the Finnish Federation of Enrolled Children's Nurses, the Centre for Children's Work in the Church/Lasten Keskus Oy and EFU-Projektit Oy. See the website for further details. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Doll and Toy Museum |
C 66 Suomenlinna Helsinki 00190 Finland +358 9 668 417 http://www.suomenlinna.fi/suom... matkailu@suomenlinna.fi |
The Doll and Toy Museum, one of the various museums in Suomenlinna, has a collection of over 2,000 toys (dolls, dolls' houses, teddy bears, toy cars, etc) dating from 1830 onwards. The small, cosy museum also includes a quaint café. Visiting this old Russian villa is worthwhile especially if you are visiting Suomenlinna anyway. In addition to the toys there is also a collection of Russian samovars and the museum also holds special exhibitions. To get to Suomenlinna take a ferry from the Market Square. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Benjamin Wong |
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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 |
 Ice stadium with multiple events |
1 Areenankuja Helsinki 00240 Finland +358 (0)204 1997 http://www.hartwall-areena.com firstname.surname@hartwall-areena.com |
Hartwall Areena is the home arena of Jokerit, a Helsinki ice hockey team. The stadium has 13,665 seats, including 69 places for wheelchairs, as well as 70 private suites and five rental suites. Above the ice is a Sony Jumbotron video scoreboard used for slow-motion pictures, instant replays and animations during the games. Besides the ice hockey matches, many different events are arranged including world-famous musical performances. On guided tours, you will see all the main attractions of the hall: the suites, the sauna from where events can also be followed, restaurants, the Elvis Presley Boulevard, the backstage area and the locker rooms. Hartwall Areena also has four restaurants, the Silver Star Café, the Golden Star Café, Power Play Saloon and Lapin Kulta, as well as 15 fast-food outlets. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Mark  |
 Photo: JuicyBurger |
 Photo: Katja Nykanen |
 Photo: Scott Forrest |
 Photo: Carl-Magnus Dumell |
 Photo: Carl-Magnus Dumell |
 Photo: iSani |
 Photo: Tristan Millward |
 All you need to know about Helsinki |
19 Pohjoisesplanadi Helsinki, Southern Finland 00100 Finland +358 (0)9 169 3757 http://www.hel2.fi/Tourism/EN/... tourist.info@hel.fi |
Helsinki is more than a city in the land of the midnight sun. There are things to do in this vibrant metropolis no matter what the season, no matter the amount of sunshine or moonlight. The Helsinki City Tourist & Convention Bureau can provide you with information on activities ranging from Christmas fairs to ski team viewings. For information on upcoming events, visit their website. 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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Sibelius' Home and Aalto's Architecture |
Esplanade Park, Fabianinkatu Helsinki Finland +358 9 2288 1600 http://www.helsinkiexpert.fi sightseeing@helsinkiexpert.fi |
This half-day trip is perfect for people interested in culture. It visits two important places connected to Finnish art: Hvitträsk and Ainola. Hvitträsk used to be the studio of the famed trio of architects Saarinen-Gesellius-Lindgren. The most renowned member of this trio, Eliel Saarinen, also used to live at the beautiful house, located by a lake. This tour lasts four hours and is arranged every summer from June-September. It starts in front of the City Tourist Office, and have commentary in Finnish, Swedish and English. Tickets can be purchased in Esplanadi park, close to the Tourist Office. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Gary Korhonen |
 Photo: Pavel Curtis |
 Photo: Pavel Curtis |
 Photo: nyomee wallen |
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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 |
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Nature in its full glory |
7 B Lönnrotinkatu (Helsinki Expert) Helsinki 00120 Finland +358 9 2288 1222 http://www.helsinkiexpert.fi guidebooking@helsinkiexpert.fi |
Even the name says it all: this is the dream tour for a nature-lover. The half-day trip covers one of Finland's most important protected sites, Nuuksio National Park. Cisitors can become acquainted with southern Finnish nature at its best: crystal-clear lakes and ponds and mighty forests. The tour, led by an expert guide, is an introduction to the stunning beauty of Finnish nature, and to the special features to Nuuksio. Among other things, this is the main place in Northern Europe where flying squirrels nest. The trip includes a one-kilometre walk through the woodsand lasts four hours and starts in front of the City Tourist Office. Tickets can be purchased in Esplanadi park, close to the Tourist Office. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Sameli |
 Photo: Timo Tervo |
 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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The place to go for summer fun |
1 Tivolitie Helsinki 00510 Finland +358 (0)9 7739 9287 / +358 (0)9 77 3991 http://www.linnanmaki.fi |
The only amusement park close to central Helsinki, Linnanmäki contains not only plenty of rides, but also games arcades, tombolas, restaurants, bars and the obligatory candyfloss and hotdog stands. The most impressive thing is the Vuoristorata roller—coaster, which in 1996 celebrated its 100th birthday. The amusement park was opened in 1950 by the charity Children's Day and proceeds from the park still go towards child welfare work. You can get to Linnanmäki on trams 3T and 3B, and bus 23 (alight at Alppila). The main part of the amusement park is open only in the summer, normally daily. Check the website for detailed information. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Helen Penjam |
 Photo: Toni Malin |
 Photo: Helen Penjam |
 Photo: Toni Viemerö |
 Photo: Daniel Spillere |
 Photo: aixcracker |
 Photo: aixcracker |
 Photo: Petri Tuohimaa |
 Photo: Andrew Rogers |
 Photo: Janne Hillervo |
 Photo: Juice Carton Coma |
 Photo: Andrew Rogers |
 Photo: Niko Lipsanen |
 Photo: niki matita |
 Photo: Monika |
 Photo: geekmusic |
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Popular gym in the city centre |
8a Kaivokatu 4th floor Helsinki 00100 Finland +358 9 415 335 00 http://www.motivus.fi |
This is a fitness centre located in the centre of Helsinki. It has a wide range of gym machines and offers classes for aerobic boxing and, neck and back care. After heavy training you can go to the sauna or solarium here for burning some more fat. In the centre there are also trained physiotherapists who give treatments and massages in case your muscle need to be relaxed. 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 |
 Large swimming centre |
49 Mäkelänkatu Helsinki 00550 Finland +358 9 3484 8800 |
This cafe resides at Kurvi, the junction of Helsinginkatu and Hentie, one of the busiest spots in the city. It is easy to get there by tram (6, 7A, 7B, 8), metro or dozens of buses. The cafe is spacious, with modern decor in all kinds of bright colours. The big windows give a nice view out onto the street, and they serve coffee, espresso, cafe latte, iced cappuccino or steamers. Also, there are lots of natural and spring waters, juices, soft drinks, filled breads, pasta dishes and salads are available. The bar is fully licensed, and they have a number of newspapers and magazines to read. 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 |
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Puppets and tradition |
18 Eläintarhantie Helsinki 00530 Finland +358 9 712 818 |
Puppet Theatre Vihreä Omena (Green Apple) is the oldest children's theatre in Finland. It was founded in 1971 by the current president of the World's Union of Puppet Theatres. Vihreä Omena has some 400 shows every year, many of them held at different locations. About a quarter are held at their own premises. The shows are really wonderful and depending on the season they may be sold out, so remember to book your tickets in advance. There are always several productions going on; some may be short ones, while the classics have been running for years. The theatre has good international connections, and there are often exchanges both ways by different groups. The theatre is located in Kallio and is easily reached by tram 2. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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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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Guided tour of the old city of Porvoo |
7 B Lönnrotinkatu (Helsinki Expert) Helsinki 00120 Finland +358 9 2288 1600 http://www.helsinkiexpert.fi sightseeing@helsinkiexpert.fi |
This half-day tour of the old town of Porvoo will take you back to a more idyllic world in which small wooden houses, little shops and craftsmen's workshops were a part of everyday life. Although destroyed by fire in 1760, Porvoo still has a medieval design reminiscent of many Central European towns. It used to be popular among artists—its citizens have included painter Albert Edelfelt, sculptor Ville Vallgren, national poet J.L. Runeberg and his son, sculptor Walter Runeberg. This tour covers, among other places the Medieval church and the Town Hall. Visitors would be wise to also visit the Porvoo bridge with its views of the city. The tours start in front of the Helsinki City Tourist Office, and have commentary in Finnish, Swedish and English. Tickets can be purchased in Esplanadi park, close to the Tourist Office. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Catuxa Seoane |
 Photo: Sergio Calleja (aka SuperKeko) |
 Photo: Jaime Rubio |
 Photo: Kent Charles |
 Photo: Daniel Lombraña González |
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Tour the splendour of the palace |
1 Messuaukio Lönnrotinkatu 7 B Helsinki 00520 Finland +358 9 2288 1222 http://www.helsinkiexpert.fi guidebooking@helsinkiexpert.fi |
The Presidential Palace has been a private home, the Finnish residence of the Czar and the official residence of Finland's President. Now, it is the venue for numerous official functions, held in the Valtiosali (Hall of State) where glorious statues, golden and bronze hues and the dark parquet create a majestic setting for banquets. The Peilisali (Mirror Hall) is a more airy, silvery hall, the most memorable feature of which are the fabulous chandeliers. The Keltainen sali (Yellow Hall) is a famous salon. Its dark-wood furniture and luscious interior are the setting for intimate coffees during the Independence Day celebrations. Most functions are held on the second floor, which is what the guided tour focuses on. Tours are held by appointment on only a few days a week and last about 45 minutes. Each tour is held for two groups; check the website or call for details. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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See the sights from a new perspective |
6 Meritullintori Helsinki 00170 Finland +358 9 6122 950 http://www.royalline.fi/englis... royal.line@royalline.fi |
If you're not content with taking the ordinary bus tour of the city, why not admire Helsinki's sights from a different perspective. The boat tours arranged by Royal Line let you enjoy the city by sea. Two such tours are available: the Traditional Helsinki by Sea tour taken onboard M/S Natalia, and the Helsinki Under the Bridges tour on M/S Katarina. These give visitors the special opportunity of exploring Helsinki's older districts, landmarks, monuments and buildings. The tours include beautiful churches, monuments, the coastline Helsinki's islands, and the magnificent Suomenlinna fortress. The tours take an hour-and-a-half, and are arranged several times a day during the summer. Commentary is given in English, Swedish and German. Ticket prices may or may not include meals, depending on what you ask from the tour operator. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: 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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The ultimate guided bus tour of Helsinki |
7 B Lönnrotinkatu (Helsinki Expert) Helsinki 00120 Finland +358 9 2288 1222 http://www.helsinkiexpert.fi guidebooking@helsinkiexpert.fi |
The new Expert Sight & Sound Tour by Happy Helsinki runs several times a day. Besides the normal commentary, a soundtrack including music and sound effects sets the mood at the different locations. The tour can be taken in one of ten languages: Finnish, Swedish, English, German, French, Russian, Japanese, Spanish, Italian and Latin; the commentary comes through individual headphones. The tour lasts about 1.5 hours and covers most of the city's main sights, including the Senate Square, the districts of Eira and Kruununhaka, the Olympic Stadium, the Opera House, Finlandia Hall, the Parliament, Kiasma and the Presidential Palace. Tours start at the Olympia terminal, at Katajanokka terminal and in front of the City Tourist Office. Tickets can be purchased at the starting points or the Tourist Office. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Saara |
 Photo: Sami Salmenkivi |
 Photo: caltonmonument |
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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 |
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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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Lots of possibilities |
41a Topeliuksenkatu Helsinki 00250 Finland +358 9 3487 0550 toolonut@urheiluhallit.fi |
This is a modern sports centre with the newest exercise technology, aerobics, body firming and circuit training options. They also have basic things like a swimming pool, sports hall and gym. Get your vital stats updated here—measure things like your fat percentage—or just relax in the sauna, solarium or massage center. After the vigorous training, you can sit down in the café or at the hairdresser's. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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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 |