Helsinki is a city built on a chain of odd-shaped islands and peninsulas along the Baltic coastline. Ferries ply between the offshore islands, bridges reach across nearby islands and avenues and streets curve around the bays. Accommodation, in general, is quite expensive, although the standard is high. Hotels will usually be cheaper over the weekends when business travellers are absent; in fact rates can plummet by 50 % or more. Most of the hotels include a breakfast and also sauna privileges.
Top Helsinki Attractions
Suomenlinna Fortress was built on six islands during the 1700s and visitors will find restaurants, cafes, shops and museums here. This popular World Heritage Site can be reached by ferry.
Hietaniemi Beach is popular during summer. There are more than 310 islands with a coastline that is nearly 100 km long.
The beautiful 'Carnival of Lights' is held each October at the Linnanmaki Amusement Park to mark the end of the summer season.
Finland is well known for its numerous lakes, there are about 200,000 of them in all. The water quality in Finland is excellent and there are forests and deep woods around the waterways, rivers and sea. Tourists are able to take pleasure in the silence while sitting on the shores of a lake, watching the moose and reindeer or fishing. Alcoholic drinks are a significant part of the culture of Finland and national favourites include liquorice flavoured vodka and cloudberry liqueur.
Helsinki Hotels
Helsinki accommodation is noted for the high-end designer hotels that emphasise room layout and décor and in-house bars and restaurants. The top end hotels are usually expensive, have smaller rooms and cater mostly to the business traveller. However, the service at these hotels is impeccable. Cheap hotels in Helsinki can be found in the form of youth hostels. Peak season coincides with the July to August school break when student dormitories are transformed into youth hostels.