See what the experts are saying about Kotka. Get expert advice on how to get there what to see and more.
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Introduction
Finland's capital city, founded on June 12, 1550, is a multi-faceted town that is unique in many ways and has much to offer any visitor. Helsinki is set apart from other big historical cities by two factors: the great physical presence of... Continue reading »
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History
The 16th Century The city of Helsinki was founded by a Royal Decree issued on 12 June 1550 by King Gustavus I Vasa of the developing superpower, Sweden. He ordered merchants of the towns of Porvoo, Tammisaari, Rauma and Ulvila to move to the... Continue reading »
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Where to stay
The best hotels in Helsinki can be found in the centre, but you might want to seek a truly Finnish experience by being close to nature. For this try the log cabins in Rastila, still not very far from central Helsinki. The city centre is quite... Continue reading »
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Eat drink
As the 21st century is already well under way, Helsinki has gotten off to an excellent start in renovating and renewing itself as a cultural centre. Museums, galleries, cafes, and restaurants have multiplied and sprung up throughout the centr... Continue reading »
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Entertainment
Helsinki, despite its status as a capital and world-renowned political summit centre, is actually quite a small city. For a tourist this is ideal, as nothing is too far from anything. For example: the Kiasma, in the center of the city, is a f... Continue reading »
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Tours
Parks, Statues, and Architecture Our tour begins at the Old Market Hall. Opposite the hall stands the Sundman house, a design of C.L. Engel from the 1830s. At the corner in front of the Sundman house we turn right onto Pohjoinen Makasiinikatu... Continue reading »
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Getting there
Getting There The Helsinki airport is a short drive from the city itself and is served by at least 12 airlines and four rental car companies. By Air Located 11 miles (19km) north of the town center, Helsinki-Vantaa International Airport... Continue reading »
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Fun facts
Helsinki Country: Finland. Helsinki by the Numbers: Population: 559,716 (city); 1,224,107 (metropolitan area). Telephone area code: 09 Country dialing code: 358. Average January temp: - 5°C (23°F). Average July temp: 18°C (64°F). Ann... Continue reading »
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Introduction
The Helsinki that greets today's visitor is one of the most vibrant and prosperous cities in the world, with one of the highest standards of living and the world's highest literacy rate. Locals still refer to Helsinki as "a big village," b... Continue reading »
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Frommer's favorite experiences
Enjoying a Finnish Sauna -- Regardless of where you've bathed before, you haven't been cleansed to the core until you've experienced a Finnish sauna. Whether used for giving birth to babies or entertaining Russian ambassadors, the sauna is of... Continue reading »
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Planning a trip
Getting There By Plane -- The Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (tel. 020/014 636), which receives flights from more than 21 airports within Finland and from more than 30 airports worldwide, lies 19km (12 miles) north of the center of town, about a... Continue reading »
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Fast facts
American Express -- The Helsinki branch is at Arkadienkatu 2, 00100 Helsinki (tel. 09/613-204-00), and is open Monday to Thursday 9am to 5pm and 9am to 4pm on Friday. Whenever it's closed, you can call an active 24-hour-a-day toll-free inform... Continue reading »
