Happy Independence Day Finland!  December 6th marks Finland’s anniversary of independence and the day is celebrated across the country with both joy and solemnity. Independence Day Traditions The occasion is typically marked by church services and tributes at war memorials. In continuation of a wartime tradition, candles are lit in the windows at 6 pm. […]

An outline of where to go or who to call in the event that an emergency situation arises while you are visiting Helsinki. UPDATE: If you suspect that you have contracted the coronavirus please follow the guidelines provided by the city. In case of mild symptoms, self-isolate at home. If your symptoms are worsening, call […]

The official currency in Finland is the euro (€). Banknotes and Coins Banknotes are issued in the following denominations: 5€, 10€, 20€, 50€, 100€ and 200€. Issuance of 500€ notes was discontinued in January 2019 but they remain legal tender in the euro area. The coins are issued as 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, […]

Helsinki Tourist Information Services  You can find official tourist information service points at several locations throughout Helsinki. These service points provide information about the city, events and attractions, as well as maps and brochures to help you better plan your visit.  Service Points Tourist information service points can be found at the following locations:  The Pavilion.    The Pavilion […]

International dialing codes for Finland and information about area codes internally.

Shopping business hours Business hours in Finland vary depending on the business in question. Shop opening hours were deregulated in 2016 and shop owners set their opening and closing hours freely. Department stores and many chain stores are typically open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 6 […]

Helsinki has four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn and winter. The high season for tourists spans from May to September, when the days are long and the temperatures generally comfortable. However, because of its geographic position, Finland has a mixed climate, which means that the weather can vary from torrential rain to long heat waves. […]

The earliest and still working companies in the field of the applied arts were the Arabia ceramics factory (founded in 1873), and Nuutajärvi glass factory (founded in 1794). In 1928 Riihimäen Lasi organised a glass design competition. The winning designer, Henry Ericsson already showed the clean lines of modernism. The work of the 1930s, from furniture and everyday wares to graphic design, was characterised […]