Helsinki is Finland's capital and the centre of its cultural, financial and economic activity. While it embodies much of the Finnish spirit and its progressive hi-tech push, it is unlike any other Finnish city, due in part to the fascinating combination of Swedish and Russian influences.
HELSINKI
● When To Go
Helsinki enjoys a milder climate than much of Finland thanks to the Baltic
Sea and the gentle winds from the Gulf Stream, however, you'll need to rug
up warm in the winter. The most enjoyable months to visit are June through
September. In July, local folk flee the city for their summer cottages, and
many offices close. It's a grand time to be a tourist - the weather is
pleasant, the markets bustle and the cafes set up their outdoor tables. If
you're interested in culture, book your trip during August, when a major
arts festival and countless smaller performances will keep you entertained.