Helsinki
in Finland

Helsinki

Helsinki is the capital and largest city of Finland, located on the southern coast of the country on the Gulf of Finland. It is a vibrant and modern city, with a population of about 642,045 people. Helsinki is known for its unique blend of old and new, with a mix of historic buildings, modern architecture and a variety of cultural activities.

The city is situated on a peninsula, surrounded by the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Finland, with a network of islands and waterways. Helsinki is known for its stunning natural beauty, with its parks, forests, and lakes providing a tranquil setting.

Helsinki was founded in 1550 by King Gustav Vasa of Sweden as a trading post. The city quickly became an important trading port, and in 1812, it became the capital of the Grand Duchy of Finland. During the 19th century, Helsinki experienced rapid growth and development, with the construction of many of its iconic buildings, including the National Library of Finland, the National Museum of Finland, and the Helsinki Cathedral.

In the 20th century, Helsinki was the site of many important historical events. In 1917, Finland declared independence from Russia, and in 1918, Helsinki became the capital of the newly independent country. During World War II, Helsinki was occupied by the Soviet Union, and in 1952, it hosted the Summer Olympics.

Today, Helsinki is a vibrant and modern city, with a bustling economy and a variety of cultural activities. It is home to numerous museums, galleries, and theatres, and is a popular destination for tourists. It is also an important center of education, with several universities and research institutes.

Experience Helsinki with unforgettable activities by our partner GetYourGuide. The offer is also ideal as a special gift idea for family and friends who are planning to visit Helsinki. Cancellations are possible up to 24h before the start of the activity (unless otherwise stated in the activity description), with a full refund of the booking price.

The climate in Helsinki

Spring (March-May): During the spring, temperatures in Helsinki begin to warm up and the days become longer. Average temperatures range from 4°C (39°F) to 17°C (63°F). Rainfall is common during this season, with April and May being the rainiest months. Summer (June-August): Summer in Helsinki is warm and sunny, with temperatures ranging from 13°C (55°F) to 22°C (72°F). July is the warmest month, and the days are long with up to 18 hours of daylight. Rainfall is minimal during this season. Autumn (September-November): Autumn in Helsinki is cool and wet, with temperatures ranging from 5°C (41°F) to 13°C (55°F). Rainfall is common during this season, with October and November being the wettest months. Winter (December-February): Winter in Helsinki is cold and snowy, with temperatures ranging from -5°C (23°F) to 3°C (37°F). Snowfall is common during this season, and the days are short with up to 6 hours of daylight.

Cruise weather for Helsinki

Our weather forecast for Helsinki helps plan your stay according to the weather. For sunny days, pack light and breathable clothes, swimwear, and sunscreen. For winter weather, it's recommended to bring warm clothes, gloves, a hat, sturdy footwear, and a raincoat.

Galery: Helsinki

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