Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The Temppeliaukio church, designed by Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen in 1969, remains
one of Helsinki's foremost attractions. Hewn into solid stone, it feels close to a Finnish
ideal of spirituality in nature - you could be in a rocky glade were it not for the stunning
24m-diameter roof covered in 22km of copper stripping. There are regular concerts, with
great acoustics. Opening times vary depending on events, so phone or search for its Face-
book page updates. There are fewer groups midweek.
Sibelius Monument
MONUMENT
This famous, striking sculpture was created by artist Eila Hiltunen in 1967 to honour Fin-
land's most famous composer. Bus 24 takes you there, but it's a pleasant walk or cycle.
Linnanmäki & Sea Life
AMUSEMENT PARK, AQUARIUM
roughly 11am-9pm mid-May-Aug plus some weekends Apr-May & Sep-Oct)
Famous Linnanmäki is a real kid-pleaser with rides, rollercoaster, 75m freefall and nightly
fireworks. Its profits are donated to child-welfare organisations. There are various day
09-565 8200;
www.visitsealife.com
;Tivolitie 10;adult/child €16/12; 10am-7pm May-Sep, to 8pm
Jun-Jul, 10am-5pm Thu-Tue, to 7pm Wed Oct-Apr)
, an aquarium complex with walk-through
tunnels that let you spot sharks, rays, octopuses and myriad fish up close.
Discounted tickets are available online. Bus 23 and trams 3 and 8 take you there.
Helsinki Zoo
ZOO
10am-8pm May-Aug, 10am-4pm Oct-Mar, 10am-6pm Sep & Apr)
This spacious island zoo is located on Korkeasaari, best reached by ferry from the kaupp-
atori. Established in 1889, it has animals and birds from Finland and around the world
housed in large natural enclosures, as well as a tropical house, a small farm, and a good
cafe and terrace. Ferries leave from the kauppatori (eastern end) and from Hakaniemi
every 40 minutes or so during May to September, and bus 16 goes from the train station
daily year-round.
