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Hel's bells
Vivien Devlin Chills out in Helsinki, one of Europe’s hottest tourist destinations, where the urban lifestyle doesn’t Clash with natural living.
elsinki today is seen as the
fastest growing capital city
in the European Union and a hot destination for international visitors. If your image of Finland simply depicts snow. reindeer and Santa Claus. think again. Whether you love shopping. the outdoor life or vodka bars. this is a city for you. Finnair has launched a new direct flight between Edinburgh and Helsinki with ajoumey time of two and a half hours, perfect for a short break.
Designer city
This sophisticated. smart and sassy city is like a blend between Paris and Amsterdam. oozing youthful energy and trend-setting style. From Art Nouveau architecture to super brand Nokia. Finland continues to be a world leader in technology. design and culture. from phones to fashion — not forgetting Lordi. the heavy metal monsters, breaking voting records at the liurovision Song Contest.
At the turn of the 2()th century, Finland was seeking political independence and a new identity. Enter a group of creative intellectuals who inspired the
WRAP UP IN CAPE AND GLOVES BEFORE KNOCKING BACK A FEW VODKAS
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National Romantic movement of stylised architecture. interior design. arts and crafts. Wander down the tree-lined lisplanadi surrounded by elegant art nouveau buildings while the landmark Saarinen railway station features stunning torch-bearing figures and murals.
Time to shop. Forget lkea and Zara. here you’ll find distinctly different home ware: colourful crockery. glass. accessories. jewellery and fashion. Top brand designers include iittala. Artek. Marimekko and Iris Aalto. Alternatively. visit the Design Forum Finland to see retro classics and new wave. from handbags to coffee pots. Browse around the Hietalahti flea market for a bargain and Kauppatori Market on the harbour for smoked fish. honey. fruit. craftwork and knitted hats.
Out and about
As a seaport, the main attraction is its archipelago of tiny forested islands, coastline promenade. beaches and green parks. It‘s easy to explore on foot. jump on a tram. or borrow a free city bike from the green racks (2 euros deposit) — you‘ll find miles of walking and cycle paths with helpful signposted routes.
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From the harbour take the ferry to Suomenlinna Island to visit the impressive l8th century fortress and military museum. With a café. rocky cliffs and beaches. the island is popular for picnics and bathing. Recommended too is the fascinating Sunlines boat trip around the islands in the bay. where many city residents own log cabins. For a great day trip. cruise over the Baltic Sea to see the quaint medieval town of Tallinn in Estonia.
Warm summer days with light nights till midnight inspires an exhilerating outdoor culture — Tiiiilonlahti Bay Park is a playground for jogging or rent bikes. rollerblades. skateboards and kayaks. Wintertime, when the actually freezes. is equally popular for visitors. The snow creates its own unique light. making Helsinki a winter wonderland for skating. ice swimming and lively Christmas markets. And year round. an absolute must is to experience a sauna — book a private session at your hotel. interspersed with cold showers and beer.
Finnish nights
The Finns know how to party. Head first for the Arctic lce Bar. a chilling. minus 5 degrees Celsius experience at Uniq nightclub — wrap up in cape and gloves before knocking back a few vodkas. For cocktails and dance music. try Ahjo at KlausK Hotel. The clubbing scene is an excitin mix. from the cutting-edge Mecca Lounge to reggae nights on board Ship Waiski. Eat out in a choice of 854 restaurants: Savotta for local specialities. (Baltic herring. hare and cloudberries): Saslik for authentic Russian dishes (blinis and bear meat); or try Filmitahti. an American diner with movies, or coffee and cake at Cafe’ Kappeli.
out towards Tallln in Estonia. and is: Potersbtgrg in Russia
FACTFILE
Wu 559,330.
Sun-er climate 20728 Celsius Ollicid languages Finnish and Swedish. English Widely spoken. Usefd phrases (phonetic)
Hello — hey:
goodbye — hey hey;
thank you — keetoss;
yes — yoo:
no — aye.
Getting there Finnair fly direct flight from Ednburgh (Apr—Oct). See wwwfnnaircom
Accommodation Try www.helsinkiexpert.fi for hotels to suit all budgets. RCYJOleleCfltltXl are llotel Lima (Lonnrotinkatu 29. wvvaalacekampfi) an art nouveau hotel with a superb buffet breakfast, saline with .Jacuzzn; and KlausK (deedar, 2, www.klauskhotel.com). Midi has been called ‘one of the best new hote s in the world' by Conde Nast Travel/er. The bedrooms are dassed into three categories: passion, desire and envy.
Getting around The Helsinki Card (wvmhelsinkieardcom) costs from 29 81108 (around $20) for 24 hours and flows unlimited travel on public transport, trams, island ferries, plus free entry to museums and sightseeing tours. For details of the Sunlines Sightseeing Cruises visit www.sunlines.fi and information on the Nordic Jet Line ferry from Helsinki to Tallinn can be found at www-engnjlfi More information Helsinki Tourism www.visithelsinki.fi