Helsinki Strand Hilton
John Stenbergin Ranta 4
Helsinki | - Korkeasaari Zoo : Korkeasaari (or Helsinki) Zoo, on the tiny island of Korkeasaari, was founded in 1889 and is one of the oldest zoos in the world. About 200 different animal species can be found, alongside almost 1000 different plant species.The zoo owes its origin to the days when kindly Russian sailors and intrepid expeditioners brought back exotic birds and animals from their travels. As a result, a home for creatures from the Arctic tundra to the Amazonian rain forest was made. Now the happy family includes furry and non-furry creatures from Mongolia, India, Europe and beyond - even bearded golden vultures have found a new Finnish home.The zoo is a great place to visit throughout the year (although clearly the Finnish summer is kinder and lighter) as the vast majority of animals don't hibernate. The snow leopard is one of over 100 rare species that have been born in Korkeasaari. It has since become the icon of the zoo and a symbol of the various conservation projects that it has undertaken.More recent additions include the big cats (always a favourite, especially with Scandinavians) - lions, tigers and lynxes included. During the month of September the felines can be seen during the evenings, while in March the evenings are offered to owls. If you make it at midday you can catch the feeding of the seals (not Mondays). This is a great way to escape from the concrete of the city. The island is also equipped with a restaurant, so you can make a day of it!When:DailyWhere:Korkeasaari Zoo, Helsinki, FinlandCost:Adults via Mustikkamaa ?5, waterbus ?8; 7-16 yrs via Mustikkamaa ?3, waterbus ?4.50Opening Hours:May-Sep: 10am-8pm; Oct-Feb: 10am-4pm; Mar-Apr: 10am-6pm
- Helsinki Botanischer Gardens
- Market Square : Helsinki's orange-clad market square has long offered local delicacies (edible and otherwise) and is a must for any visitor to the city, at the very least for the refreshing blast of coastal air it gives you.By day, Helsinki's famous (and very charming) Market Square is a great meeting place for the locals to gossip and snack on delicacies such as salmon and reindeer. It also hosts one of Helsinki's best known markets, selling arts and crafts goods, reindeer skins and hunting knives, cured reindeer meat and plenty of versions of the local vodka.When the sun lasts longer in the sky (after 21March), the market lasts a bit longer. During August, the annual festival means you may also be lucky and stumble across one of the small concerts by the water.When:Daily; not SunWhere:Market Square, Helsinki, FinlandOpening Hours:Mon-Fri 6.30am-4pm (after 21 Mar ends 6pm); Sat 6.30am-4pm
- Helsinki Cathedral (Tuomiokirkko) : Topped by green domes visible from across the city (and the first thing seen from the sea), Helsinki's Lutheran Cathedral - the Church of St Nicholas - was completed in 1852 after two decades of building, designed, like Senate Square it overlooks, by Carl Ludvig Engel.Helsinki's most prominent landmark and favourite religious building dominates the northern side of Senate Square and indeed, because it towers up from one of the granite outcroppings on which Helsinki is built, it can be seen from miles out at sea. Its external grandeur, its columned exterior and its role as the most important Lutheran building in Finland makes it almost comparable to St Peter's in Rome, or St Paul's in London, as some 85 per cent of Finland's population is Lutheran.The interior of the Cathedral is far from grand or ornate, reflecting, as it should, the stoicism of the Lutheran faith. Inside, stark simplicity reigns (a statue of Luther ensures this), with white walls that offer little distraction but create an uplifting atmosphere of peace. The great domed ceiling also provides great acoustics, so this Cathedral is a favourite venue for concerts - with the Helsinki Cathedral Choir responsible for the lion's share.In addition to serving its own congregation, it is the scene of major state and university events, while exhibitions and concerts are often held in the vaulted crypt. And it is outside this church that the people of Helsinki gather to see the New Year in and make a lot of noise. The steps always afford a superb view out over the roofs to the South Harbour at all times of the year.Related InformationWebsite:Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland Websitehttp://www.evl.fi/english/Website:Diocese of Helsinki Websitehttp://www.helsinginhiippakunta.evl.fi/english/Website:Helsinki Cathedral Choir Websitehttp://koti.welho.com/jkerola/KK/info_en.htmlWhen:DailyWhere:Tuomiokirkko - Helsinki Cathedral, Helsinki, FinlandCost:FreeOpening Hours:Jun-Aug: Mon-Sat 9am-6pm; Sun 12pm-8pmSep-May: Mon-Fri 10am-4pm; Sat 10am-6pm; Sun 12pm-6pm
- Suomenlinna : The island fortress of Suomenlinna, off Helisinki's southern coastline, has been created an UNESCO World Heritage Site. With a history of occupation dating back to Swedish fortification in 1748, Suemenlinna resonates with over 250 years of military and civil engagement, aptly illustrated by its name, given in 1918, which means "Finland's Fortress."Jump on a boat from Helsinki and discover the variety that Suomenlinna has to offer, as it refers to much more than just its impressive island fortress. Originally developed by the Swedish in the 18th century, who feared Russian expansion from the east, they built the impressive fortress that still cuts a fine profile. The isles surrounding the fortress still house a small population and they now boast a library, health centre, shop, fire brigade and even an elementary school. But for the visitor it is the area's history - at the end of the Swedish period, it was Finland's second biggest city after Turku - that will excite and there are a collection of museums to explore, including the Suomenlinna, Ehrensv?rd (celebrating the fortress' first builder), Toy, Manege Military, Coast Artillery and Customs museums, as well as the Second World War submarine Vesikko.First time visitors should first stop at the Visitors' Centre, providing all the information necessary to get their bearings while, for the retail-happy, there is a gift shop to entice.Not all the attractions open throughout the year, but during the summer there is the additional temptation of the islands' clean beaches, which prove a very popular destination for sun lovers. Otherwise, it makes an awesome place for a ramble - sea air does wonders for the appetite.When:DailyWhere:Suomenlinna , Helsinki, Finland
- Villa Gyllenberg
- Helsinki City Art Museum, Meilahti
- Kiasma, Museum of Contemporary Art
- Sinerbrychoff Art Museum
- The Design Museum
- Amos Anderson Art Museum
- Villa Gyllenberg
- Didrichsen Art Museum
- Gallen-Kallela Museum
- Sea Life Park
| Hilton Helsinki Kalastajatorppa is located directly by the sea and surrounded by beautiful nature. The attractions of Helsinki city centre are within an easy tram connection. Both the Espoo and Keilaniemi business parks are only a short drive away. Areas served : Helsinki, Finland. Driving Directions to the hotel : From highway 1 turn right to Huopalahdentie, follow signs for Tapiola. On Ramsaynranta follow the hotel signs. From city center take Mannerheimintie to north, turn left for Tukholmankatu, and continue on Paciuksenkatu. Follow sings for Tapiola to the left. On Ramsaynranta follow the hotel signs. Vantaa Airport : Take road 45 to Helsinki, take Keha I/Ring Ianteen (West), take 120 for Keskusta/Centrum, at Haaga roundabout follow sign for Munkkiniemi. Continue on Huupalahdentri to signs for Tapola on Ramsaynranta follow hotel signs. Car Parking Details : The hotel has a heated indoor garage and plenty of outdoor parking space at guests' disposal. - 00530
- ESPOO
- FI
- FI
- HELSINKI
- HELSINKI STRAND HILTON
- KAUNIAINEN
- MARTINLAAKSO
- TAPIOLA
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