Helsinki is described as a friendly and nice city because its inhabitants are so relaxed and easygoing. The culture in Helsinki can be experienced on market places, in cafés and clubs, at exhibits and other events. Helsinki is the gateway to Finland and from here there are many daily ferry connections to Germany and Estonia. Some of the finest ships sail the Baltic Sea. There are plenty of ferries - passenger, car and fast ferries - that sail daily between Helsinki, Stockholm and Tallinn.
	Ateneum Art Museum – Finnish art from the 18th century until the 1950s. The country’s largest collection include works by Edelfelt, Gallen-Kallela, Schjerfbeck and Simberg. Kaivokatu 2, tel. +358 (0)9 1733 6401. www.fng.fi. The Finlandia Hall – This concert and congress centre was designed by Alvar Aalto and is a national symbol, one of Helsinki’s landmarks and a stage for concerts, events and larger international congresses. Mannerheimintie13 E, tel. +358 (0)9 40241. www.finlandiatalo.fi. The Senate Square and the Cathedral – The magnificent Senate Square is flanked by powerful symbols of religion, science and politics: the Cathedral, Helsinki University main building and the Senate House. The Temppeliaukio Church – The church in the rock. A brave, modern building from 1969. Lutherinkatu 3, tel. +358 (0)9 2340 5920. The Uspenskij Cathedral – The largest Orthodox church in the Nordic countries, Kanavakatu 1, tel. +358 (0)9 634 267. Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art – Collections and special exhibits with installations, photos, media art and paintings. Mannerheiminaukio 2, tel. +358 (0)9 173 361. www.kiasma.fi. Helsinki City Art Museum, the Tennis Palace – Helsinki City Art Museum offers a variety of exhibitions. Salomoninkatu 15, tel. +358 (0)9 3108 7001. www.taidemuseo.fi/english/tennispalatsi/index.html. The Amos Anderson Art Museum – The collections include Finnish 20th century art and special exhibits. Yrjönkatu 27, tel. +358 (0)9 684 4460. www.amosanderson.fi. The National Museum of Finland – At the national museum, Finland’s history is told from pre-historic times up to the present. Mannerheimintie 34, tel. +358 (0)9 40 501. www.nba.fi/en/nmf. Design Forum Finland – Permanent exhibit of industrial design and special exhibits. Erottajankatu 7, tel. +358 (0)9 6220 8130. www.designforum.fi. Finnish National Opera – Internationally famed ballet and opera. Modern dance and concerts. Helsinginkatu 58, tel. +358 (0)9 4030 2211 (tickets). www.operafin.fi. Seurasaari Open-Air Museum – Old houses and farmsteads from different counties in Finland. About five kilometres from the centre of Helsinki, tel. +358 (0)9 4050 9660. Suomenlinna Sea Fortress is included on the UNESCO world heritage list. There are ferry connections year round from the Market Square to the fortress, www.suomenlinna.fi. Linnanmäki Amusement Park and Sea Life Helsinki – Linnanmäki Amusement Park and Sea Life that is located next to the amusement park are favourites with children and adults alike, www.linnanmaki.fi and www.sealife.fi. Helsinki Zoo Korkeasaari – Approximately 600 animal species, from the Arctic tundra to the tropical rain forest can be found at Helsinki Zoo. www.korkeasaari.fi. Spårakoff Tram Tour – Tour Helsinki and enjoy a cold beer on board a red tram. The tour departs from the Fennia House on the Railway Station Square and the Havis Amanda statue on the Market Square. Boat trips and cruises – In the summer, boat trips depart the harbour on the Market Square about once an hour (beginning at 10 am, duration 1.5–2 hours). The Helsinki Card 2008 – An all-in-one card with almost 100 discounts, such as free unlimited trips with public transport and discounts on sightseeing tours. Free admission to about 50 museums and sights, discount prices in shops, restaurants and for cultural events. The Helsinki Card is valid for 1, 2 or 3 days, and is sold by the Tourist Office, Tour Shop, Hotel Booking Centre, hotels and R-kioski branches in the city centre. www.helsinkicard.com. Tour Shop within the premises of Helsinki City Tourist Information.
	The Market Square and Market halls – A must for all those visiting Helsinki. Design District – On the Esplanade you will find shops that sell modern household items (Designor), fashion (Marimekko), gift items (Pentik), jewellery (Aarikka) and furniture (Artek). Stockmann department store. Aleksanterinkatu 52, tel. +358 (0)9 1211. www.stockmann.fi. Kiseleff House – souvenirs, craft products, jewellery, toys and small interior decoration items of different kinds, café. Aleksanterinkatu 28 by the Senate Square. Kämp Galleria – luxurious shopping centre. Pohjoisesplanadi 33, tel. +358 (0)10 304 0100. Kamppi – a new shopping center in Helsinki city centre next to the old bus station. Urho Kekkosenkatu 1, tel. +358 (0)9 7429 8552.
HELSINKI > JÄRVENPÄÄ (36 km) Take E75 from Helsinki to Järvenpää and visit Ainola, the home of the national composer Jean Sibelius. On the Järvenpääntie road there is a sign showing the way to Ainola, which is located close to Lake Tuusulanjärvi in Järvenpää, tel. +358 (0)9 287 322. www.ainola.fi.
JÄRVENPÄÄ > HÄMEENLINNA (86 km) From Järvenpää the tour runs along road 145 and 45, then continues along the E12/3 to Hämeenlinna, which is one of the oldest towns in Finland and the birthplace of Jean Sibelius, Hallituskatu 11, tel. +358 (0)3 621 2755, www.hameenlinna.fi/historiallinenmuseo. Häme Castle is worth visiting. Construction started in the 13th century and the castle is the backdrop for many events and exhibitions, Kustaa III:n katu 6, tel. +358 (0)3 675 6820, www.nba.fi/en/hame_castle. The scenic highlights of Hämeenlinna are Ahvenisto and Hattelmala ridge, Lake Vanajavesi valley and the Aulanko Nature Reserve. From Hämeenlinna you can join the Ox Road route (Hämeen härkätie in Finnish) to the west on road 10 to Renko and then following the brown "Hämeen härkätie" road signs. The Ox Road is one of the oldest historical roads in Finland going back in history to the Viking times. www.harkatie.net.