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Raise your hand if you’ve been to Helsinki! If not, well, what are you waiting for?
Helsinki, the capital of Finland, is the Pearl of the Baltic (IYKYK). And if you haven’t been, well, I’ve got some reasons you should go!
Before we get into all of that, if you haven’t yet made it to the land of the Finns, I’m sure you’re wondering—what is Helsinki famous for? What is Helsinki known for?
Helsinki is famous for its cool architecture, very happy people, and reindeer meat. Helsinki is known as the Pearl of the Baltic and the White City of the North. Helsinki is also known for its sauna culture, local islands, and some of the cleanest air in the world.
Helsinki may seem remote, but the White City of the North is easily accessible from Estonia, Sweden, Norway, and Russia. And once you arrive, you’ll be swept up in the lively world of the Finns.
So go visit and stay awhile, and find out some of the best facts about Helsinki for yourself, like blueberry pie, Marimekko, pristine nature, and so much more.
Table of Contents
1. The happiest country
Finland is routinely voted one of the happiest countries in the world, which makes Helsinki one of the happiest capitals in the world (it’s just math). But what makes Helsinki so happy?
Of course, the science is not exact, but the thriving economy, friendly locals, sense of community, amazing (free) public spaces, a solid (free) healthcare system, a spirit of innovation, and some of the best education in the world all contribute.
2. Finnish saunas
Do you want to know what Helsinki is known for? Saunas!
You just gotta love that Scandic sauna culture! And Finland’s been in the sauna game for over 2,000 years, which means it has saunas dialed in. There are many to try in Helsinki, and likely even one at your hotel or apartment.
The best saunas have a cool pool (or lake, or ocean) to dip into, as this is an integral part of the traditional Finnish sauna. The heat of the sauna interspersed with the cold water is supposed to have amazing health benefits.
A few things to keep in mind: Finnish saunas always require a shower before entering, and don’t always require a swimsuit (traditionally, Finns take their sauna in the buff).
For a unique and truly stunning wellness experience, I recommend joining this hike-and-sauna tour in Sipoonkorpi National Park.
3. Architecture
What else is Helsinki famous for? Some truly incredible architecture!
You’ll find stunning modern buildings, churches hewn into stone, ancient wooden structures, and soaring cathedrals, all within the city center.
Some of the most famous examples are the Helsinki Cathedral, Kaisa House (the University Library), Temppeliaukio Church, Yrjönkatu Swimming Hall, and the Chapel of Silence.
4. Helsinki Cathedral
One of Helsinki’s most recognizable symbols that dominates the skyline is the Helsinki Cathedral or the Lutheran Cathedral. The soaring, pale-colored church, completed in 1850, is topped by three green-roofed domes and overlooks Helsinki’s South Harbour.
5. Education
Helsinki’s education system (and Finland’s in general) routinely outperforms other countries, and the higher education system is also highly respected as well.
The Finnish education system begins in early childhood and continues through young adulthood, followed by affordable yet high-quality universities and colleges.
Some theories of why the Finnish system is so successful are the highly educated teachers, less homework, shorter school days, plenty of time in nature, an environment of cooperation instead of competition, and the general importance of education to the entire populace and government.
6. Very few homeless people
Thanks to some very impressive initiatives, there are virtually no homeless people on the streets of Helsinki, and only one 50-bed shelter remains. Finland as a whole is still the only country in the EU where homeless rates are dropping rather than increasing.
The main initiative that is credited for Helsinki’s success at curbing homelessness is the “Housing First” approach, which immediately puts a homeless person in a permanent home, and then helps them address the other issues that may have led them down this path. It’s clearly working for them (hey, rest of the world, take note!).
7. Sauteed reindeer
Helsinki is one of the best places in the world to try Rudolph! Okay but seriously, reindeer is a traditional dish throughout Finland. Sauteed reindeer, or poronkäristys in Finnish, is thought to originate in Lapland.
The most traditional way is thinly sliced, then fried, and served over mashed potatoes, accompanied with lingonberry jam and pickled cucumber.
8. Blueberry pie
Another traditional Finnish food you must try when in Finland? Why, that’s blueberry pie!
Mustikkapiirakka, also known as blueberry pie, is more of a cross between a pie, a tart, and a cheesecake than a traditional pie (from an American perspective, that is). It defies true classification, but who even cares when it’s so delicious?
Also, another fun fact: the pie is technically made with bilberries, Finland’s version of blueberries—close enough relatives to be closely interchangeable.
9. Cleanest air
Did you know that Finland has some of the cleanest air in the world? It’s true! Possibly because of its plethora of forests, nature, and trees, along with the priority of environmental causes, Finland and its capital have some seriously clean air.
Helsinki itself is also littered with green spaces, which improves the quality even more. It’s hard to explain, but the air just tastes better in Finland and makes it so easy to just…breathe.
10. Marimekko
One of the world’s most distinctive clothing designers, Marimekko (which translates to “Mary’s dress”) was founded in Helsinki in the early 1950s.
Marimekko is known for its bold, often floral-inspired prints, and remains headquartered in Helsinki today. Marimekko is also a beacon of sustainability and ethical standards within the fashion world.
Hot tip: If you make it to Helsinki, Marimekko is a great place to look for unique souvenirs.
11. Safety
Helsinki is one of the safest cities in Europe (is it just me, or does Helsinki sound better by the second?).
In fact, when it comes to safety, Helsinki has low rates of mugging, scams, and pickpockets, and even has a very low chance of natural disasters. It’s also a very safe place for solo travelers and women.
Of course, always use common sense and general caution, wherever you are in the world.
12. Coffee
Here’s a surprising fact for you: Finland drinks more coffee than any other country! Who knew, right? Finland’s social aspect around coffee (I also suspect the long and cold winters play a part in this) contributes mainly to this habit.
The average Finn drinks eight cups a day (!). Along with coffee, the Finns also often have cake: this coffee-and-cake break ritual even has its own name in Finland, kakkukahvi.
One cool thing about Helsinki’s coffee culture is that there are very few international coffee shops (although you still find a Starbucks here if you really need to), so there are tons of local gems!
Some of my favorites? Café Regatta, Sävy, Kaffa Roastery, Andante, Cafetoria, Ekberg (the oldest coffee shop in Helsinki), and Robert’s Coffee (a Finland-based coffee chain).
13. The White City of the North
Helsinki is known by the nickname, “the White City of the North.”
Contrary to popular belief, it’s not because Helsinki is constantly covered in snow (although it certainly does get its fair share of snow), but because much of Helsinki’s buildings are made with white or pale granite, including the aforementioned Helsinki Cathedral.
14. Islands
Helsinki is actually part of an archipelago of over 300 islands, many within easy reach of the city center via ferry or water buses. These islands are amazingly unique and diverse: some are nature preserves, some are traditional fishing villages, one includes an open-air museum, and one is even a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visit Seurasaari for the open-air museum, Harakka for birds and butterflies, Vallisaari for an easy day trip from the inner city (just a 15-minute ferry ride!), the adorable Lonna, or Suomenlinna (more on this one later!)
15. Suomenlinna
The Suomenlinna Sea Fortress is perhaps one of Helsinki’s most famous sites—and is a World Heritage Site in its own right.
The fortress was built on a small group of islands at the mouth of Helsinki’s harbor, initially by the Swedes, then built up over the years by the Russian Empire and then by the Republic of Finland itself.
Nowadays, it’s one of Helsinki’s most famous tourist sites. One of the best ways to visit it is by combining Helsinki and the fortress into one with a Helsinki and Suomenlinna Sightseeing Tour.
16. Chapel of Silence
The Chapel of Silence, or the Kamppi Chapel, is one of Helsinki’s most uniquely designed buildings. This stunning structure will definitely catch your eye!
The wooden, windowless chapel, made of smooth, rounded walls, is located in one of the busiest areas of Helsinki (Narinkka Square in the Kamppi neighborhood).
The chapel is intended as a quiet setting of reflection and prayer, intentionally placed to provide a spot of tranquility in a busy area. Everyone is welcome to enter and take a moment, just remember to keep the peace!
17. Some of the world’s oldest trams
The public transportation system in Helsinki is excellent, but the trams are something special.
Dating back to 1891, the Helsinki tram system is one of the oldest in the world. So when I say that the tram system in Helsinki runs smoothly, you know it’s true, since they’ve had a lot of time to practice! In addition to being efficient, they’re also iconic (and pretty cute).
To fully appreciate the tram system, try a Helsinki Tram Tour to experience life like a Finn (and get access to some local history and off-the-beaten-path spots with an expert).
18. Surrounding nature
Helsinki is known by some as the “Nature Capital of the World.” Helsinki gets this name because while there, you’re never more than a 10-minute walk from nature. The entire city, in fact, is surrounded by a ring of green!
The Viherkehä (Green Ring) combines national parks, green spaces, and recreation areas into an unbroken chain around the city.
In addition to these awesome natural perks, Helsinki is also within a two-hour drive of seven national parks (and two of these parks are actually inside the greater Helsinki metropolitan area).
Plus, thirty-three other national parks are dotted throughout Finland, as well as national forests, pristine beaches, remote islands, and pure lakes.
19. The Pearl of the Baltic Sea
Helsinki is also known as the “Pearl of the Baltic Sea” or the “Daughter of the Baltic,” thanks to its location on the (you guessed it!) Baltic Sea. Helsinki is actually surrounded by the Baltic on three sides, as it sits on a peninsula jutting into the sea.
20. Temppeliaukio Church
Helsinki’s Temppeliaukio Church, also known as the Church of the Rock or Rock Church, may be one of the most unique churches in the world. The church is built directly into solid rock and utilizes skylights to give the whole place a truly heavenly light.
One of Helsinki’s most famous sites, the active Lutheran church is also a popular place for concerts (the acoustics!) and weddings.
Conclusion
The Nature Capital of the World, the Pearl of the Baltic, the White City of the North, the happiest country on Earth…whatever you call it, Helsinki is a city not to be missed.
Go for the nature, go for the saunas, go for the beaches and the cleanest air around.
Which of these things Helsinki is known for surprised you the most? Share in the comments below!
Thank you for this list! It was very helpful in getting to know this interesting city!