South Finland June '14

wierddumpling

Hello everyone


I've got 2 questions really, firstly I was looking for a package deal for me and a friend, are there any reliable internet travel agents? Tried Thompson and Bath travel in store today and neither were that helpful will be trying others Friday though.


And secondly are there any places that people recommend to visit whilst there? We were wanting to visit Moominworld (childhood dream, ignore the fact I'm now 26), there's also a theme park and we would like to spend some time in Helsinki itself.


Many thanks.

Doshwaster

I can't imagine that many travel agents specialise in southern Finland. I'd just look at booking flights, hotels and car hire yourself.

Alan_Bowen

Have a look at Baltic Holidays brochure for ideas, but just checking, their prices are crazy! You can book a break to Helsinki quite easily, flights with BA or Finnair from London Heathrow or Manchester or Norwegian, a low cost carrier from Gatwick. The Finnish Tourist Board office in London have lists of hotels and events, and indeed you can find lots of hotels on line. Hotels in Helsinki have the lowest prices in the middle of the summer and at weekends, we loved our three nights there. Great zoo on an island in the harbour, good food, took a day trip to Tallinn, not sure I would do that again but no hesitation in going back to Helsinki. Moominland, I am afraid I cannot help with at all, regrettably older than 26 so the Moomins passed me by

Hazzanet

I've been going to Finland annually for around 9 years now. Can't quite put my finger on what it is I love about the country.

I've been to Helsinki, Tampere, and Oulu and all are pretty easy to do. I tend to fly in to Helsinki as it's pretty accessible from Heathrow which is my nearest Airport; paid around £160 return with Finnair last month.

Re Moomin Land are you looking at the one in Turku? i.e.

http://www.muumimaailma.fi/en/home

If so, it's about a 2.5 hour train journey from Helsinki. Pretty simple to do; just book the tickets online at http://www.vr.fi/en/ The site's in English and they take cards; the earlier you book, the cheaper the train tickets are. Finnish trains are clean, pleasant, and punctual.

I've always tended to stop at Scandic Hotels out there as I always know what I'm getting. There are other brands such as Sokos, OmenaHotelli and the like, but as a Scandic Regular Guest member I get some perks. Sign up anyway as it's free and they give you a €5 or €6 voucher for every night you're there and 20% off in the restaurant at weekends. You may get better value at independent hotels though.

Most Finns speak English so language is not an issue, but learn a couple of words as they love to see people try

Helsinki:

Not sure when you're going, so the Helsinki theme park may not be open - http://www.linnanmaki.fi/ - If it is, definitely go on Vuoristorata - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vuoristorata a wooden roller coaster operated by a brakeman.

Esplanadi is nice in Summer - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Esplanadi

Suomenlinna is a great day trip on the ferry from Market Square - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suomenlinna

If you're in to culture, the Modern Art Museum, Kiasma is a laugh - http://www.kiasma.fi/kiasma_en

The Heureka Science Museum is really hands on - probably best with Kids - just take a commuter train to Tikkurila - about 15/20 minutes out - http://www.heureka.fi/en

In the evenings, there are plenty of bars/nightclubs. Things are quiet until 10-11pm and then go onto the small hours. Some good places to keep an eye on for live music:

http://www.tavastiaklubi.fi/
http://www.semifinal.fi/
http://www.thecircus.fi/

Two great places for a nice meal:

http://www.helka.fi/eat/dinner
http://www.graniittilinna.com/en/

The cinemas play films with the original (usually English) soundtrack and subtitle in Finnish and Swedish so if you just want to chill with a film:

http://www.finnkino.fi/movies/tennispalatsi/

Keep an eye here http://www.visithelsinki.fi/en for special events that may be on while you're there.

Getting around Helsinki is a doddle with the trams, buses, trains, and metro. Journey planner here: https://www.hsl.fi/en

Don't bother with taxis from the airport; the 615 bus goes from outside arrivals to the main railway square. You can normally walk or take a tram/bus from there to your final destination.

Hazza

Hazzanet

Just realised you're going in June, so Linnanmaki will be open: http://www.linnanmaki.fi/suunnittele/aukioloajat