Helsinki - Handsome Helsinki
 
   
Helsinki - General Information |
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Currency: |
Euro (EUR) |
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Language: |
Finnish |
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Area: |
185.32 sq. km |
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Climate |
Humid Continental |
|
 |
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| Summer: |
Max
- 72° F (26°C) | Min - 52°F (13°C) |
| Winter: |
Max
- 47° F (80°C) | Min - 15°F (-9°C) |
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| Also known as: |
White City of the North &
Daughter of the Baltic |
| Famous for: |
Archipelago & Art Nouveau |
| Geographical Location: |
On Gulf of Finland by the Baltic Sea, Europe
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| Latitude, Longitude & Altitude: |
60°10'N, 24°56'E & 184 ft (above
sea level) |
| Best time to visit: |
June & September (winters being too chilly)
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| Neighbouring Cities: |
Espoo, Vantaa and Kauniainen & Tampere |
| Means of Local Transport: |
Tram, Metro, Bus, Ferry & Taxi |
| Besides serving as
the capital of Finland it also ranks as the Northernmost European
capital. |
Overview
Founded by King Gustav I of Sweden, Helsinki is the largest city, capital
and seaport of Finland. Situated in the south of the country, the city grew
up around a natural harbor overlooking the Gulf of Finland. Affectionately
known as the 'Daughter of the Baltic', Helsinki is surrounded by water on
three sides and fringed by 315 islands.
Today the city is not only a center of government but also the intellectual
capital of the nation, with a major university and many cultural and
scientific institutions. Helsinki is also the business, industrial and
transportation hub of the country with most major Finnish firms having their
headquarters here.
Furthermore, considered as the nations international gateway, the
city is the nerve center for finance, fashion, medicine, entertainment,
media and culture. Therefore, while it embodies much of the Finnish spirit
and its progressive hi-tech push, it is unlike any other Finnish city, due
in part to the fascinating combination of Swedish and Russian influences.
A repository of performing arts as well, Helsinki with its grand
architecture, various museums and manicured parks today retains its historic
atmosphere alongside booming modernity. The city has been known for long for
its happening atmosphere with its numerous festivals & fairs, expos &
shows and countless theatres & dance troupes along with endless
recreational activities like skating, skiing, ice-fishing, sailing, cycling,
soaking in saunas and sunbathing.
After all the action, if you want to relax then sit tucked in a rug outside
one of the many street-side bars or take an ideal walk along the sights
which are concentrated in the central area beneath the towering cathedrals.
In short, Helsinki is a unique destination that will delight the heart of
any traveller whether visited as a snowy winter wonderland or scenic
sun-splashed cityscape with almost permanent daylight.
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