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Offered languages
- English
Would you like to explore Helsinki like a local? Keep on reading!
Forget those crowded and impersonal touristy tours and join this walking tour to experience Helsinki in a fun and informative way. All the tours are be led by me, Jonna, a local helsinkian and the founder of Rento Helsinki Tours.
You’ll get to explore Helsinki’s sights at an easy-going pace and learn about the country’s history, culture, and society. You’ll get to ask all of your questions, and as the group size is limited to 8, you’ll get more interaction with your guide. You’ll hear stories that only a person born and raised in Finland would know about. After the tour, you’ll know why is there a statue of a Russian Czar in the most famous square of Helsinki? Is Finland really the happiest country in the world? When do Finns gather in the market square to swim in a fountain? What’s the “unicorn block”? Is Finnish that difficult to learn?
Join this tour to get a real idea of Helsinki, instead of the touristic one!
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
In the middle of Senate Square, in front of the Alexander II statue. Guide has a black beanie and a blue sign saying "Helsinki Walking Tour". Please note there might be other tours starting at the square same time. I'll always wear a black beanie and hold the blue sign.
We'll finish in front of the Central Library of Helsinki, it's a 5-minute walk from the Railway Station and a 15-minute walk from the starting point of the tour.
Itinerary
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1Senate Square
The most important square of the city and the postcard view of Helsinki. Here we'll see the Helsinki Cathedral, the old Senate, the University of Helsinki, the National Library and the Statue of Alexander the II. On the Senate Square you'll learn about Helsinki's past, how did the city develop from a tiny fisherman town into a bustling capital of Finland?
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2Helsinki Cathedral
Helsinki's main sight, the mighty Helsinki Cathedral, inaugurated in 1852. Join this tour and you'll learn anecdotes about this famous building. The architect of Helsinki Cathedral actually hated Helsinki, what's the deal with that?What's the major religion of Finland? When do Finns gather to do picnics at the staircase in front of the cathedral?
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3
The Bank of Finland, a building from 1883 right behind the Helsinki Cathedral. Here you'll meet te statue J.V Snellman, a 19th century poet and philosopher who influenced heavily to the nationalistic movement of pre-independent Finland. You'll also learn, why is there big bullet holes in Snellman's statue?
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4
The House of the Estate is a stunning neo-renassaince building, were the different estates of 19th century Finland gathered to discuss politics. On this stop, you'll learn about Finland's political system.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
Uspenski Cathedral (Pass by)
The largest Orthodox Cathedral of North-Western Europe. Why is is located in a Lutheran country though?
Admission ticket free -
5
This stop is dedicated to talk about SAUNA. Finns favorite past time, and that one thing that all the Finns share love towards. You'll learn about the importance of saunas in our every day life, and also you'll learn what is the sauna etiquette.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6Kauppatori
The famous Helsinki Market Square. Loved among tourists and locals. We'll pass through the market, and talk about Finnish Gastronomy. In the market square you'll also see the President's Palace and the Helsinki City Hall.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
7Esplanadi Park
Picturesque Parisian style park in the heart of Helsinki. Here you'll meet the statue that seagulls love the most.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
8Helsinki Central Railway Station
Helsinki Central Railway Station from 1919, by a famous Finnish architect, Eliel Saarinen. We'll pass by it and comment about the wide and incredible railway network of Finland. On the Railway Square you'll also see our National Gallery, Ateneum and the National Theater of Finland.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
9Central Library Oodi
The last (and the best) stop of the tour. Oodi Central Library is considered one of the best public libraries of the world, and for me personally, I consider it my second living room. Have you ever seen a library with recording studios, 3-D printers, lunch restaurant, boardgames and sawing machines? Not to forget the books obviously. To finish the tour, you'll get an extensive library tour, and I promise you'll be amazed by this library.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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