Main Attractions
Helsinki has many and diverse attractions to keep people of all ages entertained.
One of Helsinki’s most popular tourist attractions is Suomenlinna, a major sea fortress on islands just outside Helsinki. The Suomenlinna fortress, which dates back to the mid-18th century, is included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
Suomenlinna is also a Helsinki city suburb that is home to some 850 people living in renovated ramparts and barracks. They and the island’s visitors are served by a commuter ferry, which runs all year round from Helsinki Market Square. Water buses operated by JT-Line to Suomenlinna run from the beginning of May to mid-September, also departing from the Market Square.
The Linnanmäki Amusement Park has fun-rides for all ages. The most popular ride is the wooden rollercoaster, which is over 50 years old. In addition, Linnanmäki offers games, restaurants, shops and shows. The amusement park is open from late April to mid-September.
Linnanmäki is also home to Sea Life, which takes visitors on a voyage from the tropical seas to the Arctic Sea, stopping at the Baltic Sea along the way. The inhabitants of Sea Life include 10 different shark species, colourful fish of the coral reefs, rays, jelly fish and sea horses.
At the Helsinki Zoo in Korkeasaari, you meet animals and flora from the arctic tundra to the rainforest. There are roughly 150 animal and almost 1,000 plant species.
The Seurasaari Open-Air Museum is located on a green island just a few kilometres from the city centre. The museum displays the traditional Finnish way of life with cottages, farmsteads and manors from the last four centuries.
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