Excursion Best of helsinki tour at Helsinki

Inside visit to the Rock Church, a stop at Sibelius Park and its monument, visits to Senate Square and Market Square, plus a short nature walk at Seurasaari Open-Air Museum.

Depart from the pier and begin your Helsinki discovery with a 60-minute panoramic drive showcasing the city’s highlights.

The charm and style of the ‘White City of the North’ awaits you on this popular introductory tour.

The city’s focal point, Senate Square, with fine 19th century neo-classical buildings and the impressive Lutheran Cathedral of St Nicholas will be your first stop. Along the way, you’ll see the Uspenski Cathedral and the North Harbour where the icebreaker fleet is stationed.

Next, it’s on to The Rock Church (Temppeliaukio), a unique creation carved out of solid rock and topped with a copper dome. This truly is a striking example of modern Finnish architecture. En route you’ll see the Presidential Palace, the colourful Market Square and the beautiful Kaivopuisto Park, where many of the foreign embassies are situated. View the Olympic Stadium, where the Olympic games were held in 1952. Travel past the new Opera House, Finlandia Hall, the Parliament Building, the National Museum and the Railway Station.

Stop to admire the massive, stainless steel Sibelius Monument dedicated to the musical vision of Jean Sibelius and situated in the beautiful Sibelius Park. Continue to the beautiful Seurasaari Island near by.  At Seurasaari, you’ll have a guided nature walk, where you can see numerous historical buildings from outside from the different provinces of Finland. The oldest building is a 1686 wooden church.

Finally, conclude your experience with a short drive back to the pier, completing this comprehensive introduction to Helsinki.

Note

Please Note: Total walking distance is approx. 3 km (1.86 miles). Should you opt to remain in the city for independent sightseeing, you’ll be responsible for your own return to the ship. Please note that the Rock Church may close without prior notice. The tour does involve walking, with gravel walkways and minor hills at the Sibelius Monument and at Seurasaari Island and steps and cobblestone at Senate Square.  The order of sites may vary. Due to parking restrictions there will be a 10 minute uphill walk to The Rock Church. Inside visit to the old houses in Seurasaari Island is not included.