Helsinki, the happiest city in the world

Located on the Baltic Sea coast, surrounded by 315 islands and huge green areas, Helsinki is the capital of Finland. The city bears traces of Russian and Swedish culture, as well as Finland’s struggle for independence. The capital, which successfully blends modernism and history, also stands out with its cultural and artistic events. Betül Cebeci wrote about Helsinki, defined as the ‘happiest city in the world’

Located on the Baltic Sea coast, surrounded by 315 islands and huge green areas, Helsinki is the capital of Finland. The city bears traces of Russian and Swedish culture, as well as Finland’s struggle for independence. The capital, which successfully blends modernism and history, also stands out with its cultural and artistic events. Betül Cebeci wrote about Helsinki, defined as the ‘happiest city in the world’

How can I go?
The flight time between Istanbul and Helsinki takes approximately 4 hours. Helsinki Vantaa Airport is located 20 km northwest of the city center. It is possible to reach the city center from the airport in approximately 45 minutes by public buses numbered 615 and 615T. However, you can also choose Finnair buses for a faster and more comfortable journey. Since Finnair buses do not stop at every stop like public buses, they allow you to be in the center faster, in approximately 30 minutes. Depending on the location of the hotel you will stay in or where you want to go, you can also use metro and tram lines from the airport. In a city where transportation is quite expensive, purchasing an HSL Day Ticket, that is, a daily ticket, may be an economical option, depending on the location of your hotel and the places you want to visit. Day tickets, valid for bus, metro, tram and ferry lines within the city, will significantly relieve your travel budget if you do not plan to walk everywhere.

What do I need?
Finland became a member of the European Union in 1995. Therefore, Turkish citizens with maroon passports must have a Schengen visa to enter the country. Turkish citizens with green passports can visit the country without a visa.

When should i go?
Helsinki, one of the calm and cold capitals of Scandinavia, has a humid continental climate. During the winter months, freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall dominate the city, and temperatures can drop to -20 degrees. However, during the winter months, the sun rises late and sets early, and sunlight illuminates the city for an average of 5 hours a day. Therefore, unless you have plans to go further north of the country and see the Northern Lights, you may not want to be in Helsinki during the winter months. Although temperatures begin to rise in spring and autumn, the weather is still quite cool. The best times to visit this beautiful capital of the north are July and August, when temperatures rise to 20 degrees. Moreover, in these months, unlike the winter months, there are long and bright days called ‘white nights’ because the sun rises early and sets late. Many international festivals are held in Helsinki during the summer months, when the city is at its most lively and lively.

Where should I stay?