Helsinki Questions? Glad to help!

[Ajkcruiser]

Hi there....

 

We will be in Helsinki on May 15 from 9 to 4 on the Pullmantur Empress... And I was wondering if I am able to visit the park with the Stainless steel sculpture and the Rock Church on my own

 

If so.... Can you guide me with transportation?

 

Thanks in advance

 

AJ

[Ultima Thule]

Hi there....

 

We will be in Helsinki on May 15 from 9 to 4 on the Pullmantur Empress... And I was wondering if I am able to visit the park with the Stainless steel sculpture and the Rock Church on my own

 

If so.... Can you guide me with transportation?

 

 

You seem to dock at the Katajanokka Terminal. Its located some 900 m from the Market Square.

 

http://www.portofhelsinki.fi/download/14667_katajanokka.pdf

 

There are several options of course. I'll assume you'll go to the Sibelius monument immediately from the ship and that you are prepared to walk two blocks extra rather than do complex tram/bus changes.

 

There is a tram stop next to the terminal but that one is for tram 4T and that one doesn't seem to fit into your schedule.

So you you have to somehow find the stop for tram 4 that is some 400m from the ship at corner Linnankatu / Merikasarminkatu / Vyökatu.

 

http://aikataulut.hsl.fi/linjat/en/h4_4t.html

 

http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=60.166211,24.968365&spn=0.0012,0.002409&t=m&z=19&layer=c&cbll=60.166211,24.968365&panoid=DltuHvo0LhbdUwTSuvVB_A&cbp=12,97.5,,0,0.3

 

Get off tram 4 at stop "Töölön halli" on Mannerheim road.

 

http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=60.185534,24.921686&spn=0.00486,0.016512&t=m&layer=c&cbll=60.185534,24.921686&panoid=PUkSWKxTBXTXkEFm0Xt0aA&cbp=12,284.98,,0,0&z=17

 

Take the street left of the "ABC!" gas station (Humalistonkatu). Follow it three blocks (the last one going uphill), then a little kink right (Rajasaarentie), over a busy road (Mechelininkatu)- there are traffic lights - and into the park on your left side. (some 600m in total).

 

Regarding the route from the monument to the rock church you got several options.

Easiest option seems to exit the park in the middle and follow Mechelininkatu south, turn left into Sibeliuksenkatu follow it two blocks and turn right into Topeliuksenkatu. There you'll find a stop for buses #14 and #18.

 

Or you can go back the way you came follow Mechelininkatu north and then turn right around the corner to the bus stop on Topeliuksenkatu (buses #14 and #18)

If you are REALLY unsure of yourself you can go all the way back to the team stop and take tram 3T (the platform closer to the gas station).

 

Regardless of whether you take a bus or the tram, the stop you want to get off at is named "Kauppakorkeakoulut" near the corner Arkadiankatu /Runeberginkatu. Then circle the block oppside you (the one with a RED brick building behind six trees in a line and some grass) to reach the church. (You can circle either to the left or to the right)

 

http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=60.171302,24.930543&spn=0.005011,0.016512&t=m&layer=c&cbll=60.171311,24.925361&panoid=cMXau34l9US9eQECtbIYdQ&cbp=12,8.52,,1,4.53&z=17

Edited March 24, 2013 by Ultima Thule

[Ajkcruiser]

This is amazing detailed info.... Thank you so much!

AJ

 

You seem to dock at the Katajanokka Terminal. Its located some 900 m from the Market Square.

 

http://www.portofhelsinki.fi/download/14667_katajanokka.pdf

 

There are several options of course. I'll assume you'll go to the Sibelius monument immediately from the ship and that you are prepared to walk two blocks extra rather than do complex tram/bus changes.

 

There is a tram stop next to the terminal but that one is for tram 4T and that one doesn't seem to fit into your schedule.

So you you have to somehow find the stop for tram 4 that is some 400m from the ship at corner Linnankatu / Merikasarminkatu / Vyökatu.

 

http://aikataulut.hsl.fi/linjat/en/h4_4t.html

 

http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=60.166211,24.968365&spn=0.0012,0.002409&t=m&z=19&layer=c&cbll=60.166211,24.968365&panoid=DltuHvo0LhbdUwTSuvVB_A&cbp=12,97.5,,0,0.3

 

Get off tram 4 at stop "Töölön halli" on Mannerheim road.

 

http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=60.185534,24.921686&spn=0.00486,0.016512&t=m&layer=c&cbll=60.185534,24.921686&panoid=PUkSWKxTBXTXkEFm0Xt0aA&cbp=12,284.98,,0,0&z=17

 

Take the street left of the "ABC!" gas station (Humalistonkatu). Follow it three blocks (the last one going uphill), then a little kink right (Rajasaarentie), over a busy road (Mechelininkatu)- there are traffic lights - and into the park on your left side. (some 600m in total).

 

Regarding the route from the monument to the rock church you got several options.

Easiest option seems to exit the park in the middle and follow Mechelininkatu south, turn left into Sibeliuksenkatu follow it two blocks and turn right into Topeliuksenkatu. There you'll find a stop for buses #14 and #18.

 

Or you can go back the way you came follow Mechelininkatu north and then turn right around the corner to the bus stop on Topeliuksenkatu (buses #14 and #18)

If you are REALLY unsure of yourself you can go all the way back to the team stop and take tram 3T (the platform closer to the gas station).

 

Regardless of whether you take a bus or the tram, the stop you want to get off at is named "Kauppakorkeakoulut" near the corner Arkadiankatu /Runeberginkatu. Then circle the block oppside you (the one with a RED brick building behind six trees in a line and some grass) to reach the church. (You can circle either to the left or to the right)

 

http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=60.171302,24.930543&spn=0.005011,0.016512&t=m&layer=c&cbll=60.171311,24.925361&panoid=cMXau34l9US9eQECtbIYdQ&cbp=12,8.52,,1,4.53&z=17

[cadixeegal]

First, thank you Sinppu and Ultima Thule for all the information you have supplied on this thread. It is very helpful. We are arriving on Princess Emerald May 31st and docked at Melkki Quay LMA according to the port website you provided. (Princess still says LHC.)

 

You briefly mention that there is a shuttle at the dock. My question is where will the shuttle pick up at LMA and where will it drop off in town. Also, do you know the cost of a ticket?

 

Again, thanks for all the valuable information the two of you have provided. Best wishes!

[Ultima Thule]

You briefly mention that there is a shuttle at the dock. My question is where will the shuttle pick up at LMA and where will it drop off in town. Also, do you know the cost of a ticket?

 

There is no everyday shuttle service but as far as I know there is a company that arranges buses for every cruise ship that visits the harbor. So if there are several ships in the harbor each ship will have their own buses with signs on the buses which cruise line they serve. Not sure about the cost but from earlier discussions in this forum I think its something like 10 Euros (or 10 dollars?)

 

In downtown the shuttle buses will usually stop at Erottajankatu where the Mannerheim road near the corner to Bulevardi .

 

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=sv&ll=60.166392,24.943557&spn=0.004713,0.016512&t=m&z=17&layer=c&cbll=60.166195,24.943667&panoid=1KJAiPnhl56wDwvwoUmb6Q&cbp=12,347.76,,0,0.35

 

Some buses seem to insted stop one block north on Lönnrotinkatu near the corner to Mannerheimintie.

 

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=sv&ll=60.167254,24.941062&spn=0.002356,0.008256&t=m&z=18&layer=c&cbll=60.167317,24.941241&panoid=bHN5RjOwDfHD9jXIhMSVRQ&cbp=12,52.47,,0,1.7

[Subarctic]

Note to people visiting Helsinki next summer regarding the important circle tram line in the centre:

 

the old tram line 3B will be designated the new line 3

 

and the old tram line 3T will be designated the new line 2

 

 

effective from Aug 12, 2013.

 

 

Raitiolinja 3B muutetaan linjaksi kolme ja 3T linjaksi 2 syysliikenteen alkaessa elokuussa.

 

http://yle.fi/uutiset/kolmosen_ratikka_heittaa_hyvastit_kirjaintunnuksille/6462137

[Subarctic]

What is the average price for food at Market Square, reindeer in particular?

 

I personally have never bought anything at the Market Square - it's too absurd pricewise to me. Reindeer and other meat would only be sold separately in tins. The square will have to be 100% clean at the end of every night so there would be only paper plates and plastic seats. If someone is into seagulls though, bring their lenses!

 

Foodstuffs can be found at the Old Indoor Market next to the Market Square. (Closed on Sundays) The Food Depts of the major malls such as Sokos and Stockmann should work fine as well. Smoked meat will stay good at least a few days. Any Salmon etc is likely to be of Canadian or Norwegian origin, unless bought at a shop that clearly advertises the actual (Baltic) origin.

 

http://www.wanhakauppahalli.com/kauppiaat.html

 

There is a huge selection of small restaurants in Helsinki, see e.g.

http://eat.fi/en/helsinki

For instance the Cafe Kiasma is very easy to find -- it's the ugliest building (an Art museum, they say) there is in the centre of the city, right next to the Main Post Office.

[cadixeegal]

There is no everyday shuttle service but as far as I know there is a company that arranges buses for every cruise ship that visits the harbor. So if there are several ships in the harbor each ship will have their own buses with signs on the buses which cruise line they serve. Not sure about the cost but from earlier discussions in this forum I think its something like 10 Euros (or 10 dollars?)

 

In downtown the shuttle buses will usually stop at Erottajankatu where the Mannerheim road near the corner to Bulevardi .

 

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=sv&ll=60.166392,24.943557&spn=0.004713,0.016512&t=m&z=17&layer=c&cbll=60.166195,24.943667&panoid=1KJAiPnhl56wDwvwoUmb6Q&cbp=12,347.76,,0,0.35

 

Some buses seem to insted stop one block north on Lönnrotinkatu near the corner to Mannerheimintie.

 

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=sv&ll=60.167254,24.941062&spn=0.002356,0.008256&t=m&z=18&layer=c&cbll=60.167317,24.941241&panoid=bHN5RjOwDfHD9jXIhMSVRQ&cbp=12,52.47,,0,1.7

 

Thank you for the information. We look forward to visiting your city. :)

[Ultima Thule]

Foodstuffs can be found at the Old Indoor Market next to the Market Square. (Closed on Sundays)

 

As I mentioned earlier, the Market Hall will be CLOSED for repairs this year. It's temporary replaced by the Hietalahdentori Hall at the southwest end of the Boulevard.

[Subarctic]

As I mentioned earlier, the Market Hall will be CLOSED for repairs this year. It's temporary replaced by the Hietalahdentori Hall at the southwest end of the Boulevard.

 

Ok, thanks. I visited the subpage of the list of sellers at the booths directly and missed that message which is indeed on the front page -- it's the information society after all ...

 

Instead of the same old Rock Church I personally would take my guests -- if I lived in Helsinki or anywhere near it -- to Itäkeskus on the Metro/Subway. I love that sheer sound of the 1st generation electric motor inverters of the cars, and the practical experience of seeing the populace at the at the other end of the line is enlightening from the more mature social policy point of view.

[p23brian]

We will be arriving 05 Jun 2013 on the HAL Eurodam. How can we tell where the ship will dock in Helsinki?

 

Thanks!

[Ultima Thule]

We will be arriving 05 Jun 2013 on the HAL Eurodam. How can we tell where the ship will dock in Helsinki?

 

From this list:

 

http://www.portofhelsinki.fi/passengers/expected_cruise_ships

 

in this case West Harbor - Hernesaari - LHB

 

Its indicated by a number #2 on this map:

http://www.portofhelsinki.fi/passengers/international_cruise

Edited March 27, 2013 by Ultima Thule

[Alaskanb]

As I mentioned earlier, the Market Hall will be CLOSED for repairs this year. It's temporary replaced by the Hietalahdentori Hall at the southwest end of the Boulevard.

I see that we can take Tram 6 to the Hietalahdentori Hall. How long does it take to walk there from Market Square? Also does the Tourist Information office have maps of the Tram routes that show the stops? I would like ones to carry around for Tram 3, 6, and 9 that are easy to read.

[p23brian]

From this list:

 

http://www.portofhelsinki.fi/passengers/expected_cruise_ships

 

in this case West Harbor - Hernesaari - LHB

 

Its indicated by a number #2 on this map:

http://www.portofhelsinki.fi/passengers/international_cruise

 

Thank you!

[Ultima Thule]

I see that we can take Tram 6 to the Hietalahdentori Hall. How long does it take to walk there from Market Square?

 

Something between 15 and 20 minutes.

 

Also does the Tourist Information office have maps of the Tram routes that show the stops? I would like ones to carry around for Tram 3, 6, and 9 that are easy to read.

 

Maps and timetables are available at the Helsinki local traffic (HSL) service point under the railway station and I guess at least some are available at the Tourist Information office as well. Entrance to HSL service point is at the glassed in escalators left of the station building turning right immediately after the escalators (before the flower shop).

 

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=sv&ll=60.170496,24.940789&spn=0.00242,0.008256&t=h&z=18&layer=c&cbll=60.17047,24.940436&panoid=_lL00EokrPRcPVkrsBw7Fg&cbp=12,348.96,,0,3.92

 

 

Think this is the standard map and it shows all the stops but it is a bit messy, especially in downtown. I'm not sure there are any of individual lines available in printed form.

http://www.hsl.fi/FI/aikataulutjareitit/Documents/ratikka_1.1.2013.pdf

 

Of course the tram lines and stop name lists can be found on the net and printed from there:

 

http://aikataulut.hsl.fi/reittiopas/en/line?line=3B&type=2

http://aikataulut.hsl.fi/reittiopas/en/line?line=3T&type=2

http://aikataulut.hsl.fi/reittiopas/en/line?line=6&type=2

http://aikataulut.hsl.fi/reittiopas/en/line?line=9&type=2

Edited March 30, 2013 by Ultima Thule

[epixx]

We are a family of 4 who arrive at HEL 0850 from JFK with connecting flight at 1405 to LON. We're interested in visiting Flamingo Spa during that time.

 

1. Does the spa have an English language website to determine prices?

2. I heard there is a swimming pool. Can one swim laps? Is a swim cap required?

3. Do you recommend a taxi or public transportation from HEL?

[Ultima Thule]

We are a family of 4 who arrive at HEL 0850 from JFK with connecting flight at 1405 to LON. We're interested in visiting Flamingo Spa during that time.

 

1. Does the spa have an English language website to determine prices?

2. I heard there is a swimming pool. Can one swim laps? Is a swim cap required?

3. Do you recommend a taxi or public transportation from HEL?

 

1. It seems to be in Finnish and Russian only.

I recommend you use Google translator. Just copy paste the url into the left field to translate a whole page. It has some difficulties with Finnish translation but I think you'll be able to find out the essential anyway.

 

http://translate.google.com/#fi/en/

 

Start page:

http://www.flamingospa.fi/

 

Costs:

http://www.flamingospa.fi/vesipuisto/info/hinnasto/

 

2. Pools:

http://www.flamingospa.fi/vesipuisto/liukumaet-altaat/

 

Cannot see any rules about swim caps.

 

3. Costs for a taxi would be 5.70 E + 2.00 E (for airport) + 1.78 E/km. The trip is some 4 km. Taxi should be able to take at least some credit cards (ask!)

 

Bus 61 (NOT 61V !) will take you there from the airport. Exit at stop "Valuutapolku". Thats one stop after the "Jumbo" shopping mall. Make clear to the bus driver that you don't want to go to Helsinki but want one zone tickets for Vantaa only In that case price should be 2.80 E for adult and 1.40 E for a child.

 

Hope that helps a bit.

Edited March 31, 2013 by Ultima Thule

[epixx]

1. It seems to be in Finnish and Russian only.

I recommend you use Google translator. Just copy paste the url into the left field to translate a whole page. It has some difficulties with Finnish translation but I think you'll be able to find out the essential anyway.

 

http://translate.google.com/#fi/en/

 

Start page:

http://www.flamingospa.fi/

 

Costs:

http://www.flamingospa.fi/vesipuisto/info/hinnasto/

 

2. Pools:

http://www.flamingospa.fi/vesipuisto/liukumaet-altaat/

 

Cannot see any rules about swim caps.

 

3. Costs for a taxi would be 5.70 E + 2.00 E (for airport) + 1.78 E/km. The trip is some 4 km. Taxi should be able to take at least some credit cards (ask!)

 

Bus 61 (NOT 61V !) will take you there from the airport. Exit at stop "Valuutapolku". Thats one stop after the "Jumbo" shopping mall. Make clear to the bus driver that you don't want to go to Helsinki but want one zone tickets for Vantaa only In that case price should be 2.80 E for adult and 1.40 E for a child.

 

Hope that helps a bit.

 

Helps a lot. Thanks very much.

[Ultima Thule]

1.

 

Make clear to the bus driver that you don't want to go to Helsinki but want one zone tickets for Vantaa only

 

Actually unnecessary as bus 61 will not cross the city border. Sorry for that. :o

[aunteemom]

We will dock on 7/16 Oceania Marina in West Harbor. You have both provided so much wonderful information. I was hoping you could help us plan a day's intinerary. We will dock and 9 am and must be back on ship by 5 pm. We would like to visit as many sites as possible. We are very active and like walking but want to make the most of our time. Also, is it worth it to purchase a day's transportation pass.

[Sinppu]

We will dock on 7/16 Oceania Marina in West Harbor. You have both provided so much wonderful information. I was hoping you could help us plan a day's intinerary. We will dock and 9 am and must be back on ship by 5 pm. We would like to visit as many sites as possible. We are very active and like walking but want to make the most of our time. Also, is it worth it to purchase a day's transportation pass.

 

You can always do the HOHO bus and get off on the stops you wish. The tram 3 is also good for sightseeing. If you plan to buy more than 3 tickets, the day pass is of good value. One ticket is valid for one hour on buses, trams, train and the subway.

Helsinki is not a big city and if you are good walkers you can cover most sites by walking.

[dolfans0704]

You can always do the HOHO bus and get off on the stops you wish. The tram 3 is also good for sightseeing. If you plan to buy more than 3 tickets, the day pass is of good value. One ticket is valid for one hour on buses, trams, train and the subway.

Helsinki is not a big city and if you are good walkers you can cover most sites by walking.

 

Hi Sinppu

Thanks for all the information that you provide on this thread! Do you happen to know if the HOHO busses go to the West Terminal port? You mention shuttles available as well at the West Terminal. Are these the ship shuttles or shuttles provided by the port? Any idea of the cost? Thank you once again for your assistance!

 

 

Dolfans from Miami

[Sinppu]

Hi Sinppu

Thanks for all the information that you provide on this thread! Do you happen to know if the HOHO busses go to the West Terminal port? You mention shuttles available as well at the West Terminal. Are these the ship shuttles or shuttles provided by the port? Any idea of the cost? Thank you once again for your assistance!

 

 

Dolfans from Miami

 

Hi there,

at least one of them does:

http://www.citytour.fi/articles/461/

 

The shuttle cost has been from 6 to 8 euros I believe and I think it's quite expensive. For two or more people you can get a taxi for that price and the tram is a cheaper and almost as convenient option.

[dolfans0704]

Hi there,

at least one of them does:

http://www.citytour.fi/articles/461/

 

The shuttle cost has been from 6 to 8 euros I believe and I think it's quite expensive. For two or more people you can get a taxi for that price and the tram is a cheaper and almost as convenient option.

 

Thanks, Sinppu for your prompt response! I was contemplating tram 9 but I heard that it can be quite congested in the morning. Is this the case or no? Greatly appreciate your time!

 

 

Dolfans from Miami

[DanL]

Hi there,

at least one of them does:

http://www.citytour.fi/articles/461/

 

The shuttle cost has been from 6 to 8 euros I believe and I think it's quite expensive. For two or more people you can get a taxi for that price and the tram is a cheaper and almost as convenient option.

 

The HOHO bus looks good for those of us who dock at Hernasaari BUT for the timing. It doesn't start until 10:30 at Senate square and it would probably be close to 11:00 before it got to Hernasaari. So I guess it is the shuttle or bus 14.

Is that correct Sinppu? Thanks for all your help on Helsinki.

 

Here is a good video on the Winter War for the history buffs.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WR2FqMUVZzc

Edited April 5, 2013 by DanL