Helsinki Questions? Glad to help!

[Alaskanb]

Yikes!! That's not good, especially since we're scheduled to dock at 10:00.

How long are you in Helsinki? Have you thought about visiting Suomenllina first then take the 3T tram afterwards to the Rock Church?

Edited May 8, 2013 by Alaskanb

[Ultima Thule]

Yikes!! That's not good, especially since we're scheduled to dock at 10:00. So my options are Bus 14 and a transfer, or Tram 9 and a transfer to 3T. Is that right?

 

Celebrity Constellation 29 August, West Harbor (Hernesaari) Quay LHC. 10.00. - 18.00

 

Cruise shuttle bus or local bus14 and transfer/walk are the ONLY options here as Hernesaari is on the south side of the bay while tram 9 goes on the north side of the bay.

 

See also posts #223, #229 and #280 for details about the change from bus 14 to tram 3T/B (will change names to tram 2 and tram 3 in August)

Edited May 8, 2013 by Ultima Thule

[Ultima Thule]

Summary about reaching the different parts of the city from the West Harbour using Helsinki Region Transport

 

First, check out where your ship will dock here (West Harbour list follows South Harbour list) :

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

 

This map is great for initial orientation:

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

 

As far as I know there are always shuttle bus service to the major cruise ships. The shuttle buses will stop at the city center ("main shopping area" on the map) 0.4 miles from the Market Square.

Taxis should also be available in the harbour. Prices are same for all taxis.

Some Ho-Ho buses seem to change their route to serve the cruise ships as well.

 

I'll concentrate here on advise for those who want to use local buses and trams.

http://www.hsl.fi/EN/Pages/default.aspx

 

First a note about tram 3B/3T. The tram changes name twice during its route.

Unless you enter the tram at the Railway Station just ignore the letters.

(After the Railway Station tram 3B will turn left, tram 3T will turn right. That applies in both directions).

To make it even more confusing sometimes in August 2013 the trams will re-named so that tram 3T will become tram 2 and tram 3B will become tram 3.

 

West Harbour, quays LMA and LH7 (west/north side of the bay)

Approx 0.9 miles to the harbor exit, 1.8 miles to the city center, 2.1 miles to the Market Square.

 

Tram 9 starts from the West Terminal (Länsiterminaali) a bit further on

See Terminal location on this map:

http://www.portofhelsinki.fi/download/14981_20130423_rahtiliikenteen_ajoreitti_porteille.pdf

 

Tram route:

http://linjakartta.reittiopas.fi/en/#?line=1009++1

 

Warning. As the 9 tram serves the Estonia ferries there might be lots of passengers.

 

Fifth stop for the 9 tram is "Kampintori". (bus station, subway station, shopping mall). Connections to buses or tram towards the Sibelius Manument or Olympic Stadium. See post #311 for details.

 

Two stops further on for tram 9 is "Rautatieasema", the Railway Station. Change to tram 3T (2) here from the same platform for Senate Square & Market Square (or take a 0.55 mile walk through the city center)

 

West Harbour (Hernesaari), quays LHB and LHC (east/south side of the bay)

LHB: Approx 0.5 miles to the harbor exit, 1.3 miles to the city center, 1.7 miles to the Market Square.

LHC: Approx 0.9 miles to the harbor exit, 1.7 miles to the city center, 2.1 miles to the Market Square.

 

Bus 14 stops just a short walk from the quays

http://linjakartta.reittiopas.fi/en/#?line=1014++1

 

The first bus stop "Hernesaaren Laituri" is next to quay LHC.

The fourth stop "Hermesaarenkatu" is close to quay LHB.

 

The eight bus stop is "Tehtaanpuisto" next to the church with the high tower. To get to the Market Square get off and continue forward to the next block for tram 3B (right side of the street) This is the recommended place to do the change.

You can also change to tram 3B going to the Railway Station (left side of the street) but there will be further opportunities to do the change.

 

The 9th bus stop is "Viiskulma". Tram 3B is going to the Railway Station from the same platform. Tram 3B to the Market Square from opposite side of street 50 feet to the left if you missed to do the change at the earlier stop (the sign is hidden between two store awnings and a bit hard to notice).

 

The 10th bus stop is "Iso Roobertinkatu". Tram 3B is going to the Railway Station from the same platform. Again, tram 3B to the Market Square opposite side of the street.

 

The 11th bus stop is "Bulevardi". Go back to the last corner and turn left for tram 3B to the Market Square (last opportunity if you for some reason had missed the earlier three stops)

Go to platform opposite the street for tram 3B or tram 6 to the Railway Station.

If you want to walk to the Market Square through the city center along the Boulevard and the Esplanade Park (0.65 miles) this is recommended stop to get off.

 

The 13th stop is "Kamppi" (bus station, subway station, you can walk through the shopping mall to the city center)

 

The 14th stop is "Kauppakorkeakoulut". Get off here for visiting the rock church. The 15th stop at "Apollonkatu" is also an option.

 

The 17th stop is "Töölön sairaala", Olympic Stadium is 0.4 miles to your right.

 

The 18th stop is "Töölön kirjasto", Sibelius Monument is 0.15 miles to your left.

 

Note that a bus can skip stops if no one wants to exit/enter. Name of next stop is shown inside the bus.

Edited May 8, 2013 by Ultima Thule

[Ultima Thule]

Addition to text above:

 

The 14th stop is "Kauppakorkeakoulut". Get off here for visiting the rock church. Opposite the street, stop for tram 3T to Railway Station, Senate Square and Market Square.

 

The 15th stop at "Apollonkatu" is also an option to get to the rock church.

One block further on platform for tram 3T in opposite direction, to railway Station, Senate Square and Market Square.

Edited May 8, 2013 by Ultima Thule

[magemadness]

Hi,

 

the photos are real. The ferries have to come between the islands and it is indeed a very narrow passage.

In the winter when there are strong winds the ferries are delayed many times as the captain cannot take them safely through the passage before the winds slow down.

 

There will probably be other people there to see the ferries and the best place is in the south, near Kustaanmiekka.

From there you can see them approaching and then you can move (as they are not coming very fast) to a better spot for the next ferry (there will be two in the morning around 9.30-9.45 and one around 10.45).

 

I found this map on the suomenlinna website. How far south would I need to go in order to see the ferries pass by the islands?

 

http://www.suomenlinna.fi/files/1486/kartta_EN-2011.pdf

[Benvenuta]

Summary about reaching the different parts of the city from the West Harbour using Helsinki Region Transport

 

First, check out where your ship will dock here (West Harbour list follows South Harbour list) :

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

 

This map is great for initial orientation:

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

 

As far as I know there are always shuttle bus service to the major cruise ships. The shuttle buses will stop at the city center ("main shopping area" on the map) 0.4 miles from the Market Square.

Taxis should also be available in the harbour. Prices are same for all taxis.

Some Ho-Ho buses seem to change their route to serve the cruise ships as well.

 

I'll concentrate here on advise for those who want to use local buses and trams.

http://www.hsl.fi/EN/Pages/default.aspx

 

First a note about tram 3B/3T. The tram changes name twice during its route.

Unless you enter the tram at the Railway Station just ignore the letters.

(After the Railway Station tram 3B will turn left, tram 3T will turn right. That applies in both directions).

To make it even more confusing sometimes in August 2013 the trams will re-named so that tram 3T will become tram 2 and tram 3B will become tram 3.

 

West Harbour, quays LMA and LH7 (west/north side of the bay)

Approx 0.9 miles to the harbor exit, 1.8 miles to the city center, 2.1 miles to the Market Square.

 

Tram 9 starts from the West Terminal (Länsiterminaali) a bit further on

See Terminal location on this map:

http://www.portofhelsinki.fi/download/14981_20130423_rahtiliikenteen_ajoreitti_porteille.pdf

 

Tram route:

http://linjakartta.reittiopas.fi/en/#?line=1009++1

 

Warning. As the 9 tram serves the Estonia ferries there might be lots of passengers.

 

Fifth stop for the 9 tram is "Kampintori". (bus station, subway station, shopping mall). Connections to buses or tram towards the Sibelius Manument or Olympic Stadium. See post #311 for details.

 

Two stops further on for tram 9 is "Rautatieasema", the Railway Station. Change to tram 3T (2) here from the same platform for Senate Square & Market Square (or take a 0.55 mile walk through the city center)

 

West Harbour (Hernesaari), quays LHB and LHC (east/south side of the bay)

LHB: Approx 0.5 miles to the harbor exit, 1.3 miles to the city center, 1.7 miles to the Market Square.

LHC: Approx 0.9 miles to the harbor exit, 1.7 miles to the city center, 2.1 miles to the Market Square.

 

Bus 14 stops just a short walk from the quays

http://linjakartta.reittiopas.fi/en/#?line=1014++1

 

The first bus stop "Hernesaaren Laituri" is next to quay LHC.

The fourth stop "Hermesaarenkatu" is close to quay LHB.

 

The eight bus stop is "Tehtaanpuisto" next to the church with the high tower. To get to the Market Square get off and continue forward to the next block for tram 3B (right side of the street) This is the recommended place to do the change.

You can also change to tram 3B going to the Railway Station (left side of the street) but there will be further opportunities to do the change.

 

The 9th bus stop is "Viiskulma". Tram 3B is going to the Railway Station from the same platform. Tram 3B to the Market Square from opposite side of street 50 feet to the left if you missed to do the change at the earlier stop (the sign is hidden between two store awnings and a bit hard to notice).

 

The 10th bus stop is "Iso Roobertinkatu". Tram 3B is going to the Railway Station from the same platform. Again, tram 3B to the Market Square opposite side of the street.

 

The 11th bus stop is "Bulevardi". Go back to the last corner and turn left for tram 3B to the Market Square (last opportunity if you for some reason had missed the earlier three stops)

Go to platform opposite the street for tram 3B or tram 6 to the Railway Station.

If you want to walk to the Market Square through the city center along the Boulevard and the Esplanade Park (0.65 miles) this is recommended stop to get off.

 

The 13th stop is "Kamppi" (bus station, subway station, you can walk through the shopping mall to the city center)

 

The 14th stop is "Kauppakorkeakoulut". Get off here for visiting the rock church. The 15th stop at "Apollonkatu" is also an option.

 

The 17th stop is "Töölön sairaala", Olympic Stadium is 0.4 miles to your right.

 

The 18th stop is "Töölön kirjasto", Sibelius Monument is 0.15 miles to your left.

 

Note that a bus can skip stops if no one wants to exit/enter. Name of next stop is shown inside the bus.

 

 

 

Thanks for the wonderful summary! I will be printing this and taking it with us next month. I really appreciate all the advice I have received here.

Thanks again!!!

[Subarctic]

I found this map on the suomenlinna website. How far south would I need to go in order to see the ferries pass by the islands?

 

http://www.suomenlinna.fi/files/1486/kartta_EN-2011.pdf

 

You will see the ferries from almost any high location on the east coast of the islands. The most spectacular view is from the Kustaanmiekka strait which is an S-shaped passage that large ships have to negotiate with some speed (and the obligatory pilot) or you're so on the rocks!

 

 

Chopper views of Helsinki and other major Finnish cities:

 

http://www.fonecta.fi/kartat/Helsinki?mapType=URBEX

 

Helsinki City public transport in real time:

 

http://transport.wspgroup.fi/hklkartta/Default.aspx

Edited May 8, 2013 by Subarctic

[YoPhilly]

How long are you in Helsinki? Have you thought about visiting Suomenllina first then take the 3T tram afterwards to the Rock Church?

 

10-6:00. Why do you ask? Would that be more convenient for public transit?

 

At this point, I don't have any preference for order. I just want to find the least complicated transportation options.

[Ultima Thule]

I found this map on the suomenlinna website. How far south would I need to go in order to see the ferries pass by the islands?

 

I recommend somewhere near Blue 5 (King's Gate)

[Alaskanb]

10-6:00. Why do you ask? Would that be more convenient for public transit?

 

At this point, I don't have any preference for order. I just want to find the least complicated transportation options.

As in many places much of what we end up doing depends on weather.

We are arriving at 7:30 am at West Harbor at the Estonia ferry terminal quay so will explore the market and maybe Suomenlinna first--these are my notes:

One-day transport pass (8 Euro) –can buy from kiosk at West Harbor terminal. Blue machine in English –cash, coins, CC. Red –coins. Take Tram 9 to Rautatientori (Main train station area). Tram 9 going away from the harbor will be marked "Pasilan asema / Böle Station", the one going to the harbor "Länsiterminaalin / Västra terminalen.

Walk to Market Square. Explore.

3T tram to Rock Church. Opens at 10:00 am

The tram 3T stops are near the fountain on the west side of the market. The tram going south stops on the south side of the fountain with the tram pointing towards the market, the one going north/west (towards the railway station) stops on the east side of the fountain with the tram pointing towards the white cathedral. The route takes about an hour if you stay on the whole time. Stop 8 Sammonkatu – this is the best stop for Temppeliaukion kirkko (Granite Church) (20 mins) Stop 10 Toolontori (Toolo Market Square) – this is the best stop for the Sibelius monument. Just a short walk through the park. (30 mins)

 

Suomenlinna. If a pretty day pick up lunch and take ferry. (10 am ferry for 11 am tour?)

http://www.suomenlinna.fi/en

If you use the ferry/boat from the east side of the market Square (included in the 8 Euro 24 h bus/tram/metro/train ticket - there are also a 5 Euro 12h ferry ticket option) you'll arrive at the north side of the "Big Eastern Black-Island" (Iso Mustasaari) and you'll have to cross that island to reach the visitor center --museum on second floor. The routes are perhaps not always that well marked but the majority of the visitors will know the correct way so it is just to follow the stream. The route instructions are: turn left - through the gate in the building - uphill past the church, then after passing the low fortification on your right side (or "crownwork" to use the correct military expression) turn right downhill to the beach.

Guided walking tours are organised daily during the summer, from June 1 to August 31: at 11 am, 12.30 pm and 2.30 pm in English

Walk along the Esplanadii area and visit some of the Finnish design stores like Marimekko https://www.marimekko.com/shops/shop-locator?point=60.1678%2B24.946

Return to ship by Tram 9, the one going to the harbor "Länsiterminaalin / Västra terminalen

[cruise_alot123]

We'll be coming off from the Emeral Princess on May 31th and was wondering if someone already has an agenda for the day including how to get around, what must see etc... and post it here? I am at a lost with overwhelmed info here and my head is spinning by going thur. so many posts.

 

Can someone jusy post the 1 day agenda from point A to point Z so a person with simple mind can follow without a headache?

 

Many Thanks!!

[MarGG]

I would like to join cruise_alot123. Could we summarize it a bit?

I have two questions:

1. What are the musts in Helsinki? So far I figured out the Sibelius Monument and the Rock Church. What else?

2. If we choose to take a hop-on-hop-off bus then where exactly do we hop on for the first time?

 

Thanks a lot in advance - all you replies are so helpful for a inexperienced cruiser!

[Ultima Thule]

Ok, the easy way out is just to take the shuttle bus into the city center and then stroll along the Esplanade Park to the Market Square, Senate Square and visit the Lutheran and the Orthodox cathedrals.

Walking distance would be 1.5 - 2 miles.

 

Most will add the Rock Church as well. This can be done by foot passing the main shopping area, the Railway Station and the Parlament House on the way. The total route would then be around 3.2 miles.

(I can write a detailed route draft if anyone is interested)

 

The Sibelius the Olympic Stadium are further north and half a mile apart for each other. Visiting both adds another 2.3 miles to the route. So most would prefer to use bus or tram for that. In that case buying a

one day ticket is a good idea.

 

It is also popular to do a tour with the #3 tram that makes an "8" around the city. It takes about an hour to make a complete lap. Again the day ticket might come handy.

 

The more adventurous of you like to use the region transport for the trip to and from the ship as well, saving the costs of the shuttle.

 

Some will also visit the sea fortress. The day ticket is also valid for the ferry from the market. You need at least 2 hours to do that one. There are also harbour tours starting from the market.

 

Hope that helps a bit.

 

Map:

 

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

Edited May 10, 2013 by Ultima Thule

[Alaskanb]

I would like to join cruise_alot123. Could we summarize it a bit?

I have two questions:

1. What are the musts in Helsinki? So far I figured out the Sibelius Monument and the Rock Church. What else?

2. If we choose to take a hop-on-hop-off bus then where exactly do we hop on for the first time?

 

Thanks a lot in advance - all you replies are so helpful for a inexperienced cruiser!

What helped me a lot was the informational brochures that the Helsinki Tourist board will send you. http://www.visithelsinki.fi/en

The other website I used is the journey planner site http://www.reittiopas.fi/en/

The musts for one person are not the musts for another --my #1 is the market area, followed by Suemenlinna (if weather is okay) then shops like Marimekko. After St. Petersburg I may be "buildinged" out and am looking forward to other experiences. Do your research and see what clicks with you. Highly recommend you read Rick Steve's Scandinavia guide to get oriented to the region.

[Alaskanb]

We'll be coming off from the Emeral Princess on May 31th and was wondering if someone already has an agenda for the day including how to get around, what must see etc... and post it here? I am at a lost with overwhelmed info here and my head is spinning by going thur. so many posts.

 

Can someone jusy post the 1 day agenda from point A to point Z so a person with simple mind can follow without a headache?

 

Many Thanks!!

This is how I go about planning the possibilities for a day:

1. I need a map to orient myself and a list of things that I would like to do rain or shine :) http://www.visithelsinki.fi/en/come/welcome-helsinki

Also times that things open ex the Rock Church does not open until 10

 

2. Find harbor/quay I will be at -- in your case it is Hernesaari http://www.portofhelsinki.fi/passengers/expected_cruise_ships.

This determines what transportation will work. The easy thing to do is to take a ship's shuttle into town then walk to Market Square.

 

You are arriving early and the Market is open early so that's the best place to start. Have coffee/ eat/shop.

 

After that then the options begin-- I create a pretty day route and a lousy weather route.

My pretty day route from Market Square is probably:

Ferry to Suomenlinna

Walk along Esplanadii to shops and Rock Church

Lousy weather route could be:

Buildings around Market Square area

Tram 3T/3B loop

Rock Church

Shops on Esplanadii area

 

Hope that helps

Edited May 10, 2013 by Alaskanb

[cruise_alot123]

Very useful info.

 

 

 

Thanks!

[YoPhilly]

This is how I go about planning the possibilities for a day:

1. I need a map to orient myself and a list of things that I would like to do rain or shine :) http://www.visithelsinki.fi/en/come/welcome-helsinki

Also times that things open ex the Rock Church does not open until 10

 

2. Find harbor/quay I will be at -- in your case it is Hernesaari http://www.portofhelsinki.fi/passengers/expected_cruise_ships.

This determines what transportation will work. The easy thing to do is to take a ship's shuttle into town then walk to Market Square.

 

You are arriving early and the Market is open early so that's the best place to start. Have coffee/ eat/shop.

 

After that then the options begin-- I create a pretty day route and a lousy weather route.

My pretty day route from Market Square is probably:

Ferry to Suomenlinna

Walk along Esplanadii to shops and Rock Church

Lousy weather route could be:

Buildings around Market Square area

Tram 3T/3B loop

Rock Church

Shops on Esplanadii area

 

Hope that helps

 

Nicely put.

[Alaskanb]

Nicely put.

Thanks--once I have a skeleton then I add in all the details. I am so grateful for the wonderful information our kind experts have provided that will make the day much smoother :D

[SoBaycruiser]

Thanks--once I have a skeleton then I add in all the details. I am so grateful for the wonderful information our kind experts have provided that will make the day much smoother :D

 

I agree. I think we have been working in parallel. The experts have been so helpful and patient.

[UKmum]

Great info guys. Thanks for sharing. I'll look into your suggestions. No doubt I'll be back with more questions! :-)

[CRUIS4ME]

Just checking on a factoid I thought I read about Market Square being under renovation this year and there is an alternate site for the "market". Is this the case for August 2013?

Thanks

[Alaskanb]

Just checking on a factoid I thought I read about Market Square being under renovation this year and there is an alternate site for the "market". Is this the case for August 2013?

Thanks

The outdoor market is open. The indoor market has moved for 2013.

[Sinppu]

Just checking on a factoid I thought I read about Market Square being under renovation this year and there is an alternate site for the "market". Is this the case for August 2013?

Thanks

 

Just like Alaskanb already stated, it is not the Market Square. It is the Market Hall close by that is already being renovated.

 

So no worries :)

[SoBaycruiser]

I know there has been a lot of discussion about the chip and pin credit cards lately. We leave in 12 days and I have assumed that most tourist attractions will still accept the old American magnetic strip cards. When we arrive in Helsinki for the day, we will take the ferry to Suomenlinna Fortress and if it's nice, enjoy the beer garden. We will be within walking distance of Market Square so don't need to buy a tram ticket from a machine. I have been assuming there will be a person in the kiosk to buy a ferry ticket and that they will accept our credit card. I had also assumed the Suomenlinna Brewery would accept our card. Would you know if this is correct? Our only other option is to find an ATM to get cash. Is there an ATM in Katajanokka terminal?

[roothy123]

I don't know for sure, but maybe our Helsinki friends can give more definite information. When I was there last summer, however, there was nobody in the little "office" near the ferry (the city-run one) when I got there, and only ticket dispensers. As the departure time came around, however, a person came, and I assume she was selling tickets and that credit cards could be used. I had a day pass for all city-run transportation, so I didn't need to buy tickets, so I don't know anything more than that! Sorry!