Helsinki is a very popular cruise destination and a vibrant spacious seaside city with many open parks, gardens, and greens spaces. Surrounded by water on three sides, the port of Helsinki has a natural seaport harbor. Cruise ships make an entrance to the port between the stunning Ice Age formations of small rocky islands, providing great photo opportunities from the open decks.
Where do cruise ships dock in Helsinki, Finland?
Helsinki has several quays where cruise ships can dock. Depending of the size of the vessel, and port authorities schedule cruise ships berth at one of the 6 piers: Hernesaari, West Harbour South Harbour (EKL, EPL, & EO1) or Katajanokka (ERA & ERB) and Olympia Cruise Quay.
Most of the large cruise ships dock at the Port Helsinki southwest piers named Hernesaari (LHC & LHB) and West Harbor (LV7 & LMA). The area around this dock is industrial and the city center is not close by therefore there is a regular shuttle bus service that will take you right in the city center (the shuttle bus drop off point is marked on the cruise port map). If a shuttle bus service is available, the drop off point is at the western end of the Esplanade near the main street named Mannerheimintie.
Smaller cruise ship dock at one of the four piers, all within a walking distance from the city center. The names of these piers are South Harbor, Katajanokka relatively close to Market Square and Olympia Cruise Quay.
Helsinki Sightseeing Map for cruise ship visitors
The map of Helsinki presented bellow shows cruise ships docking locations together with the most popular tourist attractions for people visiting this magnificent city by cruise ship.
What to visit in Helsinki when arriving by a cruise ship?
Helsinki Senate Square and the Cathedral
The Senate Square and Helsinki Cathedral are arguably Finland's most famous and photographed landmarks. Considered a masterpiece of Finland design and neo-classical architecture the square is dominated by four monumental buildings designed by Carl Ludvig Engel: The Government Palace, Cathedral, University buildings and National Library of Finland Library surround the Square, while there are also boutiques and restaurants located nearby. In the middle of the square stands A statue of Alexander II (Tsar of Russia and Grand Duke of Finland).
Overlooking Senate Square and Helsinki harbor, sits the blindingly-white Helsinki Cathedral, making this landmark a perfect place for photo-op. Built in 1852, the Lutheran church’s domes draw inspiration from Russian architecture, while statues of the twelve apostles adorn the magnificent green rooftop which soars more than 80 meters or 262 foot high. All visitors are welcome to explore the interior free of charge. There are steps leading to the top of the cupola however they are too narrow and difficult to allow for tours. Instead, there is a virtual reality tour of the top of the Cathedral.
Winter World
Most of the major cities in Scandinavia have Ice Bars where you can feel the winter splendor with a drink in ice carved glass, well Helsinki has an entire Ice World. If you are visiting Helsinki by cruise ship Winter World is a must see. Usually, this tour is offered by most of the cruise lines and is worth every penny.
The idea behind this big indoors ice hall was to resemble Lapland beauty that everyone visiting Helsinki for one day can see and experience it. Because the temperature is always -3 C (25 F), special winter jumpsuits are provided before you enter the hall to keep you warm. Inside you will find igloos, Ice Hotel with many rooms carved in different styles and a fantastic ice bar where you can taste some of Finland’s favorite spirits.
In Winter World you can slide down the hill on a plastic sled, try to make couple of steps on fun skis, push a friend sitting on a kick sledge, take a picture for a Christmas postcard in the Santa’s studio, and get lost and found in an ice labyrinth. You can also take a ride on a 20 well trained and excited Alaskan huskies and professional musher from Rovaniemi city on Arctic Circle.
Kauppatori Market Square
Located at the harbor end of the Esplanade Kauppatori Market Square is one of the main gathering points for locals and tourists. This is a very lively and colorful spot with everything from fruit, flowers, vegetables and local handicrafts. If you’re after some Finnish souvenirs you this is the place where you will find them. You can taste some of the Finish cuisine here by trying a great salmon soup or other traditional fish dishes.
From here you can also catch the ferry to Suomenlinna. If you take the public ferry - it’s cheaper than the private tour boats.
Sea Fortress “Suomenlinna”
Located 3 kilometers from Helsinki harbor lies the famous Sea Fortress Suomenlinna. You can board a ferry from the market square and in a few minutes you’ll be in one of the most amazing man-made fortress in Scandinavia added to UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites in 1991. Built by the Swedish Kingdom in the mid-1800s, Suomenlinna is a giant maritime fortress spread across seven islands.
During the World War II, this was a military base where the forces stationed on the islands included anti-aircraft and artillery units. The fortress was also used as a base for the Finnish submarine fleet. Today the fortress is governed by the civilian administration and is a home to approximately 800 residents and a workplace for about 400 people.
Old Market Hall
A short walk from Market Square is Helsinki’s Old Market Hall– Vanhakauppahalli. If you wish to try the local cuisine and want to taste some of Finland’s local delicacies, then this is the place to be. The Old Market Hall is not only a treat for the eyes because of its gorgeous architectural design but also for its wide range of exceptional local dishes and ingredients. During the summertime, there are tons of happening around the Old Market Hall and you’ll find outdoor stalls selling traditional Finnish seasonal foods.
Rock Church - Temppeliaukion Church
Carved out of solid rock, this unique structure is one of Helsinki’s most popular tourist attractions, as well as being a working Lutheran church. The dome of this thrilling work of modern architecture spans 70 feet and is covered on the interior by 15 miles of copper wire. Temppeliaukio was designed in 1968 by two architect brothers Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen. Since the Rock Church is located further from the city center this tour is organized by the cruise lines. You can check at the shore excursions desk for more info.
Language:
Finnish and Swedish are official languages.
National currency:
Euro is the official currency.
