HELSINKI FINLAND Departures screen at Helsinki-Vantaa airport showing cancelled Finnair flights Finnair has cancelled approximately 100 flights scheduled for Monday due to renewed industrial action by the Finnish Aviation Union (IAU) adding to a growing list of disruptions at Helsinki Airport The cancellations will affect around 7,500 passengers the airline grounded 140 flights during the first wave of the union’s coordinated stoppages The IAU’s action targets key airport operations While long-haul flights remain largely unaffected by catering disruptions Finnair said that some Monday flights may depart without meals or baggage The airline has also warned of possible delays and further disruptions to baggage handling Finnair began cancelling Monday’s flights on Saturday stating that it is informing affected travellers by SMS and email It acknowledged that rebooking passengers has proved difficult due to limited availability on alternative flights saying the situation may also impact services such as pet transport and pre-ordered in-flight meals The IAU has already announced plans for further walkouts on 16 May raising concerns about prolonged travel uncertainty at the country’s busiest airport Advertisement inquiries and other after-sales issues: info@helsinkitimes.fi Helsinki Times is the first and only English language newspaper providing news about Finland in English A weekly print edition of Helsinki Times was published from March 2007 up until Feb Helsinki Times is an online-only publication and other groups and individuals interested in Finland from all around the world © Helsinki Times All rights reserved.  Terms of Use | Privacy Policy with almost nothing to split the sides in terms of possession and shots but the difference-maker arrived in first-half stoppage time On the second wave of attack, KuPS worked the ball out to Otto Ruoppi, whose square ball across the penalty box was helped on by Jaakko Oksanen to Agon Sadiku The home side had the better of the late chances, as SJK could not force a late equaliser and have now taken one point from their last two games after starting the season with four wins in a row SJK's loss leaves Inter Turku as the only other unbeaten side left this season, and they moved to within two points of the Seinajoki club with one fewer match played after a 1-1 draw with HJK Having finally got off the mark in the Veikkausliiga last time, Teemu Pukki made it two in two midway through the first half by timing his run to perfection and lashing a finish past goalkeeper Eetu Huuhtanen But 17 minutes from time, the Helsinki side threw away the win when a dreadful pass from goalkeeper Thijmen Nijhuis was intercepted by Loic Essomba but have only four points and sit 10th of 12 teams AC Oulu are still bottom of the pile, but are now just a point behind HJK after ending their five-match losing run with a 3-1 win over 10-man KTP A terrible first half for KTP saw Joona Toivio score an own goal and Jiri Koski sent off, before Justin Rennicks and Marokhy Ndione eventually made the man advantage count in the final 12 minutes Armaan Wilson scored a consolation in added time for KTP After three successive wins, it's back-to-back defeats for Ilves, who remain fourth after losing 1-0 to VPS late on In the 93rd minute, Nicolas Fleuriau arrived at the back post to control a cross and bury a finish at the near post for VPS' second win of the campaign Jaro picked up their first points since matchday one with a 1-0 away win over Haka The new boys left things late as well - seconds after Haka's Nicolas Gianini Dantas was red carded in the 87th minute, Jaro capitalised when Severi Kahkonen's strike nestled in the bottom corner Finally, Gnistan earned their second win of the season and went above opponents Mariehamn into eighth place with a lightning start in a 2-0 home win A poacher's finish after three minutes and a low strike from the edge of the area after six minutes, both from Vertti Hanninen Follow the Veikkausliiga on Flashscore. has no interest in becoming the next manager of HJK in Finland It has been reported in Valakari’s homeland that the Helsinki club have identified him as a leading candidate to replace Toni Korkeakunnas who has been sacked just five games into their season Saints are clinging onto their Premiership status by their fingernails after Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to Kilmarnock But Courier Sport understands Valakari is totally committed to his job at McDiarmid Park When he was appointed at Craig Levein’s successor he knew that turning the ship around would be a big task Injuries in defence have piled up for Saints at the worst possible time with midfielders and forwards tasked with plugging gaps Beating Ross County next weekend would keep the great escape dream alive. is committed to the long-term project sold to him by new owner who has backed him to stay in post whatever the outcome of the relegation battle Comments are currently disabled as they require cookies and it appears you've opted out of cookies on this site. To participate in the conversation, please adjust your cookie preferences in order to enable comments A total of 1,120 employed individuals living in the HSL area responded to the survey More than half of working-age residents in the Helsinki region would consider returning to the office more often if employers covered part of their commute costs according to a survey published by Helsinki Regional Transport Authority (HSL) conducted in February among 1,120 employed residents highlights growing demand for flexible work supported by mobility incentives Seventy-six percent of respondents said they would prefer receiving a commuter benefit from their employer typically in the form of subsidised public transport “Employers looking to increase in-office attendance might find travel support a key incentive,” said Mari Flink While 75% of respondents work from the office weekly Commuting patterns have shifted since the pandemic with many avoiding peak-hour travel or working remotely Flink noted that the findings align with wider urban mobility trends and illustrate how cost and convenience now shape daily travel choices “Younger employees in particular want flexible working options Commuter benefits could be a decisive factor for both retention and recruitment,” she said 43% preferred working mostly from the office while nearly a third leaned toward remote work nearly 90% of younger respondents said they valued employers who offer commuting support The data suggests that as hybrid arrangements become the norm financial assistance with travel could influence how often employees choose to show up in person Two-thirds of all respondents believed that if employers mandate a minimum number of office days they should also help cover commuting costs Although HSL has long studied urban mobility this latest research focused specifically on travel habits in the context of hybrid work The study was carried out by nSight with a margin of error of ±3 percentage points Roughly 750,000 people are employed within the HSL service area, according to Statistics Finland The survey results may inform future collaboration between employers and transport planners as cities adjust to post-pandemic commuting behaviours Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker when the bridge between Sörnäinen and Kalasatama is repaired Open image viewerImage: Mikko Haapanen / YleYle News5.5 17:24Thousands of commuters in Helsinki who usually use the Metro east of Itäkeskus boarded replacement buses on Monday as bridge repair work got underway The Vuosaari bridge repairs are expected to continue until the end of September and the work means that the Vuosaari and Rastila Metro stations will be closed for the duration The bridge repair will affect the commutes of a large number of passengers regional manager at the Helsinki Regional Transport Authority (HSL) "Every day about 21,000 people use the Vuosaari station alone," he explained Open image viewerImage: Mikko Haapanen / YleDuring the roughly five months of repairs workers will fix cracks in the concrete bridge as well as in its waterproofing and drainage systems The effort involves dismantling the Metro's tracks on the 28-year-old bridge This marks the first time the structure will receive a large-scale renovation The work will also see renovations at Vuosaari station the lighting at Rastila station will be updated it is worth doing many renovations simultaneously for a longer period He noted that some of the work needs to be done during the warmer months of the year fewer people use the Metro during the summer Metro traffic is set to be interrupted again in 2026-2027 for a six-month period when the bridge between Sörnäinen and Kalasatama will be repaired. Edited to note that the repair and renovation work affects Metro stops east Users with an Yle ID can leave comments on our news stories. You can create your Yle ID via this link. Our guidelines on commenting and moderation are explained here Find upcoming events at the Events.hel.fi website Find municipal decisions in the Decision-making section A special programme will be available at the Swimming Stadium to celebrate its opening on 11 May including deep-water hydrobics as well as face painting and a bouncy castle – weather allowing - for children DJ RNo will play music for the opening ceremony and the first one hundred customers will get to enjoy free coffee.  the Swimming Stadium will remain open in accordance with the normal Sunday opening hours The new season ticket to outdoor swimming pools will be valid for the entire outdoor swimming pool season this summer from 11 May to 21 September 2025 The season ticket for outdoor swimming pools will continue to be valid both at the Swimming Stadium and at the Kumpula Outdoor Swimming Pool The previous season ticket for outdoor swimming pools was valid for four months (120 days) a shorter period than the outdoor swimming pool season Prices for the Swimming Stadium and Kumpula Outdoor Swimming Pool in 2025: Single visit: €6 for adults €3.30 for children and discount groups*  10 visits: €50 for adults €27 for children and discount groups*  1 month (30 days): €50 for adults €27 for children and discount groups*  Outdoor swimming pool season ticket (11 May–21 September 2025): €144 for adults €78 for children and discount groups*  *Discount groups: children (ages 7–17) conscripts and persons undergoing non-military service those who have applied for temporary protection and those who have already received their decision A visit to the Swimming Stadium covers a wide range of activities for the whole day the area features a versatile outdoor gym with equipment by David a giant chess area and play areas for children The only services subject to an additional fee are the large slide (€5) the delicious products of the café and the guided sports sessions the Swimming Stadium provides deep-water hydrobics on Tuesday and Thursday mornings for an additional fee of €3.   The Kumpula site also features beach volley and basketball courts a high-quality outdoor gym with equipment by David The Kumpula site also features a boxing point A café restaurateur offers their services at the Kumpula site as well The Kumpula outdoor swimming pool provides deep-water hydrobics on Monday and Wednesday mornings.  the parking area of the Kumpula Outdoor Swimming Pool will be subject to a fee in the summer season from 15 May to 31 August between 6.00 and 22.00 the app will charge a fee in accordance with the customer’s user agreement.  1st May 2025Words: Megan Graye Flow Festival has added yet more names to its already stacked line up The Helsinki event has just shared the news that Grammy winner Burna Boy will be joining the bill while other new additions include Star (Yasiin Bey & Talib Kweli) These new names will join the 150 acts performing at this year’s festival, including previously announced big-hitters Charli xcx This year’s 21st edition will take place between 8th-10th August at the historic Suvilahti power plant area in the capital of Finland Tickets for Flow Festival 2025 are on sale now via the festival’s website and you can check out what went down at last year’s edition below Janelle Monáe and more make for a suitably celebratory 20th edition of Helsinki’s Flow Festival The Finnish capital played host to both household names and underrated gems at an innovative (and increasingly iconic) inner-city site Subscribe here to receive regular updates from DIY on all things festivals Latest Issue April 2025 Advertise with DIY ↑ Back to the top Finnair has cancelled around 140 flights scheduled for Friday due to a work stoppage by baggage handlers The disruption will affect approximately 12,000 passengers The four-hour strike was called by the Finnish Aviation Union (IAU) but Finnair warned the effects would stretch far beyond the official strike window The stoppage is expected to cause widespread disruption throughout the day at Helsinki Airport as it impacts essential flight support services “Although the industrial actions are scheduled for a limited period they will affect several functions critical for Finnair’s operations and aircraft maintenance,” the airline said in a statement Finnair has notified affected passengers and is offering alternative flight options through its website and mobile application the company responsible for operating Finland’s airports advised all travellers departing from Helsinki Airport on Friday to check real-time updates via the airport’s flight information service Other airlines are also likely to be impacted by the industrial action given that many use the same ground handling services Roughly 600 employees are expected to participate in the work stoppage While the IAU has announced a follow-up strike for Monday 5 May Finnair has not yet confirmed whether that action will lead to further flight cancellations The Finnish Aviation Union has not publicly specified the reasons for the industrial action The disruption comes at the beginning of the May Day weekend A blog of the Kennan Institute and the US Delegation listening to discussions in Finlandia Hall during the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE) National Archives and Records Administration As American and Russian negotiators meet in Saudi Arabia to discuss ending the war in Ukraine the fate of more than Ukraine hangs in the balance How the war in Ukraine ends will in large part shape the future of European security And that geopolitical debate is best framed these days in the shorthand of two European city names.  Earlier this month, Russia’s Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, commemorated the 80th anniversary of the Yalta Conference during the closing days of WWII, saying “For all its strengths and weaknesses the Yalta-Potsdam order has provided the international system’s normative-legal framework for eight decades.” Lavrov neglected to mention in his remarks the other definitive security framework—one that is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year: the Helsinki Final Act which both secured the borders of post-war Europe and committed its signatories to observing a common human rights agenda If you want to understand Moscow’s negotiating position for peace talks on Ukraine or its broader security goals there is no better place to start than comparing these two seminal events there is the obvious symbolism of grounding Russia’s negotiating position in the name of the Ukrainian city which Russia seized in 2014 and later illegitimately annexed But the true meaning of Yalta for President Vladimir Putin goes much deeper Yalta evokes a time when Moscow’s ruler was one of the Big 3 at the end of WWII—soon to become one of the Big 2 Moscow was at its apogee of strength and influence on the global stage relative to other powers The negotiations at Yalta set the Cold War frontlines for decades through carving out zones of occupation and influence—consigning Eastern Europe to decades of control and oppression from Moscow The Soviet interventions in Hungary in 1956 and Poland in the 1980s all had their origins in the wartime negotiations at Yalta Putin himself declared to the UN General Assembly in 2015 “…The key decisions on the principles guiding the cooperation among states as well as on the establishment of the United Nations at the meeting of the anti-Hitler coalition leaders.” It is no wonder that Putin with his fetishistic reverence for Soviet power and its success in World War II would want to return to a world order shaped by Moscow’s military might and ability to intimidate other nations into permitting Russian domination over its neighbors—a world order both evoked and symbolized by Yalta Compare the Yalta negotiations to the Helsinki Final Act of 1975 the Helsinki Final Act was a negotiated treaty fully ratified by its signatories The Soviets valued Helsinki at the time because it finally provided international recognition of the post-war boundaries the Soviets had expanded at other nations’ expense Helsinki also codified a commitment to certain human rights that were promised but never delivered in the Soviet Constitution that unfulfilled commitment to human rights would erode the Soviet government’s legitimacy in the eyes of its own citizens Helsinki came to define and secure international borders and relations in Europe for almost five decades—until Russian aggression shattered that order.  Today’s Russian Federation has the status of a successor state to the USSR including the Soviet Union’s permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council the Russian Federation also took on the Soviet Union’s treaty obligations including its commitments to observe international borders and the individual and national rights established in the UN Charter and the Helsinki Final Act It affirmed those obligations with respect to Ukraine specifically in the 1994 Budapest Memorandum (under which Ukraine surrendered its inherited Soviet nuclear weapons to Russia) and the 1997 Russian-Ukrainian Friendship Treaty Russia violated those commitments with its annexation of Crimea in 2014 Beginning with its takeover of Crimea in 2014 and again with its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 it is clear that Moscow no longer finds it convenient to adhere to either the border or human rights guarantees enshrined in Helsinki It prefers instead a Yalta-based world order where rights and sovereignty exist only for those with the might to defend them—and perhaps remove them from others Russia is in search of a new Yalta—an agreement that would not only confirm its control over the Ukrainian territory it currently occupies but also ratify that control on a permanent basis The Putin government wants international recognition of its aggression and an understanding that Moscow is entitled to its sphere of influence—one that is not necessarily limited to Ukraine Giving Putin the grand bargain of a second Yalta topped off with the visual of another “Big Two” in-person wartime negotiation with the American president would send a chilling signal to our allies and the neighbors of authoritarian states alike led by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov just concluded the opening round of talks in Saudi Arabia about how to end the war in Ukraine the American negotiators would do well to consider the shorthand references to Yalta and Helsinki to understand what Putin is after—and what agreeing to his terms would mean Then they should consider whether they want to live in a Yalta- or Helsinki-based world order The opinions expressed in this article are those solely of the author and do not reflect the views of the Kennan Institute last week announced the appointment of U.S as chairman of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe “I am honored to be named chairman of the Helsinki Commission European security is always good for the United States the Helsinki Commission has protected human rights and increased economic cooperation across the globe,” said Senator Wicker “Today’s challenges are no less urgent bipartisan basis to seek a just end to Russia's war on Ukraine and an international order that serves our national interest.” Senator Wicker assumes the chairmanship at a pivotal moment for transatlantic security Russia is waging the largest land war in Europe since World War II threatening not only Ukraine’s future and independence but also the security and sovereignty of U.S Armenia and Azerbaijan have a generational opportunity to reach a durable peace agreement after decades of violence and upheaval the republic of Georgia’s democracy stands at a crossroads as the Georgian Dream party attempts to drag the country towards Russia and away from their chosen path of Euro-Atlantic integration As we approach the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Dayton Peace Accords Bosnia and Herzegovina and the broader Western Balkans region must chart a way through the dangers of violent division and toward greater alignment and integration with Western institutions the United States has an opportunity to pursue policies that promote regional stability and strengthen the rules-based international order so that it continues to safeguard American security and prosperity Senator Roger Wicker has served on the U.S where he has consistently championed democratic values He served as a Vice President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA) from 2017 to 2024 Senator Wicker chaired the OSCE PA Committee on Political Affairs and Security where his work centered on sustaining constructive security dialogue among all participating states and ensuring compliance with international commitments Senator Wicker is currently the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee and serves as a member of the U.S Merchant Marine Academy Congressional Board of Visitors He has also served as Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce Senator Wicker served on active duty in the U.S Air Force and then joined the Air Force Reserve He retired from the Reserve in 2004 with the rank of lieutenant colonel and law degrees from the University of Mississippi He is married to the former Gayle Long of Tupelo They have three children and eight grandchildren Finland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen outlining the country’s priorities as the incoming OSCE Chair-in-Office for 2025 to the Permanent Council Finland assumed the Organization for Security and Co-Operation (OSCE) chairpersonship ahead of the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act (also known as the Helsinki Accords) Finland’s chairpersonship comes at a difficult time for the OSCE the world’s largest security organization with 57 participating states the organization has faced significant internal struggles especially after Russia launched its illegal invasion of another participating state Russia’s use of its veto power has prevented consensus limiting the efficacy of the multilateral forum and leading some to question its continued role and value as multiple conflicts around the world fester or spread the OSCE’s role to promote security in Europe is more critical than ever This puts Finland in the spotlight to rekindle the original Helsinki spirit of compromise and cooperation that helped reduce tensions during the Cold War.  the OSCE has faced unprecedented challenges and gridlock or the willingness of adversaries to come together for dialogue and with a holistic view of comprehensive security that includes human rights has faltered as a revanchist Russia wages illegal wars in its periphery.  Russia has used its veto to block the approval of a new budget delay the appointment of the next chair-in-office (the country that establishes and drives the agenda of the organization for the calendar year) and created a brief leadership crisis last year that was finally resolved in December.  Despite the challenges the organization experiences in its secretariat the OSCE continues to operate field missions in a dozen countries that maintain their effectiveness which work in close cooperation with their host countries toil away at both micro and macro security concerns from the removal of dangerous chemicals in Transnistria to the training of border security guards to fight illegal logging These missions continue to operate despite an unclear budget and future.  forcing Secretary General Schmid to step down this was not the first time the OSCE has lacked a Secretary General since the position’s creation in December 1992 In the summer of 2020 a stalemate in reaching consensus on extended leadership at the time and again in December 2020 when then-chair Albania succeeded in achieving consensus on new leadership which included former Secretary General Schmid.  calls for negotiating a ceasefire or ending the war in Ukraine are gaining ground the OSCE is likely to play a role in maintaining or enforcing a peace deal or ceasefire The Secretary General is only one of four leadership roles that faced a nine month extension that ended in September 2024 This includes the Director of the Office For Democratic Institutions and Human Rights the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities and the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media a consensus was finally reached and Turkish diplomat Feridun Sinirlioğlu became the eighth Secretary General of the OSCE along with filling the other three leadership roles The three month gap in leadership was a testament to the institutional challenges facing the OSCE and the breakdown of the spirit of Helsinki.  Despite the fact that the Minsk Agreements were ultimately unsuccessful the OSCE’s position as a convening platform for both Russia and the United States means it will likely play a role in 2025 the OSCE is still a necessary multilateral forum for US-Russia dialogue and a versatile toolbox for countries from North America to Central Asia Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen outlined the issues that will be in focus for the coming year.  Finland will emphasize the shared principles and commitments inherent to the OSCE: sovereignty non-intervention in internal affairs and respect for human rights with promises to vocally call out when these principles are violated by simultaneously utilizing the tools and enhancing the work of the organization This encompasses both long-term planning within the organization itself and making full use of the OSCE’s 12 current field missions and three autonomous institutions to ease tensions while simultaneously supporting Ukraine.  All of this falls under a larger theme of strengthening the resilience of both the OSCE itself as well as its participating states for which the OSCE’s long tradition of a comprehensive view of security is well-suited Finland hopes to rekindle the spirit of Helsinki in 2025 and reinvigorate the OSCE as a key and constructive player in conflict management This article was updated on January 24 to reflect clearer language on the term of the Secretary General The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland may redefine its understanding of marriage this week by approving a model that recognises both heterosexual and same-sex unions currently in session in Turku until Friday will begin debating the proposal on Tuesday The issue has drawn public and media interest for years and is considered one of the most divisive topics within the church The council will review a report prepared by the Legal Affairs Committee supporting a proposal by the Bishops' Conference It recommends adopting parallel definitions of marriage: one as a union between a man and a woman the change would allow priests to officiate same-sex marriages or perform a blessing but also include a conscience clause permitting clergy to decline without penalty The proposed changes would extend this right not only to priests but also to church musicians who would be entitled to refuse participation in same-sex ceremonies The move follows years of internal debate since Finland’s national Marriage Act was amended in 2017 to allow same-sex civil marriages The Church has until now maintained its traditional definition of marriage although many congregations and individual clergy have supported a more inclusive stance The Lutheran Church remains Finland’s largest religious institution it retains a formal role in national life as one of the country’s two state churches The Church Council's decision will mark a turning point in its relationship with same-sex couples the Church’s stance has continued to cause tension especially among younger members and within liberal parishes The session will also consider other items including the final report of the Sámi in the Church project This initiative aims to acknowledge the historical relationship between the Church and the Sámi people Finland's only recognised Indigenous population A proposal to initiate work on a new hymnal is also on the agenda The outcome of the marriage debate is expected before the session closes on Friday implementation will require changes to Church law and further decisions by diocesan and parish authorities Israel and the Soviet Union entered the Olympic Games for the first time, and fears that Cold War rivalries would lead to clashes proved unfounded. Particularly impressive were the Soviet women gymnasts who won the team competition easily, beginning a streak that would continue for 40 years until the Soviet Union broke up into separate republics. Czech long-distance runner Emil Zátopek produced a brilliant display of running. He won the 5,000m, successfully defended his 10,000m title and then took his third gold medal in his first-ever marathon to complete a triple that remains unique in Olympic history. A change in the rules for equestrian competitions allowed women not only to enter, but also to compete alongside men in mixed events. One of the first women to do so was Lis Hartel of Denmark. Paralysed below the knees, Hartel had to be helped on and off her horse. Despite this, she claimed silver in the equestrian dressage. Back in 1924, Bill Havens was chosen to represent the U.S. in a demonstration of canoe. However, he declined in order to stay home with his wife, who was expecting their first child. Twenty-eight years later, that child competed in Helsinki. His name was Frank Havens, and he claimed gold in the Canadian singles 10,000m canoeing event. A 30-minute presentation by each candidate city, the absences of IOC members from the countries involved during the time of the presentations, and voting up to the point of obtaining an absolute majority before a host city was elected. The first commemorative coin of the modern Olympic Games was made in 1951-1952. Replacement of the art competition by exhibitions. Helsinki 1952. Interior view of the Olympic Stadium during the Opening Ceremony in front of the witnesses. Paavo Nurmi and Hannes Kolehmainen (athletics) The officials' oath at an Olympic Summer Games was first sworn in 1972 in Munich. Medal TableSee the list of teams and medals won by each. The MedalsBeginning as an olive wreath, medal designs have evolved over the years.Medals The TorchAn iconic part of any Olympic Games each host offers their unique version.Torch 17 January 2025 — OSCE Secretary General Feridun H Sinirlioğlu concluded his visit to Helsinki today marking his first official visit as OSCE Secretary General During his trip he met with OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen and Finnish President Alexander Stubb marking the first official meeting of Secretary General Sinirlioğlu and Chairperson-in-Office Valtonen in their new leadership roles within the OSCE the Secretary General underscored his commitment to working together to create a strong and resilient Organization that can foster a more secure OSCE region but I am confident that through hard diplomatic work we will be able to strengthen the Organization and contribute to a safer more secure Europe and beyond,” said OSCE Secretary General Feridun H They also discussed the priorities of the Finnish Chairpersonship and addressed some of the key security issues faced by the region “Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine is a violation of international law and all the key principles of the OSCE Ukraine is at the heart of our Chairpersonship,” said OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Valtonen Secretary General Sinirlioğlu met also with a number of high-level officials from the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and members of the parliament including from the Foreign Affairs Committee and the delegation to the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly He also met with civil society representatives and the OSCE research network For more information about Secretary General Sinirlioğlu, please visit Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu | OSCE For more information about the 2025 OSCE Chairpersonship, please visit OSCE Chairpersonship 2025 | OSCE This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page It is the end of October when I arrive in Helsinki with my nine-year-old son, with whom I first read the Moomin stories when he was three years old, and we were living in Scotland together during a harsh winter. We read The Invisible Child and various other exploits and adventures of this family of strange creatures which appeal to adults just as much as children We had come to Helsinki in search of the original Moomins Although I had never been to Helsinki before He trained as an architect and then wrote several books on the Finnish architect Alvar Aalto; he had a Finnish girlfriend whom he would visit many times over several decades he liaised with the Finnish and Russian governments to save a library designed by Alvar Aalto which had been taken into Russian territory and left to disrepair until these diplomatic talks secured its future He was given a Finnish knighthood for these mysterious negotiations with the Russians in the 1990s I had heard many interesting stories about Helsinki but I had never been to the city myself; it came to represent some mythical place where my father had always just disappeared to He had returned bearing gifts—Marimekko pyjamas fur hats—but it seemed like a fairy-tale location rather than a real place I saw HELSINKI come up on an airport departures board and suddenly this mythical place seemed within reach I realized; I could take my son with me; I could find out what it was really like I could write about Tove Jansson while I was there and tell my son we were looking for the Moomins Tove Jansson (1914—2001) grew up in Helsinki the daughter of sculptor Viktor Jansson and illustrator Signe “Ham” Jansson and as a child she sat for her father’s works; you can find a mermaid in her likeness in Esplanade Park contributing cartoons to a political magazine called Garm in her teens and the first Moomin-like creatures appeared in these scenes In the years following the Second World War her stories began to express the melancholy that arose from this time of recovery and rebuilding and attempts to contain a traumatic recent past and yet together they would triumph and persist in their resilience Moominpapa often withdraws from the family shut away in his bedroom to write his memoirs In Moominpapa at Sea a crate of Old Smuggler whisky is washed up on the island Moominpappa joyfully takes it for the launch party for the great novel about the sea that he has been working on only for the sea to take back all but one bottle which is then confiscated by an irritated lighthouse inspector Moominpapa is often not quite there; he is working on his memoirs (some of which form the fourth Moomin book which of the museums and islands he had explored Helsinki felt so familiar that it was as if I had already been here the more I realized that I didn’t know anything about my father’s time here at all He had not really told me stories about coming here; he had just gone and come back I had imagined his times in Helsinki based on the gifts he returned with and later the Moomin stories; but he had not really told me anything himself expressed joy at the sight of herrings or gooseberries or meatballs; I knew he loved the place He had even tried to build a Finnish summer house in the same sky blue that was popular here; but he had never been very practical minded and it had not stood up well to the elements I had lived there for several years as a teenager living in a weather-beaten wooden Summer House in the woods is what made Finland itself seem familiar to me rather than anything my father ever told me about the country I found myself wondering about him anyway; had he gone to Esplanade Park had he known Rock Church or the Uspenski Cathedral giving the whole city the cast of a fairy-tale we went to lunch with two very nice people from Amos Rex Museum as I was writing about an exhibition there and I mentioned that my father had spent a lot of time in Helsinki It turned out that one of them had written her thesis on Alvar Aalto and she suggested that we go to visit his studio and home But there were no available times that day The truth is that I had known about the house and studio before I realized that although I had come all the way to Helsinki I did not want every aspect of the trip to revolve around him “He never took you with him?” one of the women had asked and I felt it more intensely now I was here as it was a few minutes from where we were staying I knew these places would remind me too much of him It was too painful to go there because he would be there and yet not there at all so I went looking for Tove Jansson and her Moomins instead and she told stories that circled round the melancholy I felt She was in the Ateneum Museum (once her art school now showing the brilliant Gothic Modern exhibition); she was in Tove Jansson Park (where she had played as a child and where the street she lived on once crossed) she was in the vast murals on show at Helsinki Art Museum with her charcoal drawings and her self-portraits I read Moominvalley in November on our last full day in Helsinki the last in the series of Jansson’s Moomin stories and written the year that Tove Jansson’s mother died we meet various characters who have decided to go and see the Moomin family in Moominvalley; but it is November they busy themselves in preparing for the Moomin Family to return; they clean but are of course their own creations in their likeness it transpires that the Moomin family have taken their boat and left Moominvalley; I had come all the way to Finland just to leave it on our last full day Perhaps I had inherited this characteristic from my father as I was sailing away from the place that he gone to by turning away from Alvar Aalto for Tove Jansson I felt I had forged my own relationship with Helsinki Perhaps the idea of it had haunted it more than I knew I seemed to have befriended the specter of it I brought my son with me; we discovered it together Where Helsinki once symbolized this mythical place where my father disappeared from time to time now it was a real place we had enjoyed together and yet it became magical in a different way as if he had recommended it many years ago that I had not only left out Alvar Aalto because it would be too much of a reminder of my father but also because it meant we had an excuse to come back another reason for another journey in the future I think this is a testament to the enduring power of Tove Jansson’s stories both for children and adults; she tells simple and yet magical stories that rest in the hinterland of family are sharply observed and feel deeply familiar; when the old man character grows frustrated with what he calls The Ancestor only for his reflection to shatter with the glass that contains it Jansson captures the communality of creatures “The rain fell on his green hat and on his raincoat it pittered and pattered everywhere and the forest wrapped him in a gentle and exquisite loneliness.” when all the characters leave Moominvalley one by one it is also the first snow fall of the winter the sight of my son’s joyful expression gives me a wave of contentment The quiet transition from autumn to winter is not a bad time at all It’s a time for protecting and securing things and for making sure you’ve got in as many supplies as you can It’s nice to gather together everything you possess as close to you as possible to store up your warmth and your thoughts and burrow yourself into a deep hole inside a core of safety where you can defend what is important and precious and your very own Then the cold and the storms and the darkness can do their worst They can grope their way up the walls looking for a way in is unapproachable because it is on Russian soil and yet so impossibly far; I may have got to Finland but it’s likely I will never get to the library Though the border opened at the close of my father’s time in Finland “She went on across the bridge without turning round lost in that mixed feeling of melancholy and relief that usually accompanies goodbyes.” Created by Grove Atlantic and Electric Literature Masthead About Sign Up For Our Newsletters How to Pitch Lit Hub Privacy Policy Support Lit Hub - Become A Member Lit Hub has always brought you the best of the book world for free—no paywall you'll keep independent book coverage alive and thriving And now, capital city Helsinki has its very own world-class luxury hotel, The Hotel Maria, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ Legend Collection which opened the final two of the four historic buildings that make up the 117-room hotel in June Located among the art nouveau buildings of the prestigious Kruununhaka neighborhood the property is ready to welcome luxury clients looking for amenities such as wellness concierges large suites (there are 38) and a light-filled spa Helping put the hotel on the map (and many “best of” lists) is Heli Mende who used to be the head of Visit Finland for North America she shares some tips for enjoying the city like a local a cozy restaurant in the Katajanokka residential area where I would order the seasonal menu and a local gin My favorite scenic spot in the city is: Senate Square located in the oldest part of central Helsinki Landmarks surrounding the square are the Helsinki Cathedral the main building of the University of Helsinki and the Sederholm House the oldest building of central Helsinki dating back to 1757 is also the main Market Square of  Helsinki where you can buy local delicacies such as "korvapuusti" (Finnish cinnamon buns) or fresh berries in the summer My favorite thing to do at Hotel Maria is: have lunch or dinner at our Garden Terrace restaurant the seating is extended outdoors in the inner courtyard the restaurant is a great venue for enjoying a relaxed meal or hot drink and watching the romantic The most unique way I’ve experienced the sauna culture in Helsinki is: at Loyly, where you can dip in the sea after the sauna — even in the winter if you are brave — or at Allas Sea Pool where you can choose to dip in a year-round heated pool or an unheated sea-water pool after your sauna My favorite day trip from Helsinki is: Finland’s vast lake district The closest lakes are only about a one-hour drive from Helsinki We are also lucky to have so much natural water in Finland and we have the best-tasting and cleanest tap water in the world — by far Something that surprises visitors to Helsinki is: how compact the city is with a center that is easy to explore on foot The public transportation system is also great and taking a tram is a wonderful way to explore Visitors also get surprised by how friendly the locals are and how almost everyone speaks English Copyright © 2025 Northstar Travel Media, LLC. 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How the Uber and Uber Eats apps and websites work Earn Resources for driving and delivering with Uber Careers Best in Travel is here! Discover 2025’s destinations The 30 best countries, cities and regions to visit in 2025 Plan your trip with Elsewhere, by Lonely Planet See where a Lonely Planet Membership takes you Subscribe to our weekly newsletters to get the latest travel news, expert advice, and insider recommendations Explore the world with our detailed, insightful guidebooks Stay ahead of the curve with our guidebooks Uncover exciting new ways to explore iconic destinations Every month, we release new books into the wild Search Search Close search menu Explore Best in Travel 2024 Africa Close menu Countries Antarctica Antarctica Close menu Regions Asia Asia Close menu Countries Australia & the Pacific Australia & the Pacific Close menu Countries The Caribbean The Caribbean Close menu Countries Central America Central America Close menu Countries Europe Europe Close menu Countries Middle East Middle East Close menu Countries North America North America Close menu Countries South America South America Close menu Countries From browsing bustling markets to admiring the colored houses of Huvilakatu Juxtaposing old-school Nordic tranquillity and modern European dynamism, Helsinki is a forward-thinking city that manages to keep its Finnish character intact while becoming increasingly international in outlook Helsinki may lack the medieval architecture of Tallinn but it compensates amply in the form of liveable spaces quirky contemporary buildings and a thriving design culture.  Visit the capital of Finland in winter and you’ll find a snowy-white city lit up by Christmas lights where icy temperatures are forgotten on trips to steaming saunas and world-class museums Come in summer and enjoy alfresco nightlife open-air harbor markets and excursions to forests and beaches where you can make the most of the long Consider adding these 20 best things to do to your Helsinki bucket list Helsinki is a city that mixes tradition and modernity and its many markets are the perfect embodiment of this philosophy From bustling outdoor stalls to charming indoor halls Helsinki’s historic Kauppatori Market Square in the city center comes to life in summer strawberries and cloudberries line up along the waterfront around the 1835 Keisarinnankivi (Tsarina's Stone) obelisk If you’re looking for somewhere to stop for a coffee or find gifts, pop into early-20th-century Hakaniemi Hall a covered market on Hämeentie spread across two floors it houses a popular food court and spaces dedicated to crafts For interesting finds, check out the Hietalahti Flea Market a popular shopping stop at the western end of Bulevardi Stalls sell a large selection of secondhand clothing and unexpected surprises of all sorts; the market is most active on Saturday and Sunday grab some lunch ingredients from Kauppatori or the Vanha Kauppahalli before taking a short ferry ride to Suomenlinna island for a picnic.   Rising above Senaatintori (Senate Sq), Helsinki Cathedral – Tuomiokirkko to locals – dominates the city skyline The cathedral was constructed between 1830 and 1852 to honor Tsar Nicholas I of Russia who also governed Finland as Grand Duke during the country’s century of Russian rule.  statues of the Apostles keep watch over people pausing to snap photos and chat on the steps dropping down to the square The cathedral was designed by German architect Carl Ludvig Engel but the statues were a later addition – it was only after Engel's death that people noticed that the church's proportions were not in perfect symmetry the leafy strip of parkland known as Esplanadi is a breath of sophistication in the middle of Helsinki This is where Finland's cultural elite has gathered since the late 19th century and the surrounding buildings and parklands have a tangibly Central European feel.  Famous Helsinki residents from composer Jean Sibelius to painter Akseli Gallen-Kallela met in Esplanadi's fabulous eating and drinking till the small hours of the morning The restaurant here is still loved by locals and visitors as are the many pavement cafes along Pohjoisesplanadi.  Planning tip: Visit Esplanadi during the summer, when regular free concerts take place on the Espa Stage opposite the Kappeli restaurant Helsinki’s dedication to design is visible on every corner and visitors can dive in by exploring the great shopping opportunities in the city's Design District Some 200 shops sell everything from fashions to home decor and lifestyle products bringing together a lively community of creatives crafters and artists in Helsinki’s central avenues.  The Design District is roughly bound by Senate Sq, Kampii, Bulevardi and Korkeavuorenkatu. With its bright patterns and high-quality fabrics, iconic brand Marimekko is an international symbol of Finnish style, with a popular showroom on Aleksanterinkatu. Lesser-known boutiques such as Annankatu's Lokal focusing on handcrafted furniture and ceramics Other evergreen brands to look out for include Iittala, producing glassware and ceramics since the late 19th century, and Fiskars the oldest Finnish company still in operation the capital of newly independent Finland saw major redevelopments to solve the housing shortage created by the conflict Architect Martti Välikangas was commissioned to design a new residential area in the Käpylä area of Helsinki to offer affordable homes to the working classes.  The neighborhood – often referred to as “wooden Käpylä” – was completed in 1925 in the Nordic Classicism style It stands in sharp contrast with Helsinki’s modern core with its colorful collection of low-rise timber houses surrounded by greenery Experience it on a stroll along tree-lined Pohjolankatu Planning tip: Before you visit, learn more about Finnish wooden architecture at the Museum of Finnish Architecture on Kasarmikatu Opposite Helsinki Central’s iconic, Eliel Saarinen-designed Central Railway Station, the Ateneum Art Museum forms part of the Finnish National Gallery The art collection here covers everything from 18th-century rococo works to the output of 20th-century art movements and it provides a crash course on Finnish art.  Notable Finnish works include Eero Järnefelt's paintings of people and landscapes from Koli National Park in the Finnish Lakeland Akseli Gallen-Kallela's paintings of scenes from Finland's national epic and Helene Schjerfbeck's striking portraits as well as masterpieces from the likes of Paul Cézanne and Edvard Munch.  Nearby, the Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma has a mix of foreign and Finnish exhibitions and runs tours in English every other Friday Planning tip: Be sure to check out the striking architecture of the railway station at the center of Rautatientori which is famous for its pink granite facade and statues of Lyhdynkantajat ("Lantern Bearers") by sculptor Emil Wikström Set beside the railway tracks running north from Helsinki station, a series of cultural spaces showcase the country's long dedication to learning. The most striking space is the award-winning, modernist Oodi library shelves full of books and useful facilities for Helsinki citizens such as a sewing area and music studio behind its curvy contours.  There’s a cafe and terrace upstairs, with views towards the imposing Parliament House, which was built in the 1920s. Nearby is the glassy Musiikkitalo concert hall, where you can buy recordings of classical music at the shop Fuga Musiikki.  there are several indoor and outdoor play areas around the library as well as a soundproofed quiet room for reading stories.  Helsinki has more than 300 islands, from uninhabited islets to the substantial Suomenlinna sea fortress and Helsinki's only UNESCO World Heritage Site Ferries to Suomenlinna run daily from the quay in front of the Kauppatori marketplace.  On the island, be prepared for plenty of walking. The fortifications and barracks host multiple museums, from toy and military collections to the Suomenlinna Museum which explores the fortress' long history.  Paths lead across the island to viewpoints and picnic spots where locals like to sit out in summer and wander around the old walls and cannons There are numerous cafes and restaurants where you can stop to rest your feet and refuel Planning tip: Suomenlinna is accessible throughout the year, but the winter months are a particularly magical time to visit, with the pink-colored barrack buildings covered with snow and the island surrounded by a frozen sea. Buy tickets for the HSL (Helsinki Regional Transport Authority) ferries on the quay at Kauppatori.  Kaivopuisto is one of Helsinki's best-loved parks Flanked by the Baltic Sea and home to some of the city's most grandiose buildings the park became a bourgeois destination for leisurely strolls and spa treatments in the 19th century and it remains a calm escape in the heart of Helsinki Locals from every walk of life gather in the park daily with their dogs especially during the Labor Day celebrations from April 30 to May 1 when tens of thousands of people gather to celebrate at Kaivopuisto Rising next to the terminal for ferries to Stockholm the viewpoint atop Tähtitorninvuori (Observatory Hill) is one of Helsinki's best-kept secrets Climb this 30m (98ft) hummock for fabulous views towards the turquoise-domed Helsinki Cathedral.  It's hard to imagine that the parking area carved into the rock beneath it also functions as an air-raid shelter – part of Finland’s highly developed nuclear defenses Crowning the hill is an observatory dating from 1834 which contains an astronomy visitor center Saunas are integral to the Finnish way of life, and you should try to visit one of the many steamy establishments dotted around town to get a feel for the Helsinki lifestyle. We recommend Löyly an urban sauna and restaurant complex beside the Baltic Sea in the developing Eira neighborhood.  Dipping into the ocean as part of a sauna session is made easy here then plunge into the water from the ocean-side platform enjoy quality food and drinks in the on-site restaurant.  swimming areas and restaurant at Löyly are open year-round – meaning opportunities for ice-hole swimming in the winter with its colorful art nouveau architecture is one of the most photographed streets in Helsinki it's worth visiting to take a look at the striking frontages here.  The street and its buildings were constructed between 1906 and 1910 and most have kept their original brightly-colored facades offering a glimpse of an earlier age in Helsinki Huvilakatu ends at a green park beside the Baltic Sea Built beneath an old bus station, the Amos Rex art museum witnessed huge queues when it first opened in 2018 and lines are still common here on busier days And little wonder – the contemporary art exhibitions here include shows from the top names of the art world with works that are a perfect match for the somewhat eerie underground museum space.  form the hub of an architecturally striking public space that adults and kids love to wander around but you can peer in through the skylights any day of the week.  Despite its relatively small size, Tavastia is one of the most prestigious rock music venues in Finland many influential names have performed here to the Foo Fighters and Siouxsie and the Banshees It's not all megastars at Tavastia; the venue regularly gives the floor to up-and-coming bands the disco tunes kick in at 11:30pm for those seeking a late-night bop The interesting Open-Air Folk Museum (Seurasaaren Ulkomuseo) on the small island of Seurasaari to the west of Helsinki features a collection of historic buildings that showcase the lifestyles of people living in different parts of rural Finland over the centuries as much of the experience takes place outdoors.  Kids will love exploring the forested grounds of Seurasaari which are dotted with original wooden cottages and farmhouses some dating as far back as the 18th century All have been relocated to the island from other parts of the country offering a unique snapshot of Finnish life.  Planning tip: Bus 24 will take you from central Helsinki to the bridge leading to Seurasaari from where you can walk to the museum.  Located on the border of the central Punavuori and Kaartinkaupunki neighborhoods, the Design Museum is a must for anyone intrigued by the Finnish love of creating bold everyday objects Past exhibitions have covered everything from Ilmari Tapiovaara's woodwork and Eero Aarnio's chairs and lamps to Lotta Nieminen's modern illustrations and children’s books Detour: For glasswork and ceramics aficionados, a side trip to the Design Museum's satellite space – the Iittala and Arabia Design Centre in Helsinki’s Arabianranta district – is a must.  Also known as the “Rock Church,” Temppeliaukio is one of Europe’s most unusual religious buildings designed by brothers Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen regularly holds orchestral concerts in its circular it’s hailed for its perfect acoustics and it’s a classic example of Finnish minimalist Climb to the roof to see the green copper dome emerging shyly from the rock.  Planning tip: The church is open to visitors daily, except during services – check the church website for service times before visiting You can't miss the Jugendstil building of the Kansallismuseo (National Museum of Finland) on Mannerheimintie opposite Alvar Aalto's striking Finlandia Hall the museum’s castle-meets-medieval-church design is a defining example of the National Romantic style in Finnish architecture It provides an eye-catching space for a collection of exhibits relating to Finnish cultural history from the Stone Age to modern times and the collection spans everything from Finno-Ugric artifacts and old coinage to nautical mementos and displays on modern music You can also see some 40,000 items from other world cultures The Finnish capital’s dining scene has a focus on sustainability farm-to-table ingredients and Nordic minimalism This makes Helsinki a top choice for food lovers in search of some memorable fine dining.  Michelin-starred Grön is a Helsinki institution that works magic with produce from local farms while keeping sustainability in mind; the menu is always worth sampling and vegan options are available. You’ll also want to book ahead for the popular, upmarket BasBas Kulma where you can explore Finnish cuisine via a six-plate tasting menu.  Also check out Michelin-starred Palace – open since 1952 – with its gorgeous harbor view, innovative take on Finnish gastronomy, and a reclaimed ship’s propellor welcoming diners by the entrance. For lunch in a historic setting, don't overlook Kappeli in Esplanadi park About 35km (22 miles) northwest of Helsinki, Nuuksio National Park is a perfect spot for a peaceful day's outing from Helsinki with landscapes ranging from ponds and lakes with jewel-like waters to ancient forests Around the Suomen luontokeskus Haltia (Finnish Nature Centre Haltia) there are several looping trails with viewpoints and campfire spots as well as a center for downhill mountain biking You can also get off the bus in Kattila and walk along trails to the nature center.  Planning tip: To get here, take the bus or train from Helsinki to Espoo, then bus 245 to Suomen luontokeskus Haltia (Finnish Nature Centre Haltia) There are a few accommodation options in the park should you wish to relax in nature overnight This article was adapted from the Lonely Planet Finland guidebook published in July 2023. European data center firm Verne is expanding its existing campus in Helsinki The company this week announced the acquisition of more land at its existing Helsinki data center campus The planned expansion will include two new buildings which will be able to support liquid cooling and take the campus to a potential 70MW at full build-out “The acquisition of this site reinforces Verne’s long-term commitment to Finland and provides an even stronger foundation for our continued growth in the region,” said Dominic Ward and having successfully operated from this location for a number of years we are well-positioned to scale our capabilities and continue delivering industry-leading sustainable data center solutions to support the next generation of AI and high-performance computing.” Located in the Vantaa area of Helsinki, the site currently offers up to 50MW across a 15,000 sqm (161,460 sq ft) site. Verne's predecessor Ficolo first announced plans for a 10MW, €50 million ($51.9m) data center in Helsinki back in 2017 The facility was known as 'The Air' under Ficolo’s ownership Verne currently operates three data centers in Finland - Helsinki, Pori, and Tampere - which all came out of the 2022 acquisition of Ficolo Another Finnish campus is planned in Mäntsälä Construction on the 70MW site is due to start later this year for a 2027 launch date Previously owned by Triple Points’ D9, the company was acquired by private investment firm Ardian in early 2024 The investor said that it would pump another $1.2 billion into expanding Verne's footprint across Northern Europe Data Centre Dynamics Ltd (DCD), 32-38 Saffron Hill, London, EC1N 8FH Email. [email protected]DCD is a subsidiary of InfraXmedia etc.venues 8 Fenchurch Street - 15 May 2025 Nordic carrier Finnair will cancel approximately 140 flights on Friday (2 May) following planned strike action by the Finnish Aviation Union (IAU) I accept the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy The four-hour-long industrial action will take place in “different shifts” on Friday and is not tied to a specific time The work stoppage is therefore expected to affect “many functions” related to Finnair’s flight operations and ground services at Helsinki Airport the carrier said the cancellations will affect some 12,000 customers and “due to the high number of cancellations affected customers will also be able to cancel their reservation and apply for a refund said: "We are sorry for the situation and will do everything we can to ensure that every customer receives a suitable new routing as soon as possible." the industrial action is expected to cause flight delays and disruptions to baggage handling and catering services The carrier warned that some short-haul flights on Friday may be operated without baggage and meals loaded onto the aircraft Long-haul flights will not be impacted by the catering limitations The IAU has also announced similar industrial action for Monday 5 May Finnair said it is “still assessing the exact effects” on traffic but that it is likely to cause additional disruption Helsinki Airport has also warned travellers to expect flight delays and "occasional queues" on both Friday 2 May and Monday 5 May As business travel accelerates, Cathay Pacific remains a leader, delivering seamless, end-to-end... KEEP READING with Virgin Atlantic and Delta Air Lines... KEEP READING United Airlines is the largest airline in the world by available seat miles, offering flights to more... KEEP READING Minister of Social Affairs and Health Kaisa Juuso at a press conference in Helsinki Finland’s Minister of Social Affairs and Health Kaisa Juuso has condemned a social media post by her parliamentary assistant describing welfare recipients as “losers” who “deserve poverty,” but said she would not dismiss him over the comments written by Mikko Talso during May Day celebrations appeared in a Facebook discussion group focused on the city of Vaasa Talso lashed out at recipients of welfare benefits suggesting that those struggling financially were at fault for their circumstances I say this because you losers who’re waiting for support with your hand outstretched without getting your ass out of that chair Kela is the national agency responsible for distributing welfare payments and other social benefits in Finland saying he had been referring only to what he called the “ideologically unemployed.” He said the post was written in response to an opinion article in the regional newspaper Ilkka-Pohjalainen that described growing bread lines in western Finland I could have made it clearer that I was referring specifically to the ideologically unemployed The backlash prompted a response from Juuso two days later she described her assistant’s post as “undeniably unpleasant and unsuccessful,” and said she would not tolerate such conduct “I will go over the matter carefully with Talso We will have a serious discussion,” Juuso said terminating the employment relationship because of one mistake would be unreasonable.” who has served as Minister of Social Affairs and Health since 2023 was appointed as part of the current right-wing coalition government led by Prime Minister Petteri Orpo which has drawn criticism over its rhetoric on immigration and welfare issues The incident has added to political tensions around social policy in Finland Opposition politicians have called for stronger accountability over statements made by public officials and their aides Some social media users have urged Talso to resign saying his views undermine the dignity of welfare recipients No formal disciplinary action has been announced Talso has not responded further to public calls for clarification or apology © Helsinki Times All rights reserved.  Terms of Use | Privacy Policy 'Girls Reading,' a 1907 painting by Helene Schjerfbeck is part of the Ateneum's permanent collection The Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma is as modern as it looks Josefina Nelimarkka's 'The Cloud Un/knowing' exhibition brought colors and light to Amos Rex The central train station in Helsinki is famous for these statues The one-of-a-kind Temppeliaukio Rock Church was built in 1969 street art can be found everywhere in Helsinki Finland's capital has an admirable mix of street art and museums Art lovers who know, know to not sleep on Helsinki. Finland's capital is loaded with museums galleries and walls covered with elaborate murals and graffiti For the best of art on both the outside and inside like the Ateneum and Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma then turn rudderless and wander around town to see what creativity you might stumble on The museum houses a vast collection of 30,000 paintings Though the museum boasts the world's largest collection of Finnish art Vincent Van Gogh is also part of the roster: His "Street in Auvers-sur-Oise" was acquired by the Ateneum in 1903 offering insights into both the art and the museum's "palatial" 1887 neo-Renaissance building The Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma is as modern as it looks From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox This is in contrast to the new Oodi library curved-wood building" made of spruce timber with walls of windows that is steps from the train station and is "yet another example of how Finnish design seeks to connect with nature wherever possible." where the Make Your Mark gallery sells spray paint for tagging in authorized areas the name of the artist and when the art was made A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com Catherine Garcia, The Week USSocial Links NavigationCatherine Garcia has worked as a senior writer at The Week since 2014 Her writing and reporting have appeared in Entertainment Weekly NBC News and "The Book of Jezebel," among others She's a graduate of the University of Redlands and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism Architecture director Ellie Stathaki visits Helsinki’s timber hotel Solo Sokos Pier 4 its environment is everything you expect it to be in the best possible way The new player in the Finnish capital's hospitality scene is situated within the Helsinki harbour's Katajanokan Laituri a recently opened timber-framed building designed by local studio Anttinen Oiva Architects It contains the headquarters of Finnish forestry company Stora Enso on one end and the 164-room Solo Sokos Pier 4 Hotel on the other – both span four floors timber gymnastics of the lobby area – which is shared between hotel and office space – and the overall spatial planning is the work of Anttinen Oiva were created by interiors outfit Franz Design as the envelope and its contents were carefully curated to work seamlessly following the theme of natural wood and light A specially created signature scent is present throughout the hotel and the walls – alternating glazing and wood – are punctuated by specially selected pieces by local artists curated fridge places an emphasis on sense of place (beer from a Turku brewery and blueberry juice make this an unmistakeably Finnish experience) A café off the main lobby and the Harbore restaurant on the opposite side of the building (also where the hotel breakfast is served) enjoy expansive waterside views Once the ongoing works on the seaside promenade just outside are completed seasonal Nordic and Finnish ingredient mix on the menu with a backdrop of the nearby port's majestic ferries and people on leisurely strolls making this an ideal spot for a drink outside during the mild summer months The ground floor's state-of-the-art conference facilities make this a flexible destination – equally open to business and family travel This timber hotel's sense of luxury lies in its sustainable design-led origins – an element Solo Sokos Pier 4 is rightly proud of escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox Ellie Stathaki is the Architecture & Environment Director at Wallpaper* She trained as an architect at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in Greece and studied architectural history at the Bartlett in London she has been a member of the Wallpaper* team since 2006 visiting buildings across the globe and interviewing leading architects such as Tadao Ando and Rem Koolhaas Ellie has also taken part in judging panels such as The Contemporary House (Thames & Hudson Glenn Sestig Architecture Diary (2020) and House London (2022) the President of the Government of Spain said that Spain and Finland share values security and defence are also "ours" where he met with the Prime Minister of Finland with whom he discussed the bilateral relationship between the two countries as well as key issues such as competitiveness and migration Pedro Sánchez highlighted the close relationship between Finland and Spain underlining that both countries share values that are at stake today which represents more than half of the EU's entire border with Russia and that its security and defence are also "ours" The president of the Government of Spain also highlighted the value of the NATO 2022 Summit in Madrid which facilitated Finland's entry into the Atlantic Alliance almost two years ago it is essential to jointly offer confidence and certainty to the public Petteri Orpo | Pool Moncloa /Borja Puig de la Bellacasa Despite the 5,000 kilometres that separate Tarifa from Nuorgam Pedro Sánchez has stressed that the two countries could not be closer "Their concerns affect us as if they were our own Because any threat to one Member State is a threat to the European Union as a whole Because nothing protects us more than the strength of our Union," he said the president of the Government of Spain welcomed Ukraine's acceptance of the US proposal for an immediate and provisional 30-day ceasefire subject to simultaneous acceptance and implementation by Russia The European Union is ready to play its part in the peace negotiations as Ukraine's security is Europe's security "This is an existential issue for Europe,"stressed Pedro Sánchez as part of the EUMAM military training mission the two leaders also discussed Europe's security and defence in the current geopolitical context The president of the Government of Spain reaffirmed Spain's commitment to strengthening European defence and stressed the need for joint financing to meet common security challenges he stressed that Spain is prepared to meet the investment target of 2% of GDP in defence as well as the commitments acquired in the NATO framework he reiterated that Europe's security must be tackled with a 360° approach ranging from open conflicts to cyber-attacks "It does not matter whether the threats come from the North or the South because Europe is capable of dealing with them all." In this context he referred to the importance of meeting citizens' needs by boosting the dynamics of innovation and competitiveness of the defence industry Pedro Sánchez and Petteri Orpo discussed the opportunities that exist for Finnish and Spanish companies in this field Alexander Stubb | Pool Moncloa /Borja Puig de la Bellacasa The visit to Helsinki ended with a meeting between President Sánchez and the President of Finland which allowed them to discuss in a broad sense the commitment to transatlantic relations as well as the need to deepen the 360-degree vision of security and defence in Europe This website uses its own and third-party cookies to maintain the session, offer a better user experience and obtain statistical data on user navigation. For more information see Cookies policy Essential digital access to quality FT journalism on any device Complete digital access to quality FT journalism with expert analysis from industry leaders Complete digital access to quality analysis and expert insights complemented with our award-winning Weekend Print edition Terms & Conditions apply Discover all the plans currently available in your country See why over a million readers pay to read the Financial Times Bittium and Nokia have jointly demonstrated a hybrid tactical communications network for the Finnish Defence Forces showcasing the integration of military-grade 4G/5G with traditional tactical systems real-time communication in complex operational environments The hybrid setup allows for 4G and 5G “bubbles” to be embedded into tactical networks extending connectivity and enabling seamless cooperation between military and civilian communication systems The companies highlighted the network’s role in enhancing command capabilities in mission-critical scenarios The demonstration included real-time voice communication and situational awareness across various devices server-independent network infrastructure enabled continuous operation and system resilience without relying on centralised control nodes “Our communications system is built for performance and interference resistance,” said Tommi Kangas Senior Vice President of Bittium’s Defense & Security division “This collaboration with Nokia confirms the successful integration of their 4G/5G solutions into our tactical framework.” Nokia’s military-grade technology was deployed alongside Bittium’s core platforms The tested equipment included Bittium Tactical Wireless IP Network (TAC WIN) Bittium Tough SDR radios for vehicles and dismounted troops and Nokia’s Banshee Mobile and Tactical Radios (BMR and BTR) The systems supported smartphone-based applications and utilised Bittium’s Tough VoIP Service for secure voice communications described the demonstration as a key step forward in mission-critical communications “This is a breakthrough in defence connectivity high-speed data exchange and improved operational agility even in challenging field conditions.” The companies aim to further develop the concept to support evolving requirements in national defence and international cooperation By combining flexible commercial standards with hardened tactical frameworks the hybrid model is intended to provide Finnish forces with scalable and resilient connectivity for modern warfare The industrial action announced by the IAU may cause changes and delays to departing and arriving flights at Helsinki Airport. Some effects may continue the following day if airlines reroute their passengers. You can check real-time flight information on the Helsinki Airport flights page. We ask passengers to follow the instructions provided by their airline regarding their flight and arrival at the airport. If there are changes to your flight, airlines will communicate directly with their customers. Read Finnair's instructions for passengers and ensure that the airline has your up-to-date contact information airport operations will be gradually restarted and there may be occasional queues at various service points there may be occasional queues at security control in the Departures hall There may also be delays in baggage handling particularly for arriving passengers during the beginning of the week We apologize for the inconvenience caused to passengers Airport company Finavia is not a party to the industrial action We will update this notice as necessary as more information becomes available Updated on May 5th at 10:00: The possible impacts of the strike on Monday and Tuesday there may be occasional queues at security control Predicted Security Check Queue Time The Helsinki-Rostock subsea cable that connects Finland to Germany has been severed Authorities said an “external impact” likely caused the incident in the early hours of Monday The 750-mile (1,200km) cable has been damaged in the Baltic Sea and it appears to have been completely cut as all its fiber connections are down Update: A second cable, within 10m of this system was also cut Original story continues: The cable is owned and operated by Finnish networking firm Cinia Oy When asked whether the cable had been sabotaged deliberately said there was currently “no way to assess” the cause of the incident “We can say that such damage doesn’t happen without some kind of external impact,” he said in comments reported by Bloomberg Knaapila added that a ship's anchor or trawling on the ocean floor could have led to the cable being cut OMS Group Sdn’s cable-laying ship Cable Vigilance is being dispatched to the site from Calais to assess the incident and try to repair the damage a director at the National Cyber Security Centre of Finland told reporters that the incident had not impacted Finland’s Internet connectivity The country relies on several routes across Sweden The cable has been operational since 2016 It was laid to help businesses in central Europe connect to data centers based in Finland and other Nordic nations Last year, two cables in the Baltic Sea - connecting Finland and Sweden to Estonia - were damaged The Swedish government said a "partial" break of the cables had occurred Last week, a Russian spy ship known to surveil subsea cables was escorted from Irish waters Data Centre Dynamics Ltd (DCD), 32-38 Saffron Hill, London, EC1N 8FH Email. [email protected]DCD is a subsidiary of InfraXmedia The innovative spirit of the "Pearl of the Baltic" is captured by a new and vibrant destination dedicated to hospitality: the first Radisson RED in Finland Architecture: Anttinen Oiva ArkkitehditInterior design: FyraFurnishings: &Tradition Silent GlissPhoto credits: Riikka Kantinkoski A new landmark for design and creativity has opened its doors in the vibrant heart of the “happiest city,” Helsinki: Finland’s first Radisson RED located in Kaisaniemi Park – the oldest park in the capital – represents a perfect blend of contemporary design and art with its bold and modern architecture designed by the Finnish studio Anttinen Oiva Arkkitehdit It is the Fyra studio that implements the brand’s distinctive concept: blending the local Nordic atmosphere and architectural elements with Radisson RED’s recognizable visual identity the designers have created an interior that enhances the surrounding environment with a material palette of dark shades Surrounded by iconic landmarks – the Central Station and the lush greenery of the Kaisaniemi Botanic Garden – the hotel features 195 rooms and suites designed with a special focus on design and furnishings from companies such as Artek Art plays a central role throughout the project: guests are greeted in the lobby by an impressive sculpture inspired by the “Lantern Carriers” of the railway station – depicting men with large globe-shaped lanterns – while at the center of the hotel “Gust of Wind,” 24 meters high and created by Finnish artist Jenni Rope appears as a totemic element connecting the park’s nature with the indoor spaces “Radisson RED Helsinki is our fourth Radisson RED hotel in Scandinavia following the opening of the first in Denmark and two in Oslo,” says Tom Flanagan Karttunen Senior VP Northern & Western Europe at Radisson Hotel Group “The Radisson RED brand is highly appreciated in the Nordic region due to its focus on cutting-edge design and art as well as the relaxed atmosphere catering to various types of travelers.” the perfect combination of raw surfaces and warm dark woods creates a welcoming atmosphere complemented by a lighting design that significantly affects the ambiance A distinctive feature that finds its stylistic quintessence in the RED Bar and Kitchen restaurant designed with an open-air terrace overlooking the park The largest diffusion magazine in the luxury & design world Privacy Policy(function (w,d) {var loader = function () {var s = d.createElement("script") tag = d.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; s.src="https://cdn.iubenda.com/iubenda.js"; tag.parentNode.insertBefore(s,tag);}; if(w.addEventListener){w.addEventListener("load" false);}else if(w.attachEvent){w.attachEvent("onload" loader);}else{w.onload = loader;}})(window The world’s most sustainable travel destination is giving its harbour a facelift with an eco-friendly hotel that whispers cool Scandi minimalism while reconnecting guests with nature On a windswept late November evening at the edge of the waterfront in Helsinki’s Katajanokka harbour new white building shines brightly in the wintery night sky illuminated walls undulating like a giant concertina of corrugated card monolithic cruise ships destined for Stockholm or Tallinn neoclassical palaces and municipal buildings of the Christmas market-filled Senate Square are a reminder of the city’s 19th-century past as part of the Russian empire The building is the latest in a new wave of grand-scale, sustainable, wooden constructions, which, alongside the city’s clean air – it is one of the least polluted in Europe and has a high proportion of green-certified hotels (close to 90%) – helped Helsinki top the Global Destination Sustainability (GDS) Index and be named the world’s most sustainable travel destination As I walk into Katajanokan Laituri’s minimalist I’m greeted by the sound of birdsong and gentle ambient music It feels like the perfect accompaniment to the classically “Finimalist” space – as Finland’s renowned often minimalist design has been nicknamed It is a Scandi cross between a peaceful zen garden a 1960s cathedral and the inside of a head of garlic made of blond wood View image in fullscreenView image in fullscreenFinimalist design … The Katajanokan Laituri building home to the Solo Sokos Pier 4 hotel (above The lobby of the hotel is ‘a Scandi cross between a peaceful zen garden and a 1960s cathedral’ Photograph: Eveliina Vuorma/City of HelsinkiThe hotel uses renewable electricity and 85% of the restaurant’s ingredients are sourced from within Finland Drinking glasses are made from recycled beer bottles and leftover building materials have been repurposed into small tables for the lobby cafe was designed as part of the building’s aim to help guests connect with nature “We want you to feel calm even though you’re in the city centre of Helsinki,” says Selina Anttinen of Anttinen Oiva Architects “Like you’re relaxing in a Finnish forest.” Connecting to nature is also a key part of Helsinki city council’s plans for the Katajanokka area but in fact more of a heart-shaped headland jutting out from Helsinki’s eastern shore redbrick maritime buildings and art nouveau apartment blocks but is now undergoing a major transformation alongside the cobbled streets still gritted from the previous week’s snowfall bulldozers were hard at work preparing the land for a new waterfront promenade and cycle path running 30km around the peninsula We want you to feel calm even though you’re in the city centre of HelsinkiSelina Anttinen architect“The idea is to improve access to the water so that the sea will feel closer than before,” says Anni Sinnemäki you’re more connected to the changes in nature and the beauty of it “There’s also an obligation that the shoreline cannot be private,” she continues “Our philosophy when developing Helsinki as a tourist destination is that we think of it from the local perspective We shouldn’t only build things for tourists It’s much better that the city is good for those who live here Then it’s attractive for tourists as well.” In addition to the plans for the promenade a major international architectural competition is also under way to build a new architecture and design museum bringing together the collections of the two existing – but currently separate – Architecture and Design Museums into one building Just beyond the tram tracks behind the hotel steep hilly streets are filled with 19th-century buildings in shades of dusky rose and ochre and with Rapunzel-style turrets and ornately carved wooden doors in the national romantic style – Finland’s version of art nouveau the area later became Katajonokka’s bohemian quarter and was the childhood home of Moomins author Tove Jansson from 1914 to 1933 The Finnish philosophy is to take a more make-do-and-mend approach, looking to renovate, repurpose and recycleOn the other side of the tram tracks, the green and gold domes of the 1868 Orthodox Uspenski Cathedral loom high on a hilltop like a turbaned Byzantine ogre looking down below complete with Aalto’s original “beehive” pendant lamps and impressive views out to the bay beyond My tour guide Jaana Woll explains that rather than replacing existing buildings the Finnish philosophy is to take a more make-do-and-mend approach rural nation of fishers and agriculture workers,” she says “We don’t have oil but one area we can compete in is with applied arts and thinking Design comes from craftsmanship and problem-solving and now there’s more and more emphasis on sustainability and how long things can last so we’re always looking at the life cycle of materials.” My Katajanokka lunch destination seems to sum up Jaana’s point. In a redbrick former warehouse building just around the corner from the Pier 4 hotel, I tuck into soft flaking, pan-fried wild fish in a warm blanket of brown butter sauce at the Green Michelin-starred Nokka (three courses €49) wild and sustainable Finnish ingredients and minimising waste By the time I’ve finished lunch, it’s dark outside and as the sound of carols echoes from the nearby Christmas market. I can’t resist one last classically Finnish – and suitably sustainable – experience. Next door to Katajanokan Laituri, a low-rise wooden building on the waterfront is home to the Allas Sea Pool and Sauna and after an invigorating swim looking out to sea from the heated pool I join locals easing off the stress of their working day in the sauna As the dry heat rising up from the coals fills my lungs Eddi Fiegel was a guest of Helsinki Partners. The Solo Sokos Pier 4 Hotel has double rooms from €165 B&B