Helsinki Walking Tour - Small Group





Description
Would you like to explore Helsinki like a local? Keep on reading! Forget those crowded and impersonal touristy tours and join this walking tour to experience Helsinki in a fun and informative way. All the tours are be led by me, Jonna, a local helsinkian and the founder of Rento Helsinki Tours. You’ll get to explore Helsinki’s sights at an easy-going pace and learn about the country’s history, culture, and society. You’ll get to ask all of your questions, and as the group size is limited to 8, you’ll get more interaction with your guide. You’ll hear stories that only a person born and raised in Finland would know about. After the tour, you’ll know why is there a statue of a Russian Czar in the most famous square of Helsinki? Is Finland really the happiest country in the world? When do Finns gather in the market square to swim in a fountain? What’s the “unicorn block”? Is Finnish that difficult to learn? Join this tour to get a real idea of Helsinki, instead of the touristic one!
Tour Options
Itinerary
The most important square of the city and the postcard view of Helsinki. Here we'll see the Helsinki Cathedral, the old Senate, the University of Helsinki, the National Library and the Statue of Alexander the II. On the Senate Square you'll learn about Helsinki's past, how did the city develop from a tiny fisherman town into a bustling capital of Finland?
Helsinki's main sight, the mighty Helsinki Cathedral, inaugurated in 1852. Join this tour and you'll learn anecdotes about this famous building. The architect of Helsinki Cathedral actually hated Helsinki, what's the deal with that?What's the major religion of Finland? When do Finns gather to do picnics at the staircase in front of the cathedral?
The Bank of Finland, a building from 1883 right behind the Helsinki Cathedral. Here you'll meet te statue J.V Snellman, a 19th century poet and philosopher who influenced heavily to the nationalistic movement of pre-independent Finland. You'll also learn, why is there big bullet holes in Snellman's statue?
The House of the Estate is a stunning neo-renassaince building, were the different estates of 19th century Finland gathered to discuss politics. On this stop, you'll learn about Finland's political system.
The largest Orthodox Cathedral of North-Western Europe. Why is is located in a Lutheran country though?
This stop is dedicated to talk about SAUNA. Finns favorite past time, and that one thing that all the Finns share love towards. You'll learn about the importance of saunas in our every day life, and also you'll learn what is the sauna etiquette.
The famous Helsinki Market Square. Loved among tourists and locals. We'll pass through the market, and talk about Finnish Gastronomy. In the market square you'll also see the President's Palace and the Helsinki City Hall.
Picturesque Parisian style park in the heart of Helsinki. Here you'll meet the statue that seagulls love the most.
Helsinki Central Railway Station from 1919, by a famous Finnish architect, Eliel Saarinen. We'll pass by it and comment about the wide and incredible railway network of Finland. On the Railway Square you'll also see our National Gallery, Ateneum and the National Theater of Finland.
The last (and the best) stop of the tour. Oodi Central Library is considered one of the best public libraries of the world, and for me personally, I consider it my second living room. Have you ever seen a library with recording studios, 3-D printers, lunch restaurant, boardgames and sawing machines? Not to forget the books obviously. To finish the tour, you'll get an extensive library tour, and I promise you'll be amazed by this library.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(177)
Jonna was wonderful! Very engaging and knowledgeable about Finland's history. She accommodated our questions and interests at every opportunity. I was traveling with a 13 year old and she also loved our afternoon with Jonna. I really felt like I learned a lot about Finland both historically and modern day. She also went above and beyond in customer service for us. I could not recommend this more highly if you want a lovely and conversational experience that still manages to teach you a lot. Also, very reasonably priced for the value you get.
A great tour, with excellent guide Jonna. So much knowledge. Highly recommend this small group tour.
Thank you Paul, it was a pleasure to meet you. Have fun on your roadtrip! -Jonna/Rento Helsinki Tours
Jonna made a really good selection to bring Helsinki closer to you in 2.5 hours. History, social aspects, and fun - everything is included. The tour was interesting and entertaining, the group size perfect. Many thanks to Jonna and a clear recommendation for this tour.
Danke schön Julia! I'm happy you chose my tour for your first ever guided tour. Great to hear you liked it. I wish you all the best! -Jonna/Rento Helsinki Tours
Superb. Friendly, knowledgeable and so much more than a tour. Small group is fantastic and worth the money. Answered all questions and learnt subtle stuff you’d never otherwise pick up about Finland.
Thank you for the review, I'm happy to hear you had a good time and learned new things. All the best to you! -Jonna/Rento Helsinki Tours
Our guide was excellent. We learned so much about Finnish cultures and customs. The walking tour was over 2 hrs. Guide spoke excellent English. She would answer any question asked. This tour is a must do if you are in Helsinki. Tons of suggestions of places to see on our visit in Helsinki. I would rate this 10 out of 10. Best tour guide in our 4 week holiday in Scandinavia area.
Thank you very much for your kind words. I’m happy you learned new things and enjoyed the tour overall. I wish you all the best! -Jonna/Rento Helsinki Tours
We had a fabulous tour with Jona. She was funny, friendly and full of knowledge about her hometown. We loved that it was a very small group of 6 people and got the chance to interact with each other. I highly recommend this tour!
Thank you Mary, it was a pleasure to meet you. I'm glad you had a good time on the tour. I wish you all the best! -Jonna/Rento Helsinki Tours
Jonna was a wonderful and knowledgeable tour guide. She started by asking us what our expectations were and what we would like to see. Loved the small group (4 people) which allowed lots of interaction with the tour guide.
Thank you Jack! I'm happy you had a good time on my tour. All the best to you! -Jonna/Rento Helsinki Tours
Joanne was a knowledgeable enthusiastic tour guide who not only presented the sights but described Finnish culture and language to us.
Thank you for joining my tour Catherine. I'm glad you enjoyed it and learnt new things. All the best to you! -Jonna/Rento Helsinki Tours
An excellent tour with. Jona was a very knowledgeable guide, that share with our small group a mix of history, culture and customs of Finland while showing us the most emblematic sites and buildings of Helsinki. Highly recommended tour with Jona, if you want to learn about Finland in a short time.
Thank you for taking a moment to write the review, I appreciate your kind words. I'm glad you liked the tour. Enjoy the rest of summer! -Jonna/Rento Helsinki Tours
An amazing walking tour! Jonna was very easy to speak with, had lots of interesting vignettes and history, and welcomed questions and any special requests. THIS is the tour you should book!
Thank you very much Dave, I'm glad you had a good time on my tour. All the best to you! -Jonna/Rento Helsinki Tours



