Helsinki Airport (HEL)

About Helsinki Airport

Helsinki Airport, officially known at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, is one of Finland's major transport hubs. The airport is the largest of its kind in the country in terms of size and number of passengers. Helsinki Airport serves over 20 million passengers a year, 90% of Finland's total airplane traffic. From Helsinki Airport, you can fly to destinations worldwide, including Shanghai, Dubai, and San Francisco. The airport is located 12 miles north of Helsinki's city center.

Helsinki Airport first opened in 1952 to help deal with increased air traffic caused by the 1952 Olympics. While the airport was operating flights, the first passenger terminal wasn't built until the late 1960s. The Helsinki Airport expanded several times to become the 4th largest airport in the Nordic countries.

If you're traveling from abroad to Finland, you'll almost certainly be passing through Helsinki Airport. While waiting on your flight, ensure you take advantage of the dozens of high-quality restaurants and stores dotted around the terminals.

Things do in and around Helsinki Airport

Whether you're killing time between flights or want to get a quick bite to eat before dashing to your gate, you'll find plenty to do at Helsinki Airport. Located just a few miles from the city, you'll find some great excursions, just a short drive from the airport. Here are a few of the best things to do in and around Helsinki Airport:

• Dine at one of the many restaurants located throughout the airport. You'll have plenty to choose from as the airport contains ramen restaurants, fast food burger joints, classy bistros, and so much more.
• Browse the airport's dozens of shops. Helsinki Airport is home to an eclectic array of shops, from a Moomin souvenir store to designer fashion boutiques. 
• Work up a sweat at the airport sauna. Saunas are an integral part of Finnish culture, and you can enjoy this cultural phenomenon at the airport.
• Marvel at the incredible Temppeliaukion Church. One of the most unusual churches in the Nordic region, Temppeliaukion Church is carved into solid rock.
• Test your artistic temperament at the Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma. There are over 8,000 works of art in this ever-expanding museum's collection, with plenty of Finnish artwork on show, with pieces by sculptor Martti Aiha and painter Albert Edelfelt.

Transit options at Helsinki Airport

• Local bus service (HSL)
• Local train service (Lines I and P)
• Taxi ranks (Lähitaksi, Vantaan Taksi - Helsinki Airport Taxi, Taksi Helsinki)

Luggage storage at Helsinki Airport

Helsinki is the biggest city in Finland, with dozens of family-friendly excursions, cultural activities, and plenty of restaurants serving up delicious local cuisine. While exploring the capital, you won't want to lug your bags across the city, so find a luggage storage service in Helsinki. Bounce has several facilities conveniently located at stores, hotels, and dry cleaners around Helsinki. Just download the Bounce app, and within minutes you can book somewhere to lighten your load before touring this fascinating Nordic city.

Attractions and activities near Helsinki Airport

• Suomenlinna:There are dozens of small islands scattered along Helsinki's coastline, and one of the most interesting is Suomenlinna. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Suomenlinna is a sea fortress constructed by Swedish forces during the late 18th century. Today, Suomenlinna is a popular spot for locals and holidaymakers to enjoy a picnic. As well as being a scenic spot, there are several museums, cafes, restaurants, and numerous historic sights on the island.
  The Suomenlinna Museum is dedicated to preserving and restoring the fortress to its previous splendor, while the Ehrensvärd Museum focuses on the life of Augustin Ehrensvärd, who was the fortress' founder. One of the island's highlights is the submarine Vesikko, which was used during World War II. After exploring the island, stop for a coffee at Cafe Silo, or enjoy a sit-down meal at the historic Aderfelt. You won't want to carry your luggage around the island's many museums, so head to a Helsinki luggage storage service before hopping on the ferry.
• Helsinki Cathedral: Situated on the northside of Senate Square is the Helsinki Cathedral. The cathedral was originally known as St Nicholas' Church and was built in the early 19th century to honor the Grand Duke of Finland. The church was made into a cathedral when the Finnish won independence in 1917. Helsinki Cathedral features an unusual neoclassical architectural design and a plain domed roof. On the roof of the cathedral are intricate marble statues of the Twelve Apostles. Visitors are welcome to wander around the cathedral's interior and take in its beautiful design and religious iconography. 
• Linnanmaki: If you're on vacation with family, plan a trip to Linnanmaki. First opened in 1950, Linnanmaki is an amusement park home to over 40 rides with something for everyone. Thrill-seekers are sure to have a great time at Linnanmaki thanks to the many roller coasters like 1950s wooden Vuoristorata to the modern 60mph Kirnu. There are also tons of classic fairground games and 4D cinema shows to keep you entertained in between the rides. If you get peckish, you'll find dozens of eateries where you can grab everything from a hot dog to a fresh salad. You won't want to have any bags with you while riding some of Linnanmaki's exciting roller coasters, so swing by a Helsinki luggage storage service before visiting.