Guidebook Updates for Finland

When we learn of critical changes to the information in our guidebooks on Finland, we post them here. (Of course, it's still smart to reconfirm critical transportation and sightseeing details locally.) Armed with a Rick Steves guidebook and these late-breaking updates, you're set for a great trip!

Helsinki

For books printed before July 2024, the following may also apply:

  • Helsinki's tourist information office has moved to a new location on Senate Square (Mon–Fri 9:30–17:00, Sat–Sun 10:00–16:00, shorter weekend hours off-season, Aleksanterinkatu 24 — at the corner with Sofiankatu street, +358 9 3101 3300). All other tourism office locations, including at the airport, have closed.
  • Tickets for trams and buses are now only be available via contactless payment, not cash. (Helsinki is now essentially cash-less across the board.)
  • The National Museum of Finland is closed for renovations, likely until spring 2027.
  • Uber now operates in Helsinki and is generally a better option than taxis, as their cars are cheaper and more plentiful than taxis.
  • The Lutheran Cathedral, previously free, now charges admission in summer (June–Aug).
  • In summer Kamppi Chapel also now charges visitors (€5).
  • Kulttuurisauna now requires advance reservations.
  • Stromma's Helsinki Panorama bus tour now only runs in winter. City Sightseeing's 1.5-hour hop-on, hop-off bus tour is the only bus tour running in summer.

For books printed before July 2021, the following may also apply:

  • Because of route changes, the Helsinki Tram Tour, which features a loop through Helsinki on public trams #2 and #3, now requires a transfer at the Auroran Sairaala stop (which is several stops past the original transfer point of Töölön halli).
  • Hotel Torni, home to the Ateljée Bar, with excellent city views, has reopened.
  • Academica Summer Hostel has closed.
  • Linda Line has ceased ferry service between Helsinki and Tallinn.