General Information about Helsinki

Location

Helsinki is located in the south of Finland on the Gulf of Finland (a section of the Baltic Sea).  Helsinki is spread over a number of bays, peninsulas and islands. The PER/IADR meeting will be help at Finlandia Hall, located in the city center in Helsinki. Helsinki is a beautiful and very walkable city, or can be easily navigated with its extensive tram system.  The city offers a multitude of art and cultural venues, nature to explore, and multiple shopping options.

Helsinki celebrated its 450th anniversary in 2000 as the European Capital of Culture. Helsinki has been elected the Design Capital of the World for 2012.  The theme Open Helsinki – Embedding Design in Life is a more-than-year-long celebration and event whose program consists of events that make use of design as a wide-ranging tool of cultural, social and economic development.  Numerous exhibitions and events will take place as a part of this celebration.  Visit http://wdchelsinki2012 for full information and exhibition listings and dates.

Helsinki attractions include Senate Square, Market Square, Aleksanterinkatu (Helsinki’s Time’s Square), and Linnanmaki Amusement Park, Suomenlinna (a sea fortress), and Heitaniemi Beach.

Climate

Finland offers a colorful autumn. September temperatures range from the mid-40s (around 8 C) to the upper 50s (around 15 C).

Dining

Finnish food has been influenced by both Western and Eastern flavors and techniques. “Local food” and “slow food” are terms used to describe Finnish food.  Local, seasonal and fresh produce can be found throughout Finland, anywhere from coastal areas to inland towns. 

Conference Venue: Finlandia Hall
Finlandia Hall in Helsinki is the location for the conference. Centrally located, in park-like surroundings, Finlandia Hall is within walking distance of many hotels, shops and restaurants, and on the tram system.
A masterpiece by the great Finnish architect Alvar Aalto, Finlandia Hall is worth a visit in its own right, and is visited by thousands of people a year from all over the world.

POST MEETING TOURS

St. Petersburg by High Speed Rail.

The new Finnish train Allegro will transport you between Helsinki and St. Petersburg in just 3.5 hours. With airline style seating, this high speed train offers a comfortable restaurant coach with a nice selection of snacks and drinks. All major credit cards are valid onboard the train. All trains will stop in Vyborg (Russian side) for boarder formalities, passport control on the train.  VISA IS REQUIRED FOR ALL PASSENGERS to enter Russia.
Online booking information and a detailed itinerary is available. (COMING SOON)