Helsinki is a modern city between the east and the west with the charm of the coastal city with the location on the Baltic Sea. The combination of Scandinavia and Eastern Europe gives the city an interesting face and atmosphere. When looking for a weekend destination, this northern capital of Finland is a perfect choice. The distances are short and it is easy to explore the city by foot - without losing the feeling of the urban cosmopolitan. The public transport is also easy to use.
Along with the mixture of east and west Helsinki is also a place where history meets contemporary life. The Senate square, Helsinki Cathedral and Uspenski Cathedral as well as the Market Square are some one of the most iconic landmarks representing the old side of the city and different architecture styles. The title of the World Design Capital in 2012 brought various new places and inspirations and made creative design a part of street view. Communicating with the locals is easy, since Finns are extremely skilled English-speakers and it is not uncommon to know languages like German, Spanish and French as well.
Helsinki is easily achievable from all of Europe. There are around 200 international flights landing to Helsinki-Vantaa airport every day, including direct connections to all of the most important cities. For example London, Berlin and Paris are only a couple of hours away. From Sweden, Estonia and Germany there are daily ferry services.
The beautiful landscape and unique architecture in Helsinki can also be seen in Finland’s biggest marathon event, Helsinki City Marathon. The next event takes place on Saturday August 16th 2014. The international marathon attracts participants from over 50 countries. With more than 5400 participants the event is not as crowded as biggest city marathons but nevertheless has the feeling of a sports festival. As Finns want to embrace the last weeks of summer, on a beautiful day more than 50 000 people can be seen gathering along the route and cheering runners.
Almost half of the route follows the coast line of the Baltic Sea and goes through green parks where the Finnish clean nature and air freshen up the run. Some of the most iconic parts of the city such as Lauttasaari Island, Kaivopuisto Park and Esplanadi Street are included in the route. The run finishes in the legendary Olympic Stadium, the venue of the 1952 Olympics. After the run you can experience the famous Finnish sauna, which is also available for runners in the Stadium.
Finland is known as a safe country where everything works and the organization of the event is no exception – the only thing to worry about is your personal performance. Besides the landscape the event is known for its friendly atmosphere. The event is suitable for first-time runners, but people return year after year.
Other running events in Helsinki: Helsinki Half Marathon, The Summer Run, Runner's Twilight
