Networking and helsinki tips

Make the best of your conference days – let’s get to know each other and Helsinki!

Though we hope you prioritize attending the varied conference program, we also invite you to join the networking opportunities outside the main stage program. On this page we also offer you some tips and ideas on getting to know Helsinki area by yourself, with your team, or with the new people you meet in the conference.

1. Thematic side events

NextGen One Day
Tue 3.6. at 9–16, Saalem Church, Helsinki

Women’s Reception
Wed 4.6. at 20–21, Helsinki Ice Hall

Evangelists’ Reception
Thu 5.6. at 20–21, Helsinki Ice Hall

These meetings are designed for NextGen leaders, women and evangelists to connect, be encouraged and grow in their calling. Please, register here as soon as possible!

2. Morning run & walk

Run with Stefan
Thu 5.6. 7:00–7:30
Sat 7.6. 7:00–7:30

Our conference host, pastor Stefan Sigfrids invites you for a morning run on Thursday and Saturday mornings. We will meet in front of the Scandic Hotel Grand Central at 7 am (sharp!) and run for about 5 km (~6 min/km). Let’s meet here!

Walk with Sari Essayah, the Minister for Agriculture and Forestry of Finland
Thu 5.6. 8:00–8:30

Our conference guest, minister Sari Essayah, former racewalker World Champion (1993) and European Champion (1994), invites you for a morning walk on Thursday morning. We will meet in front of the Pikku Finlandia at 8 am (sharp!) and go for a 30-min walk around Töölönlahti (Töölö Bay). Let’s meet here!

3. Guided Helsinki tours

Intro to Helsinki guided tour (~3 hrs)
Mon 2.6. 13:00
Meeting point: Senate Square, in front of the statue of Alexander II, let’s meet here!
Guide: Emil Anton, ThD

Welcome to Helsinki! On this guided tour of approximately 3 hours, you will get to know the history of Finland and its capital. We will see the most attractive sights of the city, centered around Senate and Market Squares as well as the Railway Station area. The tour will end at Oodi library. The tour is free (tip-based), welcome!

Holy Helsinki Walk (~2,5 hrs)
Tue 3.6. 13:00
Meeting point: In front of Temppeliaukio Church (The Church in the Rock), let’s meet here!
Guide: Emil Anton, ThD

Get to know Holy Helsinki on this 2-3 hour walk with Doctor of Theology Emil Anton. Today, we will skip the famous cathedrals and instead discover some of the less-known sanctuaries and religious curiosities of downtown Helsinki, such as the meeting places of different Finnish revival movements and free churches. The tour will end at St. Henry’s Cathedral. It is also the guide’s 39th birthday! The tour is free (tip-based), welcome!
Please note that visiting the Church in the Rock costs 8 € and is not included in the tour. The visit can be done individually before the tour.

Come & See! Helsinki Christian City Tour (2 hrs)
Mon 2.6. 15:00 (upon reservation through the website)
Tue 3.6. 10:00 (upon reservation through the website), 15:00 and 18:30
Wed 4.6. 10:00
Sat 7.6. 9:30
Meeting point: In front of Café Eliel at the Helsinki train station, let’s meet here!
Guide: Cédric Placentino, a theologian and researcher of Christian history with a passion to reform the nations

This tour will give you a fascinating overview of how the Bible has made Finland the happiest nation in the world. The walking tour is approximately two hours long and covers a distance of several kilometres, but there is a chance to rest on benches or steps, if needed. We will visit a number of interesting locations to discover the power of the gospel in building a nation. Price 20/15 € per person, each tour requires a minimum of 3 participants. More information here!

4. Connect with people

We encourage you to get to know other conference participants, share your thoughts and vision and encourage each other. Maybe you also find new possibilities for co-operation in the future. Whether at the Ice Hall, hotel breakfast, conference lunch, or during dinner time, let’s make the best of each situation to have fellowship and find new friends.

See more tips below!

What to do in Helsinki

We have collected here some tips for you to get to know Finland, Finnish culture, and your surroundings in Helsinki. We’ve picked out a few of our favorites here, there is no commercial collaboration involved.

Helsinki is full of great places to explore. Feel free to pop into your local café or restaurant, shop in small boutiques and large department stores, and check out a church or library along the way.

You’ll soon discover that Helsinki is a very walkable city. However, with an HSL ticket you can not only get to the Ice Hall, but also take the metro, bus, tram or even a ferry to explore the more remote parts of the city.

To find out more about Helsinki and other summer activities, check out the “My Helsinki” website at myhelsinki.fi.

Art & culture

Finland is known for its vivid and interesting art, design and culture scene. Here are some of the most interesting museums in Helsinki. There are also numerous interesting art galleries in the city center. Museums usually have small entrance fee, where as most of the galleries have none. And let’s not forget one of the most important parts of the Finnish culture, sauna!

WHAT

WHY

WHERE

Amos Rex Art Museum

Unique and surprising experiences through presenting new, often experimental, contemporary art.

Mannerheimintie 22–24

Ateneum Art Museum: Finnish National Gallery

Finland’s most renowned art museum, the collection spans from the 18th century to Modernism and includes nearly 30,000 national treasures.

Kaivokatu 2

Design Museum

Unique experiences and new perspectives on multidimensional design and architecture.

Korkeavuorenkatu 23

Helsingin City Museum

An overall experience with the milieu, exhibitions and indoor decoration describing daily life in the Helsinki of past.

Aleksanterinkatu 16-18

Helsinki Art Museum HAM

One of the most prominent art museums in Finland and the Nordic region. HAM hosts a rich collection of over 10,000 artworks.

Eteläinen Rautatiekatu 8

Kulttuurisauna (Culture sauna)

A small unique, ecological design sauna close to Helsinki city center. Walk-ins welcome on morning shifts, for evening shifts pre-booking is mandatory. No group reservations. Bathing suit needed for swimming. Check other instructions on website.

Hakaniemenranta 17

Löyly sauna & restaurant

One of Time Magazine´s “World 100 Greatest Places”. Traditional sauna, smoke sauna, wood-heated sauna, and a chance to dip into the sea. Prior reservation highly recommended. NOTE! Mixed sauna with swimming suits.

Hernesaarenranta 4

Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma

A place where people meet art and where everyone is welcome.

Mannerheiminaukio 2

Natural History Museum

More than just a museum, also a research institution that manages one of the world's largest natural history collections.

Pohjoinen Rautatiekatu 13

Seurasaari Open-Air Museum

When you arrive on the island, you are immediately transported to a rural landscape from the olden days, far away from the hustle and bustle of urban life.

Seurasaarentie

Sinebrychoff Art Museum

The collections include the most valuable and internationally significant paintings by old masters held in Finland, dating from the 14th century up to the 1850s. The collection includes approximately 6500 national treasures.

Bulevardi 40

Tahto Sport Museum

Unique museum experiences and viewpoints on sports and physical culture at the Olympic Stadium of Helsinki.

Paavo Nurmen tie 1

Nature

In Finland, you’re never more than a short walk from nature – even when you are staying in the heart of the country’s capital, Helsinki. There is plenty of space and a very special flora and fauna for you to explore. We encourage you to find your way to the nature in midst of the conference hassle. Take a greener route to the Ice Hall, spend some time by the sea, take a boat to one of the islands, or visit a national park.

WHAT

WHY

WHERE

Finnish Nature Centre Haltia

In Espoo, just a 30-min drive from Helsinki, you’ll find stunning exhibitions, access to Nuuksio’s extensive trail network, an equipment rental service, a shop for outdoor gear and gifts, Restaurant, as well as an accessible scenic terrace and campfire sites.

Nuuksiontie 84, Espoo

Flying cinema tour of Helsinki & Finland Experience

Beautiful virtual cinema experiences take you around and inside Helsinki´s and Finland´s most interesting landmarks, without worries about the weather or distance.

Katajanokanlaituri 2 B

Hietaranta Beach

Changing shelters, outdoor & indoor showers, toilet, outdoor gym, basketball court, beach volleyball court and café. Indoors facilities close at 19:30, the changing shelters and outdoor showers are open round the clock.

Hiekkarannantie 11

Kaisaniemi Botanic Garden

The outdoor garden and greenhouses offer unique plant experiences throughout the year.

Kaisaniemenranta 2

Keskuspuisto, Central Park

A central forest spanning almost ten kilometres and running through Helsinki. The most popular and extensive outdoor recreation area in Helsinki, where you can enjoy the forest nature all year round. You can access the park from Nordenskiöldinpolku, ~10 min walk from the Ice Hall.

Nordenskiöldinpolku

Korkeasaari Zoo

Korkeasaari Zoo was established in 1889 as a teaching and educational facility to provide an uplifting pastime in a public park. Alongside species conservation, the zoo's main mission is still to provide education about nature and the environment.

Mustikkamaanpolku

Lammassaari

A recreational island, the accessible duckboards (a path made of wooden planks) begin from Pornaistenniemi. Together with the nature trail, the duckboards form an accessible recreational path of ~3,5 km.

Lammassaari

Nuuksio

Explore representative natural features of Southern Finland: diverse forests, a range of water bodies and interesting rocky outcrops together with the numerous trails and small paths in the park. See also Finnish Nature Centre Haltia.

Nuuksiontie 84, Espoo

Winter Garden

A leisurely plant paradise in a central location, a forever favourite of both Helsinki residents and tourists.

Hammarskjöldintie 1 A

Sights

There are several interesting places easily accessible for you during your stay in Helsinki. Some of the sights listed here you can stop by on your way to or from the Ice Hall, some take a little bit more time. Libraries and churches are usually open for visitors daily. Some churches have a small entrance fee for tourists.

Notice also the guided tours presented to you in the beginning of this page!

WHAT

WHY

WHERE

Helsinki Cathedral

The Neoclassical church is a part of the Empire-style centre of Helsinki designed by architect Carl Ludvig Engel and the town planner Johan Albrecht Ehrenström.

Unioninkatu 29

Hietaniemi Cemetery

The cemetery area is open for visitors for quieet walks. This is also the location for Finnish state funeral services.

Hietaniemenkatu 20

Hop on-Hop off bus

A bus sightseeing tour around the city where you hop on and off as much as you like. The tour takes you to the top sights of Helsinki, such as the Sibelius monument and the Temppeliaukio Church in the Rock.

Several stops, see the map from the website.

Kallio Church

The grey granite church from 1912 is one of the most prominent landmarks of Helsinki. The Kallio church serves the most urban, most densely populated, residential area in Finland.

Itäinen Papinkatu 2

Kamppi Chapel

A space for silence and connection in the heart of Helsinki. Everyone is welcome to enjoy a moment of peace and quiet in the wooden chapel.

Simonkatu 7

Linnanmäki Amusement Park

Finland’s oldest and most popular amusement park features over 40 rides and a wide variety of games and food stalls. Linnanmäki is maintained and developed by the Children’s Day Foundation, which raises funds for child welfare work. 15-min walk from the Ice Hall.

Tivolikuja 1

Mikael Agricola Church

The church, named after Bishop Mikael Agricola, who created the basis for the literary Finnish language, rises above the roofs of Punavuori and Eira. This is one of the most actively used churches in our country. It is also known as the home of the Tuomas mass and the experimental parish work of the Agricola movement.

Tehtaankatu 23

National Library of Finland

Located right next to the Senate Square is Finland’s largest and oldest scientific library, as well as a cultural attraction. The library is open to all.

Unionkatu 36

Old Church

In the heart of Helsinki, in the old Kamppi cemetery, also known as Old Church Park, stands the Old Church, completed in 1826. It is decorated with simple pillars in the Doric style, gables and a delicate bell tower.

Lönnrotinkatu 6

Oodi Helsinki Central Library

Oodi is a living meeting place at the Kansalaistori square, right at the heart of Helsinki. It is one of 38 branches of Helsinki City Library and part of the Helmet library network.

Töölönlahdenkatu 4

St John's Church

In the late nineteenth century, St John’s Church was built on a hill in what were then the outskirts of the city. Designed by Adolf Emil Melander of Stockholm, the church building was completed in 1891.

Korkeavuorenkatu 12

Scheduled archipelago boats

Scheduled archipelago boat service to and from Espoo's islands.

Otaranta 8, Espoo

Sibelius Monument

The Sibelius Monument by Eila Hiltunen is dedicated to the Finnish composer Jean Sibelius (1865–1957). The monument is surrounded by the Sibelius Park.

Sibelius Park, Mechelininkatu

SkyWheel Helsinki

Offers you the opportunity to rise to great heights and admire stunning views. The observation wheel is one of the city’s iconic landmarks, providing a fantastic opportunity to explore the beauty of Helsinki from a new perspective.

Katajanokanlaituri 2

Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, World Heritage Site

The Suomenlinna Sea Fortress is a cultural treasure. Its construction began in the mid-18th century. The ferry leaves from the market square, 15-min ride, HSL tickets apply.

Ferry to Suomenlinna leaves from Helsinki Market Square.

Temppeliaukio Church, The Rock Church

The Rock Church is the most interesting church in Helsinki! It is not only a popular tourist sight but also an active Lutheran church.

Lutherinkatu 3

Uspenski Cathedral

The main cathedral of the Orthodox Parish of Helsinki and the Diocese of Helsinki. This center of worship is also one of the most important attractions in Helsinki receiving ~0,5 million visitors every year.

Pormestarinrinne 1

Shopping & souvenirs

Although we are not in Helsinki for a shopping trip, perhaps you would like to find something Finnish to take home with you, or maybe your loved ones would appreciate you bringing them back a small gift from Finland.

Finnish rye bread is delicious, and the dry, crispy varieties (look for hapankorppu or varrasleipä) travel well. Many Finns have a sweet tooth, so you’ll find a wide selection of chocolates and sweets in every supermarket. If you would like to buy something Finnish, try Fazer chocolate (suklaa) or Panda sweet liquorice (lakritsi). We dare you to try the salty liquorice (salmiakki) too! You’ll either love it or hate it!

As mentioned before, we are known for our design and unique fashion. Both you will find in the stores mentioned here, and many other locations around the city.

WHAT

WHY

WHERE

Forum

Shopping center

Mannerheimintie 14–20

Hakaniemi Market Square

Having been in operation since 1897, Hakaniemi Market Square features traditional market square delicacies and atmosphere: seasonal vegetables, berries and herbs.

Hämeentie 1

Helsinki Market Square

Helsinki Market Square is the city’s most international and well-known market square. In addition to traditional market square delicacies, vendors sell goods such as handcrafts, souvenirs and a wide variety of market square food.

Shopping center

Shopping center

Shopping center

Shopping center

Marimekko store

Pohjoisesplanadi 33, also other stores in the city center

Moomin Shop Esplanadi

Moomin store

Department store

Department store

Coffee & food

Here in Finland we drink a lot of coffee, and we surely appreciate our daily pulla (a sweet bun). One of our specialties is korvapuusti, the Finnish cinnamon bun. When we get hungry, a bowl of warm salmon soup is always a good choice.

Finnish culinary traditions come in many forms nowadays and we encourage you to try something new every day! As the selection of restaurants and cafés is exceptionally wide in the city center, we have only selected a few examples here.

WHAT

WHY

WHERE

Andante

A a multi-roaster café working with over 30 local and international coffee roasters, each committed to ethical and sustainable practices. The coffee selection changes with the seasons. Serves also house-made pastries, breakfasts, and a selection of warm and refreshing drinks.

Fredrikinkatu 20

Blue Villas Cafe

This charming outdoor café is a traditional Finnish family business. Café is located in the courtyard of the Blue Wooden Villa, built in 1896 at Töölö Bay.

Linnunlauluntie 11

Cafe Carusel

A living room for the whole family with a magnificent seascape. Local food, responsibility and healthiness.

Merisatamanranta 10

Cafe Regatta

Cafe Regatta is located by the sea, close to Sibelius monument. The traditional red cottage cafe has brought a part of Finnish countryside to the middle of Helsinki.

Merikannontie 8

Café Restaurant Ursula

A popular living room on the shore of beautiful Kaivopuisto Park. Take a break from the city rush and relax with a beautiful view. Founded in 1952, Ursula has always steered its profits to charities.

Ehrenströmintie 3

Café Succès

Founded in 1957, this café has been a central part of Helsinki’s café culture. It still operates in the same location and remains under the ownership of the same family.

Korkeavuorenkatu 2

Ekberg 1852

Finland’s oldest pâtisserie and bakery. Helsinki and its residents have treated themselves to their buns, pastries and bread since 1852.

Bulevardi 9

Heritage Cafe

Specialty coffee shop and a gallery, often displaying art by Christian artists.

Fredrikinkatu 61

Konstan Möljä

Traditional Finnish restaurant with a maritime twist. Anchored in Hietalahdenkatu since 1981, with a story going back to the old Viipuri, a castle city in beautiful Karelia, they serve traditional Finnish food and authentic Karelian memories.

Hietalahdenkatu 14

Kultá Kitchen & Bar

A restaurant inspired by the rugged beauty, charm, and flavors of the North. Valueing their northern roots they use the world’s purest ingredients from the North, such as game, reindeer, mushrooms, lichens, and birch leaves.

Bulevardi 28

Lappi Restaurant

Food, interior, ambience and friendly service are the major things that make the Lappi Restaurant a “must” place to visit. Pure and most of all fresh Finnish ingredients in all dishes give you a true experience to Lappish cuisine - elk, reindeer, salmon, whitebait, arctic char and whitefish.

Annankatu 22

RAMS Roasters

A small but genuine specialty coffee shop experience and superb artisan bakery products, maybe the best korvapuustis in town.

Neitsytpolku 10 B

Restaurant Teatteri Grill

The Teatteri Grill at the heart of the restaurant complex is a popular meeting place with locals and tourists alike. A comfortable setting and delicious food and drinks.

Pohjoisesplanadi 2

Restaurant Saaga

A story of Finnish flavours, blending traditional ingredients with modern influences. Finnish cuisine reflects the country’s connection to nature and its seasons. Berries, mushrooms, fish, and game meat are staples, often prepared with simple yet flavourful techniques. -10% discount on food and drinks. Mention the discount coupon when making a reservation, and show the coupon to the staff upon arrival at the restaurant.

Bulevardi 36

Restaurant Saari

As you land on the shores of the Sirpalesaari Island you’ll be treated to the gorgeous view across the Gulf of Finland. The faraway horizon and the gently lapping waves whisper of a perfect summer’s evening just around the corner. You are just a stone’s throw from the centre of Helsinki but still far away from the city’s hustle and bustle. A connection boat (subject to a charge) serves the island every 20 minutes during restaurant’s opening hours. -10% discount on food and drinks. Mention the discount coupon when making a reservation, and show the coupon to the staff upon arrival at the restaurant.

Sirpalesaari Island

Restaurant Savotta

Savotta is a Finnish restaurant which offers genuine Finnish food and atmosphere. They use only Finnish ingredients from the pristine forests and lakes and from carefully selected small suppliers. Savotta means a logging site.Therefore the interior decoration and dishes has got inspiration of the Finnish forests and thousands of lakes, with a dash of Finnish nostalgy from the past decades and logging traditions -10% discount on food and drinks. Mention the discount coupon when making a reservation, and show the coupon to the staff upon arrival at the restaurant.

Aleksanterinkatu 22

Savoy

Overlooking the Esplanade Park in the heart of Helsinki, this 8th floor restaurant has served guests for more than 85 years. Savoy’s food is Finnish-French and strictly based on seasonal ingredients. The wine cellar is one of the largest in the country.

Eteläesplanadi 14

Strindberg

Classic restaurant and café in the beautiful scenery of Esplanadi. Some of their most loved dishes are chargrilled Salmon, Strindberg's meatballs, steak Rydberg and French toast for dessert.

Pohjoisesplanadi 33

Yes Yes Yes

YesYesYes is a vegetarian restaurant with vibrant atmosphere and seasonally changing menu. The kitchen makes all components from scratch, using the highest quality ingredients from local farms. The menu is alive and has the freedom to travel to any city or culture and create its own style.

Iso Roobertinkatu 1

Sport

Long conference days may wear you out if you do not take care of yourself. We hope you will sleep well in Helsinki, but we also encourage you to be active in Helsinki. Instead of only walking around the Ice Hall, maybe you would like to try refreshing swim in the sea, a rope adventure, or play a round of golf?

Whether you enjoy high intensity training or slow and relaxing movement, Helsinki offers you a variety of options. Here are a few ideas to inspire you. Remember also the hosted morning walks and runs presented in the beginning of this page!

WHAT

WHY

WHERE

Allas Sea Pool

Sauna and outdoor swimming place in Helsinki city center.

Katajanokanlaituri 2 A

Golf simulator Tapiola Bogey Park

Golf simulator and minigolf arena in Ainoa Shopping Center in Tapiola, Espoo.

Länsituuli 5, Espoo

Korkee Mustikkamaa

Korkee Mustikkamaa was the first rope adventure park in the region. The specialties of Korkee Mustikkamaa are climbing walls up to 12 meters high, a base jump down to the ground, and a Tarzan slide.

Mustikkamaanpolku 8

Laajasalon Golf

Golf course in Helsinki.

Repossaarentie 15

Laguuni Hietsu

Wakeboarding, kayaking, sup-boarding, water park, flyboarding, swimming & sauna.

Hiekkarannantie

Tapiola Golf

Golf course in Espoo.

Turveradantie 17, Espoo

Tapiola Tennis Park

Indoor and outdoor tennis venue in Tapiola, Espoo.

Tuulikuja 1, Espoo

Swimming Stadium

Outdoor swimming arena (50 m).

Hammarskjöldintie 5

Walking or running around Töölönlahti

You can start your route around Töölönlahti, Töölö Bay, for example from the backyard of the famous Finlandia house.

Karamzininranta 4

Travelling

If this a short trip for you, stay in Helsinki area and enjoy your time here! If you are here for longer time, there are several easy ways to get to know Finland a bit more. Here’s just three special recommendations for you. Check Visit Finland in VisitFinland.com for more ideas!

WHAT

WHY

WHERE

Fiskars

Home of creativity. Sharing a maker mentality, the people living in Fiskars are the heart and soul of the village. Connected through entrepreneurship, creativity and a sense for hospitality, they create an inviting and charming atmosphere to moments small and big. 70-min drive from Helsinki by car.

Fiskars Village

Hanko

In Hanko life is outdoors. Whether you’re looking for an active nature experience or a high-quality pampering holiday, Hanko delivers. A beautiful city on the shore of the infinite sea, with various activities and unique cultural experiences. 90-min drive from Helsinki by car.

Hanko Town

Porvoo

Porvoo is the second oldest town in Finland after Turku. The settlement in the Porvoo region began in the 13th and 14th centuries. The Old Porvoo, and the newer Empire-style part of Porvoo tell us stories about the past while offering the activities, cafés, restaurants and boutiques of today. Porvoo is just a 45-min drive from Helsinki by car and there are also bus routes available.

Porvoo City