Overview
With an emphasis on Jewish culture, this tour features the highlights of Helsinki.
The founders of the Scandinavian Jewish community chose these vast northern lands to distance themselves from anti-Semitism. Finland is bound by Norway on the north, Russia to the east, the Baltic Sea on the south, and the west is shared by the Gulf of Bothnia and Sweden.
Helsinki is a place where east and west, old and new, and the urban environment and nature come together. With our great guides, you'll be touched by this city and its history.
On this tour, we'll begin with such must-see sites as the famous Senate Square, the City Center, and the beautiful south shore with its famous historical islands--home to castles, naval bases, museums, fortresses, and now many tourist attractions.
As you travel through the districts of Helsinki, you'll see the renowned Sibelius Monument, located in Sibelius Park (Sibeliuspuisto); lovely Jugendian architecture, another form of art nouveau; the Olympic Stadium; the Rock Church; and Alvar Aalto's Finlandia Hall and Convention Center--all making an impressive combination of sites.
During the tour, your guide will share information about the historical background of those parts of the city that were influenced by or impacted Helsinki’s Jews. Tales of Zionism, of Finnish Jews fighting side by side with German soldiers against the Russians, and of the shelter that the country provided not only for its own Jews, but for those fleeing from other nations, will give you goose bumps.
Your tour culminates at the hard-to-find synagogue and Jewish Community Center. You'll hear a presentation that includes more amazing facts about the local Jews, as well as a beautiful short musical program that has been very popular with visitors. It's very impressive and we haven't found a comparable experience in any other European city.
- We suggest that you dress comfortably and bring your camera.
- Please note: If you purchase the private car for up to 4 people, one of the passengers will be in the middle seat in the back of the sedan. If you are uncomfortable touring in a sedan, please contact ShoreTrips prior to booking and we can arrange an alternative vehicle, albeit at a higher cost.
- Please call ShoreTrips if there are more than 16 people in your group.
- The entrance fees are not included. The Rock Church is 3 Euros per person and the Synagogue is 5 Euros per person.
- This tour is not available on Saturdays or holidays.
Days offered: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday
Departures:- 08:00 AM, duration: 4 hours Please contact ShoreTrips to change this departure time prior to placing you reservation
- 09:00 AM, duration: 4 hours Please contact ShoreTrips to change this departure time prior to placing you reservation
- 01:00 PM, duration: 4 hours Please contact ShoreTrips to change this departure time prior to placing you reservation
