All Travel Guides

Provided by: Katri Lehtola 2017

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Europe Finland Helsinki Do & See Ainola - The Home of Aino and Jean Sibelius

Overview

Ainola - The Home of Aino and Jean Sibelius

The guide was updated: 2024-02-08

Welcome to Ainola! Here you can learn about the great Finnish composer Jean Sibelius and his family in the setting of his home and garden. Ainola is located close to Lake Tuusula in Järvenpää. The villa was designed by architect Lars Sonck and it was the home of Jean Sibelius from 1904. The composer needed the peace for his creative endeavours and Jean and Aino Sibelius lived at Ainola until the end of their lives and their grave is located in the southern part of the garden, in the shade of the grand fir trees. Ainola museum has been open to the public since 1974.

Useful Information

Address: Ainolankatu, 04400 Järvenpää
Website: www.ainola.fi
Phone: +358 9 287 322 (2.5.-1.10.2017)
Email: info@ainola.fi

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

Amos Rex

Amos Rex

Amos Rex is an art museum where the past, present and future meet. The iconic Functionalist Lasipalatsi (glass palace) and the new gallery spaces under its undulating square provide 10 000 m2 for unique experiences both under- and aboveground and on the silver screen of Bio Rex. Generation 2020, on view 12 Feb – 23 Aug 2020, presents young art that is on the rise. Dive into Ancient Egyptian Art and Culture in the Egypt of Glory exhibition 9 Oct 2020 – 28 Mar 2021.

Helsinki Cathedral

Helsinki Cathedral

Helsinki Cathedral is one of ten cathedral churches of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland. It is the main church of the Diocese of Helsinki and the Helsinki Cathedral Parish, but for many people it is also a symbol of all Helsinki. The Cathedral is a place of silence, a church where people come together for divine service, but it is also a venue for church concerts. The Cathedral is part of the Empire-style centre of Helsinki designed by architect Carl Ludvig Engel.

Suomen valokuvataiteen museo K1 / The Finnish Museum of Photography K1

Suomen valokuvataiteen museo K1 / The Finnish Museum of Photography K1

K1 – the world through photography. The Finnish Museum of Photography’s new exhibition space K1 opens on August 20th 2020. K1 is located in the lowest floor of Kämp Galleria. In its exhibitions K1 presents the work of the most interesting international artists and the most thought provoking Finnish artists. K1 caters not only aesthetic but also intellectual pleasures. K1 offers a high quality experience in art, social gathering and Nordic kitchen.

Villa Hakasalmi

Villa Hakasalmi

Villa Hakasalmi is located between Finlandia Hall and the Helsinki Music Centre, near Töölönlahti Bay. The elegant building is a fine example of a Neoclassical villa. The best-known resident of Villa Hakasalmi was Aurora Karamzin (1808–1902). Today, Villa Hakasalmi is a part of Helsinki City Museum and houses temporary exhibitions.

Worker Housing Museum

Worker Housing Museum

The nine small stove rooms of the Worker Housing Museum provide a glimpse into the history of everyday life in Helsinki. Stove ovens, wash tables and pull-out beds illustrate the life of working families during different phases of the 1900s. The museum is located in a wooden house built in 1909 with traditional decorative plants from the yards of Helsinki’s wooden houses blossoming in the attractive yard in the summer. Entrance to the Worker Housing Museum is free of charge.

Tram museum

Tram museum

At the Tram Museum, you can take a seat in an old tram that instantly transports you to the Helsinki of yesteryear. Let your imagination wander in the tram hall built in 1900! Sit on the driver’s bench, watch old films and study tram tickets. The Tram Museum is located in Töölö, at Korjaamo Culture Factory. Entrance to the Tram Museum is always free of charge.

Burgher’s House

Burgher’s House

Slip in through the yellow gate and get acquainted with the life of the middle-class in the 1860s Helsinki. The Burgher’s House was completed in 1818. It is the oldest remaining wooden house in central Helsinki. Head Fireman Alexander Wickholm bought the house in 1859 as his home with his wife Erika and their three children. The rooms of the house have been restored and decorated according to information obtained from estate inventories to illustrate the life of a wealthy minor official’s family.

Suomenlinna Sea Fortress

Suomenlinna Sea Fortress

Suomenlinna is one of seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Finland and a fascinating destination to explore. There are 6 kilometers of wall, over 100 cannons, exciting tunnels, museums, guided tours, cafés and restaurants. The ferry ride itself is a fun experience, allowing you to see and photograph Helsinki from the sea. Suomenlinna attracts visitors of all ages. The fortress is easily accessed by ferry from the Helsinki Market Square all year round. Around 800 people live in Suomenlinna.

Ateneum Art Museum

Ateneum Art Museum

ATENEUM PRESENTS CLASSICS WITH A TWIST Ateneum is Finland’s best-known art museum and the home of Finnish art. The well-loved works in Ateneum's collection cover the period from the 19th century to Modernism. The museum's hugely popular special exhibitions of Finnish and international art open up new perspectives into the past and the present. Reconnect with your old favourites and fall in love with new ones. Our doors in the heart of Helsinki city centre are open just for you. Welcome!

Temppeliaukio Church

Temppeliaukio Church

Excavated directly into solid rock, Temppeliaukio Church is situated in the heart of Helsinki. Because of its architecture it's one of the main attractions in Helsinki. The rock walls, copper dome and skylight windows create a unique atmosphere inside the church hall. Due to its excellent acoustics the church is a popular venue for concerts. The church welcomes you every day, please check the homepage for details. The entrance fee is 4 €, children visit for free.

The National Museum of Finland

The National Museum of Finland

Housed in a magnificent Jugend building, the museum presents the largest permanent exhibition of archaeology in the country and introduces visitors to Finnish life before industrialisation.

Uspenski Cathedral

Uspenski Cathedral

Completed in 1868 in the Katajanokka district of Helsinki, Uspenski Cathedral is the largest Orthodox church in Western Europe.

Tori Quarters

Tori Quarters

Visit Tori Quarters in the historical centre of Helsinki to discover the heart of the old town meeting the new buzz of the city. The historical buildings of Tori Quarters, used for administration offices for over 40 years, are now being renovated, opening up new spaces for new businesses and Helsinki-dwellers and travellers alike. In the area you find a growing number of cafés, restaurants, design boutiques, craft shops, creative sector companies and renewed public space.

Linnanmäki Amusement Park

Linnanmäki Amusement Park

Linnanmäki is the most popular amusement park in Finland and has the biggest selection of rides in Northern Europe. Come and experience the world-attraction Taiga, a double-launch coaster which will take you upside down four times per ride! The entrance to the park is free.

Allas Sea Pool

Allas Sea Pool

Allas Sea Pool, located a stone’s throw away from the Helsinki market square, proudly stands in one of the best locations in the city. Open every day of the week all year round, Allas offers traditional Finnish saunas, a heated pool (+27°C/ 80,5°F), a sea water pool reflecting the temperature of the Baltic sea and a kid’s pool during the summer season. The café, restaurant and terraces complete the offer and invite you to enjoy the good life by the sea.

Seurasaari Open-Air Museum

Seurasaari Open-Air Museum

Seurasaari is a popular museum island that shows how Finns lived from the 1600s to the 1900s. The beautiful walking paths around the island are popular all year round.

Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma

Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma

Kiasma is closed due to renovation and will reopen in spring 2022. Kiasma breaks the barriers of traditional art museums with exhibitions that provoke and invite debate. The building itself is a work of art.

Helsinki City Museum

Helsinki City Museum

The Helsinki City Museum is the world’s only museum focusing on Helsinki. Personal experiences and everyday life of people in Helsinki are highlighted and reflected in the museum’s items and photographs. A candy wrapper, a squeaky steel spring bed and a photo of a suburb home are precious treasures in the museum. The City Museum is located in the oldest blocks of the city near the Senate Square. In the museum, everyone has the opportunity to fall in love with Helsinki. Always free entrance.

Didrichsen Art Museum

Didrichsen Art Museum

The Didrichsen Art Museum, situated on Kuusisaari island on the western side of Helsinki, is a place where art and architecture meet with nature. The modernist building, designed by architect Viljo Revell, used to be the home of art collectors Marie-Louise and Gunnar Didrichsen. Changing exhibitions varying from Finnish to international art, a unique collection of Pre-Columbian and Oriental art and a sculpture park by the sea.

Löyly

Löyly

Löyly, an urban oasis occupying a stretch of beautiful Helsinki waterfront, offers a warm welcome and many delights for locals and visitors alike. On a beautiful summer’s day, the sunny terrace is the place to be. Restaurant and saunas are open daily throughout the year.

Kunsthalle Helsinki

Kunsthalle Helsinki

Kunsthalle Helsinki is a non-profit exhibition space founded in 1928 and a beautiful example of 1920’s classicism. Presenting annually 5–7 major exhibitions and special events, the main focus of the exhibition programme lies in contemporary art. Restaurant Finnjävel is located in the south western wing of the Kunsthalle. Focusing on Finnish ingredients and Finnish cooking methods, Finnjävel delves into the past in order to create the future of Finnish cuisine.

Helsinki City Theatre

Helsinki City Theatre

The City Theatre’s extensive repertoire includes domestic and foreign dramas; comedies; musicals; productions by its own dance group, the Helsinki Dance Company; children’s plays and plays in Swedish on the stage of the bilingual theatre, Lilla Teatern.

Seurasaari Island

Seurasaari Island

Seurasaari Island, which was established as a folk park over 120 years ago, is one of the cultural attractions that the City of Helsinki offers for tourists. The park also features an open-air museum with 87 historical wooden buildings from different parts of Finland. Seurasaari form a splendid natural venue for organising traditional festivals and events. One of the oldest events in Seurasaari is Midsummer Bonfires.

Espoo’s islands and archipelago

Espoo’s islands and archipelago

Espoo’s lovely islands are within easy reach from Helsinki. In summer, a ferry service will take you to outdoor recreation islands such as Iso Vasikkasaari with an island restaurant. In the mainland, enjoy Espoo’s 40 km long Waterfront Walkway. There are places to stop for a bite to eat and drink, and you can try swimming, fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, a RIB ride or wakeboarding. During cold winters the frozen sea offers the perfect setting for skiing, snowshoe walking and ice fishing.

The Finnish Aviation Museum

The Finnish Aviation Museum

The Finnish Aviation Museum is an exciting visiting destination for the whole family, located in the heart of the Aviapolis area in Vantaa. Our collections include dozens of aircraft related to the history of Finnish aviation. We are a treasure chest of aeronautical information, offering something new for everyone, whether you’re a devoted airplane aficionado or a novice. Fly with us!

Vantaa City Museum

Vantaa City Museum

Vantaa City Museum's temporary exhibitions present the versatile history of the area. The museum is situated along excellent means of communication, in Tikkurila station area, in the old railway station. Admission free!

Vallisaari

Vallisaari

Vallisaari island can be reached from the Helsinki Market Square from May until September. In addition to its' beautiful scenery and fascinating history, Vallisaari offers a range of services for tourists: guided tours, a restaurant, cafés, exhibitions and events. Vallisaari is a true nature destination, so equipping with good shoes is necessary.

Finlandia Hall

Finlandia Hall

Finlandia Hall is one of the most iconic buildings designed by world-renowned Finnish architect, Alvar Aalto, and was planned from the ground up for visitors and a wide range of events. In addition to his overall vision for the building, Aalto designed many of its details, such as the lights and door handles, creating something very unique in the process. Finlandia Hall is a dynamic, multipurpose venue located in the centre of Helsinki. Whatever the occasion – whether it’s a concert, a meeting, or one of the many other events – there’s always something happening at Finlandia Hall.

Ainola - The Home of Aino and Jean Sibelius

Ainola - The Home of Aino and Jean Sibelius

Welcome to Ainola! Here you can learn about the great Finnish composer Jean Sibelius and his family in the setting of his home and garden. Ainola is located close to Lake Tuusula in Järvenpää. The villa was designed by architect Lars Sonck and it was the home of Jean Sibelius from 1904. The composer needed the peace for his creative endeavours and Jean and Aino Sibelius lived at Ainola until the end of their lives and their grave is located in the southern part of the garden, in the shade of the grand fir trees. Ainola museum has been open to the public since 1974.

Helsinki Art Museum HAM

Helsinki Art Museum HAM

HAM, officially the Helsinki Art Museum, looks after an art collection that belongs to the people of Helsinki, which includes over 9,000 individual works of art. HAM maintains and accrues this art collection, which also includes the city’s public artworks. In its domestic and international exhibitions held at Tennis Palace, HAM showcases modern and contemporary art.

Nuuksio National Park

Nuuksio National Park

Nuuksio National Park is wild woods and lakes on Helsinki's doorstep, 40 minutes from the city centre. Escape into wild natural settings and enjoy typically Finnish scenery, with lovely lakes, forests and crags. Visitors can feed reindeer in Finland’s southernmost reindeer park, spend a night in a Tentsile tree tent, go hiking or canoeing, forage and prepare wild food or visit the Finnish Nature Centre Haltia, for example. NuuksioResort (nuuksioresort.fi) offers services for travellers.

Porvoo

Porvoo

Porvoo is the second oldest city in Finland from 14th century and it is located only 50km east of Helsinki. The city has over 50,000 inhabitants and about one third speak Swedish as their mother tongue. Porvoo is the most popular day trip destination in Finland. Over 1,6 million visitors come every year to admire the colorful wooden houses and stroll along winding pebbled streets to enjoy what this city can offer to you.

Military Museum´s Manege and Artillery Manege

Military Museum´s Manege and Artillery Manege

The exhibition at the Military Museum’s Manege Finnish Defence Forces 100 Years at War and Peace portrays the wars Finland has fought during its independence: the Civil War in 1918, the Winter War in 1939–40, the Continuation War in 1941–44 and the Lapland War in 1944–45. The exhibition continues in the adjacent building, Artillery Manege, telling the story of the Finnish Defence Forces in the post-war period up to the present day.

Haltia The Finnish Nature Centre

Haltia The Finnish Nature Centre

The Finnish Nature Centre Haltia is an ecologically designed nature center on the fringes of Nuuksio National park 40 kilometers from Helsinki. The exhibition space features Finland’s most spectacular natural attractions. Haltia is a great starting point for any outdoor excursion in Finland. Other services include a lakeview terrace, daily lunch at Haltia restaurant , café, changing exhibitions, meeting rooms, guided tours, activities and events.

Suomenlinna Museum

The main museum of the fortress is located in the Suomenlinna Centre and is open throughout the year. During the summer season (2 May-30 September) the museum is open from 10 am to 6 pm, and during the winter season (1 October-30 April) from 10.30 am to 4.30 pm. The permanent exhibition showcases the history of the fortress, spanning more than 260 years. The entrance fee includes access to see a short film about Suomenlinna’s history, screened every half an hour in the auditorium.

Ehrensvärd Museum

Ehrensvärd Museum

The Ehrensvärd Museum is located on the original central courtyard of the fortress in the Commander’s House. The first occupant of the building was Augustin Ehrensvärd (1710-1772), the founder of the Suomenlinna fortress. The Ehrensvärd Museum’s collection includes paintings, furniture, weapons and ship models.

Artsi - Vantaa City artmuseum

Artsi - Vantaa City artmuseum

Artsi is punk. Artsi is rock. Artsi is polyphonic. Artsi specialises in graffiti, street art and performance. Artsi is a precursor, paving the way for fresh contemporary art – with an international outlook – in order to avoid boredom. Artsi remembers, records and looks to the future. Free entrance! Always! Artsi – an attitude.

Korjaamo Culture Factory

Korjaamo Culture Factory

Korjaamo Culture Factory is a hub for living urban culture located in an old tram depot unit in Töölö. Korjaamo hosts events across various fields, including music, stand up, films and markets. Two restaurants, Korjaamo Bar & Kitchen and Sushibar + Wine, serve delicious food and drinks all year long. Korjaamo Kino, a small arthouse cinema, has a varied program including premieres, opera and ballet and music documentaries. Helsinki Tram Museum is located in the culture centre as well.

Lake Tuusula

Lake Tuusula

Lake Tuusula is located 15 min from the airport and 30 min from Helsinki. The lakeside is attractive and tranquil and it is difficult to believe you are not far from Helsinki. Historical artists’ villas such as Jean Sibelius’ Ainola, log-built wilderness studio Halosenniemi and many others are open for public and tell the story of how Finnish culture was created. Beautiful scenery, historical sights and safe cycle paths entice to cycle around Lake Tuusula. Perfect and easy day trip destination!

Helsinki Archipelago

Helsinki Archipelago

Enjoy summer time in Helsinki and take a trip to the islands. Helsinki has around 300 islands, with destinations suit everyone. Many of the islands have their own restaurant or campfire locations. You can also fish and enjoy the beautiful nature of the islands in other ways. You can get to the islands using boats run by water traffic operators or you own boats. Come and get to know the city's stunning archipelago.

Theatre Museum

Theatre Museum

The Theatre Museum offers information, insights, joy and entertainment. Liveliness, interactivity and easy access to information are brought to the fore in the exhibitions. Theatre Museum introduces visitors to the art of theatre by and large, to the act of performing, and to the different eras of theatre in Finland. In the exhibitions there are several hands-on-exhibits and experimentation points that invite visitors to touch, do and experiment on different elements and features of theatre.

The Finnish Museum of Photography

The Finnish Museum of Photography

The Finnish Museum of Photography presents exhibitions by Finnish and international photographers, by both established and emerging talents. The museum opened its doors in Helsinki in 1969 and is one of the oldest photography museums in Europe.

Tamminiemi

Tamminiemi

Big decisions have been made in these rooms. The official residence of our presidents is a must-see location that sheds light on what goes on behind the scenes of power and politics. Join a guided tour where you will learn about the presidential terms of Ryti, Mannerheim and Kekkonen, and Finland’s history after the war. Enjoying an unhurried lunch or coffee in the museum café by the sea will make your visit complete.

Music Museum Fame - Finnish Music Hall of Fame

Music Museum Fame - Finnish Music Hall of Fame

The Music Museum Fame is a completely new, innovative museum that presents Finnish music all the way from the 1890s until today- including all music genres. The visitor has access to virtual spaces and situations that have never been possible until now. In the Music Museum you can admire, play, sing and dance – be in the middle of concert or experience a festival atmosphere. The Music Museum Fame is aimed for everyone and for all ages. Open every day from 9-21. Welcome!

Galleria Mafka&Alakoski

Galleria Mafka&Alakoski

Galleria Mafka&Alakoski is a gallery & shop focusing on new Finnish glass. The gallery has changing glass art exhibitions and the shop offers a selection of mouthblown glass art and design made in Finland. The gallery is located in a heart of Punavuori area, within a walking distance of city centre and is a member of Design District Helsinki. Welcome to the fascinating world of glass!

Exhibition Centre WeeGee

Exhibition Centre WeeGee

WeeGee is a museum, exhibition and event hub in Espoo. It houses four museums: EMMA – Espoo Museum of Modern Art, KAMU – Espoo City Museum, the Finnish Toy Museum Hevosenkenkä and the Finnish Museum of Horology. WeeGee also houses the EMMA shop and a café and restaurant Lumière WeeGee. In the yard is the Futuro house, designed by architect Matti Suuronen, which is open to the public from May to September. WeeGee offers visitors experiences and inspiration all year round.

Helsinki Central Library Oodi

Helsinki Central Library Oodi

Oodi is Helsinki’s new Central Library and a living meeting place. Its wide range of services and facilities are available to everybody seven days a week, from early in the morning till late in the evening. Oodi functions as a living room for residents, located right at the heart of Helsinki.

Hotel and Restaurant Museum

Hotel and Restaurant Museum

Hotel and Restaurant Museum is specialised in the history of hotels, restaurants, cafés, tourism and Finnish culinary culture. The permanent exhibition covers the history of catering and also the history of alcoholic beverages and sales of alcohol in Finland. Guidance by arrangement.

Cirko – Center for New Circus

Cirko – Center for New Circus

Since 2002, Cirko – Center for New Circus has been working to promote and develop contemporary Finnish circus. In 2011 the Cirko circus building opened in Helsinki’s Suvilahti – 1,400 square metres of office and performance space, custom made for contemporary circus. Cirko offers the public high quality and interesting contemporary circus and provides circus professionals with a first-class working environment.

Design District Helsinki

Design District Helsinki

Design District Helsinki is an area full of design and antique shops, fashion stores, museums, art galleries, restaurants and showrooms. Here you can find the most interesting up-and-coming brands, local labels, classics, trend-setters and so much more. The Design District Helsinki plays a large role in boosting Helsinki’s reputation as a city of design.

Lahti Sports Centre

Lahti Sports Centre

Lahti Sports Centre located within walking distance from the Lahti city centre offers a perfect setting for cross-country skiing in the winter with its illuminated tracks. In the summer, you can explore nature along running tracks and dip in the swimming pool under the massive ski jumping hill! Lahti sports centre has hosted various major international sports events such as annual FIS world cup events.

EMMA – Espoo Museum of Modern Art

EMMA – Espoo Museum of Modern Art

EMMA is located at the Exhibition Centre WeeGee, a landmark of Finnish Modernism and a former printing house in Helsinki metropolitan area. The clean-lined architecture enhances the experiential presentation of EMMA’s exhibition program and two collection exhibitions permanently on display: A curated pick from Saastamoinen Foundation Art Collection and Tapio Wirkkala Rut Bryk Foundation Collection, that showcases Finnish design at EMMA's Visible Storage.

Museum Card

Museum Card

Gain new experiences and become inspired by museums in Helsinki! The Finnish Museum Card (Museokortti) is a common entrance ticket to over 40 museums in the Helsinki metropolitan area! With the card you can also visit over 200 other museums all around Finland. The price of the card is 64,90 € and it can be bought from all of the Museum Card museums or through the Museot.fi online store. With the Museum Card you can visit the most important art, design and cultural-historical museums, the most significant specialised museums, regional museum centres and many local museums.

Helsinki Zoo

Helsinki Zoo

Helsinki Zoo is one of the few zoos in the world located on an island. A 20 minute ferry (summer) or bus ride from the city centre will take you to a zoo where you can travel from cold mountain regions to dry steppes and from northern coniferous forests to the tropical rainforest. Helsinki Zoo is home to 150 animal and 1000 plant species showcasing the diversity of nature. The zoo was established already in 1889 and this makes it one of the oldest zoos in the world. Despite the long history and historic surroundings, Helsinki Zoo is a modern zoo with a mission to conserve biodiversity.

Natural History Museum

Natural History Museum

The History of Life exhibition presents the development of living organisms from the Big Bang to dinosaurs and from giant mammals to the Ice Age. The interactive exhibits invite visitors to discover the astonishing diversity of nature.

Hartwall Arena

Hartwall Arena is one of the liveliest centers of entertainment in Europe that hosts the most impressive events in Helsinki: concerts, operas, dance performances, top ice-hockey and other sporting events.

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