Hi,
Have done a quick search but nothing relevant. I am booking a trip from Oz to Europe and one option is to fly with Qantas/Finnair which would allow a stop in Helsinki.

Tempted - never been to any Scandinavian country. But I don't have to stop - could just stay in the airport until time for connecting flight.

Would appreciate input from anyone who has been there. Did you enjoy? Is it as expensive as Scandinvian countries are reputed to be?

It would go against the grain not to stop and have a look-see (2-3 days and the city and surrounds only) - but if airport taxes, airport transfers and low range accommodation add up to a small fortune then I might have to pass.

Your input would be appreciated, and some idea of average spend for a not-lux traveller.

Many thanks.

I don´t know what in your mind is expensive, but Helsinki is no more expensive than any other western European capital. And it is cheaper than other Scandinavian capitals, which they in turn are cheaper than for example London. You can find a four **** star hotel with 60 euros, particularly on summer weekends. If you type to Google "Helsinki hotel offer", you will get many sites with all kinds of offers.

Cheapest airport transportation is the normal city bus that leaves from in front of the terminal and ends up next to the railway station. It costs 3 euros 40 cents.

Hi fuzz,

If you are going in the Summer, I recommend a couple of days in Helsinki.

Thanks - it would be early Sept - probably second week - does that count as summer?

Take your point, elina, about what is cheap and what is expensive. London is certainly outrageous. I'm more of a 2-3 star person. Tend to go for places with good location, or a view, or garden - somewhere to sit outside. Vibe is tons more important that facilities.

Definitely leaning towards stopping - any recommendations for cheap and cheerful pensions along the lines outlined above?

Regards.

Hi f,

>..it would be early Sept - probably second week - does that count as summer?

Maybe. I was there once during a heat wave in Sept when the temps reached 35 C.

I was there once in Sept when it was chilly, windy and rainy.