Borrow, don’t buy

The capital region has an amazing public library system. The city libraries from Helsinki, Espoo, Kauniainen and Vantaa are all part of HelMet (Helsinki Metropolitan Area Libraries).

On the HelMet website you find a huge catalogue of all the items in all the libraries attached to it. Just order it online and it will be brought to your closest library where you can pick it up a few days later.

Each library has also a wide selection of English and international book as well as CDs and DVDs.

You can get your library card for free at any HelMet library. Even if you are not a citizen of Helsinki, Espoo, Kauniainen or Vantaa you can get a free card valid for half a year that can be extended after that.

HelsinkiIn goes .com

From now on you can reach HelsinkiIn under helsinki-in.com. So no need to type in the long blogspot address anymore.

Of course the old address still works and redirects to the new domain.

Family and handicaped friendy public transport

Did you know that in Helsinki and the whole capital area using public transport with HSL is for free with a stroller? The same also applies for people in wheelchairs and the ones accompanying them.

In busses they can just use the middle entrance and don't have to pay at the driver.

The ice is melting

Despite the low temperatures and last night's snowstorm the spring is obviously on its way to Finland. The ice in the Baltic Sea slowly melts and in places like here at Kauppatori in the center of Helsinki most of the ice is already gone.

Fresh and local

It’s Saturday! Finally! Time to relax but also to do the things you haven’t had time for during the week. Probably also some grocery shopping.

Why not make it an experience? Take your time to walk through Hakaniemen Kauppahalli. At the almost 100 year old market hall you find over 70 small shops. No matter if you are searching for a butcher, bakery, gourmet food or cheese shop, you’ll find it all. And you support local producers. At Hakaniemen Kauppahalli you get fresh food and even some ingredients you won’t get anywhere else.

Enjoy your weekend!

Pick your favorite design for the Crown Bridges

A big project for the Helsinki region is the connection of Kruununhaka and Kruunuvuorenranta via Korkeasaari by bridge. But how should this long bridge look like?

Ten international teams entered design suggestions and are competing for the project. But the decision is not made just by the City of Helsinki. The citizens are also asked to give their opinions.

Therefore all ten designs are displayed in Laituri at Kamppi till 9 March and everyone is welcome to give their comment on them. You also find more information on theprojects website.

Take a look and let the city know which design you like most.