Latest News from Helsinki

Orpo: Finland plans household guide for drone threats

Finland’s government is preparing a national safety guide for households after a recent drone scare exposed gaps in the country’s emergency preparedness systems. Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said on Tuesday that officials had started work on a booklet that would give residents practical instructions on how to respond during drone-related security incidents and other emergencies. The announcement followed an emergency government meeting focused on drone threats and public warning systems.

Published: Tue, 26 May 2026 15:42:52 +0300

Source: https://www.helsinkitimes.fi/?format=feed

Train hits school bus in Belgium, four dead

Several people died after a passenger train struck a school minibus at a railway crossing in the Belgian town of Buggenhout on Tuesday morning. The collision took place shortly after 08:00 local time at a level crossing about one kilometre from Buggenhout station, according to Belgian police and railway officials. Emergency crews, ambulances and fire services rushed to the scene as authorities closed the crossing and halted rail traffic in the area.

Published: Tue, 26 May 2026 13:10:17 +0300

Source: https://www.helsinkitimes.fi/?format=feed

Police suspect gas grill caused Kalasatama fire

Police in Helsinki said the investigation into the large apartment building fire in Kalasatama will continue for weeks as officers examine the cause of the blaze and possible criminal liability. The fire broke out on Friday evening on Leonkatu in the Kalasatama district. Emergency services received reports shortly after 9pm that a balcony in an apartment block was on fire. Police said the fire is suspected to have started from a small gas grill placed on a fourth-floor balcony.

Published: Tue, 26 May 2026 12:40:50 +0300

Source: https://www.helsinkitimes.fi/?format=feed

Helsinki Music Week turns the city into a stage

Helsinki Music Week returned for its second edition with a programme that treated the city less as a backdrop than as part of the performance. Across five days, from 13 to 17 May, the festival moved through churches, clubs, theatres and a public sauna, placing experimental music in direct contact with Helsinki’s architecture and nightlife. For visitors, the format offered a route through the city. For locals, it reframed familiar places. Temppeliaukio Church, Helsinki Cathedral, Dance House Helsinki, Ääniwalli, Post Bar and Kulttuurisauna each carried a different part of the programme, from ambient and organ works to rap, club music, panels and sauna sound pieces.

Published: Mon, 25 May 2026 16:07:16 +0300

Source: https://www.helsinkitimes.fi/?format=feed

Uber makes €10bn bid for Foodora parent company

Uber Technologies has made a takeover approach for German food delivery group Delivery Hero, the owner of Foodora, which ended operations in Finland earlier this year. The US company offered 33 euros per share for Delivery Hero, valuing the company at about 10 billion euros. Delivery Hero confirmed over the weekend that it had received the proposal. The offer pushed Delivery Hero shares higher on Monday.

Published: Mon, 25 May 2026 15:40:29 +0300

Source: https://www.helsinkitimes.fi/?format=feed

How trust signals around MGA casinos are changing

For years, an MGA licence has been one of the most recognised indicators of trust in the European online casino market. The Malta Gaming Authority says its role includes ensuring fair gaming, protecting vulnerable players and preventing criminal activity within licensed gambling operations. Among Finnish players, MGA casinos have often been associated with EU‑based regulation and tax‑free winnings. That perception still exists, but players are increasingly assessing trust through everyday casino practices as well as licensing status.

Published: Mon, 25 May 2026 10:22:25 +0300

Source: https://www.helsinkitimes.fi/?format=feed

SDP elects Razmyar as first deputy leader

Finland’s Social Democratic Party elected Nasima Razmyar, Niina Malm and Pinja Perholehto as deputy leaders on Sunday at the party’s congress in Tampere, as the opposition party sharpened its message ahead of the next parliamentary elections. Razmyar received the highest number of votes in the contest and retained her position as first deputy leader. Malm was re-elected as second deputy leader, while Perholehto entered the leadership team as the new third deputy leader.

Published: Sun, 24 May 2026 17:10:02 +0300

Source: https://www.helsinkitimes.fi/?format=feed

Russia hits Kyiv with massive missile and drone strike, killing four

Russia launched a large missile and drone attack on Kyiv and other parts of Ukraine overnight into Sunday, killing at least four people and injuring more than 80 in one of the largest aerial assaults on the capital in recent months. Explosions sounded across Kyiv shortly after 1am as air raid sirens and missile alerts spread through the city. Residents crowded into metro stations and underground shelters while emergency crews responded to fires, collapsed buildings and damaged infrastructure across multiple districts.

Published: Sun, 24 May 2026 15:22:19 +0300

Source: https://www.helsinkitimes.fi/?format=feed

Major fire damages Kalasatama apartment building

A fire that started on a fourth-floor balcony spread through the roof of an apartment building in Helsinki’s Kalasatama district on Saturday night, forcing evacuations and causing major damage across several floors. Rescue services received the alarm shortly before 9pm local time at an apartment block on Leonkatu. Witnesses reported flames rising from a balcony before the fire moved into the roof structures within minutes. Thick smoke spread across the area and drew large crowds onto nearby streets and balconies.

Published: Sun, 24 May 2026 12:58:41 +0300

Source: https://www.helsinkitimes.fi/?format=feed

Finland’s Social Democrats re-elect Antti Lindtman as leader

Antti Lindtman secured a new term as chair of Finland’s Social Democratic Party on Saturday as the opposition party opened its three-day congress in Tampere with disputes over fiscal policy, labour rules and its route back to government. Lindtman, 43, faced no rival for the leadership. His new term runs until 2028, when SDP will make its next leadership choices under new party rules approved at the congress. The decision confirms Lindtman as SDP’s candidate for prime minister if the party enters the next parliamentary election from its current polling lead.

Published: Sat, 23 May 2026 23:42:15 +0300

Source: https://www.helsinkitimes.fi/?format=feed

Finnish Gaza flotilla activists return home after Israel detention

Three Finnish activists detained by Israeli authorities after attempting to reach Gaza aboard an aid flotilla returned to Finland on Saturday and accused Israeli forces of physical abuse, degrading treatment and prolonged detention in harsh conditions. The activists arrived at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport shortly after 2pm on a flight from Turkey after being deported by Israel. Dozens of supporters gathered at the arrivals hall carrying Palestinian flags and chanting “Free Palestine” as the activists emerged from the terminal and embraced relatives and supporters.

Published: Sat, 23 May 2026 16:25:37 +0300

Source: https://www.helsinkitimes.fi/?format=feed

Minister proposes later school summer holidays

Finland’s education minister has proposed moving school summer holidays two weeks later and adding a new spring break in April, opening a debate that has already exposed divisions inside the government coalition. Education Minister Anders Adlercreutz sent a proposal prepared by the Ministry of Education and Culture out for public consultation on Friday, despite the plan not being included in the government programme and lacking political agreement between coalition parties.

Published: Fri, 22 May 2026 18:55:16 +0300

Source: https://www.helsinkitimes.fi/?format=feed

Finland's Online Casino Market in Transition: What the 2027 Reform Means for Players

Finland is in the middle of one of the most significant overhauls of its gambling framework in decades. For most of the past century, the state-owned operator Veikkaus held an effective monopoly over all forms of legal gambling in the country. That model is now being dismantled. Parliament passed a new Gambling Act in December 2025, and the market opened to licensed private operators on 1 July 2027. The change has been building for years. Finnish players have increasingly turned to international platforms — seeking broader game selections, competitive bonuses, and faster payment options that the monopoly framework cannot offer. The term Nettikasinot, Finnish for online casinos, has become one of the most searched gambling-related keywords in Finland, reflecting just how active this segment already is among Finnish consumers.

Published: Fri, 22 May 2026 16:59:43 +0300

Source: https://www.helsinkitimes.fi/?format=feed

Wolt to ban courier account sharing in Finland

Wolt will stop couriers in Finland from sharing or renting delivery accounts from August as the company tightens controls ahead of new platform work and alcohol delivery laws. The food delivery company said only verified account holders will be allowed to complete deliveries through the platform from 1 August. The change will apply in stages across Finland. Wolt said the move follows internal efforts launched earlier this year to detect and prevent account misuse.

Published: Fri, 22 May 2026 15:15:30 +0300

Source: https://www.helsinkitimes.fi/?format=feed

Immigration to Finland falls as emigration hits record level

Immigration to Finland declined in 2025 for the second consecutive year, while emigration reached the highest level since records began in 1990, according to new figures published by Statistics Finland. A total of 51,121 people moved to Finland last year, down by about 12,800 from 2024. Despite the fall, immigration remained above levels recorded before the sharp increase seen after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Published: Fri, 22 May 2026 13:14:49 +0300

Source: https://www.helsinkitimes.fi/?format=feed

Israel deports Gaza flotilla activists amid global outrage over treatment

Israel deported hundreds of activists detained during the illegal interception of a Gaza-bound aid flotilla after global outcry from governments across Europe, North America and Asia over their treatment in custody. The activists arrived in Turkiye on Thursday after Israeli forces intercepted more than 50 boats in international waters west of Cyprus earlier this week. Organisers said the Global Sumud Flotilla carried more than 430 people from over 40 countries and aimed to challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza.

Published: Fri, 22 May 2026 12:01:47 +0300

Source: https://www.helsinkitimes.fi/?format=feed

Finland on Alert as Suspected Drones Trigger Early-Morning Lockdown in Uusimaa; The Temporary Airspace Ban Is Now Lifted

Finland briefly raised its readiness early Friday after warnings about drones possibly crossing its airspace, prompting travel reroutes and a hazard alert.

Published: Fri, 15 May 2026 05:40:37 +0000

Source: https://finlandtoday.fi/feed/

‘In the Grey’ Film Review: From Slow Burn to Snatch-Speed

Guy Ritchie’s new film opens with a jolt, then settles into a slow, teasing rhythm that hints at danger without giving away its hand. My final score is a perfect 100%.

Published: Wed, 13 May 2026 07:00:00 +0000

Source: https://finlandtoday.fi/feed/

‘Mortal Kombat II’ Film Review: The One Fans Have Been Waiting For

A return to the iconic battleground captivates the audience with breathtaking fight scenes, meticulous attention to detail and an engaging story that remains faithful to its origins.

Published: Thu, 07 May 2026 17:00:00 +0000

Source: https://finlandtoday.fi/feed/

VIDEO: Heat, Harmony and Protest Signs in Hakaniemi

The Hakaniemi Market Square was buzzing as Finland’s largest May Day parade kicked off under the warm Friday sun. Catch the moments we captured on video!

Published: Fri, 01 May 2026 11:51:50 +0000

Source: https://finlandtoday.fi/feed/

Helsinki Celebrates May Day Eve: Manta Crowned! GALLERY & VIDEO

Tens of thousands gathered to witness the crowning of Havis Amanda on the eve of May Day in Helsinki.

Published: Thu, 30 Apr 2026 19:16:30 +0000

Source: https://finlandtoday.fi/feed/

The Boil Water Advisory Lifted in Northern Espoo

The health protection authority lifted the boil water advisory for Northern Espoo on Thursday morning.

Published: Thu, 30 Apr 2026 08:31:37 +0000

Source: https://finlandtoday.fi/feed/

The Police: Knives Have No Place in May Day Celebrations

May Day celebrations will bring big crowds and several traffic limits to central Helsinki on Thursday.

Published: Thu, 30 Apr 2026 05:25:10 +0000

Source: https://finlandtoday.fi/feed/

‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ Film Review: I Know Where I Was When the Fun Stopped

The actors manage to make this shallow fashion-drama somewhat watchable.

Published: Wed, 29 Apr 2026 18:32:15 +0000

Source: https://finlandtoday.fi/feed/

Boil Water Alert in Espoo: Safety Steps Now in Place

The health protection authority has announced a boil water advisory effective from April 28, 2026, at 21:30 for the following locations.

Published: Wed, 29 Apr 2026 06:31:52 +0000

Source: https://finlandtoday.fi/feed/

Millions Earmarked to Enhance Finland’s Anti‑Drone Shield

Interior Minister Mari Rantanen (Finns) emphasized a million investment as crucial for improving detection and countering of drones along Finland's eastern border and coastline.

Published: Tue, 28 Apr 2026 09:55:44 +0000

Source: https://finlandtoday.fi/feed/

BIKE24 ja Suomen pyöräilymarkkinat

Suomalaiset pyöräilijät toimivat ainutlaatuisessa ympäristössä, jossa vaihtelevat vuodenajat, pitkät välimatkat ja monipuoliset maastot asettavat erityisiä vaatimuksia varusteille. Talvella liikutaan jäisillä kaupunkikaduilla, kun taas kesällä suunnataan metsäpoluille ja sorateille. Tällaisessa ympäristössä yksi pyörä ei useinkaan riitä kaikkiin tarpeisiin. Erityisesti gravel-pyörät ovat kasvattaneet suosiotaan monikäyttöisyytensä ansiosta.

Published: Thu, 14 May 2026 12:34:15 +0100

Source: https://helsinki.com/blog/feed

Helsingin yöelämä ja rahapelit: miten matkailija voi asettaa selkeän kulutusrajan

Helsinki tarjoaa matkailijoille monipuolisen yöelämän. Kaupungissa on baareja, klubeja ja myös rahapelaamiseen liittyviä vaihtoehtoja, jotka kiinnostavat monia vierailijoita. Ilta voi alkaa rauhallisesti, mutta rahan kulutus kasvaa usein huomaamatta. Siksi selkeä kulutusraja auttaa pitämään illan hallinnassa ja loman miellyttävänä.

Published: Thu, 19 Feb 2026 09:20:48 +0000

Source: https://helsinki.com/blog/feed

Digital entertainment in today's world

Digital entertainment has become a central part of modern lifestyles both in Finland and internationally. People are increasingly looking online for ways to relax, gain new experiences and escape from everyday routines. Online content, interactive platforms and digital services offer almost unlimited options for different age groups and interests.

Published: Mon, 26 Jan 2026 10:47:45 +0000

Source: https://helsinki.com/blog/feed

8 Helsinki Landmarks with Secret Histories and Untold Details

Helsinki’s most famous landmarks are photographed by millions each year, yet many visitors pass by without noticing the surprising stories tucked behind their façades. While researching for this piece, we also explored HelsinkiTipps.de, an independent German travel blog that enjoys uncovering quirky angles of the city.

Published: Mon, 10 Nov 2025 08:56:07 +0000

Source: https://helsinki.com/blog/feed

The Future of iGaming in Finland: Monopoly Changes and the Rise of Online Platforms

Finland has long been known for its tight regulation of gambling, particularly through its state-run monopoly, Veikkaus. However, recent developments in both legal frameworks and consumer demand have signaled a shift in how Finland's gambling sector will evolve in the coming years. The rise of online platforms and changes in monopoly regulations are set to transform the Finnish iGaming landscape, presenting new opportunities and challenges for both players and operators. As the digital age continues to shape the global gambling market, Finland's embrace of these shifts will determine the future of its iGaming industry.

Published: Wed, 29 Oct 2025 08:17:09 +0000

Source: https://helsinki.com/blog/feed

Best Beaches and Swimming Spots in Helsinki for Summer 2025

Credit: https://theicebath.com.au/ Summer in Helsinki offers a refreshing escape with its beautiful beaches and inviting swimming spots, perfect for soaking up the sun and enjoying the cool Baltic waters. For those who prefer pools, historic outdoor swimming stadiums and modern sea pools provide year-round options. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Helsinki’s best beaches and swimming areas promise memorable summer experiences filled with fun and relaxation.

Published: Thu, 14 Aug 2025 05:32:52 +0100

Source: https://helsinki.com/blog/feed

Ensitreffi-ideat Helsingissä alle 30 eurolla

Treffit ja etenkin ensitreffit voivat olla hyvinkin jännittävä kokemus. Vaikka budjetti ei olisi suuri, voit silti tehdä vaikutuksen ilman suuria kuluja. Helsingistä löytyy paljon kivaa tekemistä alle 30 eurolla.

Published: Mon, 14 Jul 2025 09:51:15 +0100

Source: https://helsinki.com/blog/feed

Hiking and Biking Trails Around Helsinki for Active Adventures

If you're craving fresh air and scenic views, Helsinki is the perfect place to visit. The Finnish capital isn't just about saunas, design and great coffee - it's also a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or just fancy a gentle hike through nature, the city offers a wide variety of trails perfect for active adventures.

Published: Tue, 8 Jul 2025 06:00:14 +0100

Source: https://helsinki.com/blog/feed

Telemedicine and Obesity: The Finnish Model of Hybrid Care

Over the past few decades, obesity has shifted from being merely an aesthetic concern to becoming one of the most pressing public health challenges. In Helsinki and across Finland, this issue is being tackled through a combination of advanced pharmacological therapies and innovative remote care systems. Clinics like Medilux, a well-known healthcare provider in the capital region, are at the forefront of this shift—offering digital solutions for obesity treatment, including access to weight-loss medications such as Ozempic (semaglutide).

Published: Tue, 10 Jun 2025 13:35:41 +0100

Source: https://helsinki.com/blog/feed

The Cathedral’s Role in Helsinki’s Cultural and Religious life

Helsinki Cathedral is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Located in Senate Square, this stunning white church with its green dome and golden crosses is not just a beautiful sight - it plays a crucial role in the cultural and religious life of Helsinki.

Published: Fri, 6 Jun 2025 13:03:20 +0100

Source: https://helsinki.com/blog/feed