Venues
See map for location of the venues.
Hotel Arthur
Vuorikatu 19
Helsinki
- The Global Nodes meeting Day 1 and 2 (24-25 September)
University of Helsinki
Main Building (see access recommendation in list below)
Helsinki
- Meetings of the GBIF Nodes Steering Group, Budget, Science and Executive Committees, entrance at Fabianinkatu 33 (25 September)
- Governing Board meeting, Small hall, entrance at Fabianinkatu 33 (26-27 September)
- FinBIF Seminar, Great hall, entrance at Unioninkatu 34 or Aleksanterinkatu 5 (28 September)
Finnish Museum of Natural History
Pohjoinen Rautatiekatu 17
Helsinki
- Icebreaker (25 September)
Restaurant Sipuli
Kanavaranta 7
Helsinki
- Dinner (26 September)
Allas Sea Pool
Katajanokanlaituri 2a
Helsinki
- Evening at the Allas Sea Pool (28 September)
Hotels
The local organizers recommend booking a room in one of the hotels mentioned below. There is an accommodation quota in some of the hotels listed below. Please make your reservation in advance directly at the conference hotels by using the specific reservation codes.
Check the map for hotel locations.
Hotel Arthur
Vuorikatu 19
00100 Helsinki
Rates: 105 eur/night/single room, 125 eur/night/double room
Booking: http://www.hotelarthur.fi/en/
Booking code: GBIF
Bookings should be made by 22 July 2017 at the latest.
This hotel is recommended for people attending the Global Nodes meeting which will take place at Hotel Arthur.
Sokos Hotel Helsinki
Kluuvikatu 8
00100 Helsinki
Rates: 120 eur/night/single room, 140 eur/night/double room
Booking: https://www.sokoshotels.fi/en/helsinki/sokos-hotel-helsinki
Booking code: BGBIF
Bookings should be made by 28 August 2017 at the latest.
Hotel Scandic Grand Marina
Katajanokanlaituri 7
Helsinki
Rates: 125 eur/night/single room, 145 eur/night/double room
Booking: https://www.scandichotels.fi/grandmarina?bookingcode=BBIO250917
Booking code: BBIO250917
Price is valid until 11 September 2017. No quota.
Hotel Cumulus City Kaisaniemi
Kaisaniemenkatu 7
00100 Helsinki
Rates: 123 eur/night/single room, 131 eur/night/double room
Booking: https://city.cumulus.fi/en/hotels/cumulus-kaisaniemi-helsinki
Booking code: GBIF
Price is valid until 11 September 2017. No quota.
Map
Click on the map image to open in full screen view.
Getting to Helsinki
Helsinki can easily be reached by plane from anywhere in the world. The journey time between the airport Helsinki-Vantaa and the city centre is around 30 minutes. Most convenient means of public transportation is by train that leaves directly from the airport interior.
Helsinki Airport website: https://www.finavia.fi/en/helsinki-airport/
Arriving in Helsinki from airport:
By train:
- Local trains I and P operate between Helsinki Airport and the city centre on the Ring Rail Line. A regional ticket costs 5.50 euros and can be purchased from Helsinki Region Transport (HSL) ticket machines or via mobile application (https://www.hsl.fi/en/mobileticket). Timetables for the I and P trains can be found at [https://www.hsl.fi/en/timetables-and-routes/terminals/transport-links-helsinki-airport[(https://www.hsl.fi/en/timetables-and-routes/terminals/transport-links-helsinki-airport).
By bus:
The Finnair City Bus operates between the airport and city centre (Elielinaukio). A single ticket costs 6.20 euros when purchased online in advance or 6.30 euros from the driver. More information about the Finnair City Bus, including timetables, can be found at https://www.finnair.com/int/gb/information-services/at-the-airport/transportation.
Bus 615 (“Lentoasema-Rautatientori”) is operated by Helsinki Region Transport (HSL). A regional ticket costs 5.50 euros and can be purchased from Helsinki Region Transport (HSL) ticket machines or from the driver with cash. At night you can also take the 415N night bus. Timetable for the Bus 615 can be found at https://www.hsl.fi/en/timetables-and-routes/terminals/transport-links-helsinki-airport.
By taxi:
- You can also travel conveniently between the airport and the city centre by taxi, which will cost around 45 euros. Credit cards are accepted. More information about taxis in Helsinki can be found at http://www.visithelsinki.fi/en/come/getting-around-in-helsinki/taxis-and-car-rentals-in-helsinki.
More information on connections to Hesinki Airport here: https://www.finavia.fi/en/helsinki-airport/to-and-from/train-buses-and-taxis/
Getting around in Helsinki
Public transportation
Helsinki region has an integrated public transport ticket system. The same tickets can be used for traveling on buses, trams, the Metro, commuter trains and the ferry to Fortress of Suomenlinna.
You can also transfer from one vehicle to another with the same ticket.
A day ticket is your key to getting around in the Helsinki metropolitan area. The tickets available on single-charge cards allow you to travel easily and at low-cost for 1-7 days.
Single tickets are available from ticket machines, bus and tram drivers as well as conductors on commuter trains. You can also buy single tickets with the mobile application: https://www.hsl.fi/en/mobileticket
Tickets and Fares: https://www.hsl.fi/en/tickets-and-fares
Helsinki Region Transport: https://www.hsl.fi/en/information/how-use-public-transport/visitors
Journey planner: https://www.reittiopas.fi/
Taxi
Taxi stands are conveniently located throughout the city centre.
- Taksi-Helsinki
tel. +358 (0)100 0700 (1,17€/call +0,25€/10 seconds + local call charge) - Airport Taxi Yellow Line
tel. +358 (0)600 555 555 (1,25 €/call+local call charge). From airport to city centre with special price.
Bike
You can also rent a bike. More information available on City bikes at https://www.hsl.fi/en/citybikes.
Travel requirements for entering Finland
GB24 participants are responsible for preparing their own travel documentation requirements for entering Finland.
You can find information on entering Finland on website of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland:
http://www.formin.fi/public/default.aspx?nodeid=49153&contentlan=2&culture=en-US#ui-id-1
See also information on visa requirements and travel documents: http://www.formin.fi/public/default.aspx?nodeid=15720&contentlan=2&culture=en-US
If you require an official letter of invitation for the meetings, please contact GB24 (at) gbif.org
Insurance
Participants are advised to ensure appropriate travel insurance for travel to Finland.
General travel information
Electricity
In Finland the power sockets are of type F. The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.
Language
Finland has two official languages, Finnish and Swedish. The knowledge of English is good.
Money procedures
The unit of currency in Finland is euro.
Money can be exchanged for example at the airport or Helsinki Railway Station.
Major credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard and American Express are widely accepted in Finland.
Health
Pharmacy:
- Yliopiston Apteekki Helsinki Töölö (Mannerheimintie 96) is open 24/7
- Yliopiston Apteekki Helsinki Center (Mannerheimintie 5) is open every day 7-24
Smoking is prohibited in public buildings and restaurants and pubs.
Personal security (risk areas, code of conduct, what to do in case of emergencies)
Helsinki is generally a very safe city. Pickpockets may be a risk as in any major city. The level of hygiene is very high. For instance, tap water is perfectly drinkable.
The emergency number in Finland is 112. Call the emergency number only in genuine emergency situations, when someone’s life, health, property or the environment is in danger.
Information on how to use the emergency number 112 in Finland: http://www.112.fi/download/33220_Hake_112esittely_englanti.pdf?e984f3f10f5fd488
A mobile application can be downloaded for locating emergency calls and will speed up aid in emergency situations in Finland at http://www.digia.com/en/services/offering/112-suomi/. The application enables the automatic delivery of the caller's location for information to the emergency service dispatcher.
Telecommunication and internet (mobile phone networks, internet services)
The main network providers are Elisa, Telia and DNA.
Prepaid SIM: http://prepaid-data-sim-card.wikia.com/wiki/Finland
Opening hours
Shops and department stores are allowed to be open every day of the week. Opening hours vary.
Banking hours are from 09:15 until 16:15, but this can slightly vary between banks.
Tips and service gratuities
Tips are not expected and even in restaurants the service is always included. Feel free to tip if you feel you have received excellent service.
Weather
Helsinki’s climate is typical of its northerly situation. Its intermediate climate combines characteristics of both a maritime and a continental climate. The proximity of the Arctic Ocean and the North Atlantic creates cold weather, while the Gulf Stream brings in warmer air.
The average temperature in September is around 10°C, but may vary from near-zero to 20°C. It is advisable to check weather forecasts close to departure: http://www.visithelsinki.fi/en/come/welcome-to-helsinki/climate-and-weather-in-helsinki
Tourist information
Visit the website of the Helsinki Tourist Information: http://www.visithelsinki.fi/en