Finland’s last restrictions on events ended at the end of September and business events were given a go-ahead to resume from October 1st. However, the general hygiene requirements still apply to ensure the health and safety of customers and participants.

General hygiene requirements include for example:

• customers have access to wash their hands and/or hand sanitizer is made available
• the cleaning of facilities and surfaces is intensified
• adequate social distancing measures are considered in space planning and catering services.

Now that Finland officially reopens, we can’t wait to welcome organizers and delegates back again for safe and successful meetings and events. We’re looking forward to seeing you soon again!

For the latest updates on travelling to Finland, see Visit Finland’s updated travel information.

The Finnish university that improved its standing the most from the previous year on the prestigious, 1 662-university ranking by The Times Higher Education (THE) was LUT University in Lappeenranta. The university climbed out of the 351–400 bracket to break into the 251–300 bracket on the back of a notable, 16-point increase in its score for citations.

The University of Helsinki and Aalto University remain the highest-ranked universities in Finland, according to Times Higher Education. The University of Helsinki slid from 98th to 101st place despite improving its overall score marginally on the back of improvements in teaching, industry income and international outlook. Aalto University, in turn, improved its scores for citations, industry income and international outlook to hold on to its spot in the 201–250 bracket.

Tampere University and the University of Oulu both moved from the 301–350 bracket into the 251–300 bracket, the former following increases in scores for research and industry income and the latter following increases in scores for research, citations and international outlook.

Read more on the Good News From Finland website.

Having resided for over 100 years in the best location in Turku, the oldest city in Finland, the hotel Hamburger Börs begins its third life more stately than ever. The old Art Nouveau banquet hall is now impressively framed by a modern new building. There is even a new rooftop terrace that provides a gorgeous view over the city, an angle of view no one has actually ever seen before.

The new Scandic Hamburger Börs will open its doors in November, bringing new life into the oldest hotel district in Turku after two years of upheaval.

The hotel has its roots all the way in 1894, when the restaurant Hamburger Bierhalle was opened at the location. In 1898, the building was named Hamburger Börs, and in 1904, the hotel opened its doors to first guests. The old accommodation wing gave way to a new building in 1976. The original Art Nouveau Börs preserved on Kauppiaskatu street forms now the heart of the coming third phase.

Read the article on Turku Convention Bureau website.

A new, pavilion-like venue, Little Finlandia, is taking shape in the centre of Helsinki. It will open its doors in early 2022 and will offer superior, high-quality facilities for congresses, meetings and events of up to 1000 people.

The venue will boast four halls with capacity for 200-400 people each. A team of professionals will support and assist event organizers from planning to implementation. The restaurant will serve authentic Finnish flavours and the menu is based on sustainable choices, mostly organic produce.

The building is a masterpiece of circular economy and wooden construction. Apart from functionality, nature, light, ecological and recyclable materials as well as atmosphere are emphasized in this architecturally unique building. The building has been designed in co-operation with Aalto University. After the renovation of Finlandia Hall has been completed, the building will be used for other purposes.

Read more about Little Finlandia here.

Helsinger, located in the heart of Helsinki, has a restaurant, a lounge bar and 20 meeting rooms to meet and dine. The venue offers high quality meetings space for business meetings that need elegant ambiance and surroundings. All meeting rooms are equipped with Wi-Fi and led screens. Moreover, two rooms have built-in streaming equipment. Helsinger has also three private phone booths. Separate private entrance is available when needed.

Meeting rooms can be used for team events, private dinners, lunch meetings, signing a contract or meeting customers. Helsinger offers a new way of flexibility to hospitality business. In Helsinger, all catering can be ordered at the premises. Clients are not bind to preordered dinners or catering packages. In Helsinger, one can stay as long or short time as needed. There is no minimum charge or time. Cancelling the order is easy as well, just inform us at the latest two hours before the reservation.

Helsinger follows all necessary Covid-19 precautions, and people can meet safely in their own space and privacy.

More information and reservations here.

Finnjävel Salonki (Finnjävel Salon) believes in the refined, relaxed indulgence of fine dining. In addition to outstanding cuisine, wines and beverages, the restaurant provides its guests with an enchanting atmosphere. In September, Finnjävel Salonki gained a Michelin Star for its modern interpretation of traditional Finnish dishes. The restaurant also won the Michelin Nordic Countries Welcome and Service Award. Helsinki currently claims seven one-star Michelin restaurants.

The idea behind Grön (picture) is to create tasty, focused, plant-based and inspiring food that concentrates on high-quality ingredients. The food is based on seasonal, organic and wild ingredients as well as Scandinavian produce.

Established in 1952, Palace has always been a pioneer of Finnish gastronomy. It was the first Finnish restaurant to receive a Michelin star in 1987. With views over the city and its seascape, the restaurant is located on the 10th floor of a historically significant building that was originally constructed to mark the 1952 Olympic Games in Helsinki.

Restaurant Demo, opened in 2003, is a dynamic, food driven restaurant that focuses on the elegance of cooking and a unique dining experience. This down-to-earth restaurant has been granted a Michelin star since 2007.

All Michelin star restaurants are listed on the MyHelsinki website.

Covid-19 tests (PCR or antigen) provide additional security and ensure that your event can operate safely. We have listed some options for your event’s testing services on our website.

Tests can be organized at your hotel or event venue, as well as in an outdoor tent structure or as a drive-up testing service. The testing staff arrives on-site to administer tests for your guests and staff and delivers the samples to be processed. The participants then receive the results via SMS or email. The costs depend on the amount of tests administered and the testing method used.

Finland is now open for business events. FINENTRY digital service makes it easier to travel to Finland and ensures a smooth arrival. The service gives you personalised instructions on what actions you need to take. If your arrival requires you to take a coronavirus test, you will be given instructions to book a test appointment free of charge.

By October 17, the vaccination rate in Finland was 84.8 % (1st jab). 75.6 % are fully vaccinated.

Finland Convention Bureau provides complimentary information, consultation and assistance to all congress organizers and meeting planners.
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