Major sports events take place at the Olympic Stadium, Paavo Nurmi tie 1 (tel. 09/43-66-010). In summer, soccer games between Finland and other European countries are scheduled. Check Helsinki This Week, which lists the events taking place at the stadium at the time of your visit. Take tram no. 3B, 3T, 4, or 10.
Jogging
Finns are just as fond of jogging as Americans or Canadians. The best paths are close to Olympic Stadium and in Kaivopuisto Park (the southern part of Helsinki). There are also some good jogging trails around Hesperia Park, which is convenient if you're staying at a hotel in the city center.
Saunas & Beaches
Most hotels (at least the better ones) have a sauna. If you want to sample a Finnish sauna and your hotel doesn't have one, the reception desk can direct you to the nearest sauna that's open to the general public.
Traditionally every Finnish city had a wood-heated public sauna. The only wood-heated public sauna remaining in Helsinki is the Kothiharjun Sauna, Harjutorinkatu, near the Sörnäien metro station (tel. 09/753-15-35). Open Tuesday to Friday 2 to 8pm and Saturday 1 to 7pm.
If you're in Helsinki in the summer, you'll find the best beaches at Mustikkamaa, Uunisaari, Pihlajasaari, Hietaniemi, and Seurasaari. There's also a popular beach on Suomenlinna; you might combine a trip to the beach with a visit to Suomenlinna fortress. However, if you're from a warmer climate, you may find the waters of the Baltic, even in July, too chilly for your tastes.
Tennis
The best bet for playing tennis in Helsinki is to travel 5.5km (3 1/2 miles) northwest of the railway station to the Pitäjämäki district. Here the Tali Tennis Center, Kutonokuja 4, Pitäjämäki (tel. 09/55-62-71), welcomes visitors. Built in 1967, this is the largest, most modern, and most popular tennis complex in Helsinki. The center maintains 19 indoor tennis courts and 11 outdoor courts. Depending on the time of day and season, indoor courts cost 12€ to 20€ ($19-$32) per hour; outdoor courts are almost the same price at 11€ to 20€ ($18-$32) per hour. The use of outdoor courts is severely limited by the weather and the seasons. You can rent a tennis racket and buy tennis balls there. Take bus no. 14, 39, 248, 241, or 261 from the center of the city. The tennis center is open daily from 6am to 11pm, but call first to see if the courts are available.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
