Home MEETINGS STAR HELSINKI – MTLG Destination Update 2026

HELSINKI – MTLG Destination Update 2026

A totally unique combination of quirky urbanity and peaceful nature

Jan 30, 2026

helsinki_finland — Photo: Helsinki Partners

NEED TO KNOW IN 2026

In 2025, the fully renovated Finlandia Hall reopened its doors after a two-year transformation. This state-of-the-art congress venue now attracts conference guests, visitors, and enthusiasts of design and architecture. In 2025, Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre Messukeskus introduced the new arena stands, which can seat 7500 in theatre style. Messukeskus is also growing along with the city of Helsinki and will build Solar, an event space of the future where architecture and experience blend seamlessly. Once completed in 2027, Solar will be one of the most modern event spaces in the Nordics. In 2025, Helsinki got its first Waldorf Astoria hotel.

DID YOU KNOW?

Inscribed in 2020 on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, sauna is part of daily life here, a simple ritual that leaves you feeling refreshed and clear-headed. No visit to Helsinki is complete without a sauna session.

BEST INCENTIVE IDEA IN 2026

Make an urban adventure. Helsinki’s proximity to the sea and surrounding nature offers a great setting for a wide range of activities year-round, from RIB boat excursions and helicopter rides to nature hikes in the city’s central park. As an experience you will not forget, we recommend survival suit floating. In the heart of Helsinki, try floating in cold water while staying completely warm and dry. Hear also about rescue at sea, hypothermia and the benefits of winter bathing! Or why not combine the float with a sauna visit?

PERFECT GIFT

If you want to take home something, it should be one of the iconic Finnish design items, like a small Iittala glass vase in the famous Aalto shape. Why not fill it with some good local chocolate?

TOP 5 EVENTS IN 2025

1. EAN Congress 2025 (European Academy of Neurology), expected number of participants 6000

2. ESOC 2025 (European Stroke Organization Conference), expected number of participants 3000

3. EAPC 2025 (European Association for Palliative Care), expected number of participants 2800

4. ICN 2025 (International Council of Nurses), expected number of participants 5000

5. FESSH 2025 Federation of the European Societies for the Surgery of the Hand, expected number of participants 2000

HELSINKI'S FEATURES

NATURAL AND CULTURAL FACTORS

Helsinki is a totally unique combination of quirky urbanity and peaceful nature that gives silence and space to feel more, hear more and experience more. It offers you the freedom to have it all.

2025 marks 20 years of the Helsinki Design District, which includes boutiques, studios, galleries, and restaurants and has become a living showcase of Helsinki’s design spirit. Whether you’re strolling through familiar streets or discovering the area anew, it’s a great time to experience design where it lives.

GENERAL AND TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE

Helsinki Airport is the leading Northern European transit airport. Approximately 30 airlines serve Helsinki, and there are direct connections to over 100 international destinations around the world. There are several daily direct flight connections to Helsinki from all major European destinations, most within a 2–3-hour flight. Helsinki also serves as a hub to Asia and the US. There are connecting flights to 15 domestic airports from Helsinki. There are also ferry services from Estonia, Sweden, Germany and Poland. Helsinki Airport is located 19 km from the centre of the city.

The transport time to the city centre is 25 minutes with a direct train connection (departs every 10 minutes). There is a regular airport bus running every 20 minutes between the airport and the city centre, and several local buses are also available.

Helsinki has a well-working public transport system consisting of buses, trams, metros, local railway and ferry services. The public transport is considered very safe and is praised by users. Shared-use city bikes are also included in the local transport system. Local transport is low-emission and reliable, as 99 per cent of departures take place on time.

TOURIST INFRASTRUCTURE

With around 15 000 hotel rooms in the city and 22000 rooms in the region, there is something for every taste. 99% of the hotel rooms in Helsinki are certified as environmentally friendly.

130 km of shoreline for everyone to use. Over 60 nature reserves in the city area. From 200-year-old public saunas to sleek, modern havens by the sea, the city invites everyone to step in,slow down, and experience sauna the Helsinki way!

Helsinki’s food scene is full of contrasts: high-end restaurants and humble harbour-side cafés, traditional rye bread and bold vegan innovations, wild forest berries and Michelin tasting menus. Must-sees: Oodi Library, Rock Church, Old Market Halls, Suomenlinna Sea Fortress and numerous interesting museums.

MEETINGS INFRASTRUCTURE

100 % of major congress venues are environmentally certified. Helsinki proudly holds the top spot in the Global Destination Sustainability Index (2025), reflecting our city’s deep commitment to creating a greener, more inclusive future. It is free to use our sustainable meeting guidelines and our carbon footprint calculator.

MEETINGS BUZZ

Dynamic, well-connected, and full of character, business event organising in Helsinki blends modern infrastructure, rich culture, and high-quality local services.

HELSINKI FACT SHEET

Destination population:	700,000
*The number of 4 and 5* category hotel rooms:**	11,031
*The number of 4 and 5* category hotels:**	46
The size of the largest hall in the city (in m2):	17,051
Maximum hall capacity in theatre style (the largest hall in the city)	7,500
Banquet hall maximum capacity (the largest hall in the city):	4,300
Average internet speed when organising events (Mbps):	33