THE BALTIC SEA REGION HAS IT ALL

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2 THE BALTIC SEA REGION HAS IT ALL Oslo Stockholm Malmö Copenhagen Berlin Helsinki St. Petersburg Tallinn Riga Vilnius Warsaw The Baltic Sea Region is the area surrounding the Baltic Sea, covering the Scandinavian countries, the Baltic states, Poland, Germany and the most western part of Russia. The Baltic Metropoles are at the heart of the region. The cities of Berlin, Copenhagen, Helsinki, Malmö, Oslo, Riga, Stockholm, St. Petersburg, Tallinn, Vilnius and Warsaw create a lively region full of tastes, fashion, design, nature and architecture as well as cultural and historical heritage. Integrated regions and easy connections: experience it all The Baltic Sea Region is very well connected internationally with world-class airports and many airlines serving almost any destinations. The region as a whole has a modern and technologically advanced air, sea, road and rail transport system, which makes it easy to travel throughout the region. Distances Tokyo 10.5 hours Helsinki Helsinki 2 hours Tallinn Riga 4.5 hours Tallinn Riga 4 hours Vilnius Riga 18 hours Stockholm Vilnius 1.5 hours Warsaw Warsaw 2 hours Oslo Warsaw 5.5 hours Berlin Berlin 1 hour Copenhagen Copenhagen 20 minutes Malmö Berlin 8.5 hours Malmö Vilnius 1.5 hours Berlin Riga 1.5 hours Oslo Helsinki 1 hour Stockholm Helsinki 3.5 hours St. Petersburg

3 LIVE LIKE LOCALS LIVE LIKE LOCALS Lively culture and arts The region creates endless opportunities for people interested in design, shopping, eating, history, culture, music and nature. There is something for everyone. See what the region has to offer and experience it as the locals do, by enjoying the best of the cities and their everyday life. The creative spirit is evident throughout the region with a wide variety of cultural events and activities. Theatre, music, opera, dance, architecture and design are present in daily life. The cities in the area have also been internationally recognised for their cultural and design attributes. Rich traditions and history The common historical events have fortified the area for a long time, which can be seen in the cultures and languages of the area. Well preserved medieval cities of the area impress with ancient city walls, churches, traditional cuisine, handicrafts and cultural heritage. Historical monuments and buildings blend in with the newer architecture and old traditions color the modern life style of the people. hens Unique kitc Innovative design and fashion ng gion combini ique in the re ess, hn es Fr. Cuisine is un es st itions and ta most different trad uce are of ut od pr c ni ga hens. tc and or ki s to the region ce ight an rt po e im lly com stra for food idea Ingredients. from nature Design has always flourished in the area. Several world famous brands and designers create simple but beautiful innovations for everyday life. Fashion is strongly loved by the people and design is known to be innovative and of high quality. Design is present in everything from clothing and cooking to interior decorations and jewellery. Love for nature The region has a natural affinity for nature. There are many parks and other recreational areas even within built up, urban areas. The cities are clean and well-maintained. Respect for nature can be felt in the region s approach towards the environment and sustainable development. The sea is also a very beloved element, so love for shorelines, beaches and sailing is seen in many of the coastal cities.

4 SCANDINAVIA Modern and fresh Scandinavia Scandinavia, which includes Finland, Sweden, Norway and Denmark, is a unique region where design is close to people s hearts. Each city is full of beautiful architecture, trends, and a love for Scandinavian fashion. Cuisine takes its tastes straight from the Northern nature. Helsinki Design everywhere Helsinki attracts design fans from around the world, and it s no wonder why: Finnish design is famous for its minimalism and clean lines, classic wooden furniture and modern usability. A unique feature in the Finnish design is that it is designed for everyone and everyday use. It is thus hard to find a Finnish home without design items. You can see design everywhere in the region, naturally embedded in the urban city culture. Quality shopping Helsinki offers various shopping opportunities for those interested in design, small upcoming fashion labels and quality products. Helsinki is home to various flagship stores representing Finnish design. Take a peak at the Finnish design by walking through the Design District full of designer shops, interior decorating studios, antique dealers, clothing and jewellery boutiques, artist workshops, galleries, museums and restaurants. Taste the four seasons The four seasons of Finland bring variety and richness to the dining table. Tastes coming straight from nature are guaranteed to be simple, fresh and delicious. Take time to enjoy traditional dishes such as berry pie, fish, or game with mushrooms in the high-class restaurants of Helsinki. The Nordic cityscape Helsinki - Stockholm 16 hours Helsinki offers an array of interesting cultural experiences at a variety of museums, galleries and events within a unique architecture blending influences from the east and west. The counterbalance to culture is the archipelago, with its rugged seashore cliffs and summer nights full of light, which will offer you unforgettable moments in the Finnish cityscape. St. Petersburg Take a train straight from Helsinki and in 3 hours 30 minutes you re in St. Petersburg, where you can experience the city s magnificent palaces and cathedrals, art in the Hermitage and the beautiful historic center. Stockholm Taste adventures Organic produce, nature and local production are the buzz words of any Swedish kitchen so great taste experiences are easy to find. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants that live a little closer to nature s terms without compromising on taste of course. Follow the example of the Swedes and discover the difference for yourself! The Scandinavian look The Swedes are known to have an unfailing sense of Scandinavian style. Maybe you can discover your own personal style in the trendy, bohemian shops in the district of Södermalm? Or head to Östermalm, the most exclusive district of the city, which is home to both international and Scandinavian high-quality labels. City of water Stockholm - Malmö 1 hour Stockholm is built on 14 islands, so no wonder it offers you a countless number of stunning water views. Admire the sceneries by walking along the shores of the city districts and stop for a cup of coffee to admire the views, or alternatively take a tour by boat to see the beautiful islands surrounding the city. Malmö In the corner of Scandinavia Malmö is easily within reach of the rest of the Europe and especially its beloved neighbour, Copenhagen. In Malmö you can see a happy blend of nationalities which also brings a wide range of ethnic restaurants and shops to the city. Home of Swedish décor If you re in search of that highly admired Scandinavian décor, head to the various Swedish design shops the city has to offer. Minimalistic, yet innovative items, classical and contemporary, light Nordic colors from the nature, genuine materials You can t go wrong with Swedish designer brands. Big city selection, small city feeling Malmö is Sweden s third biggest city, which makes it just the right size to have all you need from a great city whilst maintaining that small city feeling with cosy parks, cafés and neighborhood shops. You never have to go far, whether you want to relax in one of the city s parks, admire the sunset over the sea or feel the big city pulse. Tastes from Southern Sweden Malmö is located in the Southern tip of Sweden, the best place for agriculture. So it s a great opportunity to get to know the local Scandinavian tastes straight from the neighborhood villages.

5 Oslo - Copenhagen 16.5 hours Oslo Copenhagen Delicious fish dishes Between art and utility Some of the best chefs in the world can be found in Oslo s restaurants, and the city has four Michelin-rated restaurants. In Oslo, you can choose from good, oldfashioned rustic food, delicious dishes of fish, game, moose and reindeer or exotic dishes sampling tastes from every corner of the world. A local favourite is the Norwegian salmon straight from the arctic waters and crystal-clear fjords of Norway. Danish design is a concept well known all over the world for its innovation, plain forms and unique style. Danish design both looks good and works well see for yourself! Combined city life and fresh outdoors In Oslo nature is an evident part of the people s lives. This is clear to see when you observe the number of people with skis on the subway heading to the forests around the city, people on the ferries with disposable barbecues heading to the islands, or on the buses travelling to beaches of Bygdøy for a beautiful summers day. Compact shopping areas In Oslo shopping is easy: the areas are concentrated closely together consisting of shopping centres and department stores as well as streets lined with small designer shops. Shopping areas include flea markets, antique shops and local handicraft shops so you re sure to find something for every taste. Cafés second homes Norwegians love to drink coffee and to spend a lot of time in the many cafeterias of the city. You can choose between jazz cafés, rock cafés, art cafés, gay cafés and baby cafés, to name but a few. The Norwegians truly know that a cup of coffee can be a work of art. Distinctive fashion Gourmet cuisine You don t have to sit in a café and watch the people passing by for long until you see how important style is to them. The fashion of Copenhagen is unique, simple but still intriguing just like the city itself. Create your own unique style in the various shops found in Copenhagen. Danish chefs are known to be highly talented in exploiting the fruits of the Nordic region, combining both local traditions and modern types of cuisine. Copenhagen is home to some of the world s best awarded restaurants so when you want to get familiar with the Nordic cuisine, Copenhagen is sure to fulfill your expectations. Enjoying life The best way to describe the Danish attitude towards life is to experience if for yourself. A good way to do this in Copenhagen is by eating well, having a glass of wine or a beer in a good company, and walking along the streets filled with friendly people, unique shops and creativity.

6 Warsaw Berlin rs 1.5 hou BERLIN AND WARSAW Berlin Charming and Lively Cultural hotspots Cultural Power spots of Berlin and Warsaw are full of culture in every aspect of the word: arts, music, museums, architecture, fashion You name it, these cities have it. Warsaw Enjoying the great outdoors City of artists When it comes to creativeness, Berlin can compete with any other metropolis in the world. The city is a German Mecca for contemporary art and has a vast array of arts from street art to expansive installations, galleries and museums. With its creative atmosphere the city has inspired more than 6,000 painters, sculptors and performers who live there. Fall in love with Warsaw Architecture in motion Music for everyone, everywhere Berlin has had a great impact on music culture for centuries by creating a home for many great composers, bands and artists. It is easy to feel the liveliness of music culture in Berlin: attend a gig in a small pub, celebrate music in live music clubs or dance until the morning in one of the various techno clubs. Both music and dancing are a way of life in Berlin. Berlin s rich history can clearly be seen in the architecture of the city. Berlin has undergone a rapid development since the 19th century, especially in the city s architecture. Following the fall of the Berlin wall the city has evolved greatly and that movement has never stopped. This makes Berlin a hotspot for architecture over and over again. Discover the shopping districts The shopping possibilities of the city are as wide ranging as are the styles of the city s inhabitants. Berlin is undoubtedly a hotspot for fashion. Head to the flea markets to find something unique, find the designer stores with distinctive local brands or browse the several shopping districts of the city to treat yourself with something new and most definitely fashionable. There is so much happening in the city around the year that it makes exploring very rewarding. Talk a walk off the beaten path and Warsaw will charm you with many hidden gems to be found throughout the city, in its small shops and galleries. Warsaw s citizens love their parks. And it s easy to see why: you can have a wonderful walk or cycle along the river banks and beaches, take pictures of the region s wildlife or just relax. Nature is never far away in Warsaw. Old and new architecture Old and new architecture go hand in hand in Warsaw. The Old Town was demolished in World War II but has now been entirely rebuilt. Due to its perfect restoration, the Old Town is included in the Unesco World Heritage List. At the same time the city is undergoing a rapid development and visitors can marvel at the latest modern architecture around the city. The enchanting café-club culture A great Warsaw invention is the klubokawiarnia: a coffee-house-cumbar offering everything from cocktails to espressos and a wide range of snacks. What makes it even better are the cultural events often hosted in the klubokawiarnias: art exhibitions, book nights, debates and live music shows. Inspiration for everyone Warsaw is the hometown of several famous geniuses, including the admired composer Fryderyk Chopin and the respected nobelist Marie Sklodowska-Curie. The musicality of the city is easy to hear just by walking in the streets the city hosts several music festivals and plenty of open-air shows for you to enjoy. Warsaw is also home to one of the biggest opera houses in the world.

7 BALTIC CITIES Historical Baltic Cities Baltic Cities, particularly Tallinn, Riga and Vilnius, are impressively well preserved Medieval cities that charm with history, organic food, traditional handicrafts and a rich musical heritage including folk songs and opera. Vilnius Baroque music in the Baroque capital The Old Town in Vilnius is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List as the town has preserved an impressive complex of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and classical buildings as well as its Medieval layout and natural setting. It is easy to find out why Vilnius is called the Baroque Pearl of the North: just admire the Baroque styled architecture while listening to Baroque music played in several festivals. Creative talents Vilnius showcases interesting events all year round. There are various cultural events, festivals and celebrations taking place either in the open air, in halls or in non-traditional venues. The Lithuanians have always been highly ranked in terms of creativity: the top performers regularly perform here as there are festivals almost every day. Unique local products It s almost impossible to go hungry in Vilnius. The town has a lot of exciting delicious restaurants serving fresh and tasty local food in a lovely setting. And why not buy some local food or traditional crafts to take back home with you: some traditional Lithuanian souvenirs are various amber products or unpolished pieces of amber, Lithuanian beer or brown bread, leather goods, wooden kitchen implements, linen or woollen clothes. The widest variety of goods can be found at fairs, where craftsmen sell their wares. Tallinn Medieval memories In Tallinn, it is easy to imagine how life there would have been in the Middle Ages. It has one of the best preserved medieval city centres with old city walls and stone buildings, which remain untouched. You can feel the old, dignified atmosphere in the narrow streets of the Old center, its Medieval restaurants and markets. Idyllic cafeterias Vilnius - Tallinn 1.5 hours Locals love to spend time in Tallinn s unique cafeterias to have a break from the day and to meet friends. There are places from old romantic hideaways following traditional recipes to trendy cafés. Most of them also serve a wide variety of delicious food and pastries. Time to slow down If you want to relax and indulge yourself, Tallinn has the recipe for you: it is full of health spas where you can choose anything from traditional treatments to modern wellness spa therapies. Locals have always valued well being highly so you can be sure that they are taking good care of you. Hand made by Tallinn Handicraft culture is alive and well in Tallinn. Walk around in the Medieval markets to find knitted pullovers, follow the making of ceramics in the old local work shops and buy some hand made chocolates and sweets to bring home. Riga Art Nouveau Capital The Historic Centre of Riga is included in UNESCO World Heritage List thanks to the charming architecture of the Old Town, its wooden buildings and Art Nouveau designs. Riga is justly considered the capital of Art Nouveau architecture: there are about 800 Art Nouveau buildings in Riga. Thus, when walking in Riga, don t only look at the pavements and shop windows look up and see the surprising architecture! Medieval architecture Old Town is a masterpiece of architecture which has retained the atmosphere of past times. One can enjoy the aura of an ancient city just by walking in the cobble stone streets, admiring the old houses, Medieval Riga castle and many cathedrals and churches. Tallinn - Riga 4.5 hours Rich musical heritage Music plays an important role in the everyday life of Riga so when you want to relax, the city has much to offer: from music festivals, concerts and folk music to hot night spots. Especially in the summer months various music festivals, ranging from early music and opera to jazz and rock, take place in Riga. Drink with a view Riga is the perfect blend of a Medieval centre and a modern city. Some of the new buildings in Riga offer fantastic views of the city s majestic skyline. Enjoy cocktails and snacks while admiring the lovely panorama of the Baltic gem.

8 TIPS FROM THE LOCALS HOW TO LIVE LIKE LOCALS Satu from Helsinki Petter from Malmö Sunset dinner in Västra Hamnen Collect your picnic-basket, take a blanket and sit among the locals on the sea front in district of Västra Hamnen to enjoy the view. In clear weather, you can see all the way to Copenhagen and admire the beautiful bridge of Öresund, behind which the sun goes down. Stine from Copenhagen Nørrebro Nørrebro is an area only a couple of minutes away from the centre, where you will find trendy bars, antique shops and designer boutiques next to dodgy dive bars and cheap dineries. The neighbourhood and its people are cool and casual, something you could call authentic Copenhagen. Enjoy a big brunch Start the day like a real Copenhagener and have a Scandinavian brunch consisting of fresh bread, coffee, jam, berries, yoghurt and fruits. Brunch is served until late in the afternoon in most of the city s cafés. Anna from Stockholm Museum of photography This museum opened in May 2010 and is one of the world s biggest collections of modern photography. It presents four main exhibitions plus about 20 smaller displays every year. And moreover, there are great views over Stockholm from the bar on the top floor! Vintage shopping Stockholm is a great city for finding vintage and second hand shops selling used but fashionable clothes from different decades. Södermalm is an especially good area for vintage shopping. Karin from Oslo Island hopping in Oslofjord It is very easy to experience the beautiful islands of Oslo by taking the ferry to hop on and off the numerous different islands plus it s very near the centre. You can swim, have a picnic, explore or just enjoy the peace and quiet of the islands. Munch Museum Edward Munch, a famous Norwegian expressionist painter of high regard within Nordic art, left a large number of paintings, graphical prints and drawings to the city of Oslo. By constantly changing the exhibitions, the museum presents the wide variety of his works. Summer Island dining It is hard to imagine a better setting for a warm summer evening dinner than on the islands of Helsinki. Idyllic restaurants in the archipelago of Helsinki serve great Nordic food with stunning views to the sea. Take a ferry to the islands from the centre of Helsinki and make your dinner an unforgettable experience! Lene from Tallinn St. Catherine s passage St. Catherine s passage, located in the Medieval Old Town is surely one of the most picturesque lanes in Tallinn. It s home to St. Catherine s Guild a collection of craft workshops where the artists use traditional methods to make handicrafts. No other place in Tallinn combines creativity with a Medieval atmosphere like this. Traditional spa treatment Tallinn has a long history of spa culture, so here you can easily find treatments for every taste. I recommend a traditional mud treatment to relax your body and cleanse your skin! Where East meets West Throughout its 460-year history Helsinki has been influenced by both Eastern and Western cultures. Therefore the lifestyle in Helsinki is full of contrasts, making for a fascinating local culture. You can see the influences from both the East and the West in the city s architecture, culinary culture, events, traditions and many other elements that are unique to the way of life in Helsinki. Vladimir from St. Petersburg Peterhof palace The Summer Palace of Peter the Great is a must-see with its decorated rooms and art, but what especially make this place impressive is its gardens. Spend an afternoon walking around and admiring the beautiful fountains, statues and colorful flowers of the season. Thomas from Berlin Shop in the markets Especially if you re in Berlin on a weekend, you can make interesting findings in the various markets of the city. The numerous antique, junk, art and flea markets are one of Berlin s highlights. The Jewish Museum The building itself is an exciting example of contemporary architecture, reflecting interesting aspects of the city s Jewish history. The exhibition rooms offer various permanent and temporary exhibitions throughout the year. Marcin from Warsaw Meet Chopin, the great musician Take a walk in the footsteps of the great composer and Warsaw s best-known resident, Chopin: The new Chopin centre and a multimedia Chopin museum are great places to start. Relax in Royal Łazienki Park The park and palace complex at Łazienki are one of the most beautiful of Europe. Take a book and a camera and you can spend a whole day here, any time of the year. In the summer, there are also a number of free Chopin concerts for you to enjoy. Linda from Vilnius Amber Museum The Amber Museum-Gallery tells visitors about the morphology of amber. The unique collection of amber inclusions and the reconstruction of Juodkrané treasure are on display here. You can also buy amber jewellery of modern and classical design. Užupis, the artists district Cross the bridge on the Vilnelé River and take a walk in the self-declared independent Republic of Užupis, the residence of the towns many artists. The area hosts several nice cafés and open artists courtyards along the bank of the relaxing Vilnelé river. Marika from Riga Old town galleries All those, who are attracted by visual arts should visit the museums and numerous art galleries in the Riga Old Town and city centre. The galleries also sell quality souvenirs. Shop for organic products Riga s Central Market is one of the largest markets in Eastern Europe. I love to go shopping for organic food there: fresh and marinated vegetables, real rye bread, honey These products are farmed in the Latvian countryside and produced by the farmers themselves. Yummy!

9 Welcome! Photos from the cities image banks. Part-financed by the European Union (European Regional Development Funds) This publication is an output of a partly EU-funded project BaltMet promo - Creating promotional Baltic Sea Region products for tourists, talents and investors in the global markets, lead by City of Helsinki.