Social Activities

ESEC/FSE 2003 Social Events

	The mayor of Helsinki will host the conference reception on Wednesday, September 3, 18.00-19.00 at the main hall of Helsinki City Hall. Address: Pohjoisesplanadi 11-13.
	The conference dinner will be held on Thursday, September 4, 19.00-22.00 at Restaurant Kaivohuone. Address: Iso Puistotie 1. Dinner speech (pdf, ps): Reino Kurki-Suonio, professor emeritus, Tampere University of Technology.

Helsinki Sightseeing

You can take a virtual tour around Helsinki in our Photo Gallery or by checking out the panoramas on the Virtual Helsinki pages. You may also want to book yourself on a real tour, e.g., at Helsinki Expert.

Below is more information for those of you who also want to see the rest of Finland and its neighboring countries.

Visiting Lapland

Although the Arctic Circle and Lapland are hundreds of kilometers north of Helsinki, a trip to the real Land of Midnight Sun is certainly worth the effort. Here are some pointers for those who are interested:

• Lapland Travel Ltd.
• Arctic Safaris
• Finland Travel Bureau
• The Travel Experience

Visiting Estonia and other Baltic Countries

For us Finns, Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, means beautiful medieval architecture, folk art & handicrafts, and especially shopping and beer drinking frenzy. However, a trip to Tallinn is highly recommended for everyone.

Tallinn is within easy reach from Helsinki. There are dozens of boats leaving for Tallinn every day, and the trip only takes one or two hours! At least the following companies offer daily departures:

• Nordic Jet Line
• Tallink
• Viking Line
• Silja Line

While Tallinn is an ideal target for a day trip, remember also other Baltic destinations like Pärnu and Riga, particularly if you have more than one day to spend.

Before you go, make sure you have a visa (if you need one)!

Visiting Russia

Another popular destination for a cruise or train trip from Helsinki is St. Petersburg. Check the following sites for more information on traveling to Russia from Helsinki:

• The Travel Experience
• Finnsov Ltd.
• Futurist Ltd.

Before you go, make sure you have a visa!