Part-financed by the European Union (European Regional Development Fund and European Neighbourhood and Partner ship Instrument)

Destination Guide 2014 Amazing CITIES OF THE BALTIC SEA REGION

Hamburg Helsinki St. Petersburg Warsaw

www.onebsr.eu/tourists Welcome to the 10 great reasons to go to the Baltic Sea Region 1. One Sea – The proximity of the Baltic Sea welcomes its guests with a maritime flair, full of elemental energy, spectacular views and naval Baltic Sea region! lifestyle!

2. Amazing Cities – The established infrastructure of the region makes it The Baltic Sea Region comprises eleven European nations a perfect destination for multiple stopovers in the most important cities with more than 100 million inhabitants. These nations during one holiday! share many historical ties: in pre-Christian times, the Amber 3. Rich History – The various historical backgrounds of the areas result in Road ran along the coastline of the Baltic Sea. During the an exciting cultural diversity and make every metropolis unique and well middle ages, merchant guilds founded the Hanseatic worth discovering! League, which ruled over the sea trade routes in the Baltic region. Even today, the nations of the Baltic Sea Region are 4. Friendly Locals – The naval heritage of the region leads to a unique a part of this important cultural and historic heritage. sense of friendliness and open-mindedness that will welcome you with Experience real European history in the most exciting cities exceptional warmth and cordiality! in one of the most beautiful natural areas in Europe: 5. Unique Design – The distinct style of this European region with its enjoy the Baltic Sea Region! discreet colouring and its clear lines and shapes is a design icon and has given rise to many world-famous brands!

6. Fascinating Architecture – The richness of the Baltic Sea Region can also be perfectly experienced in the variety of architectural styles that can be found – from medieval to postmodern!

7. Surprising Cuisine – From award-winning haute cuisine to traditional cooking, the gastronomy of the Baltic Sea Region has something to offer Table of content for every appetite!

Amazing cities of the Baltic Sea Region 3-4 8. Pure Nature – Despite being a very modern region, the people of the Connections 5 Baltic Sea have preserved their love for and special relationship with nature, thus offering a vast amount of scenic attractions! Hamburg 6-7 Helsinki 8-9 9. High-Quality Shopping – With some of the most important European Riga 10-11 capitals within reach, the region offers countless shopping opportunities for every interest and every budget! St. Petersburg 12-13 Warsaw 14-15 10. Great Connections – The metropolises of the Baltic Sea Region are conveniently accessible from the US, either by direct flights or by Itineraries 16-20 connection to the most important hubs! Contacts 21

2 Amazing cities of the Baltic Sea region Hamburg Founded in about 500 A.D., Hamburg is captivating because the seafaring- romantic exists to this day. The River Elbe crosses the city near the mouth of the North Sea, which is why Hamburg developed into one of the world’s biggest ports. Besides the river many canals find their way through the city, most of them ending in the beautiful Lake Alster situated directly in the heart of the city. Many different cultural influences and historic epochs gave this impressive and fascinating city its distinctive face.

Helsinki Throughout its 450-year history, maritime Helsinki has swung between the currents of eastern and western influences. Life in the second-most-northern capital city in the world is full of contrasts and fascinating cultures. Influences from both the east and west are visible in the city’s architecture, cuisine, events, traditions and many other elements that are unique to the way of life in Helsinki.

3 St. Petersburg Riga Founded by Tsar Peter the Great in 1703, St. Petersburg has experienced many Riga – European Capital of Culture in 2014 – has been a city of inspiration for dramatic historical events, including the palace intrigues of Catherine the more than 800 years. Great, the influence of Rasputin on the Russian royal family and his mysterious It has always attracted travellers, urging them to linger, remain or come back. murder, and the October Revolution of 1917, which brought the communists A vibrant metropolis with a rich cultural and historical heritage, which is to power. Today, the former capital of Tsarist is known as the centre of evident in the city’s architecture and cultural life. Russian art, culture and literature.

Warsaw Warsaw is a modern and fast-developing metropolis that cherishes its traditions and rich cultural heritage. This is where an eventful history of freedom-loving people and exquisite art blend with vibrant tourist attractions befitting a capital city.

4 SO MUCH MORE THAN JUST THE SEA Helsinki St. Petersburg

Oslo Tallinn Stockholm

Riga

Connections

Chicago – Helsinki 9 h 25 min Copenhagen

Chicago – Warsaw 8 h 55 min Malmö New York – Hamburg 7 h 50 min

New York – Helsinki 8 h 45min Vilnius Gdansk New York – Riga 8 h 45min Hamburg

New York – Warsaw 8 h 20min

Helsinki – St. Petersburg* 3 h 30min Berlin Hamburg – Berlin 1 h 40 min Warsaw Hamburg – Copenhagen 4 h 45 min Great connections between all ONE BSR cities (as well as Copenhagen, Berlin, Stockholm and * US citizens need Russian visas except for 72 hour many others). group tours by ferry. 100 Miles

5 About 4 million tourists visit Hamburg each year. The second-largest city in is economically and culturally one of the centres of Europe. With 30 square metres of living space per person, Hamburg has the largest average living space of all major cities in the Hamburg world. As much as 14 % of the city is made up Germany of green spaces and recreational areas. You will fall in love with this incredible city when walking along the riversides or exploring the canals that flow through the city!

Water everywhere Green metropolis Shopping Vibrant scene and Cultural diversity It’s as if the sea tries to Be it the many hundred extravaganza nightlife Art museums, exhibitions, grab Hamburg with its long parks or the green spaces From highly acclaimed The Reeperbahn is probably opera, theatre and arm, the river Elbe, and its around the Lake Alster and local brands such as Jil the most famous street in musicals – Hamburg is a filigree fingers, the small the Stadtpark – nature and Sander, Nivea and Mont Germany and has a long city alive with culture. canals, which flow into the urban life lie very close to- Blanc to offbeat shops history. Many nightclubs, Lovers of the arts and city centre. In the centre gether. The most famous and upscale boutiques, music bars, traditional bars culture should not miss you’ll also find the Alster park is probably Planten un Hamburg offers a whirl- and red light-stores make the Kunsthalle or a ballet – a beautiful lake Blomen with its colourful wind shopping experience this entertainment quarter performance of the John surrounded by old flower displays and diverse for everyone. The biggest inimitable. Many other Neumeier Ballet. In 2017 buildings, modern offices vegetation. In the western shopping area is the one areas in Hamburg also offer the biggest building and the biggest shopping part of Hamburg lies the between central station a lot of comfy and vibrant project of the century will area of Hamburg – and also quarter of Blankenese, which and Alster (Spitalerstraße bars, clubs, cabaret theatres be opened: connected to the Elbe. is known for its beautiful and Moenckebergstraße). and much more. the Elbphilharmonic Hall hills, elegant parks, man- (Elbphilharmonie). sions and a beautiful view of the River Elbe.

6 Must-sees Did you know ... Event highlights

... Hamburg has more bridges than Venice, London Town Hall and Alster Harbour birthday ELBJAZZ Festival The Town Hall is an imposing, many-sided building and Amsterdam put together? celebration which was built in 1897. It is the seat of the The many streams, rivers and canals in Hamburg are Hamburg senate and parliament. Directly beside crossed by about 2,500 bridges. Thus Hamburg has it lies the Alster, a beautiful lake in the heart of more bridges inside its city limits than any other city in Hamburg; it is framed by the city centre, where the world. most of the exclusive stores are located. For getting the best view of the Alster region, it is ... that the Beatles started their career in Hamburg? recommended to take a roundtrip by Alsterboat. The Beatles came to Hamburg in 1960 to perform in different nightclubs. And they continued to do so The historical warehouse district until December 1962; it became a chapter in the The Speicherstadt was built between 1883 and band’s history which had a crucial influence on their 1927 to store goods from all over world. Even performance skills. May today, the companies in the Speicherstadt handle a Harbour birthday celebration with some of the world’s third of the world’s carpet production, as well as largest and most beautiful cruise ships, frigates and other goods such as cocoa, coffee, tea, spices, Facts and figures steamboats. maritime equipment and electronic goods. Dimension: the total area of the city 292 sq mi ELBJAZZ Festival: 15,000 jazz addicts celebrate jazz HafenCity (756 sq km) on both sides of the Elbe. More than 80 bands will be Between the port and the Speicherstadt, you’ll find performing on 12 stages, indoors and out. Climate: oceanic climate influenced by Hamburg’s HafenCity (“Port City”). It is made up of new and proximity to the coast and marine air masses that July modern buildings, as well as old ones, and is one of originate over the Atlantic Ocean. In the summertime Hamburg Harley Days: The whole city of Hamburg the most exciting architectural projects in Europe. the average temperature is 22° C (72° F) and during the is taken over by the two-wheelers. The European Harley St. Pauli and fish market winter it goes down to about -2° C (29° F). Davidson community will be celebrating the cult In the quarter of St. Pauli you will find the Reeper- trademark from Milwaukee with a big party. Currency: euro (€) (EUR) bahn with its bars, nightclubs and red-light district. August You can get a sense of the nostalgia of seafarers Tip: Twice a day, at 10 a.m. and 9 p.m., the “Michel- Hamburg Cruise Days and the Blue Port: A festival from the past few hundred years during the day Türmer” can be heard playing the trumpet from the top for Hamburg’s residents and visitors and a spectacular and at night you can be a part of Hamburg’s world- of St. Michael’s church tower. This is done in observance showcase for the city, celebrated every 2 years. famous club scene. People who like to stay up until of a 300-year-old tradition that began during the the early hours of the morning should visit the Lutheran Reformation. September traditional St. Pauli fish market. The Reeperbahn Festival is Germany’s largest club festival and is one of the three most important meeting Miniatur Wunderland Town Hall HafenCity places for the music and digital industries in Europe. The Miniatur Wunderland is a model railway attrac- tion in the Speicherstadt warehouse district. It is the December biggest in the world at 1,150 square metres and More than 15 beautiful Christmas markets to stroll rising! It’s divided into different sections: Alps, among and enjoy a cup of warming mulled wine. America, Hamburg, a fictitious city called Knuffin- gen, Scandinavia, Switzerland and Austria. There are For further information please visit: four more planned: Italy, , England and Africa. www.hamburg-travel.com

7 Helsinki, the capital of , is a unique and diverse city, where traditional eastern exotica meet contemporary Scandinavian style. Helsinki today is one of the most inviting and engaging places to visit in Europe. A world- class city with a cosy, coastal and relaxed vibe, Helsinki there is no shortage of things to do, people to Finland meet and great little places to spend some time taking in the good life.

Design Maritime appeal Food culture Friendly locals Nature Design is a factor deep- In Helsinki, the sea is an Helsinki’s food culture is Helsinki’s open and The noise, pollution and rooted in the urban essential part of everyday unique, surprising and friendly residents wish congestion that are often lifestyle of Helsinki. Design life. The sea surrounds the authentic. The city offers visitors, along with new associated with capital is manifest in the everyday city on three sides, with local food made from fresh events and trends, a very cities are noticeably absent lives of Helsinki citizens in almost 100 kilometres of seasonal ingredients, warm welcome to this here. Helsinki is one of the many ways, ranging from shoreline and around 300 haute cuisine in Michelin- dynamic and lively city. greenest metropolises in home furniture and items islands. The archipelago starred restaurants, The personable, multi- the world: over one-third that represent traditional offers endless opportuni- hundreds of pop-up lingual and friendly of the city consists of Finnish design to modern ties for great experiences restaurants a year, food residents are among the parks and other green urban solutions in the city throughout the year. events and much more. city’s greatest assets for spaces. The surrounding and contemporary interior The new local food culture visitors. Community-orien- sea creates a special design. is packed with delightful ted urban culture is also atmosphere and offers a surprises and long-lasting thriving in Helsinki. wide range of recreational pleasures. opportunities.

8 Must-sees Did you know ... Event highlights

... there is a sauna in almost every home in Finland? Temppeliaukio ”Rock” Church Helsinki Festival Helsinki Baltic Herring Excavated out of the natural bedrock, Temppeliaukio The word sauna comes from ancient Finnish. There are Market Church is one of Helsinki’s most popular tourist still some public saunas in Helsinki where you can get attractions. The interior walls are created naturally the original sauna experience. by the rock. The church was designed by architects Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen and opened in 1969. ... the lowest ever recorded temperature in Helsinki Due to its excellent acoustics, the church is a was -34.3 °C (-29.2 °F)? popular venue for concerts. That was on 10 January 1987.

Suomenlinna Maritime Fortress ... if you are travelling in Finland by car, regardless Suomenlinna fortress is one of the biggest sea of the weather or time of the day, you are required fortresses in the world. Founded in 1748 and built by law to always drive with the lights on? by Augustin Ehrensvärd on islands off the coast of May Helsinki, Suomenlinna is one of the most popular May Day Celebrations: Join the locals on parades and attractions in Finland, as well as being a place Facts and figures other events around the city and enjoy a picnic in one of where people live. It was included in UNESCO’s the many parks of Helsinki. Dimension: the total area of the city is 276 sq mi World Heritage List in 1991 as a unique monument (715 sq km) JUNE to European military architecture. Helsinki Week is a compilation of festivals and events Climate: Helsinki’s climate is typical of its northerly Esplanade Park that takes place around the city’s birthday on 12 June, location. The proximity of the Arctic Ocean and the Situated in the heart of Helsinki, the Esplanade Helsinki Day. North Atlantic creates cold weather, while the Gulf serves as a promenade and the best place for Stream brings in warmer air. The summer in Helsinki AUGUST people-watching. Along the park there are several is bright, but the winter is very cold. The Helsinki Festival presents a wide range of culture, cafés and shops, where you can buy Finnish from classical and world music to circus, dance, theatre, design and international brands. Currency: euro (€) (EUR) art, film and urban events. Helsinki Cathedral and Senate Tip: You should travel to Helsinki by boat to get one of OCTOBER Square the greatest views of the coast that you can imagine. The Baltic Herring Market is Helsinki’s oldest tradi- The Senate Square and its surroundings form a tional event. The local fishermen gather in Market unique and cohesive example of neoclassical Square to sell their Baltic herring products and other architecture. The square is dominated by Helsinki Suomenlinna Maritime Design District fish products. Cathedral, which is arguably Finland’s most Fortress famous and photographed building. DECEMBER Design District The Christmas Season in Helsinki is particularly warm and festive. Numerous Christmas concerts and markets Design District is a cluster of creative businesses are also held throughout the city. The year culminates that is full of fascinating attractions for fans of in the national New Year’s Eve celebrations in Senate design. The district comprises 25 streets and 200 Square with music and fireworks. locations, including jewellery makers, design and antique shops, fashion boutiques, museums, art galleries, restaurants, hotels and showrooms. For further information please visit: www.visithelsinki.fi/en

9 Founded in 1201 by the joint efforts of early Hanseatic merchants and German crusaders, today Riga proudly displays its 800-year heritage, combining the dynamic pace of a mo- dern metropolis and the charm of a historic town. Narrow cobbled streets and splendid Riga boulevards, stylish restaurants and cosy taverns, tiny shops for traditional crafts and shiny department stores, with pieces by local designers. Riga has something for everyone!

Cultural richness Beautiful Where centuries Gastronomy capital City for shopping Riga has a dynamic cultural architecture meet Riga’s restaurants offer The old town is perfect for life. The architecture of Riga is Riga is more than 800 fusion cuisine, where you leisurely shopping – you’ll attracts world-leading beautiful and diverse. years old. Each century has can try traditional Latvian find small shops offering artists. Concert halls 800-year-old Gothic left its mark on the dishes, and original meals souvenirs, art galleries regularly offer classical churches, built by the architecture in the old offering an astonishing nestled within the narrow and popular music founders of Riga, medieval town and city centre. Here combination of tastes that streets of the old town, concerts, galleries exhibit buildings in the old town, Riga’s cultural heritage take you on an exciting but also shopping centres works by well-known and exquisite Art Nouveau coexists with the fast pace gastronomic journey. selling foreign and local classical and contemporary and wooden buildings of modern living. brands. artists. The cultural life of make Riga a true pearl of Riga is rich and varied. architecture.

10 Must-sees Did you know ... Event highlights

... the tradition of decorating Christmas trees began in Old Riga Song and dance festival Winter wonderland Riga Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this Riga more than 500 years ago? is the historical and geographical centre of Riga on According to several sources, the first documented use of the right bank of the river. Old Riga an evergreen tree in a Christmas celebration was in Riga in covers a relatively small inner area of the 1510. A memorial plaque commemorating the idea can be 13th–18th century fortifications where unique found at the magnificent House of the Blackheads. monuments of medieval architecture – which, ... Riga will be European Capital of Culture in 2014 surprisingly, have survived two world wars – are with a yearlong festival of events? concentrated. Riga is already a venue for cultural events on an inter- May national scale but in 2014 it will become the cultural The 19th International Baltic Ballet festival The Freedom Monument has been Riga’s central epicentre of Europe. The concept Force Majeure will offer Admirers of ballet and dance will enjoy the colourful landmark for almost a century. This 42.7 m tall almost 200 events for Riga’s citizens and guests. shows, performances of world-famous artists and completely new expressions of dance at the 19th granite and copper work of art was financed ... American jeans were actually invented by a Latvian? International Baltic Ballet Festival. Over the years, the entirely by public donations and is a symbol of the A Latvian tailor named Jacob Davis who was born in festival has become a festival of dance and ballet an Latvian nation’s strive for freedom and Riga and emigrated to the US at the age of 23 came international cultural event where distinguished ballet independence. up with the idea to use copper rivets to reinforce the artists and masters of the dance perform. The Ethnographic Open-Air Museum pockets and seams of trousers and patented it of Latvia together with Levi Strauss. Nordea The 24th Nordea Riga Marathon, which has gained Almost 88 hectares of historic buildings and wide recognition in Europe, will be held on an traditional lifestyle are waiting to be discovered at Facts and figures internationally certified course, with its start and finish the Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum, which on the 11th November Embankment. is located on a beautiful lakeside and is one of the Dimension: the total area of the city is 117 sq mi oldest open-air museums in Europe. (304 sq km). Riga is one of the largest cities in June north-eastern Europe. Annual summer solstice celebration “Līgo” The L go festival, dedicated to the shortest night of the Hemp-seed butter, wild honey, black bread and Climate: moderate climate with distinctive seasons. ī year when nature and fertility are praised, has been other tasty goods can be found at Riga Central Summers are dry, with temperatures sometimes celebrated in Latvia since ancient times. Bonfires, beer market. This is a place where you can haggle with exceeding + 30° C. Winter is from December to March and cheese, flower crowns and singing are part and the vendors, admire the unique architecture and and usually with snow. parcel of the festival. enjoy a truly local shopping experience. Currency: euro (€) (EUR) (from 1 January, 2014) November 2014 – January, 2015 Art Nouveau district Tip: On the 26th floor of the Radisson Blu Hotel Latvija Christmas markets Riga is sometimes called “the metropolis of Art you find the Skyline Bar. From here you have an excellent The tempting smell of mulled wine and toasted almonds, Nouveau”. There are 800 Art Nouveau buildings view of the city and nature around it. shiny gingerbread cookies and items made by local in Riga, mostly located in the city centre – particu- craftsmen are signs of Old Town’s Christmas markets. larly along Alberta, Elizabetes and nearby streets. Old Riga Freedom Riga Art Nouveau Museum can also be found on Monument Alberta Street. For further information please visit: www.liveriga.com

11 St. Petersburg is often described as the most western city of Russia, as well as its cultural capital. It is the northernmost city in the world St. Petersburg to have a population of over one million. The historic centre of St. Petersburg and Russia related groups of monuments constitute a UNESCO World Heritage site. St. Petersburg is also home to the State Hermitage, one of the largest art museums in the world. A large number of foreign consulates, international corporations, banks and other businesses are located in St. Petersburg.

Historical and Water cruises, Shopping Nightlife and Festivals and events cultural heritage yachting, sea ferries Along the legendary Nevsky White nights Every year more than During its 310-year As a city built on over Prospect, a boulevard which St. Petersburg is also 1000 exhibitions and 300 existence the city of 42 islands, St. Petersburg is 4.5 kilometres long, you well-known for its vibrant festivals take place in St. Petersburg has made is surrounded by water can find the oldest and the and energetic nightlife. St. Petersburg. The city is an enormous contribution and interlaced with a most classical shopping Today Paris or Rome can also famous for being a to the world’s culture and complex web of rivers and centres waiting for people hardly compete when the big sport centre. There been the site of some of canals. A trip on one of with full wallets and a streets of St. Petersburg are more than 2000 sport the most important events the ferries is an unforget- sophisticated taste. At the are crowded at night all facilities and lots of in the world’s history. table experience. same time, there are many year around, especially international competitions This is proven by more St. Petersburg is the perfect other possibilities for during the White nights – take place here regularly. than 8500 state-protected place for a cruise ship shopping as St. Petersburg an amazing natural The most magnificent monuments, 182 museums, stop on the Baltic Sea and truly is an impressive phenomenon which occurs event takes place at the more than 1000 libraries, a city you should European centre of fashion in summer. end of May when the Day 88 theatres and many definitely not overlook. and luxury. of the City is celebrated. other cultural institutions.

12 Must-sees Did you know ... Event highlights Fortresses, orthodox cathedrals, ... that, despite what is often assumed, Peter the January imperial palaces Great did not name the city after himself, but after Leningrad Siege lifting (900 days 2nd World War) St. Petersburg is also known as a museum under his patron St., the apostle Simon Peter? 70th anniversary Memorable events the open sky. The Venice of the North charms ... St. Petersburg requested an entry in the Guinness many visitors with its orthodox cathedrals and Book of World Records, because of its 4,000-strong May palaces. The sea-green State Hermitage Museum choir, which sings at the 26 May city anniversary "Night of Museums" – is an annual event dedicated to and Winter Palace, the sun-yellow Square of Arts, celebrations? International Museum Day. St. Petersburg’s museums, the Senate Building, the red Belosselskij Palace and large and small, open their doors to the public in the golden top of the Admiralty. ... the most famous ballet school in the world is evening and at night, as well as offering a special located in St. Petersburg? The State Hermitage Museum programme including one-day exhibitions, concerts, The Vaganova Ballet Academy. performances, readings, master classes and historical The most popular visitor attraction in St. Petersburg reenactments. and one of the world’s largest museums, the State Hermitage is something everybody should see Facts and figures once in their lives. With over 3 million art exhibits, Scarlet Sales celebration Night of Museums it definitely rewards another visit; as a newcomer Dimension: the total area of the city is 555 sq mi you can just try to get an impression of the (1,438 sq km) exhibitions. You would need eleven years to view Climate: humid continental climate, with distinct each exhibit for a minute, so it makes sense to moderating influence of the Baltic Sea cyclones. From catch the collection’s highlights. December to March there is an average 118 days with Peter and Paul Fortress snow cover. The frost-free period in the city lasts on The Peter and Paul Fortress is a fortress from the average for about 135 days. early 18th century, which forms the origin and the Currency: Russian ruble (RUB) historical centre of St. Petersburg. It is located on an island in the Neva. It houses mainly exhibitions Tip: April and may are the months with the fewest rainy and museums and is a tourist attraction and resort days in the year, so if you are a friend of sun it would End of May – End of July in St. Petersburg. The fort is a central part of the make sense to get there in from spring to summer. The XXII International Stars of the White Nights UNESCO World Heritage Site, St. Petersburg’s city Festival centre. Peter and Paul Fortress Orthodox cathedrals The Stars of the White Nights Festival is considered one Church of the Saviour on Blood of the ten best music festivals in the world and one of The Resurrection Church is modelled on Moscow’s the most popular and diverse musical events in Russia. St Basil’s Cathedral in the "new style” and is Each year, the Festival presents the best opera and famous as the only building in St. Petersburg’s city ballet performances of the Mariinsky Theatre, the full centre which is not based on the Italian and range of symphonic repertoire, masterpieces of Western classical styles. It was built in 1883–1912 chamber music- and theatrical premieres. on the site where Alexander II was killed. It was opened to mark the centenary of the victory over Napoleon Bonaparte in the Fatherland War, and the For further information please visit: 300th anniversary of the Romanov dynasty. www.visit-petersburg.ru

13 Welcome to Warsaw! City of great artists and scientists, with a rich cultural life and its own wild nature, city of young joyful people and probably the best sweets in northeastern Europe. Warsaw

Chopin’s Warsaw A walk through Culture all year Young and vibrant Experience the Fryderyk Chopin – the best- centuries round There are 300,000 students green known Polish composer – Due to its turbulent history, On average there are over living in Warsaw – they For a fast-developing city, spent half his life in Warsaw’s urban landscape 100 cultural events each make the city alive, Warsaw is exceptionally Warsaw and is without is as surprising as it is month in Warsaw, most of sparkling and busy 24 green. 25% of the city area doubt the most famous eclectic. Within the distance them of international signi- hours a day. You can feel is made up of green areas, Varsovian. You will find his of a short morning walk, ficance and many of them this young spirit in the consisting not only of traces everywhere, from you might come across free of charge and open to streets and the clubs, on parks and squares but also music-playing benches to baroque churches, classical the public. Keep track of the banks of the river and a wild bank of the Vistula the world’s finest Chopin palaces, Art Nouveau our festival calendar and in the alternative art river and a nature reserve museum. tenement houses, enjoy some of Europe’s galleries. Go with the flow park within the city limits. Communist monuments finest art events! of non-stop Warsaw. After a busy day of and modern skyscrapers. sightseeing, it’s good to History in a nutshell! relax and have a breath of fresh air.

14 Must-sees Did you know ... Event highlights Royal Route ... Warsaw has the world’s narrowest house? May The most important tourist route in Warsaw, Built in 2012 for Israeli writer Etgar Keret, the house FreeFormFestival consisting of the most significant sites: the Royal measures 4.9 ft at its widest point, and only 3 ft at its FreeFormFestival has become a cultural “must do” event Castle in the old town (UNESCO World Heritage narrowest. It’s Keret’s hermitage where he (and other in Warsaw. New trends in world music and arts have Site), Łazienki Królewskie (the most famous park artists too) can contemplate and create. always been the heart of this event. Everything is perfectly set in alternative urban scenery which makes and palace complex with Chopin’s monument), ... you can sunbathe on a sandy beach in Warsaw? the FreeFormFestival an exceptional event on the Wilanów (royal summer residence) and dozens of On the wild right bank of the Vistula river, there are cultural map of Warsaw each autumn. other attractions along the way. seasonal sandy beaches with a professional infra- Warsaw Uprising Museum structure: beach bars, skimboard tracks, volleyball and May-September Opened in 2004, on the 60th anniversary of the courts, lawn chairs and wicker baskets. Chopin Concerts in Łazienki Królewskie Park The world-famous Romantic-era pianist and composer outbreak of the Warsaw Uprising, the museum ... the Warsaw Mermaid, symbol of the city, is said to Frédéric Chopin (1810–1849) grew up in Warsaw and pays tribute to all those who fought and died for be the sibling of the Copenhagen mermaid? completed his musical education there. In the beautiful their country’s independence. Housed in a former According to the legend, one sister stayed in Denmark Royal azienki Park, a green oasis in Warsaw's city tramway power station, the modern museum and the other went further to the east and chose a little Ł centre and once King Stanislaw August’s summer guides visitors through interactive displays, video fisherman village to stay at and take care of. She fell in residence, the great Chopin Concerts take place weekly, footage and photographs. love with a peasant called Wars, her name was Sawa – on Sundays. For more than fifty years now, they have hence the city name: Warszawa. Palace of Culture and Science been a true staple of Warsaw's cultural life. Completed in 1955 as a “gift from the Soviet people”, the building is the embodiment of Facts and figures Socialist Realist architecture. It is still the tallest Mermaid Statue (Pomnik Christmas Market building in Poland and fulfils the role of a cultural Dimension: total area of the city is 200 sq mi Syrenki) centre accommodating theatres, museums, a (516 sq km) cinema and a concert hall. The highest viewing Climate: humid continental climate with cold winters platform in Warsaw, on the 30th floor, offers an and warm summers. Spring and autumn are usually excellent panoramic view of the city. beautiful seasons. Judaica Currency: Polish Złoty (PLN) Before World War II, Warsaw had the second-largest December Tip: You should visit Warsaw in the summertime when Jewish community in Europe (over 300,000 people, The Great Christmas Illumination the weather is friendly, and the city shows it’s most 30 % of the city’s population). Despite the Holocaust, Each December central Warsaw is transformed into a beautiful side. you can still feel the special atmosphere of the winter wonderland with the "Great Illumination". Every centuries-old coexistence, which also influences year downtown Warsaw, particularly the Old Town the modern face of this extraordinary city. There Historic Museum Łazienki Palace streets Krakowksie Przedmieście and Nowy Świat, is are many sites to visit, including places comme- decorated with bright white decorations for the winter morating the Warsaw Ghetto and the Museum of season. The lights are switched on during a special the History of Polish Jews. ceremony on the first weekend of December.

For further information please visit: www.warsawtour.pl/en

15 Our special tip: Riga Itineraries Visit the romantic Christmas markets! A visit of one of the many Christmas markets in the Baltic Sea Region has On the following pages you find useful itineraries for trips become a tradition of the whole Baltic society. Many families, groups of through the Baltic Sea Region. The brochure describes friends, couples but also business partners consider these markets an different activities and trips for a great maritime experience incomparable event. It is where you find original Christmas presents for around the Baltic Sea. The focus is on tourist attractions of family and friends but also the perfect decoration for your house and yard. the cities of Hamburg, Helsinki, Riga, St. Petersburg and Standing around tables while having a mug of mulled wine and eating Warsaw. Here you find the most interesting must-sees of traditional European Christmas food is a must for everyone who is coming to this region around Christmas time. these cities, places of interest in terms of architecture, design and heritage as well as cultural events. This also Usually when the sun is gone, the lights create a Christmas atmosphere you includes some useful tips for tourists on how to live like a won’t find anywhere else. With Christmas music playing, parades taking local by doing typical things a native would do. place and Santa Clauses handing out gifts to kids, you feel the feast of love is coming nearer. There are many Christmas markets in each city. In Helsinki, for example, you have the Christmas World, with its Christmas concerts and the Ice- Park where you can go skating while enjoying the view over the city. In Hamburg you have a Christmas market in almost every quarter with specific features which represent the area.

Hamburg Riga

16 Hamburg Maritime

Hamburg Helsinki St. Petersburg

Harbo ur or Alster boat trip Rent a bike and drive along the shoreline River boat trip – city centre – the history of the city Visit the Speicherstadt Museum or Experience the different marine neighbour- International Maritime Museum hoods Drawbridges Boat Tour Visit the traditional fish market (Sunday only) Take a lunch cruise to beautiful Helsinki St. Petersburg Museum of Water located in an archipelago old water tower Guided tour of the new urban district “HafenCity” Dine in one of the summer island restaurants “Scarlet Sails” Dine in one of the restaurants at the Yachts – Gulf of Finland waterfront

17 Warsaw Architecture and Design

Hamburg St. Petersburg

Old and new: new urban district “HafenCity” and Modern art lofts (e.g. Etagi, Taiga, old warehouse district “Speicherstadt”, canal boat Pushkinskaya street 10) trip with view of the old warehouse district Erarta Museum Guided tour of city centre with Town Hall, Design galleries Deichstraße, Speicherstadt, St. Michael’s Church (incl. tower climbing) Dinne r in the old town Riga Warsaw Rig a sightseeing bus tour Guided walking tour of the old city and Art Short tour around eclectic city centre Helsinki Nouveau district Shopping tour for original Polish design Dinner at a local restaurant Tram ride to Arabia Centre for Finnish Design National Stadium in Warsaw shopping Souvenir markets and amber shops Palace of Culture and Science – city panorama Helsin ki Design District with its design shops Exhibition about Riga architecture from the terrace on the 30th floor

18 Helsinki Live like locaLs

Hamburg St. Petersburg

Visit the traditional fish market (Sundays only) Off the Beaten Track “Eat the world” guided culinary tour Metro tour Visit Brewery “Ratsherrn” “Horrors of St. Petersburg” show Guided tour of the famous entertainment “Feel yourself Russian” show district “Reeperbahn” Riga Warsaw Helsinki Guided walking tour Visit Stender’s handmade soap and chocolate Sandy beaches on the bank of River Vistula Hietaniemi Market Hall and flee market workshop at Berga Bazars Colourful flee market Bazar na Kole Haltia Nature Center Dinner at a local restaurant Old Praga District cafes and art galleries Nuuksio National Park Central market Night life in the Powisle and Nowy Świat Public saunas Cooking master classes quarters

19 Culture and heritage St. Petersburg

Hamburg St. Petersburg

Visit Emigration museum “Ballinstadt” The State Hermitage Museum Excursion to the Bremerhaven Emigration Imperial palace-and-park ensembles: Peterhof, Museum Tsarskoye Selo, Pavlovsk Following in the footsteps of the famous Festival “Stars of White Nights” (opera, ballet) Beatles with a guided tour Jazz clubs (The hat, Jazz Philharmonic Hall, Visit St. Jacobi Church with famous JFC, 48 Chairs) Arp-Schnitger Organ Literature tours (Dostoevsky, Pushkin etc.) Guided tour of the factory of piano makers “Steinway and Sons”

Warsaw Helsinki Riga Free of charge public jazz festivals, like “Jazz in Participate a city sightseeing tour the Old Town”

Finlandia Hall, Helsinki Music Centre and Ethnographic Open-Air Museum Backstage tour of the Grand Theatre and National Museum National Opera Underground Medieval Feast in the Old City Ferry to Suomenlinna Maritime Fortress to Warsaw museums: Chopin Museum, Warsaw Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation explore the UNESCO World Heritage site Rising Museum, Copernicus Science Centre Riga tour by night Seuras aari, an open-air museum presenting Guided tours of the Museum of History of the traditional Finnish way of life Guided tour at Mencendorf House Polish Jews

20 Contacts

Target groups of Baltic Sea Helsinki St. Petersburg

Metropoles Visit Helsinki: St. Petersburg Tourist Information Bureau Pohjoisesplanadi 19, P.O.Box 28 191023, St. Petersburg, 14/52 Sadovaya st. Best Agers 55+ FI – 00099 CITY OF HELSINKI (metro station „Gostiny dvor“) Couples 30 to 55 Tel. +358 (0)9 3101 3300 Tel./Fax +7 (812) 310-28-22 Families and multi-generational groups www.visithelsinki.fi/en http://eng.ispb.info [email protected] Heritage travellers Tourism Board of St. Petersburg: Travel Trade: www.visit-petersburg.ru Young adults, student groups www.visithelsinki.fi/en/professional/travel-trade St. Petersburg Government, Committee for [email protected] External relations: Media: www.kvs.spb.ru Hamburg www.visithelsinki.fi/en/professional/media Russian visa information and application. Useful links about Russia and St. Petersburg for the General tourist information, booking and [email protected] citizens of the USA: brochures: www.russianembassy.org/page/important-visa- Steinstraße 7, 20095 Hamburg information www.hamburg-travel.com Riga Tel. +49-40-300 51 701 [email protected] Press: Travel Trade: Riga Tourism Development Bureau Warsaw Hamburg Tourist Board Kungu 3, Riga, LV-1050, Latvia Julia Grundmann, Head of Sales Promotion Anna Blaua, PR Account Executive Warsaw Convention Bureau Tel. +49-40-300 51 241 GSM +371 28442636 Plac Zamkowy 10 [email protected] 00-277 Warsaw, Poland Tel. +371 67181097 Tel. +48 22 629 07 50 We will assist you with contacts of local tour [email protected] Fax +48 22 628 66 02 operators and incoming agencies and consult you in setting up leisure and incentive programs. Tourist Information: www.warsawconvention.pl/ [email protected] Press/Media: www.liveriga.com www.hamburg-travel.com/business-press/press Images provided by Hamburg Tourist Board (Mediaserver)

21 Part-financed by the European Union (European Regional Development Fund and European Neighbourhood and Partner ship Instrument) www.onebsr.eu/tourists