SkyWheel Helsinki travel guide

SkyWheel Helsinki, a prominent landmark in the city's skyline, opened its doors to the public in June 2014. This iconic Ferris wheel stands at 40 meters tall and offers breathtaking views of Helsinki's harbor, the Uspenski Cathedral, and the bustling Market Square. The project was initiated by SkyWheel Helsinki Oy, a subsidiary of the Dutch company Dutch Wheels B.V., known for their expertise in constructing observation wheels worldwide.

In its early years, SkyWheel Helsinki quickly became a must-visit attraction for both locals and tourists. The wheel features 30 climate-controlled gondolas, ensuring a comfortable experience year-round. One of the gondolas is a VIP cabin with glass floors and leather seating, perfect for special occasions and celebrations.

Since its inception, SkyWheel Helsinki has been more than just an observation wheel; it has hosted a variety of events, from private functions to public celebrations. Its strategic location near popular tourist spots makes it an ideal starting point for exploring Helsinki. Over the years, it has become a symbol of modern Helsinki, blending seamlessly with the city's rich cultural heritage.

SkyWheel Helsinki offers a panoramic view of the city and its surrounding archipelago from a height of 40 meters, providing an unparalleled visual experience. Each of the 30 enclosed, climate-controlled gondolas ensures a comfortable ride regardless of the season, making it a year-round attraction. One of the most distinctive features is the VIP gondola, which boasts a leather interior, glass floor, and a bottle of champagne, offering an exclusive, luxurious experience.

Another unique aspect is the SkySauna, the world’s first sauna gondola, combining the traditional Finnish sauna culture with a Ferris wheel ride. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views while relaxing in the sauna, followed by a refreshing plunge in the sea or a dip in the hot tub. The location of SkyWheel Helsinki in Katajanokka district also adds to its charm, as it stands near the waterfront, adjacent to the Allas Sea Pool, and offers views of landmarks such as Helsinki Cathedral and the Uspenski Cathedral. These features collectively make SkyWheel Helsinki a must-visit attraction, blending modern amenities with local traditions and stunning vistas.

SkyWheel Helsinki offers a unique experience beyond its picturesque views. Did you know that it features a VIP cabin called the Veuve Clicquot VIP Experience? This glass-floor cabin is equipped with leather seats, a sound system, and a bottle of champagne, elevating the ride to a whole new level of luxury. Additionally, SkyWheel Helsinki is the first observation wheel in the world to include a sauna cabin. Yes, you can enjoy a traditional Finnish sauna at 40 meters above ground, with stunning views of the city and the sea. Another fascinating detail is that the wheel operates year-round, even during Helsinki's harsh winter months, thanks to its heated cabins. Finally, the attraction is eco-friendly, utilizing renewable energy sources to minimize its environmental footprint.

Located in the dynamic Katajanokka, the popular SkyWheel Helsinki is easy to find and can be explored during a short weekend escape in the beautiful city of Helsinki or as a stop on your countrywide road trip through Finland.

Helsinki is a perfect holiday destination for those who crave a mix of history, culture, and modern amenities. With its distinct architecture, famous museums, and delicious culinary scene, Helsinki offers something for everyone.

Take a stroll through the charming streets and alleys to discover hidden gems and enjoy the local atmosphere. Visit this popular landmark in Helsinki and immerse yourself in the city's rich history and culture at top attractions, including the remarkable Helsinki Market Square, Suomenlinna, Senate Square, Temppeliaukio Church, and Esplanadi.

Whether you're looking to indulge in shopping or explore the nightlife, Helsinki has it all. Don't forget to sample the delicious cuisine, from traditional dishes to modern fusion.

Experience the best of both worlds in Helsinki, a place where the past meets the present, and you'll create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.

Click the travel guides below to learn more and get ready to make unforgettable memories in Finland!

The best time to explore SkyWheel Helsinki is during the summer months from June to August, when the weather is pleasantly warm, and the days are long. During this period, you can enjoy clear skies and extended daylight, perfect for capturing panoramic views of the city and the Baltic Sea. The Midnight Sun phenomenon in June offers a unique opportunity to experience the wheel at late hours with almost continuous daylight, making it a memorable visit.

Spring (April to May) and early autumn (September) are also ideal times to visit, with moderate weather and relatively fewer tourists compared to the peak summer months. These seasons offer a balance of comfortable temperatures and shorter queues, enhancing your overall experience.

Winter visits, especially around December, bring a different charm with festive lights and holiday decorations. The Christmas markets and seasonal events add a magical touch, although be prepared for colder temperatures and shorter daylight hours. For a quieter experience, consider weekdays or early mornings, regardless of the season. By planning your visit around these times, you can maximize your enjoyment and make the most of your SkyWheel Helsinki adventure.

SkyWheel Helsinki is conveniently accessible by various transportation options in Helsinki, Finland. If you're flying in, Helsinki Airport is approximately 10.4 miles (16.7 km) away from Helsinki. From there, you can easily reach SkyWheel Helsinki by taxi or shuttle.

For those already in Helsinki, buses, taxis, and walking are viable options to reach SkyWheel Helsinki, which is located 0.6 miles (0.9 km) from the city center. You can also rent a car and drive to SkyWheel Helsinki, providing flexibility to explore at your leisure. Its exact address is Katajanokanlaituri 2, 00160 Helsinki, Finland, Finland.

With your transportation plans sorted, get ready for an unforgettable experience at SkyWheel Helsinki!

With a rental car, discovering the popular SkyWheel Helsinki and Finland's captivating landscapes becomes a breeze, allowing you to explore at your own pace. Upon arrival, international travelers can choose from 3 reputable rental car companies near Helsinki Airport and the city of Helsinki, making transportation seamless and efficient.

Rental car companies in Finland cater to a variety of preferences, offering vehicles ranging from compact and midsize to premium, estate, and even camper vans or convertibles. To select the perfect ride, consider your itinerary and specific travel plans in Helsinki and beyond.

Conveniently explore SkyWheel Helsinki and plenty more captivating attractions in Helsinki by staying at a top-rated hotel in the center of the city. With comfortable accommodations and easy access to SkyWheel Helsinki and other notable landmarks, wake up well-rested every day, ready to explore all that Helsinki has to offer.

Discover the best hotels for visiting SkyWheel Helsinki below.

Aside from SkyWheel Helsinki, Helsinki is home to numerous other top attractions waiting to be explored. From museums and architectural masterpieces to sculptures and natural wonders, the city offers a diverse range of sights to behold. For the ultimate sightseeing tour around Helsinki, there are a number of attractions every itinerary should include, namely Helsinki Market Square, Suomenlinna, and Senate Square.

Helsinki Market Square is a bucket-list establishment and top attraction in Helsinki, drawing numerous travelers and locals every year. As evident by its average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 26,000 reviews, this attraction is a popular place to visit for anyone with time to spend in the city. The exact address of Helsinki Market Square is Eteläranta, 00170 Helsinki, Finland.

Another appreciated attraction in Helsinki is Suomenlinna. Like Helsinki Market Square, this is one of the most popular sites to visit in the city. With an impressive average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars among 23,000 visitors, it’s also one of the highest-rated. The exact address of this establishment is 00190 Helsinki, Finland.

Senate Square is also a clear favorite among travelers seeking to experience the uniqueness of Helsinki. This establishment and top attraction in Helsinki has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 19,000 visitors. This attraction is located at the address of 00170 Helsinki, Finland.

Check out our full list of top attractions in the city of Helsinki below.