Holidaymakers flying to Helsinki this summer should not miss one of the city's most popular festivals.

Helsinki Day is marked every year on June 12th through a variety of celebrations, including live music, dance and theatre shows, sailing events and more. Visitors to Helsinki can expect to see a host of spectacles around the capital, both indoors and outdoors.

The day commemorates the founding of the city by Swedish king Gustav Vasa in 1550 and will also see local restaurants, club and bars hold their own mini-events to mark the occasion.

Last year's festivities included highlights such as traditional Finnish music and dance performances, a mini-golf tournament and special exhibitions at the Helsinki City and Post museums.

Travellers heading to Helsinki might also want to take the opportunity to explore some of the city's most impressive landmarks, such as the 18th century Suomenlinna Maritime Fortress, the Cathedral of Helsinki and the Gardenia tropical gardens.

See the website of the Helsinki City Tourist & Convention Bureau for more information.

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