Welcome, traveler, to Helsinki! Your journey to our winter constellation is an exciting one, and this guide is here to help you navigate the beautiful Finnish night with ease. Helsinki is a city that glows with warmth, even in the heart of winter, and we want your experience to be as magical as the aurora itself.
This guide is built on the collective wisdom of our community members who have traveled to Helsinki year after year. It’s designed to make your trip smooth, comfortable, and unforgettable.
Language & Locals
Your journey will be smooth with just English. While Finnish and Swedish are the official languages, you'll find that English is spoken fluently almost everywhere, from shops and restaurants to public transport.
However, learning a few words can create a wonderful connection. Finns appreciate any attempt to speak their language!
Hello: Hei (pronounced 'hey') or Moi (pronounced 'moy')
Thank you: Kiitos (pronounced 'kee-toss')
Good morning: Hyvää huomenta (pronounced 'hoo-vaa hwo-men-tah')
Excuse me / Sorry: Anteeksi (pronounced 'ahn-tek-see')
Yes / No: Kyllä / Ei (pronounced 'kul-la' / 'ay')
Don't be surprised by the warm welcome you receive. Finns may have a reputation for being a bit shy, but they are an incredibly kind, helpful, and friendly people who will be happy to assist you on your travels.
Dressing for the Finnish Night
February in Helsinki is a true winter experience. Expect cold temperatures, often below freezing (0°C / 32°F), and the possibility of snow and ice. To enjoy the city's glow in comfort, we highly recommend packing in layers. Essential items include:
A warm, waterproof or windproof winter coat.
Waterproof boots with good grip for walking on snowy or icy sidewalks.
A warm hat, gloves, and a scarf.
Thermal layers or wool sweaters.
A smooth journey begins with good preparation. Please review these critical details well in advance of your trip.
Passport Validity
This is our most important piece of travel advice when you travel from outside the Schengen zone: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months after your planned departure date from Finland.
Finland is part of the Schengen Area, which enforces this six-month validity rule. If your passport is nearing its expiration date, you may be denied boarding for your flight or entry upon arrival. One of our long-time attendees learned this the hard way—ask them about their one-day delay in London when you see them at the community dinner!
Visa & Entry Requirements (ETIAS)
Check if you need a visa to enter Finland:
For travelers from outside the EU/Schengen Area: Requirements vary significantly by country. We strongly recommend all non-EU travelers consult the official Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland website. It provides a comprehensive list of Finnish missions abroad (embassies and consulates) where you can find the most accurate and up-to-date visa and entry information for your specific location.
Disclaimer: It is the personal responsibility of every attendee to verify their specific passport and visa requirements for entering Finland. Please check with your local consulate or embassy for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Once you land, you'll find Helsinki is a remarkably easy city to navigate.
From the Airport to the City Center
The most efficient and affordable way to travel from Helsinki Airport (HEL) to the city center is by train.
Which Train to Take: Look for the I and P trains. They run on a loop in opposite directions but both will take you to the Central Railway Station (Helsingin päärautatieasema).
Ticket Needed: You will need an ABC zone ticket.
How to Purchase: You can buy tickets from the kiosks on the station platform or, for maximum convenience, purchase them directly in the HSL App (see below).
Navigating the City
Helsinki's public transport system, HSL, is a celestial network of trams, buses, and metro lines that make getting around a breeze.
Walking: Helsinki is a wonderfully walkable city, especially if you are staying in the downtown area. It's often the best way to see the sights and discover hidden gems.
The HSL App: We highly recommend downloading the official HSL app for your phone. It's your all-in-one tool for route planning and ticket purchasing for all public transport.
Trams, Buses, & Metro: Trams are a scenic and simple way to navigate the city core. For longer distances, the buses and metro are frequent and reliable. The HSL app will be your best guide for choosing the right route.
Day Passes: If you plan to use public transport frequently, consider purchasing a day or multi-day pass through the app for the best value.
A few local tips will help you navigate the city like a seasoned traveler.
A Cashless Constellation: Money & Payments
Helsinki is a modern, nearly cashless city. Credit and debit cards (especially those with a chip and PIN) are accepted for almost every transaction, no matter how small.
Primary Method: Plan to use your credit card for everything.
Emergency Cash: It's wise to carry a small amount of Euros (€) for emergencies, but you are unlikely to need it for daily purchases.
Before You Go:
Inform your bank or card provider of your travel dates to avoid any blocks on your account.
Check if your card requires a PIN for international transactions.
Staying Connected: Phone & Data
For EU/EEA attendees:
Thanks to the "Roam Like at Home" policy, you can use your mobile phone plan in Finland just as you would in your home country, with no extra roaming charges for calls, texts, or data (within your plan's fair use limits). Simply ensure roaming is enabled on your device.
For Visitors from Outside the EU/EEA:
You have two main options for staying connected while in Helsinki:
International Plan: Check with your home mobile provider about their international roaming plans. Some, like AT&T's International Day Pass in the US, offer convenient options.
Local SIM Card: For a potentially more affordable option, you can purchase a prepaid SIM card from a local provider upon arrival. Crucial Tip: Your phone must be "unlocked" by your home provider to use a different SIM card. We recommend researching your options and unlocking your phone before you travel.
The RoboCon experience is a full constellation of activities. We highly encourage you to join us for the entire week to connect, learn, and celebrate with the community.
Official RoboCon Happenings
Workshops (Tuesday): Begin your week with a deep dive. These focused, small-group sessions are the perfect opportunity to expand your skills with hands-on learning from leading experts. (A full list of workshops and registration details can be found here).
Community Day (Wednesday): An "unconference" where you set the agenda. This is a unique day for hands-on collaboration, sharing ideas, and solving problems directly with Robot Framework experts and key contributors. It's a free event, open to all, and a fantastic way to practice what you've learned. (Please sign up here so we can plan for space. Kiitos!)
Community Dinner (Thursday Evening): A beloved RoboCon tradition. Join speakers and fellow community members for a relaxed, pay-as-you-go dinner. It's a wonderful evening for conversation and connection. (More information will be posted soon).
The After-Party (Post-Conference): The grand finale! Celebrate a fantastic week with the community at our annual after-party.
When you're not at the conference, we encourage you to explore the two things that truly define the Helsinki experience: Design and Sauna.
Finnish Design
Helsinki is a global hub for design, visible in its architecture, art, and everyday objects.
Design District Helsinki: The best place to start. Explore a neighborhood packed with design and antique shops, galleries, and studios. Visit their website at designdistrict.fi.
Key Museums: Don't miss the Design Museum and the Museum of Finnish Architecture, both located less than a mile from the conference site. Other incredible art museums like the Ateneum Art Museum, Helsinki Art Museum, and the Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma are also nearby.
The Sauna Experience
The sauna (löyly) is the heart of Finnish culture. It's a shared social experience, and we highly recommend trying it with a Finn.
Community Sauna: There will be an opportunity to visit the sauna at our Community Day host's office after the event.
Public Saunas: We may organize an informal community trip to a public sauna like Allas Sea Pools early in the week. Stay tuned!
Iconic Landmarks & Local Gems
Helsinki Central Library Oodi: More than a library, it's a stunning architectural masterpiece and a public living room. A must-see.
Cathedrals & Chapels: Visit the iconic Helsinki Cathedral at Senate Square, the impressive Uspenski Cathedral, and the serene Kamppi Chapel (the "Chapel of Silence").
Temppeliaukion Church: A breathtaking church excavated directly into solid rock.
Local Crafts: For items made by local artists, visit OMA puoti near Senate Square.
A Sweet Treat: For some of the best pastries in the city, make a stop at Cafe Ekberg, founded in 1852.
Above all, the most important activity during RoboCon week is connecting with each other. The face-to-face time we share—at the conference, in workshops, or over dinner—is what makes our community grow stronger. We encourage you to reach out, start conversations, and learn from your fellow stars.
We can't wait to see you in Helsinki!