West Harbour, Helsinki: The Heart of Helsinki's Development

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Dramatic waves crash against the West Pierhead Lighthouse in Oswego, NY, under a clear blue sky.
Credit: pexels.com, Dramatic waves crash against the West Pierhead Lighthouse in Oswego, NY, under a clear blue sky.

West Harbour, Helsinki is a bustling area that's at the heart of Helsinki's development. Located on the west side of the city, it's a hub of activity with a mix of old and new architecture.

The harbour is surrounded by a scenic waterfront, with a promenade that offers stunning views of the city and the sea.

West Harbour is also home to a vibrant food scene, with a variety of restaurants and cafes serving everything from traditional Finnish cuisine to international flavors.

Facilities and Infrastructure

West Harbour boasts two state-of-the-art passenger terminals: West Terminal 1 and West Terminal 2.

West Terminal 1 primarily serves passenger ships traveling from Helsinki to Saint Petersburg.

West Terminal 2 specializes in fast scheduled traffic to Tallinn, Estonia.

The harbor's efficient facilities and services ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience for all passengers.

Hub of Connectivity

West Harbor is well-connected to various international destinations, making it a convenient starting point for your adventures.

The harbor operates regular liner connections to popular destinations such as Tallinn, Stockholm, Saint Petersburg, and Travemünde.

You can plan a quick getaway to Tallinn or embark on a Baltic cruise from West Harbor, which has got you covered.

Design and Architecture

Credit: youtube.com, Makasiiniranta quality and concept competition

The design and architecture of West Harbour in Helsinki is truly impressive. The terminals are modern and sleek, providing a comfortable and efficient experience for travelers. You can find contemporary architecture in the surrounding Jätkäsaari district, with striking buildings that blend in perfectly with the harbor's urban landscape. The waterfront promenade is a great place to take a stroll and enjoy the stunning views of the Baltic Sea.

Planning and Development

Planning and development in West Harbour, Helsinki is a carefully considered process.

The City of Helsinki has allocated a significant budget for the development of the area, with a total of €200 million invested in the project so far.

The harbour's master plan emphasizes the importance of sustainability, aiming to create a carbon-neutral district by 2030.

A key aspect of the plan is the creation of a new waterfront promenade, which will be built on top of the existing railway tracks.

Credit: youtube.com, Driving instructions: Drive your car onboard m/s Finlandia in West Harbour from Mechelininkatu

The promenade will be a pedestrian-friendly zone, lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes, and will provide stunning views of the harbour.

A new public transportation system, including buses and trams, will be implemented to connect the area with the rest of the city.

The development plan also includes the construction of new residential buildings, including apartments and houses, which will provide a mix of rental and owner-occupied housing.

The aim is to create a lively and diverse community in West Harbour, with a mix of housing types and age groups.

The development process is expected to take several years, with the first phase already underway.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you walk into Helsinki from a cruise ship?

The city centre is approximately 4 km away from the cruise ship quays, making it a walkable distance for those who prefer to explore on foot.

Which terminal is the ferry from Helsinki to Tallinn?

The ferry from Helsinki to Tallinn departs from West Harbour Terminal 2 in Helsinki. In Tallinn, it arrives at Terminal D.

Elmer Kassulke

Lead Assigning Editor

Here is a 100-word author bio for Elmer Kassulke: Elmer Kassulke is an accomplished Assigning Editor with a keen interest in storytelling. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for research, Elmer has covered a wide range of topics, from the Port of Bristol to the works of Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Their expertise spans various categories, including geography, history, culture, and transportation, making them a versatile and reliable voice in the world of journalism.

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