It is not an exaggeration to claim that Helsinki is an excellent city for practising various sports or enjoying them as a spectator both winter and summertime.
Group sports in Helsinki
Ice hockey
Finland is an ice hockey crazy country, and its capital is no exception. Last time the Finnish team won the World Championships in 2019 Helsinki went berserk, youngsters swimming in fountains on a chilly spring night. Parties lasted for weeks.
The city has two major ice hockey teams, Jokerit and HIFK. These big guns used to be the greatest of enemies sharing a love and hate relationship. That old feud stems from different background. Jokerit has its origins in the Eastern working-class suburbs built in the 1960s while HIFK has been the team for Swedish speaking and the older and wealthier section of city dwellers.
Obviously, the dividing lines are not as clear cut, but as a newcomer moving in from abroad, you might have to choose your colours sooner or later. Even if the teams nowadays do not face each other. HIFK (home ice, Helsinki Ice Rink) plays in the Finnish league while Jokerit (Helsinki Arena) has joined the Eastern European league, KHL. Ticket prices are reasonable, starting from 20 Euros up to 50 Euros.
Basketball, floorball and bandy
Basketball fans are loyal to the sole Helsinki team in the national league, Seagulls. Lately, floorball has gathered momentum thanks to the successful Finland team. Helsinki Metropolitan Area has five teams playing on the highest level. Not to forget is bandy, which is, however, mostly followed only by a few hundred spectators. In these sports, ticket prices are not an issue. Matches are rarely sold out, and tickets cost roughly around 20 euros.
Horseracing in Helsinki
The same cannot be said about the annual Helsinki International Horse Show at the end of October. The event brings top horses and riders to town and is a definite event in the middle of the autumn. Tickets are very sought after, and the best seats are pricy.
Soccer in Helsinki
Come summer and the arrival of the soccer season. Helsinki area has three teams in the premier league, HJK, HIFK and Honka. The first two play in the midtown Telia 5G Arena, Honka in Tapiola. Finnish soccer is on the rise, and local derbies bring fanatic supporters marching the streets. Entry fees are no more than what you'd pay for a few beers, 20-30 Euros. In July, youngsters occupy the courts for two weeks when Helsinki hosts the annual Helsinki Cup, one of the world's biggest youth soccer tournaments.
Thanks to Finnish exchange students returning from their stay in the U.S., American football got a foothold in the country and became quite popular in the 1970s and 1980s. Today, the league has seven teams, two of them coming from Helsinki, Roosters and Wolverines.
Cricket and field hockey in Helsinki
Cricket and field hockey are minor sports in Finland. But, telling something about the way Helsinki has started to encompass the rest of the world, surprisingly many cricket clubs have recently sprung up. The players with their bats and white armours are mostly expats.
Winter sports in Helsinki
For those wishing to train and practise sports, Helsinki offers many options. Winters are not like they used to be thanks to climate change, but if there's snow, you can go cross-country skiing often literally from your back door. For that, the large Central Park is an ideal location. Skating is possible in numerous outdoor and indoor rinks, and in proper winters, even the sea gets frozen.
Indoor sports in Helsinki
In case you are more of an indoor person, the city has many swimming halls, and there is an abundance of gyms such as Fix and Elixia often open 24/7 with a very reasonable price. You can always find in the vicinity tennis and badminton courts that are open to the general public – both outside and indoors. For those into riding, head towards Keskustalli Riding School in the Central Park. The family-owned school almost hundred years old also gives lessons in English.
Water sports in Helsinki
Obviously, as a coastal city, the sea is an integral part of outdoor activities. Sailing is popular, but first, you have to choose a club suitable for you. Maybe the easiest way to enjoy the Gulf of Finland and its archipelago is to go paddling. If you are a beginner, no problem, several clubs organise courses and canoes can be rented.
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