About Helsinki Helsinki is a modern European cultural city whose urban cosmopolitan lifestyle exists in perfect harmony with nature. Surrounded by the sea and its own exotic archipelago, Helsinki offers visitors an endless number of possibilities. Just as Helsinki cannot be described in one word, neither can it be experienced injust one way. Helsinki really does have something for everyone. Throughout its 450-year history, Helsinki has existed in the crosscurrents of the East and West. The colourful layers of history can be seen everywhere; a walking tour of the city centre or of the magnificent Suomenlinna Maritime Fortress will open your eyes to a fascinating past. Today's Helsinki is also a city of the future. Its modern architecture, cutting-edge design and high-technology have attracted international recognition for the city. Unique lifestyles and urban subcultures are all a part of this international metropolis. Life in Helsinki is defined by starkly contrasting seasonal changes. In the summer, the warmth and permanent daylight invigorate the city. The locals worship the sun and welcome the heat with open arms. The city offers a diverse cultural life, architectural gems and quality shopping opportunities. Dozens of interesting museums and countless other sights guarantee that time will simply fly when you visit Helsinki!

Congress Centre The 7th European Congress on Epileptology will be held at the Helsinki Fair Centre. The Helsinki Fair Centre is the largest fair and conference venue in Finland. Detailed venue information can be found by visiting the centres website at www.finnexpo.fi The Helsinki Fair Centre Messuaukio 1 P.O.Box 21 FIN-00521 Helsinki   Official Carrier As the official carrier to the 7th European Congress on Epileptology, Finnair is the natural choice when you are flying to a congress in Helsinki. Finnair offers the best connections to Finland, thanks to direct flights from over 50 major cities around the world, and membership in the oneworld alliance. Delegates at the congress can avail of a 15% discount on available published fares on Finnair flights. Simply quote the name of the congress and the following promotional code: IT5AY201012559, to available of this discount. Details of Finnair routes and destinations are available at www.finnair.com   Currency The national currency in Finland is the Euro.   Language The official language of the 7th European Congress on Epileptology will be English.   Time Difference Finland operates in the Eastern European Time Zone (GMT +2 hours) London = - 2hours, Paris = - 1 hour, New York = - 7 hours   Transport to the Congress   From the City Centre - Only five minutes by train from the city centre. All trains stop at the Pasila Station, 300 metres from the Fair Centre. - From the city centre, you can also take trams number 7A and 7B as well as bus number 17. Regional buses number 504, 505 and 509 from Espoo all stop here. - For information on the purchase of tranpsort tickets in Helsinki, go to http://www.hkl.fi/english.html.   On trams and buses you can buy single and group tickets for Helsinki local services or regional services. Single, group and tourist tickets are available in ticket machines.  Cheques and cash cards are not accepted in Helsinki City Transports vehicles. Single tickets can be bought with a mobile phone by sending the text message A 641 to the number 16353. As a return message you will receive a single ticket which is valid for one hour on trams, the Metro, the Suomenlinna ferry and some bus lines. - There is a taxi rank in front of the main entrance. From the Airport - The Airport is only 13 kilometres away, and coming from there takes 15 minutes by car. The Fair Centre has parking space for 4300 cars.   Visa Requirements All foreign nationals entering Finland are required to hold a valid passport.It is recommended that all delegates check the visa requirements with the Ministryof Foreign Affairs for Finland. http://formin.finland.fi   back to top