The capital of the world’s happiest country, Helsinki, is a design icon and the world’s leading sustainable destination. Incentive events are happy affairs, with jaw-dropping scenery, thrilling activities, stunning venues and fine Nordic dining.

Helsinki is a compact Nordic capital of global significance. The city centre is a blend of palaces and modern architectural wonders. Those on a Helsinki incentive event have just steps between the cultural riches of the city centre and the waterfront, accessing the playground of the Helsinki archipelago.

Those taking to the water can enjoy sunset cruises, sailing regattas, fine dining on intimate islands or a sauna on white sand beaches. Helsinki is a Nordic treasure with quality incentive event activities.

There are stunning design hotels across Helsinki, absolute design marvels, whether refurbished buildings or remarkable waterside properties. The city centre is just 30 minutes from the slick international airport. The key sights of central Helsinki are all reachable on foot.

Helsinki is also sustainable – the most sustainable city in the world in 2025. That is good for corporate responsibility, but also a testament to the incredible incentive event experience on offer in Helsinki.

3 reasons for an incentive travel trip to Helsinki

Windows overlooking a central square in Helsinki

Venues

Helsinki is a mix of historic venues and modern architectural marvels. Stroll the city centre and marvel at this urban masterpiece.

Reclining chairs on a deck at a waterfront retreat in Finland

Retreats

Escape to an island retreat or national park cabin – leave the urban life behind and meet or stay in a fairytale setting.

Ferris wheel with a sauna compartment

Sauna

With 3.2m saunas in a nation of 5.6m, Finland is truly sauna obsessed. Immerse yourself in local culture and enjoy a sauna. Helsinki even has one on a Ferris wheel!

Helsinki city

Helsinki is a waterfront city, where the city centre abruptly gives way to the harbour. Swimming lidos exist just minutes from the parliament – Helsinki is a place where locals live for the outdoors. History and modernity co-exist throughout the city.

Easily traversed by foot, bike or tram, Helsinki is an urban masterpiece with architectural marvels from historic to cutting-edge. Incentive travel to Helsinki is a trip to an urban wonder, a remarkably attractive and functioning city.

Located just minutes from Helsinki airport, the global airport hub offers incredible global connections and access to the city centre. The city centre hosts superb hotels, from stunning design hotels to renovated historic Helsinki landmarks.

Helsinki nightlife is diverse and lively, with everything from rooftop bars to waterfront terraces. Dining is excellent with a resurgent national cuisine with abundant seafood and Arctic influences on the local menus.

Incentive activities in Helsinki

Helsinki incentive event activities will invariably include time on the water, with island hopping to the nearby Helsinki archipelago. Combined with dinner, hiking or sauna, these trips are superb group activities. Sunset boat cruises are magical group experiences.

Kayaking around the islands or on the lakes is a great group activity, as are rib boat tours or sailing regattas amongst the Helsinki archipelago. No trip to Helsinki is complete without a sauna – take a sauna on a city centre Ferris wheel.

A great way to explore the compact city is on a bike tour, taking in the historic sights and incredible architecture. This can also be done on foot or on a tram that operates as a mobile bar, touring the city streets. E-bike tours of the national parks are another option.

Helsinki is a cultural capital, and there are endless museums and galleries to explore. Architecture tours showcase the best of central Helsinki, while the city hosts many open-air music festivals in the summer months.

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Helsinki dining

Helsinki offers a wide range of group dining options for incentive events, from modern Nordic cuisine in stylish waterfront restaurants to cosy, traditional Finnish taverns. Many venues, such as Ravintola Savotta or Löyly, accommodate large groups with pre-set menus featuring local ingredients like reindeer, fish, and forest berries.

Private dining rooms, rooftop terraces, and atmospheric settings in repurposed industrial spaces provide memorable backdrops for group meals. A sunset cruise followed by dinner on a private island is a highlight of an incentive trip programme.

Helsinki nightlife

Helsinki’s nightlife offers diverse experiences for corporate groups, from elegant cocktail lounges to lively music bars and waterfront venues. Popular areas like Kallio and Punavuori are known for their vibrant bar scenes, while upscale clubs and hotel lounges near the city centre cater to more refined tastes.

Many venues offer group reservations, VIP sections, and curated drinks menus ideal for corporate socialising. For a unique twist, groups can also enjoy evening cruises, sauna experiences with drinks, or live jazz in intimate settings. A bar tram loops around the city centre to combine sightseeing with a Finnish beer.

HELSINKI INCENTIVE TRAVEL NEWS

Finland – Where Happiness Meets Heat

Finland – Where Happiness Meets Heat

July 31, 2025

Coincidence or connection? The world’s happiest nation also leads in saunas per capita. From bus rides to Ferris wheels, the Finns have perfected the art of warmth, inside and out.

Discover the Finnish way to unwind - Learn more

Helsinki sustainable events

Helsinki was ranked #1 in the 2025 Global Destination Sustainability Index, confirming it as the most sustainable travel destination in the world for the first time. It separately became the first city with over half a million inhabitants in the world to earn the Green Destinations certification from the Global Sustainable Tourism Council in 2025.

Long before sustainability became a corporate topic, the Nordic nations had sustainability deeply entwined in their consciousness. Helsinki offers a masterclass in sustainability, with its green credentials adding another layer of gloss to this Scandinavian gem.

Alternatives to Helsinki

Glass sauna on the coast of Finland

Other incentive travel options in Finland

From the south coast cities to the wilds of the Arctic Circle, Finland offers a stunning range of incentive event options.

Facade of the national museum in Oslo

Alternatives to Helsinki - Oslo

A Nordic neighbour on the Baltic coast, Oslo has a similar urban style and global significance.