Helsinki for Eurovision fans: neon colours and sing-alongs
Finland has participated in the Eurovision Song Contest since 1961, and for Eurovision fans, Helsinki offers something special. From hosting the Eurovision Song Contest in 2007 to launching iconic Finnish entries that have become part of Eurovision legend, Helsinki has long been a stage for music, passion, and performance. As the 2025 contest draws fans from all over the world, it’s the perfect time to explore how Eurovision lives on in the capital — from famous venues and pop history landmarks to local bars and boutiques where the Eurovision spirit sparkles the most.
Exploring Helsinki through song
I’m sure you’ll have a happy day, when you least expect it. This was the message conveyed by Marion Rung in 1973, Finland’s most successful Eurovision act before Lordi. For Eurovision fans wandering through Helsinki today, the message is as true today as it was over 50 years ago. When it comes to the Eurovision, the city offers more than just good vibes — it’s a stage in its own right. While not every landmark has a glittery signpost, there are several places where Eurovision history, music culture, and fan moments intersect.
Why not start your visit from Pasila neighbourhood, the home of Finland’s national broadcaster YLE and the local nerve center for Eurovision. Aside to the iconic Pasila radio tower, this unassuming building in Pasila is where the Finnish entries are selected, prepped, and sent out into Europe. While you can’t tour the studios, standing outside the gates still feels a little iconic — especially during “Viisu” season. In the Finnish language, viisu – meaning song – is used in reference to the Eurovision.
Hard rock hallelujah
It was the moment Finland had waited for — and one the rest of Europe never saw coming. In 2006, Lordi stormed the Eurovision stage with monster masks, pyrotechnics, and an anthemic hard rock performance that blew away the competition. “Hard Rock Hallelujah” didn’t just win the contest; it redefined what a Eurovision act could be. For the first time, Finland claimed the Eurovision crown — and the whole country erupted in celebration. According to the Helsinkian tradition, “torilla tavataan” (meet you at the market square) became reality as 90 000 Finns joined Lordi’s victory event at Helsinki Market Square.
The win was more than just a musical triumph. It marked a turning point in how Finland saw itself on the European stage: bold, creative, and unafraid to break the mold. The following year, Helsinki hosted the Eurovision Song Contest for the first (and so far only) time, welcoming fans from across the continent to Helsinki Halli for a spectacular show.
Today, Lordi’s influence still looms large. You might spot a tribute to the band at local rock bars, see their likeness in souvenir shops, or hear their song roar through a Eurovision night at DTM or Apollo. For die-hard fans, a detour to Rovaniemi — Lordi’s hometown — might be the ultimate pilgrimage. But in Helsinki, the echoes of “Hard Rock Hallelujah” still thunder, especially every May when Eurovision fever returns. Why not visit some of the iconic karaoke bars, like Bar Restroom or Populus, and let your inner Eurovision star take the stage?
It’s crazy, it’s party
If Lordi was Finland’s Eurovision breakthrough, then Käärijä was the chaotic, lovable lightning bolt that brought a new wave of fandom to life. With his neon green bolero, genre-bending track “Cha Cha Cha”, and explosive stage presence, Käärijä captured the hearts of millions during Eurovision 2023 — not least in his hometown of Helsinki, where watch parties turned into full-blown dance floors. Though he officially placed second, Käärijä’s impact was massive: a symbol of creative freedom, humor, and unexpected cool. Käärijä didn’t just give Finland a Eurovision anthem — he gave fans a mood. “It’s crazy, it’s party” became a lifestyle, and in Helsinki, you’ll find plenty of places to live it.
For one, visit Käärijä mural in the near-by municipality Vantaa, with an easy train ride from Helsinki central railway station. Catch the train to Tikkurila station, at Dixi Shopping Center, and find your way to “Käärijä-muraali” on Google Maps (Tikkuraitti 20, 01300 Vantaa).
After getting your tongue-out selfie, head back to the vibrant Helsinki neighbourhood of Kallio and find your way to Kaiku club, where raw, industrial vibe and wild DJ sets keep you busy throughout the night. Or how about experiencing live music, or raving through the night at Ääniwalli? Both offering a spot where Käärijä fans can dance into the early morning — neon accents encouraged.
Cha Cha Cha
Sing-along
Fall in love (lovveen lankee)
Erika Vikman, Finland’s bold and unapologetic Eurovision 2025 representative, brings a blend of retro glam and modern edge to the contest with her song “Ich Komme”. A former tango queen turned pop provocateur, Erika has become a fixture in Finland’s music scene, known for her theatrical flair and fearless performances.
In the spirit of Erika’s charisma, for those looking for little more provocative souvenirs and individual style, you might want to visit shopping center Easton in East-Helsinki. Here you can find Touch d’André, a TikTok famous fashion store with almost a cult-like following in Helsinki – does its style cater to everyone, though? Debatable, but keep an open mind!
If afterwards you are feeling lucky in love, head to the heart of Helsinki where you can party all night at Hercules Gay Nightclub. This club is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and inclusive events. Hercules (nicknamed Herkku, a sweet treat in Finnish) is all about embracing your boldest self — just like Erika. Known for its Eurovision nights, drag shows, and dancefloor energy, it’s a place where leather, glitter, green boleros, and unfiltered joy are always welcome. On Eurovision week, they’re offering a full schedule of Eurovision activities, including karaoke sessions, disco nights, and live screenings of the contest. It’s the perfect place to sing your favorite Eurovision tunes and dance the night away with fellow fans. And the best part? On a regular week, you can expect equal amount of ‘umph’ too.
1, 2, 3… Sauna
No one blends northern charm, clever lyrics, and cheeky performance quite like KAJ. Representing Sweden in the 2025 Eurovision, the Finnish music group from Ostrobothnia won the hearts of Eurovision fans with their Bara Bada Bastu song, and are highly cheered for on both sides of the pond. For your Eurovision tour, where better to channel that spirit than in a Helsinki sauna? In recent years, the city has embraced a new wave of public saunas — stylish, social, and sometimes surprisingly musical.
Visit Löyly for their smoke sauna, paired with a delicious dinner and a night out in the Löyly restaurant. On summer weekends, the party gets wild in the terrace outside. Alternatively, Allas Pool offers centrally located urban sauna experience with a view over the Helsinki Cathedral. Throughout the summer season, you can even book tickets to experience top artists (like Eurovision star Erika Vikman) at their Allas Live.
Whether you’re a long-time sauna fan or a curious newcomer, there’s no better way to understand Finland’s rhythm than with a session of song and steam. As KAJ reminded us: it’s all about stepping in together, counting down, and letting the löyly do the rest.
For hardcore fans, hop on a tram towards Arabianranta and Kumpula areas, former neighbourhood of KAJ. Arabianranta, once home to the renowned Arabia ceramics factory, has evolved into a vibrant hub for art and design. In the early 2010s, Axel Åhman of KAJ resided in this creative enclave during his studies, with fellow band members Kevin Holmström and Jakob Norrgård living nearby in Kumpula. Interestingly, during this period, Axel and future Eurovision star Käärijä were neighbors on Brysselinkatu, even sharing a memorable moment involving a runaway cat and a helping hand with a sofa move.
The neighborhood’s blend of industrial heritage and contemporary creativity mirrors KAJ’s fusion of traditional Finnish elements with modern humor and music. For fans exploring Helsinki, a stroll through Arabianranta offers a glimpse into the environment that once nurtured the talents of both KAJ and Käärijä. Finally, to let it all sink-in, end your tour at the refreshing and trendy Ambient Bar.
No rules!
Finland’s Eurovision journey isn’t just about glitter and pop—it’s also about rebellion, edge, and unapologetic individuality. Two acts that embody this spirit are Blind Channel and Windows95man, both of whom have left indelible marks on Helsinki’s cultural landscape.
Teemu Keisteri, known by his stage persona Windows95man, brought a unique blend of 90s nostalgia and contemporary performance art to Eurovision 2024 with his song “No Rules!”. Despite a 19th-place finish, his act—featuring a denim egg and retro computer aesthetics—captured the imagination of fans across Europe. In Helsinki, Keisteri’s influence is palpable.
Follow in Keisteri’s footsteps, and take a stroll in and around the free-spirited Kallio district to spot and shop the iconic Windows95man look. Filled with quality second-hand shops like UFF Helsinginkatu, UFF Hakaniemi, Almost New, or Moody Monday, you can be sure to leave with your own pair of ripped denim shorts. Next, make sure to visit Kalleria, Keisteri’s own art gallery. Featuring works from other artists too, the space also howcases Keisteri’s visual art, including works featuring his character Ukkeli. It’s a must-visit for those interested in the intersection of visual art and performance.
Blind Channel catapulted to fame with their 2021 Eurovision entry “Dark Side,” securing a sixth-place finish and becoming one of Finland’s best performances in the contest’s history. Though rooted in the north, the band has since adopted Helsinki as their creative base, frequently performing at major venues and engaging with fans through events in the city.
For fans looking to immerse themselves in Blind Channel’s world, Helsinki offers numerous independent record shops like Levykauppa Äx that often stock Blind Channel’s albums and merchandise, providing a tangible connection to the band’s music. For a bit heavier night out, Eurovision fans might want to keep an eye on Tavastia, where the band has been known to perform or attend events.
Final Encore: A City That Sings
From Lordi’s monster victory to Käärijä’s neon green bolero and KAJ’s sauna anthems, Helsinki pulses with Eurovision energy. The city doesn’t just watch the contest—it lives it, breathes it, and dances to it in saunas, bars, clubs, and public viewing parties. Each neighborhood tells a story, whether it’s Arabianranta’s creative spirit, Kallio’s nightlife chaos, or seaside moments that echo Finland’s many stages.
Whether you’re cheering for Finland from a crowded bar, singing along at a themed dinner, or watching from your hotel bed wrapped in a blanket and glitter, Helsinki invites every Eurovision fan to be part of the celebration. It’s not just a show here—it’s a shared ritual, full of music, mischief, and memories.
