Was just in Helsinki this last weekend, so thought I'd share a few bits and pieces.
Arriving into HEL in the afternoon, there was a fairly lengthy queue at immigration, which I haven't experienced before. I must have waited at least 20 minutes. As usual, the questioning is far more rigorous than is normal for entry into the Schengen area, so be prepared. I noticed plenty of people being asked to show itineraries etc. I still don't know why Finland are so strict. It's quite a contrast with Germany, where they've never even said a word to me.
I was transferring to a flight to TLL, which left from gate 9. Be warned, it's a LONG walk. From the schengen lounge, it was well over 5 minutes, and I walk extremely quickly. Someone who walks at a slower pace (which seemed to be everyone there...and it was really busy), could easily take over 10 minutes. The walk from my arrival gate, through immigration, to gate 9, must have been close to 15 minutes.
Likewise on the way back, arriving back at gate 9, it was a significant walk to get to my gate in the non-schengen zone. At least immigration is quick with an Australian passport, as the only human contact is someone who stamps your passport.
I got to try out the new Platinum Wing lounge. It's definitely an improvement over the old Premium lounge. The showers are nice, though I think there are only 3. Had a very friendly bartender, who proactively offered me 2 glasses of Champagne when I ordered 1. And told me how to make a Finnish G+T. There's an a la carte dining area, but no one ever came to take my order. I did see them talking to some people later on, but everyone seemed to just be using the buffet anyway.
Oh, and the Finnair crew were fantastic on the flight (to HKG). In J, I had 3 glasses of Champagne before departure, and was offered a bit more and had to decline. It's also great not having a shortage of toilets like on QF.
As for the city itself, the new
Helsinki Central Library Oodi is worth checking out. It has a floor with video games, 3D printers, sewing machines, meeting rooms and more, for people to book and use. The area with books is also nice:
I was there during the Helsinki Festival, but there was surprisingly little to see or do as part of that, at least that was of any interest.