About Us
Join us on a captivating tour through the beautiful Art Nouveau (Jugend) district of Helsinki and discover the life and works of architect Eliel Saarinen. Your guide, Sari, has a special connection to Eliel as he was her grandfather’s uncle. She will share unique stories and insights that you won’t hear anywhere else.
Our tour will take you through the enchanting streets of Katajanokka, where the Art Nouveau architecture truly comes to life. We can also arrange a delightful day trip to Hvitträsk, the former home and studio of architects Gesellius, Lindgren, and Saarinen. Located just 50 minutes west of Helsinki, Hvitträsk is a cultural gem worth exploring. We can even arrange transportation to ensure you have a comfortable and stress-free experience.
Our Story
Welcome to Saarinen Tours! We are a dedicated team of professional guides passionate about showcasing the beauty and history of Helsinki.
Our goal is to provide unforgettable experiences through insightful and engaging tours, whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler.
Our Team
Sari and Sara will show you the best of Helsinki and surroundings.
Sari Saarinen
Sari Wants to Bring Joy to Every Encounter
Encounters and interaction with others is what lights up Sari Saarinen, founder of Saarinen Tours. “I want to create a connection between my listeners and the stories I tell. Sometimes, especially if I've been lucky to spend an entire day or longer with my guests, I get a little melancholic that the guiding has to end.” Sari sighs.
For Sari guiding is an affair of the heart where she combines her own energy with that of her listeners. The best experience can't be scripted – it stems from a genuine connection between the guide and the guests and it leaves room for improvisation, and sometimes even a Finnish folk song. “I feel very grateful and priviledged to be able to do this”, Sari says with a smile.
Sari loves telling stories about her family, and especially her grandfather's uncle, architect Eliel Saarinen. “My favorite place to take guests is Hvitträsk, the home and studio of architects Gesellius, Lindgren and Saarinen. I've been going there ever since I was four years old when it was first opened as a museum”.
In addition to Hvitträsk, the Helsinki Central Railway Station as well as other Eliel Saarinen buildings in Helsinki, Sari can also take you to Fiskars Village, Billnäs ironworks and many other interesting places throughout Finland.
Sari's secret ingredient is her positive energy. She wishes to impart some of that Finnish happiness into every encounter.
Sara Kontio
Sara is inspired by stories and encounters
Sara Kontio is a storyteller who is interested in people and social phenomena. She feels it is crucial for a guide to be situationally aware. “You have to be able to react quickly, to respond to jokes and to laugh at yourself, too”, Sara says.
On her tours Sara builds the story in bitesize pieces. She enjoys spontaneous interaction and discussion with her guests, but there is also room for silence. “Sometimes you have to let the story sink in, or give people some time to appreciate a spectacular view or building”.
Sara's newest treat for you in 2024 are her food tours in the Helsinki food market halls, where she will immerse you in Finnish food culture and its history. “I'm really excited about these food tours, as Helsinki has always been a very international city. On my tours you will learn among other things why Finns love their coffee so much!”
In addition to the food market halls Sara can take you to the Oodi Library, the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress Island, the Helsinki Central Railway Station, the Scandic Grand Central Hotel as well as the Presidential waiting rooms of the Helsinki Railway Station.
Sara has a wealth of stories about the Helsinki Central Railway Station in particular, as she worked for the Finnish Railway company prior to becoming a guide. “I used to work in the railway station's former administrative wing, which was turned into the hotel Scandic Grand Central in 2021, so I bring a very personal touch to my tours here. I hope my enthusiasm rubs off on the clients, too, and I look forward to some interesting conversations during the tour”, Sara adds.
Contact us any time
Contact Us
CONTACT INFO
Astras Oy
3143771-5
+358 40 508 9928 / Sari
+358 40 559 0689 / Sara