The Flying Cinema Tour of Helsinki is a short simulator film that gives you a bird’s-eye view of the city and its surroundings. It sits at Katajanokanlaituri 2B, next to the SkyWheel on the Katajanokka waterfront, and shows run about every fifteen minutes in English or Finnish. You sit in a theatre of around fifty moving seats in front of a large screen, and for about twelve minutes the seats tilt and sway as the camera glides over bridges, parks, clock towers, cathedrals and the islands of the archipelago, with wind and other effects adding to the illusion. It is not an in-depth introduction to the city, but it is a fun way to see places you cannot easily reach, and it is a dependable choice when the weather turns. The SkyWheel and Flying Cinema bundle on Tiqets is the best value.
What to expect: the experience is gentle compared with a theme-park ride, but the seats do move, so it may not suit people prone to motion sickness. Check any age or height guidance at the entrance before you buy for small children. Shows start at regular intervals through the day, with slightly longer hours on Saturdays.
When to go: it works best as a weather backup or a quick add-on before or after the SkyWheel. Midday on weekdays is quietest; weekend afternoons are busier with families.
Making the most of it: buy the bundle with the SkyWheel, ride the wheel first to get your bearings, then fly over the parts of the city you did not see from the gondola. Afterwards, walk to the Market Square and Old Market Hall for a warm drink or a salmon soup, or climb to Uspenski Cathedral. Tickets can be rescheduled or refunded up to a day before your visit.
What to expect
The experience
A twelve-minute film on moving seats that simulates a flight over Helsinki and its islands.
Best time
Weekday middays, or whenever the weather turns.
How long
Twelve minutes, with shows about every fifteen minutes.
Tips
Buy the SkyWheel bundle, and skip it if you are prone to motion sickness.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families and anyone wanting a light, weatherproof add-on to the SkyWheel.
- Families
- Children love the moving seats; check age and height guidance on arrival.
- Couples
- A playful ten minutes before dinner by the harbour.
- Pair with
- The SkyWheel, the Market Square and Uspenski Cathedral.
- Time needed
- Twenty to thirty minutes.
Good questions
How long is the Flying Cinema Tour?+
About twelve minutes, with shows starting roughly every fifteen minutes.
Where is it?+
At Katajanokanlaituri 2B, right next to the SkyWheel on the Katajanokka waterfront.
What language is it in?+
Shows run in English or Finnish.
Is it suitable for young children?+
Usually, but the seats move; check any age or height guidance at the entrance.
Can I combine it with the SkyWheel?+
Yes, Tiqets sells a SkyWheel and Flying Cinema bundle at a discount.
