FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Helsinki, Finland, Opens Its Longest Bridge for All … Except Cars

by Ron Bernthal

Jul 30, 2026

© Heikki Mahonen

Daily

New Kruunuvuorensilta Bridge, connecting Korkeasaari and Kruunuvuorenranta, is the longest and tallest bridge in Finland. It is also exceptional on a global scale, as bridges of this size are rarely built exclusively for public transport, pedestrians and cyclists. In addition to its scale, the bridge stands out as an attraction due to advanced traffic planning embedded in its design, while its high-quality architectural expression establishes a distinctive new identity for Helsinki’s skyline. The bridge opened to the public in April 2026 and attracted more than 50,000 visitors during opening weekend.

© Mikka Prinenmiikka, Helsinki Partners

Kruunuvuorensilta Bridge is exceptional even globally, as bridges of this size are rarely designed solely for public transport, pedestrians and cyclists, excluding all car traffic. The bridge is part of Crown Bridges Light Rail project, one of Helsinki’s largest urban development initiatives, which includes three bridges and a new tramline connecting the city center to Laajasalo island. The population of Laajasalo is expected to double by 2040, and the new connection will ensure smooth and reliable public transport for the growing area.

The central structural component and most visible feature of the bridge is its 442-foot-high diamond shaped pylon. It is taller than Finland’s highest residential building, Kalasatama tower, and significantly higher than Olympic Stadium tower. The construction of the pylon alone took approximately two years of continuous concrete casting.

© Markus Lintu, Helsinki Partners

“Kruunuvuorensilta bridge is the new, unique and exciting landmark for Helsinki. A sight that will draw visitors from near and far. The new bridge reshapes how we look at Helsinki. It attaches the areas of Kruunuvuorenranta and Laajasalo in a completely new way to the larger central city area. The bridge reflects our commitment to sustainable solutions and embraces Helsinki’s unique maritime setting,” said Mayor Daniel Sazonov.

The bridge and upcoming tramline reflect Helsinki’s long-term vision of prioritizing public transport, walking and cycling in urban mobility. Already today, the majority of journeys in Helsinki are made using sustainable modes: around 41 percent on foot, 25 percent by public transport and 11 percent by bike, while only about 20 percent are made by car.

© Tehanu Tahdenlumo

New districts such as Kruunuvuorenranta and Kalasatama have been planned around this principle, with the new connection enabling smooth, car-light mobility between them and the city center. The tramway was selected as the primary mode of transport as it provides a fast and reliable connection, supports urban growth, and reduces pressure on existing metro capacity.

Kruunuvuorensilta has a design life of up to 200 years. Together with its dedicated use for tram and active mobility, the bridge reflects Helsinki’s commitment to sustainable long-term urban mobility.

The project has included a comprehensive assessment of environmental impacts, covering waterways, fish populations and boating, as well as noise and vibration. Emissions have been reduced through the use of low-emission materials and renewable energy sources.

Helsinki’s coastal location brings a wide range of weather conditions, from bright summer days to windy and icy winters, placing diverse demands on infrastructure. The bridge’s stay cables are designed to remain in constant slight motion in the wind, to prevent ice formation. Ice accumulation is further reduced by enclosing cables in textured plastic sheaths that cause ice to break off into fine particles. The bridge will also feature a wind warning system, with strong wind alerts displayed on light boards at both ends.

Introducing

FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Explore Excursions

#globility

Insta Feed
August 2026
Aug 13, 2026

Seoul Creates a Blueprint for Vital Future with Livability in Mind

Seoul is both very ancient and very young. urban settlements have occupied this spot between four mountains and the Han River for more than 2,000 years

Luxury Travel in Chilean Patagonia: Where Refinement Meets the Wild Edge

At the gateway to Chilean Patagonia, Los Lagos opens a landscape in constant motion. Volcanic peaks rise sharply above glacial lakes, mist moves through dense forests, and light shifts across every horizon. Here, luxury travel in Chilean Patagonia unfolds moment by moment, balancing raw energy with seamless comfort.

eFlyer Reviews
Aug 12, 2026

Review: The Maya

Long Beach, California’s, glow-up continues with The Maya on the other side of the bay.

eFlyer News
Aug 12, 2026

Secret Atlas Launches New 36-Guest Explorer “Aureum” Yacht

Secret Atlas, a specialist in expedition micro cruises, just announced the addition of explorer yacht Aureum, the brand’s first purpose-designed, 36-guest expedition vessel operating in Antarctica.

GET TO KNOW TAP FORBIZ

Unlock flexible, refined business travel with TAP Air Portugal’s program, TAP FORBIZ. Developed for small, medium and large Companies, with options for corporate events, TAP FORBIZ offers exclusive advantages adapted to each type of business.

Airlines
Aug 12, 2026

TAP Air Portugal Launches Airbnb Partnership for TAP Miles&Go

TAP Air Portugal expanded the benefits of its TAP Miles&Go loyalty program with a new partnership with Airbnb. Through the partnership, TAP Miles&Go customers can now earn two miles for every dollar spent on eligible stays and experiences booked on the platform.

August 2026
Aug 11, 2026

Get an Insider’s Look at Napa Valley’s Busiest Season

If you haven’t been to wine country during harvest season, have you really been to wine country? Vineyards buzz with workers plucking sun-ripened clusters while the winery hums with sorting tables and presses gently extracting precious juice and tannins. In the cellar, the air is perfumed with an intoxicating cuvée of baking bread and grapes as vats alive with bubbling juice are tended to by the winemaker’s watchful eyes. For wine lovers, the experience is nothing short of magical. It also offers a newfound appreciation to the hard work behind every bottle in a way that simply bellying up to a tasting bar never could. Napa Valley has perfected the art of the harvest celebration with festivals, dinners, tastings, hands-on experiences and, of course, the opportunity to literally feel grapes between your toes.

IHG Business Edge: A Smarter Way for Small- and Mid-Sized Businesses to Travel

IHG Business Edge is a complimentary travel program designed to help small- and mid-sized businesses manage travel more efficiently while saving on hotel stays. Members enjoy access to guaranteed discounts, loyalty benefits, and partner offers across IHG Hotels & Resorts’ global portfolio of 7,000-plus hotels in more than 100 countries.

August 2026
Aug 10, 2026

At Z Bar, Flavors Span the Globe While Rooftop Sights Remain Distinctly Chicago

Unlike many rooftop lounges perched so high above the city they peer onto roofs and HVAC equipment, Z Bar’s location lets guests feel part of the skyline. Located six floors atop The Peninsula Chicago above the hotel’s Grand Ballroom, the bar pays homage to Chi-Town while taking you on a veritable sip trip around the world.