SpåraKOFF begins regularly scheduled traffic in Helsinki

SpåraKOFF's appearance in the Helsinki streetscape is a sure sign of spring. On Tuesday 19 May, Finland's only pub tram will begin its regularly scheduled traffic for the 14th time. In the pub tram, you can order a pint of beer, sit back, relax and enjoy the capital city's best sights.

The "pub crawl" lasting slightly under one hour is also an excellent way for summer visitors to experience Helsinki. Without any advance reservation, you can board the pub tram at the Mikonkatu, Linnanmäki, Opera House, Old Student House and Market Square tram stops. SpåraKOFF offers refreshing drinks as well as protection from the rain or hot weather. Images transmitted to an LCD screen from a camera mounted on the outside of the tram show how the varied sights look from the driver's perspective. Finnish and English-language brochures are also available on SpåraKOFF to help passengers keep track of the tram route.

The Koff-red pub tram has been a part of Helsinki's summer for 14 years. The tramcar converted to a restaurant is the only one of its kind; its classical, pub-style cabin décor features mahogany, brass, velvet, as well as approximately thirty seats. The tram operated in Helsinki City Transport's regularly scheduled traffic for 35 years, logging over half a million kilometres before it began its new life as a pub tram after a dramatic facelift. SpåraKOFF was given the number 175 to honour Sinebrychoff's 175th Anniversary, and began operating as a pub tram on May Day Eve in 1995.

Also for private parties and meetings
Many memorable birthday celebrations and bachelor parties have taken place on the pub tram. SpåraKOFF can be booked for private functions; the time period and route can be tailored to suit the customer's preferences. Sophisticated AV technology also makes the tram a unique conference venue. A laptop can be connected to an LCD screen, and a DVD and CD player is also provided.

SpåraKOFF in a nutshell

Schedule
Regularly scheduled tours between 19 May - 29 August 2009. No tours on Thu 21 May (Ascension Day) or Fri 19 June - Mon 22 June (Midsummer weekend. Departures Tue-Sat from the Railway Square in front of the Fennia building at 14:00, 15:00, 17:00, 18:00, 19:00 and 20:00. SpåraKOFF can also be boarded at the Linnanmäki, Opera House, Old Student House and Market Square tram stops. The tour takes about 40 minutes.

Route
Mikonkatu - Hakaniemi - Kallio - Linnanmäki - Helsinginkatu - Mannerheimintie - Aleksanterinkatu - Kauppatori - Kaisaniemi - Mikonkatu.

Sights
The SpåraKOFF pub tram's route passes many of Helsinki's most notable sights: The Central Railway Station, Ateneum Art Museum, Pitkäsilta bridge, Hakaniemi Square and its market hall, the Kallio Library, the Linnanmäki Amusement Park, Töölö Bay, the Olympic Stadium, the Opera House, Finlandia Hall, the National Museum, the Parliament House, the Kiasma Museum of Modern Art, the Mannerheim statue, Old Student House, the Stockmann department store, the Market Square, the Presidential Palace and the Senate Square.

Brochures
Brochures are available from the SpåraKOFF pub tram and the Helsinki City Tourist and Convention Bureau at Pohjoisesplanadi 19.

Price
The price of the tour is 8.00 €. With S Bonus Card 6.00 €. 4 € for children under 12. Drinks priced separately.

Service
KOFF beer or Sinebrychoff Gin Long Drink from tap 5.50 €.
Golden Cap cider 5.50 € / bottle.
Coca-Cola and Fanta soft drinks or Bonaqua mineral water 4.50 € / bottle.

Private occasions
You can book the SpåraKOFF pub tram for private functions. Chartered trips 19 May - 18 Jun 6. and 31 Jul - 29 Aug from Tuesdays to Saturdays, provided that the trip ends no later than 13 or begins after 21:30 on Sundays and Mondays at any time. Route according to your preference. Hourly charge. Reservations: S-Group, Restaurant Sales Service Centre, Tel. +358 (0)20 123 4800.

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Further information:
Oy Sinebrychoff Ab / Johanna Kiviniemi, Tel. +358 (0)9 2949 9510, johanna.kiviniemi(at)sff.fi
See also www.sinebrychoff.fi
Bookings for private functions:
S-Group, Restaurant Sales Service Centre, Tel. +358 (0)20 123 4800
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190-year-old Sinebrychoff is the leading manufacturer of beers, ciders, soft drinks and energy drinks in Finland. The company's net sales total approximately EUR 350 million. Sinebrychoff began its brewing operations in 1819 and is today part of the international Carlsberg Group. Sinebrychoff is the oldest brewery in the Nordic countries and the oldest foodstuff producer in Finland. www.sinebrychoff.fi