Hesburger
The Finnish chain that outsold McDonald’s in the Nordics and the Baltics.
About Hesburger
Heikki Salmela, known as Hese, started with a street food kiosk in Finland in 1966 and opened the first proper Hesburger in Turku in 1980. The name comes straight from his nickname, and the business is still firmly Finnish in character, from its garlic mayo to its rye-bread options.
In 2008 Hesburger held a bigger market share than McDonald’s across the Nordic and Baltic countries, a rare case of a local chain beating the American giant across a whole region. Finns treat it with a mix of affection and mockery, which is usually a sign that something has become part of the national culture.
Around 470 restaurants in Finland, the Baltic states, Poland, Germany, Bulgaria, Romania and Ukraine.
Burger menu
Signature burgers first. Only burgers and sandwiches, no sides.Where to find Hesburger
447 locations on the map in 10 countries. Tap a pin for directions.Loading the map…
- Finland 247
- Latvia 54
- Estonia 46
- Lithuania 37
- Bulgaria 28
- Russia 16
- Romania 9
- Ukraine 5
- Germany 2
- Åland Islands 1
Locations as mapped by OpenStreetMap volunteers, updated October 2026. The count can trail the chain’s own figures; check the chain’s store finder before you travel. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
If you like Hesburger
Chains whose signature burgers are built the same way.- Peter Pane (Germany, since 2016). The German burger-and-cocktail chain that split from Hans im Glück. Also built on beef, a special sauce, cheese and a double stack.
- Hans im Glück (Germany, since 2010). The Munich burger grill with birch trunks inside and a fairy-tale name. Also built on beef, a special sauce and cheese.
- Supermac’s (Ireland, since 1978). Ireland’s own fast-food chain from Galway, which took McDonald’s to the EU courts over the word “Mac”. Also built on beef, a special sauce, cheese and a double stack.
- Eddie Rocket's (Ireland, since 1989). Ireland’s favourite 1950s-style American diner chain, serving Irish-beef burgers and shakes since 1989. Also built on beef, a special sauce and cheese.
Not affiliated with Hesburger. Trademarks and logos belong to their owners. Descriptions are my own; nutrition figures come from the chain’s published information.