Travel Guide to Helsinki, Finland

An important role in the creation of today metropolis Helsinki has always played the sea, that's why Finland is often called the daughter of Baltic. Helsinki is the political and economical center of Finland. The population of the Finnish capital has the reputation of tolerant and well-mannered people, who like art and nature. The city, surrounded by forests, skerries and the sea, attracts a lot of people by its specific Scandinavian sea climate. The architectural look of Helsinki is created by the mix of modern and old edifices: the buildings of tsarist epoch stay near the palaces from glass and metal. The city landscape is livened up by a large number of cafes and markets. Almost everywhere in Helsinki one can buy some clothes, jewelry or some art objects in traditional Finnish design.

The Satama Port and Suomenlinna. The Satama Port, which is located not far from the market, is an important trans-shipment point for all the coming and leaving passengers. From this place one can start a navigable excursion around the capital, go to the nearest island or visit the Zoo of Helsinki. The other place that you indubitably should visit is Suomenlinna - the fortress on one of the islands in front of the port. It was built in the 18th century, so as to protect Finland from the attacks of the Russian. Nowadays Suomenlinna, which by the way has the population of 850 people, is one of the most favorite places for having walks. To get to this biggest sea fortress in the Scandinavia, one should take a ferry from the port at Market Square. Besides the rocky coast it can offer huge pleasure-grounds for picnics, a hotel and the old wooden houses with cafes and museums. There you can also look at the only Finnish submarine of the times of the Second World War or at the church, which also serves as a lighthouse. Suomenlinna was put in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.

The Temppeliaukio Church. Located in the rock, the Temppeliaukio Church attracts with its natural simplicity and looks great on the contrast with the other churches, which are overburden with golden details, fabulous paintings and architectural daintiness. The Temppeliaukio Church was built in the 60-s; first of all in the rock a large aperture was created, then in this aperture the cupola with the glass structures was installed. So this way the church is lighten only with some candles and the light coming from the cupola. The unassuming cross and wooden benches make the inside decoration complete. Due to the fantastic acoustics this church in the rock often becomes the place, where the organ concerts are carried out.

The Tuomio Church. Being snow-white both outside and inside, The Tuomio Church can be regarded as the most famous symbol of Helsinki. To get inside one should get upwards by the enormous staircase, on which in good weather gather a lot of people just to laze in the sun and enjoy the marvelous view on the port. If you have enough time, it'll be good idea to visit The Uspenski Orthodox Cathedral, which is situated on Katajanokka peninsula. It's the most significant Orthodox cathedral in Finland. Gilded onion-shaped domes and reddish brick walls are the favorite Helsinki photo-motive. The Russian Byzantine style of the cathedral reminds us about the times, when the Russian reign over Finland. Every year the island is visited by more than 500 000 tourists.

The Olympic Stadium. In a 2-kilometer distance from the Helsinki historical center takes place the Olympic Stadium. It's the biggest stadium in Finland, the symbol of which is 72.71 meters tower. This a little bit strange height corresponds with the Olympic record in javelin throwing, set in 1932 by Matti Jarvinen. The building works were finished in 1938, but the Olympic Games of 1940 that were to be carried out there were cancelled because of the Second World War. In 1952 Helsinki became the place of the Olympic Games and this stadium was the main place for competitions, more than 70 000 people visited it. After a 5-year reconstruction in the 90s the spaciousness was reduced to 40 000 places. When at the stadium there are no sport competitions or some other arrangements, the tower is opened so as everybody could enjoy the wonderful panoramic view. Seurasaari Island. To the west from Helsinki one can see Seurasaari Island, where the open-air museum is situated. The guides, who wear the national costumes, tell the visitors about the lifestyle of the Finnish in the 17th – 20th centuries. Besides this museum, the island is famous for its picturesque landscapes, which one can admire absolutely for free. A lot of natives use this opportunity and go to Seurasaari Island to have a picnic and to swim. The most amazing way of entertainment is feeding the tame squirrels. Of the most popularity the island is during the summer solstice, or so-called white nights. Plenty of people gather to celebrate the holiday of the summer solstice on 20-26 of June. With loud music, abundant food and big fireplaces they try to frighten off the evil spirits.

Read more about Helsinki:
Restaurants and cuisine in Helsinki
Local traditions and lifestyle
'Must visit' places in Helsinki
Nightlife and attractions in Helsinki
Preparing for Helsinki: Advices
Helsinki photogallery