Helsinki - The Daughter of the Baltic - A City worth a Visit to get charmed

Finland

Finland is one of the Scandinavian countries. Other countries being Norway, Sweden and Denmark. It is part of the region famous for Natural Beauty and natural wonders like Northern Lights. Finland also happens to be the birthplace of The Santa Clause.

Helsinki 

And what about Helsinki? Helsinki is the capital and largest city of Finland. It sits on the Southernmost tip of the country atop the Gulf of Finland. Situated on the Gulf of Finland, Helsinki can be reached by Rail, Air and Ship / Boat from various locations. A short journey 2 and half hours by a regular ferry from Tallin or vice versa is a great addition to the fun of visiting Helsinki.

Helsinki Harbour

 One can reach Helsinki by air from all over the world. Helsinki can also be reached by ship from many European and Russian destinations. Reaching by rail is possible from Moscow and Petersburg (acutely train from Moscow also passes through St Petersburg).

Helsinki Railway Station - An Architectural Marvel  (Pic courtesy - Wikipedia)

 Helsinki is a compact city (not counting its suburbs). The Helsinki Main Railway Station is right in the middle of the City Centre and almost all the main attractions are doable by walk as also by the Trams.

 Once in Helsinki, the first thing that a traveller needs is a place to stay. Travellers have plenty of options here. The hostel scene is great in Helsinki for young and restless travellers travelling on a budget and also for all budget travellers. Hotels too are available for various budgets and tastes and then there are small boutique hotels and B & Bs.

 The local commute trips on Hop on – Hop Off bus and entry to most attractions becomes easy with Helsinki City Card. We used it, liked it and recommend it. The duration, price, validity, etc can be checked online. Using cards at various destinations remains a debatable issue but we were happy with Helsinki card. Helsinki as a city is simple to travel since it has good local transportation. The Helsinki card will work on most of these local transports.

 Another important fact is, Helsinki is the hub of travel for all Finnish destinations including the Lapland (for Northern Lights, Reindeers, etc) areas. All train routes originate and end at Helsinki.

 What to See in Helsinki?

 There are many things to see and do in Helsinki. There are grand and interesting buildings, there is the sea, there is an island fortress and then there are those famous Saunas of Helsinki (Sauna is an important part of life in Helsinki and Finland. Sauna was invented here and in a country of about 60 lakh people, there is about one Sauna for two people).

 Helsinki is also the design capital of Europe and thus it has a design district spread over many streets full of businesses and museums.

When in Helsinki, must-visit places areas listed below –

 (a) Helsinki Cathedral is on top of the list, along with Senate Square (where it is located).

  (b) The Red Cathedral or Uspenskin Cathedral.

   (c)The Rock Church, also known as Temppeliaokio Church

              (d) Somenlinna Sea Fort

        (e)  Old Market Hall.

        (f)  National Museum.

         (g)  Design Museum.

        (h)  Helsinki Tram System.

         (i) Sauna.

 

Helsinki Cathedral

 This is a church built in the memory of  Grand Duke of Finland, Tsar Nicholas I of Russia, between the years 1830 to 1852. Originally it was known as Saint Nicholas Church and Grand Cathedral. Since the independence of Finland, it is a Finnish Lutheran Cathedral.

 Helsinki Cathedral is located on Senate Square and it happens to be the icon of Helsinki. All HO-HO buses depart from and end their trips at Senate Square. The cathedral and senate square hold the same significance as any city square in major European cities. Helsinki port is just one street away and when one reaches Helsinki by ship or ferry, Helsinki Cathedral is the prominent landmark greeting the visitors.

 It is also possibly the most photographed monument in Helsinki. There are Prayer services available for those who are interested. The cathedral can be visited from inside but do remember, compared to Russian or French Cathedrals, it is relatively simple from inside. Tsar Alexsander II Statue is the centre piece of the Senate Square.

If one has other plans too and thus short of time, skip the inside visit (I did not visit). The senate square visit and visiting this Cathedral from outside, however, is a must-do activity. Photos below will bring its beauty and grandness to you.

Tsar Alexsander II Statue

Helsinki Cathedral in its full Majesty

 

The Red Cathedral or Uspenskin Cathedral

 

It is an Eastern Orthodox Cathedral of Helsinki. It was constructed between 1862 and 1868.  It was to serve the growing Orthodox community since the original Orthodox church built in 1827 was falling short for an increased number of orthodox communities.

 It is a beautiful building from inside and outside but not as grand as the Helsinki cathedral. That notwithstanding, this beautiful red brick church on a hillock is worth spending your time to visit it from outside and inside. See the photos and judge yourself.

Red Cathedral - First Glimpse

Up close

Alter 

 Rock Church or Temppeliaokio Church

It is an interesting church built using rocks as its walls. It was completed in 1967 and its unusual architecture and its transparent dome roof made transparent material supporting the copper dome makes it a place worth visit. It is a Lutheran church which, due to its very high-quality acoustic, is a sought after venue for concerts. It is recommended to keep it on the itinerary. See for yourself.

Inside the Rock Church. See the Natural light from its roof.

 Suomenlinna Sea Fort

 Built on 8 islands, Suomenlinna Sea Fort is UNESCO Heritage site. The construction of this Fortress, as a defence against Russia, commenced in 1748. Its construction progressed in bits and pieces and the construction never really finished even in 1788. Swedish (who ruled Finland then) Defence was formed around this fortress. Their Navy as well as a shipyard were also in this fortress.

 After Russian victory over Sweden in 1808, this fort became Russian outpost. The journey of the fortress continued with various wars till the independence of Finland in 1918.

 This fortress is a living fortress, meaning people are living here in the fortress. This fortress is also is home to last Finnish submarine named “Vesikko“. It is possible to visit the Submarine. Other attractions are King’s Gate, Dockyard, Prisoner of War Memorial, Bastian “Zender” and Jetty Barracks.

Suomenlinna Sea Fort - Bird's Eye View (Photo courtesy - Helsinkicard)

Inside Suomenlinna Sea Fort

What a beautiful sight

 Old Market Hall

 Old and beautiful Market Hall was opened to people of Helsinki in 1889. It is located next to the Boat Jetty and the area is known as The Market square. The old market hall has over 20 shops selling food, bread, meat, fish, cheese and the “Alko” store, only chain of stores authorised to sell Alcohol in Finland.

 Its small but beautiful Red building is a place of attraction and is one of the must-visit places. Visit this place to enjoy the food of all varieties. Like all other places of visit, this too is not far from the central railway station and city square.

Market Square

National Museum

 This museum, depicting the history of Finland from the stone age, opened in 1910. Its building is made to reflect the castles and churches of Finland. It is a place which should be visited with sufficient time in hand. It has good exhibitions containing Six specific areas related to things like History, Silverware, Medals and Weapons. The Stone Bear outside the museum is one of the most photographed structures in Helsinki.

National Museum, Helsinki

The Stone Bear

 Design Museum

 Helsinki was declared World Design Capital in 2012. The travellers have been giving Helsinki a low priority, but for those who love design, Helsinki is the place to be. Helsinki has a Design District. It also has a design Museum to boost. This museum exhibits designs from Finland and other places. Industrial Design, Graphics, fashion and other designs are on display. It also has a permanent exhibition of Finnish designs of the historical time.

 The Design District and the Design Museum are places worth visit, especially for Design Enthusiasts. It may also, be fun for other travellers provided they can spare the time.

 Helsinki Tram System

 This Electric Tram system is built entirely on the streets of Helsinki, that makes it the most traditional tram system (no separate passage for tram lines). This also happens to be the oldest electric tram system in the World. Oldest Tram Cars in use belong to 1928 and youngest to 2013. Tram network is accessible, comfortable and fun to travel. The electrification (staring with newly constructed lines) started in 1900 and most lines got electrification by 1901. The system was single track till 1908. The conversion to double-track started in 1908 and finished in 1910.

 This historic tram system is an experience to travel. No visit is complete without a tram journey. Also, they are a quick way to reach the places of interest in Helsinki, though these places are not really very far from each other.

 The Sauna.

The Finns invented Sauna. For a country of 5.5 million people, Finland has over 3 million saunas. Having Sauna and a dip in the Baltic sea or pool and repeating it as long as you can is The thing to do in Helsinki, but one needs time and also liking.

 There are many Saunas in Helsinki but all may not be public saunas. There are about 10 well known public saunas in Helsinki. Prominent among them are Allas Sea pool, Uusi, Kotiharju (only traditional wood-fired sauna available now), Löyly and Lonna.

 Chose the one that you like and have fun. Prebooking may be needed hence it is recommended to first check with the place.

Allas Sea Pool (Sauna), Sky Sauna can be seen in the Background

Summary

 Helsinki is a city of experiences. Experiences of enjoying tram network, Design, Sauna, Culture and history. The minimum time needed to visit this city is about 2 days (and I would not be surprised if one finds that time short like we did). For a relaxed experience, more than two days needed and you should have that kind of budget because Helsinki is a bit costly to stay and travel.