One of my last Nordic adventures for 2022 was Finland with a main focus on the Capital. It was a starting point even for other trips to Turku, Rovaniemi or Tallinn, but I had enough time dedicated only to Helsinki as well. Check out my top 8 list with things you should not miss while there:
8 . Hietaranta Beach
The only place I love beaches are in the Nordics. There is no heat and by chance not even any Sun. Sounds already like a great beach day. On the way to the sandy shores, coming from the city center, also go through the Hietaniemi cemetery for a peaceful walk and to see some squirrels hanging around.
7. Suomenlinna
With just a boat ride away from the City Hall, in 15-20 minutes, you can get away from the busy streets in a completely different universe. Life on the fortified island Suomenlinna seems to move on its own pace. There are quite a few inhabitants living in the old houses and also there is a market, a museum and many cafes and restaurants. It seemed to be the perfect getaway.
The great thing about Suomenlinna is that you can walk around freely in any direction and explore the entire island. Since the weather was a bit windy and cloudy I barely ran into anyone, so it’s also an intimate encounter with nature and history.
6. Tervasaaren koirapuisto
A park on an island surrounded by water. Sounds great, huh? It’s an ideal place to take a walk and enjoy the sun on a bench, see the other islands nearby and the boats passing by. It’s a break from the city right in it!
5. Senate Square
One of the most iconic places in Helsinki is the Senate Square with the Cathedral topping the view on the hill. It looks great from the ground, but even greater after climbing the stairs and having an exquisite view over the square and also the city. It’s as exciting in day time, as by night.
I also had the luck, while being away in Rovaniemi, that the Christmas tree arrived and got decorated and also Aleksanterinkatu got lit up with it’s superb lights – in the same style since 1949.
4. Old Market Hall
It looks great on the outside, but the inside was fascinating. I was expecting and old hall with meat and fish stands, like one would expect in such place, but no. It elevated to the next level and has cafes and many local food like reindeer and bear meat or cloudberry jams and jelly. It was a real surprise!
3. Sibelius Monument
A bit away from downtown Helsinki, in Sibelius Park, you can find this distinctive monument that is dedicated to Jean Sibelius, on of Finland’s greatest composers who is credited for helping the country develop it’s own national identity while under Russian rulling.
The monument dates back from 1967 and it is said that it’s steel pipes capture the wind and make an organ like sound – strangely I did not hear it, but still the monument is worth the walk.
2. Amos Rex & Kamppi Chapel
I mashed up these two atractions due to being neighbours. Amos Rex is a contemporary art museum mostly built underground with Lasipalatsi Square above. It has 5 domes that create a futuristic visual to the place.
Kamppi Chappel is nothing that you would expect a chappel to look like. It is also known as the Chappel of Silance, built in one of the bussiest places in Helsinki, and anyone is welcomed, being meant a place to calm down and have a moment of silance.
- Helsinki Central Station
Often cited as one of the world’s most beautiful railway stations, the building was completed in 1919 and is classified as Art Nouveau style with many Art Deco elements. The main entrance is the most impressive with 2 stone statues on each side holding spherical lamps -Lyhdynkantajat (“The Lantern Bearers”) and there is also a large clock tower on the right.
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