Note: The blog was originally published on my old blog.
Helsinki is a place where natural beauty meets modern design, and the people are warm, welcoming, and proud of their city. My friends and I recently had the pleasure of visiting Helsinki, and I can confidently say that the city profoundly impacted us. But what truly made my trip unforgettable was the heartfelt adventure that we embarked on, which took us beyond the tourist hotspots and allowed us to connect with the city on a deeper level. In this blog post, I want to share our Helsinki reverie, the places we visited, the people we met, and the experiences that left a lasting impression on our hearts. Join me as we explore Helsinki, and discover the beauty that lies within this remarkable city.
Morning in Helsinki
From early morning I knew it would be a great trip. The city had a certain charm and character that immediately drew me in. The first stop of my day was the Market Square, where we indulged in some typical Finnish food (Mustikkapulla, Omenalörtsy, Kalakukko, Lohikeitto) and fresh fruits and vegetables. Although the coffee was a bit of a disappointment, it didn’t ruin my appetite for exploring the city.
Our next stop was the Havis Amanda statue, just a short walk from Market Square. Havis Amanda is a bronze statue of a nude mermaid in the Market Square in Helsinki, Finland. Ville Vallgren created the statue in 1906 and initially named it “Merenneito” (Mermaid). Havis Amanda is a popular meeting spot for locals and tourists and is considered a symbol of Helsinki’s maritime culture.
Senate Square and Helsinki Cathedral
From there, we went to Senate Square, where the Emperor Alexander II statue and the beautiful Helsinki Cathedral greeted us. The cathedral has a stunning pipe organ. I wished I could hear its magnificent sound. I love visiting churches, and this one was no exception.
Helsinki Cathedral, also known as Helsingin tuomiokirkko or St. Nicholas’ Church, is a prominent landmark in Helsinki. The cathedral was designed by architect Carl Ludvig Engel and completed in 1852. With its striking green dome and neoclassical architecture, Helsinki Cathedral is a must-visit attraction for anyone exploring the city. The climb up the stairs was worth it, as the view from the top was breathtaking.
Afternoon
We decided to take one of those Hop-on Hop-off buses in the afternoon, as we felt a bit lazy. It was easy to find a tour company offering this service, as they all started their trip from Sena Square. Our first stop was Eira, known for its expensive apartments and houses. But for us, the real attraction was the Gulf of Finland. It had stopped raining, and the sun had come out, making it the perfect time for a walk. We stumbled upon a memorial and took a moment to appreciate the beautiful view.
The Gulf of Finland lies between Finland and Estonia, forming an arm of the Baltic Sea. It connects to the Baltic Sea through the narrow Gulf of Bothnia and the more prominent Gulf of Riga. This body of water is an important shipping route and a popular destination for recreational activities, such as boating and fishing.
Sibelius Park
Our next stop was Sibelius Park, where the Sibelius-monumentti greeted us. Jean Sibelius was a Finnish composer and violinist of the late Romantic and early modern periods. He is best known for his seven symphonies, including the famous Symphony No. 5. Sibelius is widely considered Finland’s greatest composer and a national treasure.
It started to rain again, but we didn’t let that dampen our spirits. We took shelter under a big tree and waited for the rain to stop. Afterwards, we headed to the only place around the park for a small snack and coffee. The Korvapuustit (cinnamon rolls) were a hit, and we left the place refreshed and ready for more adventure.
We decided to skip The National Museum of Finland as we were not big museum fans. Instead, we explored other places such as the Rock Church, Olympic Stadium, and Parliament, although it wasn’t possible to go inside due to reconstruction.
Architects and brothers Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen designed Temppeliaukion Church, also known as the Church of the Rock, which is another unique church in Helsinki built directly into a rock face. It opened in 1969 and features exposed rock walls, a beautiful copper dome, and stunning natural light, which characterize its interior, making it a popular destination for visitors to Helsinki..
Evening
As evening approached, we ended up at the pub/restaurant Vltava, where my friend Jarkko was waiting for us. After a few drinks, we went to the Traktor restaurant, a popular dining destination in Helsinki that offers modern Finnish cuisine, indulged in Finnish cuisine, and shared stories of our day’s adventures.
In conclusion, Helsinki is a city that genuinely deserves exploring. From its stunning architecture to its beautiful natural surroundings, it is a city that has something for everyone.