FINLAND |
In this article, you will read about Helsinki. |
Being neighbors with Sweden, Norway and Russia, Finland is among the Nordic countries in Europe. With its population around 5.5 million, the country has an unspoiled nature with more than 180.000 lakes, which makes the country that has the highest number of lakes in the world.
With the country’s extension to the Arctic Circle, it is possible to observe the Northern Lights throughout the year, but the most possible time being between October and March.
While the Finnish culture is very ancient, the country’s independence is only a century old. That is why the year of 2017 is dedicated to the centennial anniversary of this milestone in the history of Finland.
My story with Finland, which started this August and will go on at least 2 years, is quite a new one. My first study abroad experience has turned out to be amazing (at least for now 😊) with the Finnish lifestyle of calmness, youthfulness, respectfulness and being nested in nature. I explained what I feel about living in Finland several times in my blog.
So this time, I will give you quite a touristic sense of Finland experience. Let's start to explore!
With the country’s extension to the Arctic Circle, it is possible to observe the Northern Lights throughout the year, but the most possible time being between October and March.
While the Finnish culture is very ancient, the country’s independence is only a century old. That is why the year of 2017 is dedicated to the centennial anniversary of this milestone in the history of Finland.
My story with Finland, which started this August and will go on at least 2 years, is quite a new one. My first study abroad experience has turned out to be amazing (at least for now 😊) with the Finnish lifestyle of calmness, youthfulness, respectfulness and being nested in nature. I explained what I feel about living in Finland several times in my blog.
So this time, I will give you quite a touristic sense of Finland experience. Let's start to explore!
Helsinki
Mini Info about the City
The city of Helsinki was built in the 16th century, and became the capital city of Finland in the 19th century. Helsinki is also the northernmost capital city of the European Union. With its population of more than 600,000, it is also the most crowded city of Finland.
This vibrant and youthful city has a lot to offer! While walking down the streets today, I couldn't stop myself from turning my head from the one side to another: decent cafes full of people, locals in stylish clothes, orderly streets, giant and well-designed buildings... Though there is much to see in the city, one day is enough for seeing the major landmarks of the city. But if you're also planning to visit the museums, you can give another day for your Helsinki experience. Besides if you're coming here during winter when the days are relatively shorter, you need to have more days in Helsinki to see the must-see spots. I also highly recommend you to go to Suomenlinna which is an island only 15 mins away from Helsinki by ferry. You can use your daily transportation pass for ferry too!
The city of Helsinki was built in the 16th century, and became the capital city of Finland in the 19th century. Helsinki is also the northernmost capital city of the European Union. With its population of more than 600,000, it is also the most crowded city of Finland.
This vibrant and youthful city has a lot to offer! While walking down the streets today, I couldn't stop myself from turning my head from the one side to another: decent cafes full of people, locals in stylish clothes, orderly streets, giant and well-designed buildings... Though there is much to see in the city, one day is enough for seeing the major landmarks of the city. But if you're also planning to visit the museums, you can give another day for your Helsinki experience. Besides if you're coming here during winter when the days are relatively shorter, you need to have more days in Helsinki to see the must-see spots. I also highly recommend you to go to Suomenlinna which is an island only 15 mins away from Helsinki by ferry. You can use your daily transportation pass for ferry too!
Must-See Places
Helsinki Cathedral (Tuomiokirkko) is one of the most popular and visited landmarks in Helsinki. Situated at the northern side of the Senate Square, it is possible to see the Gulf of Finland (that is connected to the Baltic Sea) when looking at the horizon in front the cathedral. The current cathedral was completed in the 19th century, and has been a loadstar for the sailors arriving the city. On the roof of the cathedral are the sculptures of twelve apostles, which is said to guard the city.
Helsinki Cathedral (Tuomiokirkko) is one of the most popular and visited landmarks in Helsinki. Situated at the northern side of the Senate Square, it is possible to see the Gulf of Finland (that is connected to the Baltic Sea) when looking at the horizon in front the cathedral. The current cathedral was completed in the 19th century, and has been a loadstar for the sailors arriving the city. On the roof of the cathedral are the sculptures of twelve apostles, which is said to guard the city.
- Senate Square is located close to the Market Square and Esplanade Park. Surrounded by the Helsinki Cathedral, the main building of the Helsinki University, the Government Palace, and the National Library, the square hosts the great examples of neo-classical architectural style.
- Market Square is a market place located at the South Harbor (Eteläsatama) by the sea, and at the end of the Esplanade Park. Here you can find fruits that are unique to the Nordic countries, such as lingonberry, as well as fruits from abroad, souvenirs, and traditional Finnish pastries.
- Esplanade Park is a park located in the heart of Helsinki, where locals and visitors can relax, and several occasions such as jazz concerts take place throughout the year. The statue of Havis Amanda can also be seen at the end of the Esplanade Park, by the Market Square.
- St John’s Church is a Lutheran church built in Gothic revival style. It was built between the years of 1888 and 1891. Situated on a hill, the church has twin towers which are 74 meters high.
- Sibelius Monument, which is located in Sibelius Park, is a monument dedicated to the Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. After the critiques raised, the face of Sibelius added beside the monument. Even though the monument looks like quite an abstract piece of art, it represents the pipes of an organ.
- Uspenski Cathedral is an Orthodox church situated on a hillside, close to the Southern Harbor in Helsinki. Designed by a Russian architect, Gornostayev, the cathedral was started to be built after his death in 1862, and completed in 6 years.
- Helsinki Railway Square is located in the heart of Helsinki, near the Helsinki Central Railway Station. Situated on the square are several notable buildings such as Ateneum, a classical art museum which is part of the Finnish National Gallery, and the Finnish National Theatre.
- Parliament House is the seat of the Parliament of Finland, located on a hill in the district of Töölö. Designed in 1923 in neoclassical and modernist styles by a company which won the competition held for the construction of the building, it was built between the years of 1926 and 1931. There are guided tours during the year on Saturdays at 11.00 and on Sundays at 12.00.
- Suomenlinna is an inhabited sea fortress situated on six islands, and located 15 minutes away from Helsinki by ferry. The gorgeous picturesque islands were included in the list of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. The fortress was started to be built in 1748 by the Swedish Kingdom, of which Finland was once a part. The word “Suomenlinna” refers to “Castle of Finland”, and was renamed like this after the former Swedish name “Sveaborg” in 1918 due to nationalistic reasons.
- Below is a video of the start of our journey to Suomenlinna, at the Helsinki South Harbor: