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Helsinki is situated on a superlative natural harbor. The coast of Finland is surrounded by thousands of small islands, and Helsinki is hidden behind these islands. Helsinki's harbor is an important focal point of the city's urban environment. Water buses leave from Helsinki's municipal dock for tourist attractions in the surrounding islands. A huge outdoor produce market is located along side Helsinki harbor. The huge ships that carry people to Sweden and back are always prominent in Helsinki's harbor.
Although Helsinki is reasonably far distant from other European cities, there is no sense of remoteness here. Visitors find Helsinki superb. English is spoken throughout Helsinki, and Finns are friendly to Americans. Expect to find many healthy, attractive people in Helsinki because saunas are commonly used by Finns.
Until 1919, Finland was Russian. Finland, thus, has a unique perspective on Europe. Reminders of the Czars' influence are found throughout Helsinki. From the Russian Orthodox Cathedral near the harbor to the fortress on Suomenlinna Island, Finland's Russian past is evident everywhere. Buildings constructed in Helsinki before 1919 usually have a distinctive Russian style. The West's influence is predominate in contemporary Finnish buildings.
Helsinki offers the visitor a surprising number of different attractions to visit. Those who like to shop are also sure to be pleased with the choice of goods and bargains available. This city also has no lack of commendable restaurants. The first time visitor to Helsinki is likely impressed with how appealing and convenient this town is.
Helsinki's geographic location does have some affect on the city's political environment. Finland is a neutral country in international affairs. While U.S. citizens are welcome in Finland, the country's largest trading partners are the communist block countries.
Helsinki, a Harbor City with Exceptional Shopping and Restaurants
Helsinki's basic plan is facile to understand. The downtown area of the city is reasonably compact and walking distances between places are not unusual. Helsinki is a convenient city because one can adeptly reach all of the downtown on foot. Various locations also can be effortlessly located in Helsinki.
Helsinki has an efficient public transportation system that allows reaching destinations throughout the city. Trams service Helsinki's downtown area, and buses reach places distant from the city center. There is, also, ferry service from the market square to various tourist attractions in Helsinki harbor.
The visitor can find goods of all kinds in department and specialty stores throughout downtown Helsinki. Finland is famous for producing glass, ceramics, enamelware, stainless steel, and wood. These wares can be found effortlessly in department stores and shops in Helsinki.
Helsinki offers agreeable possibilities for dining. Whether a hamburger at a Finnish fast food place or a meal of several courses is desired, there is an ample choice of restaurants. Helsinki's restaurants, also, include many places featuring unusual Scandinavia cuisine.
Helsinki's Islands, Museums, and Parliament
Begin Helsinki's urban hike at the Market Square. Situated adjacent to the harbor, Market Square is the site of an outdoor market much of the year. From Market Square, take a ferry bus to Suomenlinna Island. Suomenlinna Island is some distance out in Helsinki Harbor near the edge of the harbor and the beginning of the ocean. The boat ride from Market Square to Suomenlinna Island provides a superb view of the harbor itself.
There are several enthralling places to see on Suomenlinna Island, itself. Besides a fortress, the island has exceptional parks and gardens. Perhaps the best views of Helsinki and the harbor are from Suomenlinna. A pleasant beach and bathing facilities are also found here.
Suomenlinna Island was once the site of a fortress. Today, the commander's residence is a museum containing exhibits about Finland's coastal fleet and fortifications. Some of the rooms in the commander's residence have been kept as they were when the building was in use originally.
The Nordic Art Center is located on Suomenlinna Island directly across from the ferry landing. This art museum displays exhibits of contemporary Nordic art. There is also a German submarine from the Second World War, the Vesikko, on display on Suomenlinna.
Take the ferry back to Market Square after looking at Suomenlinna. In summer, there is an outstanding open air market near the city ferry dock. Different kinds of vegetables and fruits, fresh fish, fresh flowers, and an assortment of other goods are on sale here. Sample some of the local produce offered for sale. In the summer, the open market at the city dock is one of Helsinki's most fascinating attractions.
After looking at Market Square, walk west to where the mall begins, and turn right on Unioninkatu. Helsinki's Russian Orthodox Cathedral is one block distant. A statue of Czar Alexander II is in the square in front of the cathedral. Helsinki's cathedral was built in the style of a Russian Orthodox Church and serves as a reminder that Helsinki was Russian until 1919.
After the cathedral, walk away from the harbor on Aleksanterinkatu. This street and the next street south, Pohjoisesplanadi, comprise Helsinki's most important shopping areas. Most of the city's big department stores are situated here including Helsinki's largest, Stockman's. Almost everything from Finnish crystal and earthen ware to sauna supplies and all the variety of goods usually found in most modern department store can be obtained here.
Continue five blocks on Aleksanterinkatu, and reach Mannerheimintie. Turn left of Mannerheimintie, and walk about four blocks. The Eduskuntatalo or Finnish Parliament is located on the left side of the street. The parliament building was completed in 1931. 200 elected representatives serve in the Finnish parliament. Guided tours are available in English.
After visiting the Finish Parliament, take a bus to reach the Statue of Czar Alexander II before Helsinki's Cathedral Helsinki Olympic Stadium built for the 1952 Olympic Games. The statue of the runner with torch that served as the symbol of the 1952 Games is still at Olympic Stadium. Take the elevator to the top of the stadium's tower for a look at all of Helsinki.
From the Olympic Stadium take a bus to Seurasaari Open Air Museum. Seurasaari is located on an island connected to the mainland by a footbridge. This open air museum features folk and farm buildings from all over Finland. A highlight of Seurasaari is a 17th century Karuna church.
In the summer, after Seurasaari Island, return to Helsinki's downtown by taking a ferry bus from the island to Market Square. During other months, take the bus back to the center of Helsinki. In roughly one full day, this urban hike has introduced Helsinki.
Helsinki's Harbor and Products
The more effort the visitor puts into a stay in Helsinki, the better experience one takes away. Finland's geography gives the country an unusual set of reasons. While visiting Helsinki, try learning how the Finns have succeeded at creating and maintaining their neutral democracy.
Helsinki's unusual location on the ocean improves this city's attractiveness. The various ferries from Market Square all provide marvelous views of Helsinki Harbor. The proximity of the sea affects all of Helsinki. The climate is somewhat milder because of the ocean. Helsinki's parks have a lush green because of the plentiful rain the city receives.
Helsinki is an exciting city to photograph because the town is far distant from everywhere. The city's natural setting is beautiful to photograph. Photographing Helsinki's people can also improve an appreciation of Helsinki.
The more of Helsinki visited, the better liked the community becomes. Try to visit as much of Helsinki as possible. Also, carefully try to understand and appreciate Helsinki while visiting. With even reasonable effort most visitors leave Helsinki with favorable impressions of this city.
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