HELSINKI

What is your first thought about Finland? Reindeers, Santa Claus or maybe Moomins? I’ve decided to discover more about this country and experience what its young capital has to offer for a weekend trip. Read on to get to know Helsinki.

Helsinki has become the capital since early 1800s, when Finland was taken by Russia. The city began to expand on the model of Russian St. Petersburg and until now you can clearly see that Scandinavian and Eastern European styles are intertwined. Due to Russian influences, the architecture represents neoclassical style what differs it from other Scandinavian capitals like Oslo or Copenhagen. Spatial planning is a bit more like Eastern Europe too. Sometimes a bit messy for me. Which does not mean, however, that in Helsinki there are no great representatives of contemporary architecture on a global scale. Although our stay in Finland was brief, one weekend was enough to see all highlights of the city and enjoy one full day in the nearby National Park.

HELSINKI

We start our trip early morning with the short cruise from Kauppatori (main market square) to Suomenlinna. Suomenlinna is a fortress located on six small islands. In the past, it had a great military value to protect the city from the sea. Nowadays, it has become the main tourist attraction, inscribed on the UNESCO List.

The next stop is Uspensky Cathedral – the memorial of Russia’s residency in Helsinki. The orthodox church is made of red bricks and topping with golden cupolas. Taking pictures inside is forbidden but definitely it’s worth to take a look at the Iconostasis inside.

Another famous church, which soars above the city, is Helsinki Cathedral. White neoclassical cathedral with the steep stairs leading inside is a landmark of the city. Although there are no decorations or rich paintings inside, the building from the outside is impressive.

The Senate Square located in the front of the Cathedra is the historic centre of Helsinki. In the middle there is a statue of Emperor Alexander II – the next sign of Eastern influence here.

If you are tired and hungry the market square and the old market hall are a great place to rest, eat and buy souvenirs.

One of the unique places (safely) on a global scale is Temppeliaukio Church, known as Rock Church. The church opened in 1960 is built directly in the rocks. So the walls are made of natural rocks, and the skylights gets inside through the copper dome.

On our way to Rock Church we passed by a lot of magnificent buildings like Music House or National Library. Helsinki amazed me.

At the end, the sweetest cafe I've ever been in :)

NUUKSIO NATIONAL PARK

Being in Finland and not seeing green forests, clear lakes or reindeers is like not being here at all. About 1 – 1.5 hour trip from Helsinki there is the Nuuksio National Park.

Nuuksio offers hundreds of trails in old-growth forest with the view of lakes. The park is a green oasis for backpackers as well as families with children. Besides exploring the diverse fauna and flora of this place, Nuuksio National Park can be an excellent place for different kind of activities: cycling, bird watching or climbing.

We’ve decided to visit Nuuksio Reindeer Park. In addition to reindeer feeding, the price of the ticket includes hot drinks and baking sweet croissants over a campfire in a traditional tent. It was really great :)