When you come to Finland and visit its capital, Helsinki, you are yet to have a lasting impression. The city boasts of plenty of attractions like historical sites and serene structures coupled with Helsinki’s other half, the ocean. Finland’s capital stretches along the gulf of the country into the deep east of the Baltic Sea. Here you get to discover various shopping centres that offer you all that you want in one place. So to have a full picture and enjoyment, know the notable landmarks in Helsinki then draw a plan to visit each.
Also take note of Summer Vacation in best Places in Finland.
Being Finland’s capital, it is the most filled city and many people around the world are flocking to Helsinki. Most of the country’s modern sites for Finland’s cultural, religious, educational and political networks are situated in Helsinki. After almost a third of the town was destroyed by fire in 1808, the city was rebuilt to come up with a neoclassical city centre. Helsinki now lies on a wide plate of beautiful streets and well paved and landscaped numerous parks.
Each and every day, Helsinki welcomes visitors. Annually close to 300 cruise ships dock in the heart of the city. There are quite a number of things to do and see and most of them are all within a walking distance. For some, they prefer to explore the goodies in this city on their bikes, though Helsinki has an excellent public transport system. You can just either choose to go on a train, bus, or just boats towards the islands.
But while you are visiting or just living in Helsinki;
-
Take a boat to the Fortress of Sveaborg and the Suomenlinna Islands
Suomenlinna is a fortified island that forms a major integral part of Helsinki. They look quite remote, yet very easily accessible by boat or just a 20-minute ferry ride with the aid of a ticket just like that of buses and trams. On the other hand, the fortress Sveaborg literally known as the “Swedish Castle” appears to dominate this island.
The fortress came into existence in the 18th century to deter the Russians from accessing the Baltic. In 1808/09 this fortress fell into the hands of the Russians during the Swedish-Russian war who enlarged and strengthened it. However, in 2918, it came back to Finland, thus, the genesis of the Finnish name Suomenlinna, this time round a Finnish Castle.
The 1950s and 1960s saw this fortress being handed over by the military to the civilian authorities. It was only then restoration was carried out and use converted to cultural purposes. It is presently among UNESCO’s list of global heritage monuments and museums. The place is open for the better part of a year and the only thing that varies is ferry access and hours of visit. Visit the website to get the current information before visiting.
-
Cruise to the Helsinki Biennial
This is described as an international art fair that delivers outstanding contemporary art. Well in 2021 the open-air installations were a big capture with numerous people attending. If you didn’t manage to catch this one, then you have to wait till 2023. With this kind of art fairs, Finland could just become another emerging hotspot for art. If you love art this is probably a place you would want to take note of.
-
Cross Over to the Temppeliaukio Rock Church
Helsinki’s Rock church is located towards the north of Helsinki’s Hietaniemi area along Fredrikinkatu. The church design work was done by Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen in the late 1960s. It is a very intriguing design shown by the underground interior carving out, yet directly built into the ancient solid rock of the Helsinki peninsula.
The interior of the church boasts of a glorious natural lighting that penetrates through the glazed curvy serene. The church design also has a shallow circular dome of about 13m high with copper sheeting and glass borne with concrete ribs.
Helsinki’s Rock church is mainly used for concerts mainly because of the excellent sound controls from the rough, unfinished interior surfaces of the rock. By any chance you have plans of visiting, tour guides are always available. For any visitors coming during summer, there is an onsite café to offer a unique dining experience.
-
How About the Linnanmaki Amusement Park?
Eastwards of the Olympic Stadium, just over the railroad line, you get to see the Linnanmaki Amusement Park. This park has been in operation since the 1950s. If you are in Helsinki with family, you should not go back without coming here to experience a splendid range of rides for all age groups. There is also live entertainment, plenty of meals and snack’s locations, and games.
If you are here, select the perfect ride for you and family including your young ones since there is quite a variety. Other games and other things, the park harbours dozens of thrilling roller coasters with several attractions giving a perfect view of the city. You will get to observe ferries from this view.
-
Seek a Moment of Solitude at Kamppi Chapel
In the busy streets of Helsinki, you get to have a chance to seek for a moment of solitude and the Kamppi Chapel. It is also commonly known as the chapel of silence sponsored by the city’s parishes and the social science department. Come and come yourself down when things get really unpleasant for you.
In the Narinkkatori square with the design of a wooden building you are about to receive solitude and the calm that you seek. The looks are more of an oval serving dish than the common chapel design. Due to its closeness to the city centre, it must just be that which you greatly need after roaming the city shopping.