Hi all! Today is a continuation of a recent trip to Finland for two days. After the inspection, as required by my personal internal traveler etiquette, I had to go to Helsinki. I always try to look at the capital at least with one eye.

At first I thought not to write anything about this city on the blog, because I didn’t photograph the sights of Helsinki and I can’t particularly illustrate my story, but then I decided to show you the capital of Finland anyway. The way I saw her.

I wanted to go to Helsinki before and always came across reviews from people who wrote that there was nothing to see there. That's where it's not true! Helsinki seemed to me a very interesting place in terms of architecture. Houses built in the Scandinavian style, non-standard design solutions, interesting details.

For example, the walls of buildings made of rusty iron, colorful balconies or bright tables with chairs, colorful bicycles and flowers growing in unexpected places - all this can be found if you look wide-eyed.

I expected to see something boring and similar to what I have seen a thousand times, but Helsinki exceeded my expectations. Of course, the fact that she has not traveled around Europe for a long time affects. And in general, it’s very cool that I spent a long time in Asia and now I can again appreciate the beauty of European cities with a fresh look.

These guys put coupons under the glass of cars parked in the wrong place.
There are many tourists in Helsinki, and sometimes a lot
Without the Chinese in our time, nowhere :)

That summer day I just wanted to live. Do not run around museums and interesting places with a camera, do not read in advance what to see in Helsinki, and then rush headlong through the main attractions, but walk around the city, take pictures of a person in bright shorts, look at people and dogs, breathe clean air.

After all, when I come to Minsk, I don’t run to see the center in 30-degree heat, but I go to the lake or the park. This is what happened in Helsinki. For some time we put the car in an underground parking lot, after which we sat and looked at the boats and boats that sailed along the canal.

I also saw the center of Helsinki. In the photo below, one of the main attractions of Helsinki - Cathedral Lutheran Church on Senate Square:

Senate square in Helsinki
Train station in Helsinki

Below is a monument to the Hammers. I was told an ancient Finnish legend that hammers would fall on the anvils of all three men when the first beautiful girl was born in Finland.

I have long dreamed of visiting the archipelago around Helsinki, so I found something on the map that looked like tiny islands and pointed at them with my finger. I say, I want to go there. After 10 minutes we cross the next bridges and find ourselves far from civilization. Around the water and small islands, it smells of fir trees and mowed grass. This, of course, is not, but already good. It turned out that we, quite by accident, without a navigator, arrived exactly where I wanted. Miracles! We spent about two hours on the island of Hanasaari.

Does anyone know what monument is? It depicts jackets on the steps, as if running out of the water.

The day started with a ride on the brand new Tallinn CAF Urbos tram at 6.30. For new trams, all the tram tracks in the city were specially remade. In fact, they are very cool, they look cosmic. They are Spanish, they are in Tallinn in March 2015.
Somehow, the Estonian government decided to sell an unused CO2 quota to Spain for 45 million euros (1.8 billion rubles), and use the proceeds from the sale to buy eco-friendly trams for Tallinn. This is how Estonia and Spain started their cooperation. Trams are equipped with the latest energy-saving technologies, such as a brake energy conservation system. The new technology makes it possible to reduce emissions to a minimum. Under the agreement, the new trams will only use electricity generated from renewable sources. To do this, renewable energy certificates will be purchased in the amount corresponding to the mileage of the tram lines.

In Helsinki, we sailed on the ferry of the Finnish company Viking Line. Tickets cost us only 13 €, round-trip for one. This is the share price common price about 25 € also in two directions (But: on a weekday). I don’t really like to travel on weekends, it’s not so interesting, there are a lot of tourists - few local colorful residents.
Departure to
Departure back to

The Baltic Sea is amazing in any weather.

And this is a view of Tallinn from the sea.
This part is the old city.

And this part is new) And it seems to me that they absolutely do not interfere with each other to coexist)

Ferry Viking XPRS.

There were actually few people, probably because it was September. In general, as a rule, people do not like cold and rain, but this is not about us.

Sea Sea

There are about 330 islands in the Helsinki archipelago, each of which can become perfect place in order to spend a day off there with your loved one or in a good company of friends. Some islands, such as Suomenlinna or Pihlajasaari, can be reached by city river tram. This kind public transport works from early morning to late evening. I will talk about one of them in this article.

Immediately upon arrival in Helsinki (in my case) at Terminal A - we found ourselves in the residential area of ​​Katajanokka. It is located on west bank historical part of Helsinki. From here to the center - a stone's throw. We walked a little along Uusimaa street, then turned onto Kanavakatu, crossed the bridge, and then the embankment and Trade area.

Once this part of the city was a cape, but in 1840 a channel was dug and today it is an island, surrounded on all sides by water. Now this area is considered very respectable. The layout of the area has not changed much since then. Almost all surviving residential buildings are now residential. The former storage area of ​​the port has been partly refurbished for office use, restaurants, cafes, shops and hotels.

By the way, this castle building is a former customs house and warehouses (Tulli- ja pakkahuone) by the architect Carl Gustaf Nyström (1856-1917) (address: Satamakatu, 1 / Katajanokanlaituri, 5). Architect Nystrom, known for the projects "Old Market" and "Helsinki Design Museum".

Further down the street you will come straight to one of the main attractions Assumption Cathedral is the largest Orthodox cathedral in Northern and Western Europe(At the time of construction, Finland was part of the Russian Empire). The total height of the structure is 51 meters. The temple was built according to the project of the architect Gornostaev in 1868. The cathedral is located in the historical center of Helsinki at the base of the peninsula (it is also an urban area) Katajanokka (fin. Katajanokka). The cathedral is located on a high rock. From the platform at the entrance to the cathedral offers a panoramic view of the city.

On Kanavaranta (Canal Embankment) are Helsinki's guest pier for boats and yachts and built in the 1800s. warehouses of Katajanokki, where restaurants and shops are located. IN summer time here you can admire traditional sailing ships and pleasure yachts.

Well, now you can dine here in very cool restaurants) This is a seaside restaurant in the city center. Nokka is famous for its chef Ari Ruoho and his famous dishes - duck with Alhopakka, which uses porcini mushrooms from famous pickers and lamb from Bovik, Snappertuna. In general, of course, it’s expensive here, but it seems to me, wherever you go in Helsinki, it’s expensive everywhere, in fact, like their standard of living)

Well actually guest berth for boats and yachts)

From the sailing pier of Halkolaituri, a wonderful view of the Pohjoisranta promenade (Pohjoisranta) opens up.

Sokeriton - jam on the marketplace) There is also the largest selection of souvenirs and national goods - knitted sweaters with an original pattern, hats, mittens. I bought a scarf with deer for myself there) There is also food there, though it is terribly oily, I don’t really like that.

And now we are going to Suomenlinna (Sveaborg) - a fortress on the island. A JT-Line ticket costs 7 € round trip.

Suomenlinna means "Finnish fortress" in Finnish. But in fact, the fortress was built in the 17th century by the Swedes under the name Sveaborg (translated from Swedish - "Swedish fortress" :), and then it was conquered by Russia and subsequently equipped with huge cannons cast at the Perm and Obukhov factories.

The fortifications of the fortress were built on 7 rocky islands that make up the "Wolf Skerries" (Fin. Susisaaret, Swede. Vargskär). The Suomenlinna area includes eight islands. Five of them: Kustaanmiekka, Iso Mustasaari, Pikku Mustasaari, Länsi-Mustasaari and Susisaari are connected by bridges or spits. Three islands are isolated: Särkkä, Lonna and Pormestarinluodot.

Suomenlinna is one of the largest sea fortresses in the world. Built in the 18th century on the outskirts of Helsinki, the garrison town is one of the most popular attractions in Finland and at the same time an urban area. Fortress included in the list of objects of the world cultural heritage UNESCO.

Shop on the island. Prices are the same as in Helsinki. Not small) But the shop is very cozy, there is almost everything here.

About entertainment, or rather about food. There are many restaurants, cafes and bars on the island. One of the coolest restaurants is Walhalla. The restaurant is located on the island of Kustaaanmiekka ("King's Sword") and is built into the fortifications of the southern part of the fortress. Next to the "Valhalla" are the famous King's Gate, which is considered the unofficial symbol of Suomenlinna.

Café Piper, located in a historic garden with beautiful sea views.

By the way, 900 people live on the islands. At first I thought that they were lonely here, and then I realized that they live happier than anyone on land. Because they can look at Helsinki from the sea, it takes 15 minutes by boat to the center, but the most important thing is that it is safe here (except for tourists): there are no emigrants here, and cars drive at low speed) The sea is quiet .. what could be better) The photo below is an ideal courtyard. Imagine how beautiful it is at sunrise or sunset.

Another very cute houses on the island of Suomenlinna.

And people live in them. Insanely comfortable. Here's a look at them from the inside

This is the island of Kustaanmiekka.

This place is the most important thing on the islands, it is the heart of Suomenlinna. Here was all the power, and now the monuments of bygone times. Here are those huge guns cast at the Perm and Obukhov plants..... Although I was not interested in it, I'm not a fan of guns, but there are stunning views and a terrible wind (and this is not a plus)))

And this is the grave of Augustin Ehrensverd, the creator of Sveaborg. The Swedish king Gustav III is mentioned here as a monarch who appreciated his merits.

Her one point of interest is the dry dock for the repair of warships. It is the oldest dock in Europe, built in the middle of the 17th century. It is noteworthy that already at that time more than 20 sailing ships were being built at the same time.

We return to the city. I also talked about the island in another post, the link to it is at the very bottom.

One of the most famous places city ​​- Senate Square, and the Lutheran Cathedral on it. Today it is a recognized tourist symbol not only of Helsinki, but of Finland as a whole, but at the same time, it is the country's main operating cathedral, where divine services and masses are regularly held, accompanied by an organ. And on a day off in the cathedral you can also listen to the performance of the Finnish Boys Choir.

A huge white building, on a high pedestal with a wide staircase, the steps of which good weather are always filled with vacationing tourists and townspeople. The cathedral was erected by decree of the Russian ruler Nicholas I and was originally called Nikolaevsky in honor of the patron saint of the emperor. It was designed by the German architect Ludwig Engel. It was built for a very long time - more than twenty years (the beginning of construction - 1830, the end - 1852). Engel did not live to see the completion of construction, the cathedral was erected by his students.

And this unusual building is called nothing more than the "chapel of silence." It was built in 2012 according to the project of the architectural bureau K2S Architects and dedicated to the theme “Helsinki – the capital of design” (that year I just arrived in Helsinki for the first time). The entrance is free. This place is actually very unusual, here you are in one of the busiest squares of the city, and a minute later in a wooden room where you hear only your own breathing. And all thoughts immediately go away. Be sure to visit. I didn’t take pictures, I didn’t want to break this silence (by the way, the silence there is deathly, it’s even scary to breathe)))

By the way, during the construction of this chapel, it was not only the role of an object of art. In Helsinki, due to the lack of sun and heat, according to statistics, 3rd part of all Finns complain of depression. In the 90s, Helsinki was called the city of suicides. Every year, in this small town, about 300 people committed suicide. The authorities decided that this could not continue, and something had to be done. For this, it was decided to build the Campi chapel. Now everyone can come here and feel safe, retire with their thoughts. The clergyman, a young woman named Nana, is in charge of everything here. Surprisingly, the church also serves as a center for psychological support. Every month about 250 people come here for help. This church will help many not to die prematurely...

Without a doubt, such a peculiar structure as the building of the railway station in Helsinki cannot be found in Europe anymore. The entrance to this pink-granite building, topped by a massive tower, is decorated with statues of Atlanteans holding lanterns.The Central Station is a vivid example of an authentic Scandinavian architectural style. The modern building, opened in 1919, is made of Finnish granite, and at the main entrance there is a sculptural composition with monumental granite male figures, the Finns themselves call them station guards. Every day, the station receives about 200,000 passengers, which makes it the most visited building in all of Finland.

Kaivokatu street. The train station is behind me.

The University of Helsinki is the oldest and largest university in Finland. Here, as in all self-respecting universities, there is training for foreign students at all levels, except for the bachelor's degree, English language. Bachelor's programs are offered in Finnish and Swedish. By the way, education at the University of Helsinki is free and considered one of the best in the world.

This is an amazing library. Located in the Kaisa house. It is the main library of the University of Helsinki and is the largest research library in Finland. Selina Anttinen and Vesa Oiva were responsible for the layout of the building.

I mean the students here are incredible. happy people, this place is amazing and I would love to study here.

The most “royal”, the most cheerful and the most commercial - all this about Aleksanterinkatu street is the main street cities. Everything here is terribly expensive, fashionable and fashionable. The shops here are the most famous and most popular, the collections are the latest, stocks and outlets do not belong on Aleksanterinkatu. Prices are appropriate. Because locals they rarely buy anything on Alexi - they just walk around and look at the windows.

In the Kluuvi district of Helsinki, at the corner of Aleksanterinkatu 44 - Mikonkatu 3, is the building of the Pohjola insurance company, built in 1901 according to the design of Eliel Saarinen, Armas Lindgren and Herman Gesellius. The house has several stairs. Login to front staircase from st. Aleksanterinkatu.

Well, another nice door) Aleksanterinkatu 36B.

House at the intersection of Mannerheimintie and Pohjoisesplanadi streets. It is part of the Stockmann department store. There is a lot to be said about this store. Stockmann owned by a Finnish company. The store is insanely cool, it sells world-class clothing and household goods. Furniture and household items are very stylish, I want to buy everything. But the prices are right too. There are Stockmann stores in Russia (St. Petersburg), Estonia (Tallinn), Latvia (Riga), Lithuania (Vilnius) and in Finland itself.

By the way, you see the little animal on the corner of the building - this is not just an interesting picture. This is a memory of the time when there was no house numbering in the city, and quarters were named after different animals. Now, of course, houses have names, but they decided not to get rid of such a zoo))

There is also an academic bookstore Stockmann. It is simply huge, only you can get stuck in it for a couple of hours (of course, if you love books).

Candy is also in the shop. Delicious, must buy.

But if you are an avid shopaholic, then you need to set aside a whole day, or even two, for shopping. Helsinki is like a huge shopping center. There are entire guidebooks dedicated to designer shops. The Design District offers six themed itineraries, through which art lovers can discover topics of interest to them and indulge in the best of Helsinki's design finds. You can read about them. If I had time and my own house (in order to store all the purchased goods somewhere later), I would be very happy to go along the route “Dream Interior”. This route offers both retro and modern interior solutions: from furniture to home textiles. The main emphasis is on Finnish and Scandinavian style, but there are also Indian motifs. The second end point of the route that combines the old and the new will be the first design hotel Finland - Klaus K. In general, a great idea for the next trip.

Hotel Kämp - on one of the most beautiful and luxurious streets of Pohjoisesplanadiin front of the Esplanade parkin a 19th century building. WITHHotels: The Luxury Collection by Starwood.

This is the main entrance.

Now I want to touch on the issue of taxis. Why are they so luxurious here. Ok, taxis in old models of Audi, Toyota, but taxis in Audi A7, BMW, Lexus, Tesla S (and this is just what we noticed), I thought at first it was an executive taxi, but they all had different numbers companies. Of course, there are also ordinary ones, which can be found everywhere. But these were a surprise to me. I wonder if their services are more expensive, and much more?)

Cars on the streets of the city are pleasing to the eye. And notice how few people there are in the city. He seemed very calm and measured to me. Perhaps things change over the weekend. But on weekdays it is very pleasant to walk here.

And finally, a few words about pleasant - about food)
The Kappeli restaurant with its glass walls has been one of the highlights of the Esplanade since 1867. Now Kappeli is a very elegant restaurant with a relaxed yet noble atmosphere. Then there's Kappelin Café, a traditional date place with a full range of sweet and savory snacks, as well as wine and beer.

You may, after looking at the photo below, think about what kind of man is painted on the facade.So, from the very beginning of the creation of the restaurant, many different events took place in Kappeli. According to perhaps the most famous story, a large group of famous cultural figures: Aho, Järnefelt, Leino, Sibelius and Gallen-Kallela, among others, were sitting, as always, in Kappeli when Sibelius needed to leave for a couple of days in Stockholm to work on a musical composition. When he returned from a business trip and entered Kappeli, the same company was still sitting there. At that moment, one of the artists said: “Listen, Jean, you are either on the street or inside, but stop constantly looming back and forth.” In general, on the facade there is the famous Sibelius . By the way, he always lived when he was in Helsinki, at the Kamp Hotel, which I talked about)

Here is such an autumn Helsinki. Cloudy, rainy, but so pleasant)

Have a nice day and see you soon! :)

After reading our review, you will find out what tourists want to see in Helsinki most often. We will tell you about the most visited attractions in Helsinki, also taking into account the reviews and recommendations of experienced guides and travelers.

What to see in Helsinki first of all?

Your trip to the hospitable Finnish city will be unforgettable if you excursion route you include such interesting places Helsinki like:

1. Senate Square

Senate Square in Helsinki stephenrwalli

It is worth starting any rating of “the best attractions in Helsinki” with this object. The architectural style of the square is late classicism. The territory is "filled" with various cultural and historical monuments. Here you can see, for example, the monument of Alexander II, the stone house of Sederholm, created in the 18th century, and the giant Nicholas Church. If you don’t know what to see in Helsinki in 1 day, come here - you will certainly find something new and exciting for yourself.

2. Temppeliaukio Church

Temppeliaukio Church or "Rock Church" in Helsinki by Lyn Gateley

Not everyone d The sights of Helsinki and Northern Europe can boast such originality and even extravagance (both inside and out). The fact is that the Lutheran church is built in the rock: the appearance of the building harmoniously combines rough rocky surfaces, natural landscape and modern high tech. The date of construction of the church is the 60s of the last century.

3. Suomenlinna

Suomenlinna Fortress in Helsinki Michal Pise

If we translate the name of this sea attraction into Russian, then we will get a “Finnish fortress”. The building was erected in 1748, when the Republic of Finland was annexed to Sweden. In 1808 the fortress was conquered by the army tsarist Russia and owned it for hundreds of years. The Suomenlinna Fortress has become famous for being on the UNESCO list of protected sites - few can boast of this.

4. Monument to Sibelius

Monument to Finnish composer Jean Sibelius in Helsinki Dennis Jarvis

The monument, created in memory of the famous composer, is located in a beautiful park area. The monument has the form of a sculptural portrait. Not far from the figure of Jean Sibelius, known throughout the world for his symphonies, you can see the “organ pipes”. It should be noted that in the New York headquarters of the UN and the Paris headquarters of UNESCO, you can see small copies of this legendary monument.

5. Assumption Cathedral in Helsinki

Assumption Cathedral - Orthodox Cathedral in Helsinki

Every tourist coming to the capital of Finland should visit this largest Orthodox church in the north-west of Europe. Date of construction - the end of the 19th century, the architectural direction - pseudo-Byzantine style. The majestic building, tending to rise more than 50 meters, rises on a peninsula on a rock. At the top level there is an excellent observation deck. If you want your trip to become unforgettable thanks to photos, they will recommend you to come here.

look beautiful views Helsinki in this breathtaking video!

6. Ateneum Museum

Ateneum Art Museum in Helsinki Arkkipuudeli

What to visit in Helsinki for art lovers? The local "Hermitage", which can rightfully be proud of its expositions. Among the twenty thousand samples there are drawings, graphics, figurines and canvases that were born in the 18-20 centuries. It is best to go to such places with an experienced guide who can tell the history of the creation of the exhibits.

7. Seurasaari Island

museum under open sky on the island of Seurasaari in Helsinki dalbera

Seurasaari is a real outdoor museum. The island is located in the western part of the center of the Finnish capital, and is connected to the continent footbridge. date of creation national park- the end of the 19th century. Like many years ago, large-scale festivals and picnics are held here today.

8. National Museum of Finland

National Museum Finland in Helsinki

The best option for where to go in Helsinki for fans of history and traditions. The exhibits of the complex (medals and orders, coins and weapons, jewelry, photographs and rare documents) tell about how Finland developed and what its inhabitants did at different times. Some samples were obtained thanks to archaeological excavations on the territory of the state. The museum is located in a building from 1910, which is also of great interest.

9. Linnanmäki amusement park

Linnanmaki Amusement Park in Helsinki ZeroOne

Listing the main attractions of Helsinki briefly, we could not forget about this popular amusement park from the 1950s. The number of entertainment here is constantly growing: it is not for nothing that the number of Linnanmäki guests every year is estimated at a million or more visitors. On the territory there are not only rides and carousels, but also a huge oceanarium with inhabitants from different parts of the world. The proceeds from the sale of tickets to the park are donated to charity.

10. Museum of Natural History

Museum natural history in Helsinki Discovering Finland

Exhibition samples are brought to the museum not only from the cities of Finland, but also from various countries of the world. The subjects of expositions and exhibits are geology, paleontology, zoology and botany. Of great value are objects created over a thousand years ago. The complex is conditionally divided into parts dedicated to the nature of the Earth, the history of bones, Finnish nature and the history of life.

11. Helsinki Zoo

Korkeasaari Zoo in Helsinki

The menagerie is open all year round, but that's not the reason for its success. On the territory of more than 20 hectares, about 200 species of animals and birds live in comfortable conditions, including endangered and now unique creatures. The zoo is also famous for the rich flora. During the winter months, an ice sculpture competition is organized here, attracting participants from all over the world.

Things to do in Helsinki: what else to visit in Helsinki?

If you have already seen all those sights of Helsinki, the photos with the names and descriptions of which we have now given, go to see such objects as:

12. Serena Water Park

Serena Waterpark Helsinki Events 365 Serena Waterpark Helsinki kallerna

Spacious entertainment aqua-complex is open all year round. Some water attractions for children and adults are outdoors. In addition to various slides, there is a restaurant and a bar on site (food and drinks are served for a fee, including those who buy an All Inclusive ticket).

13. Sea Life Marine Center

Kahvilokki
Maritime Center Sea Life in Helsinki Kahvilokki

A modern oceanarium with fifty small aquariums in which all kinds of sea creatures live: fish, seahorses, jellyfish, rays and sharks. Among the entertainment offered to guests is watching the feeding of the "inhabitants" of the center. Visiting Sea Life brings joy not only to children of different ages, but also to adults. Here you can also take unique photos - against the background of shoals of exotic fish or huge toothy sharks. Paid entrance.

14. Helsinki City Art Museum

Helsinki city Art Museum Pablo Garcia de los Salmones

Most of the museum's paintings were collected by the famous manufacturer of foamy drinks Sinebryukhov. The manufacturer donated to the gallery many works by European artists of the 14th-19th centuries. The city museum is housed in a building from 1842, which has been owned by the brewer's family for many years. Therefore, in addition to paintings by English, Swiss, French, Dutch, Spanish and Italian masters, you can look at the graphics room and the miniature room, get acquainted with the original furnishings of the house.

15. Central Park

central park in Helsinki Ninara

Even best hotels Helsinki will not offer you such a calm and relaxing holiday as this beautifully landscaped park. In the warm season, concerts and performances are held here, which gather all the locals. In the eastern part there is a special area for performances of musical groups.

16. Museum of Modern Art

Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma in Helsinki

Another name for the attraction is the center of visual culture. The complex is located in a modern building built at the end of the 20th century. The collections of the center contain approximately 4,000 masterpieces of art. Exhibitions are both permanent and temporary, so it will be interesting to visit the museum even several times.

17. Market Square or Market Square

Market Square or Market Square in Helsinki Kallerna

If you want to have a bite or a drink, or maybe stock up on souvenirs and traditional Finnish goods, come to this bustling and noisy place. It is also known for its beauty: on the Market Square there is not only a market, but also an obelisk of the Empress with a double-headed eagle, the Sea Nymph fountain, cast in bronze, picturesque park, presidential palace and sea port.

18. Aleksanterinkatu street

Aleksanterinkatu street is one of the main shopping streets Helsinki

Impregnated with the smell of the sea, impresses with luxurious green parks, replete with markets and amazes tourist Helsinki with non-standard architectural creations. The traveler's route must certainly pass through Aleksanterinkata - one of the central streets of the Finnish capital, where the most interesting places in terms of shopping are located - there are many shops of different retail chains as well as banks, cafes and restaurants. All of them are located close to each other, within walking distance, so shopping is easy to combine with a walk in the center. Only taxis, trams and pedestrians are allowed to move here. Aleksanterinkatu got its name back in the early 19th century in honor of the Russian Emperor Alexander I. In addition to walking and shopping, you can get into the epicenter of the holiday here - major holidays and processions, carnivals and the New Year are held on the street.

19. Church of Kallio

Nordic Art Nouveau Lutheran church on a high hill in Kallio, Helsinki

The Lutheran Church of Kallio, rushing up on one of the hills of Helsinki, can be seen from almost every corner of the city. This architectural monument, which recently celebrated its centenary, is considered one of the tallest buildings in the city - they say that you can even see Estonia from its top. Strictly symmetrical, the building was built of gray granite, decorated with modest ornamentation and crowned with a semicircular dome of pale green copper. On the 65-meter tower there are 7 bells, with their chime playing the famous melody of Jean Sibelius. Inside, the church looks very bright, due to the light whitewashed walls, small windows, minimal decorations and spacious space. The vaults of the arched windows are decorated with plant drawings, shining in the light of the sun's rays or the flickering of candles. The temple has excellent acoustics, thanks to which it has become one of the popular venues for chamber music concerts.

20. Church of St. John

View from the east to the stone church of St. John in the capital of Finland
The interior of the Church of St. John in Helsinki Diego Delso

In the heart of Finland - Helsinki, next to such significant shrines as the Cathedral of St. Nicholas and the German Church, the Lutheran Church of St. John rushes up with its neo-Gothic spiers. For a long time, the hill on which the temple rises was the venue for the celebration of Ivan Kupala, and today hundreds of people flock to these walls to pay tribute to the ancient holiday. Outside, the temple is crowned with narrow stained-glass windows and a traditional Gothic rose window; chimeras sit on the parapets. But if the classic Gothic techniques are observed on the outside, then it is very light inside, which is not at all typical for authentic Gothic temples. Many elements of the interior decoration are carved from wood by the best craftsmen - this is the altar, the balconies, and the carved pulpit. Huge marble columns give the building grandeur, and the altar depicts a biblical story - the appeal of the Apostle Paul to Jesus.

21. Kamppi Chapel of Silence

Kamppi Chapel of Silence on the south side of Narinkkatori Square in Helsinki Matti Mattila

And where to go, being in the very heart of the city, to see something completely uncharacteristic for this place? Perhaps the most suitable option for this is the Chapel of Silence, a true island of peace in the midst of the vibrant life of Narinkka Square. This 2012 building is a special place for quiet prayer, a refuge for people tired of the daily bustle of the world. The institution can hardly be called a chapel in its classical sense - worship services and other traditional ceremonies are not held here, only small prayer services are periodically organized, and psychologists, priests and social workers are on duty all day long, ready to talk with everyone and provide psychological support. The bowl, in the form of which the chapel is built, is made of bent spruce branches covered with wax, and the only decoration of the inner hall is a silver crucifix on the pulpit.

22. Science Museum "Eureka"

Galileo Park with fascinating exhibits on the territory of the Eureka Science Museum Abc10 Visitors of different ages at the Eureka Museum Mace Ojala

It is difficult to call "Eureka" a museum in its traditional sense - it is huge complex for entertainment and scientific knowledge in the field of fundamental sciences, the most popular place among tourists, especially with children, because all the exhibitions are interactive, and their fascinating exhibits, created thanks to scientific knowledge and human intelligence, are dedicated to numerous discoveries in the field of astronomy, chemistry, physics, mathematics and biology. There are 8 pavilions in the museum, exhibitions in which help to learn about the surrounding world and its phenomena not only in theory, but also in practice. For example, here you can participate in the process of paper production, conduct an interesting chemical experiment, solve a complex mathematical problem, and much more. The pride of the museum is a planetarium with a spherical screen, which shows popular science films.

23. Design Museum

The beautiful building of the Design Museum in Helsinki
Finnish Art Nouveau furniture (1903) in exhibition hall Design Museum in Helsinki Jean-Pierre Dalbéra

Despite the fact that at the end of the 19th century, design was not yet a separate art direction, the Design Museum in Helsinki at that time already had its own small exposition of designer things. Opening its doors to the public in 1873, it remains one of the finest art galleries in Europe to this day. In its exposition - drawings, drawings, photographs and other items, one way or another related to design. And in the museum archives there are more than a thousand talented artists from all over the world. The collection originated in the years when the National Crafts Society replenished its funds with design objects from the World Exhibition in Vienna. Today, the exposition occupies several floors, the first of which demonstrates applied art in the most unique manifestations - here are dishes, interior items, and creative accessories. The upper floors are dedicated to temporary exhibitions related to contemporary design trends.

24. Amos Rex Art Museum

Amos Rex Art Museum in an innovative building in the Kamppi district of Helsinki Sino Yu

While most guidebooks offer to go through standard routes and visit sites that have long been known to everyone, there are also informal attractions in Helsinki. - unusual and less Famous places that are even more attractive. Lovers of novelty and creativity should go to the Amos Rex art museum - a real portal to the world of dreams and miracles, where you can feel like in a fantastic fairy tale. In fact, this is the “reborn” Amos Anderson Art Museum - a new grandiose project became a reality in 2013, transforming the face of the center of Helsinki. Several domes in the form of lunar craters peeked out from under the ground, and the building of the Glass Palace was radically restored. The exhibition program covers the period from ancient cultures to the present, images are formed by means of digital projectors on the ceiling, which acts as a screen. Interior items from the museum collection of the Sinebrychoff Art Museum in Helsinki Bengt Oberger

tourist map Helsinki is simply replete with cultural and educational objects, including the Sinebrychov Art Museum. This is the only museum in the capital dedicated entirely to European art. It was founded back in the 20s of the last century, when, according to the will of the entrepreneur, the most valuable collection of works of art was transferred to state funds. The museum occupies the premises of the former estate, where the married couple Pavel and Fanny Sinebryukhov lived. Initially, the collection consisted of paintings, miniatures, rare items collected by the family over several generations, and later the collection was replenished with other donations and acquisitions. Today, temporary exhibitions are held on the ground floor, and on the second floor there is a permanent exhibition of unique items of the Sinebrykhov family - dishes, porcelain and silverware, skillful watches, icons, pieces of furniture.

26. Flamingo Water Park

Water activities and attractions at the Flamingo Water Park in Vantaa Amattilaine

The largest water park in Finland is located near Helsinki, in the town of Vantaa, next to the Jumbo shopping center. The Flamingo water park is themed ancient civilization Maya is a warm exotic place that is a real tropical paradise with the largest SPA complex, swimming pool, all kinds of water slides, souvenir shops, Finnish baths. The vast area of ​​the water park is 2000 square meters, which houses such entertainments as a sports pool, a reservoir with a flowing stream of water, a diving pool, a geyser pond with a jacuzzi effect, several slides of different levels and sizes, a wellness area, visiting which you can plunge into the atmosphere of ancient Mesopotamia, as well as two cafes for those who have an appetite after all these entertainments.

27. Botanical Garden

Botanical garden site of the University of Helsinki in Kaisaniemi area BKfi

Traveling in different seasons, each season has its own advantages. What to see in Helsinki in autumn? The solution is not difficult to find - autumn in all its splendor, in a riot of autumn colors and with a carnival of colored leaf fall, can be seen by visiting Botanical Garden in the heart of the city. This is one of the most picturesque corners the Finnish capital, which you can get into without even having big amount time - by the way, this is one of the most suitable options for what to see in Helsinki in 6 hours. On the territory of the park you can see ponds, sculptures and an abundance of all kinds of plants - here are the forests of the tropics, and conifers, and mountain vegetation, and savannah flora - in total, 1300 plant species grow on the territory. Species representing the flora of the northern latitudes grow right under the open sky, but overseas plants live in local greenhouses.

Discovering Finland

Any experienced traveler knows that visiting shopping malls, boutiques and shops of local designers is far from all that the concept of "shopping" is limited to. There are other secret places in Helsinki , where you can not only stock up on a set of original gizmos, but also feel the unique atmosphere and local flavor, inherent only in old establishments. Such places include the Old Covered Market, located in an authentic building from the 19th century. The facade of the building immediately attracts with its appearance - it does not have the usual glass and concrete, but the beautiful brickwork of red and beige colors pleases the eye. Under the ancient vaults there are colorful rows of stalls abounding with the gifts of the Baltic Sea - fish and seafood, as well as berries, smoked meats and sweets. Not far from the market there are stalls with souvenirs and handicrafts with Finnish national motifs.

29. Helsinki Railway Station

Helsinki Railway Station - an architectural monument of the early 20th century JOHN LLOYD

The main transport artery and the most important starting point of Finland - Train Station to Helsinki, where countless tourists arrive and from where trains leave for neighboring countries. In addition to the direct transport function, the station also plays the role of a valuable historical and architectural landmark, built in the northern modern style. Initially, the station building was built in 1862, and at the very beginning of the 20th century, a more modern, luxurious building made of pink Finnish granite grew in its place, incorporating all the latest achievements of that time. The main decoration is a magnificent arched vault and two statues with spherical lamps that cozily light up at dusk. About 200,000 people pass through the station every day. commuter trains and long distance trains.

30. Esplanade Park

Monument to the Finnish poet Ludwig Runeberg in the center of the Esplanade Park in Helsinki Diego Delso

Another symbol of Helsinki, located in the center, is the old Esplanade park, in which numerous tourist routes. The main park alley is crowned with shady trees, pleases with colorful flowers and original landscapes. The atmosphere in the park is almost always lively, especially during the holidays - for example, a Christmas market is held here in winter, and festivals and concerts are held here in spring. By the way, this place is one of the best options what to see in Helsinki in spring. Guests of Helsinki especially like to relax in the Esplanade in the moments between trips to tourist sites. Located in the eastern part open area Espa, where during the summer days various performances and shows are held. There are also a number of monuments in the park area, the most famous of which is the fountain with the sculpture of Havis Amanda , depicting a sea nymph.

We hope that our review will help you create an excellent sightseeing route around the capital of Finland.

Open air museum on the island of Seurassaari. The museum is a typical Finnish village. About a hundred wooden houses, farms, churches, mills, stables, sheds. But the most interesting thing is that everything collected here was brought from all over Finland! You can enter all the buildings and see household items of Finnish peasants. And in wooden church The museum still hosts wedding ceremonies. You can visit the museum for the whole day. Here you can find a beach, cafes, barbecue areas and a park with hand squirrels.

Senate square. The peculiarity of this square is Alexander II. Or rather, a monument to Alexander II, who granted autonomy to the Finns. In addition, the square is dominated by the Cathedral and 18th century mansions. Just a piece of Russia in Finland.

Train Station. The station is a monument of architecture, made in the Art Nouveau style. Particularly noteworthy are the Atlanteans standing at the main entrance. The station is beautiful with its details both outside and inside.

Church of Temppeliaukio. This Lutheran church was built in an interesting way right in the rock. It looks original and looks like a UFO plate. Organ music concerts are often held in this church, and they say it very, very beautifully. Temppeliaukio has one of the best acoustics in the world.

Sea fortress Suomenlinanna. The fortress was built by the Swedes, but it still went to the Finns. The sea fortress is located on six islands, and was one of the bases of the Russian Baltic Fleet. On the islands you can see the huge Vesikko submarine, barracks, bastions, docks and forts. Everything has been kept in very good condition.

Museum of Contemporary Art KIASMA. This museum exhibits avant-garde art, as well as events dedicated to modern dance, theater, and cinema. Interesting creative meetings and master classes are often held here. The museum building itself is also interesting: large spaces and soft lines give a feeling of freedom. The Museum of Modern Art is not at all like a museum in our sense of the word.

Marine Center Sea Life. Walking through a ten-meter glass tunnel, you need to be prepared to meet sharks, jellyfish, stingrays and other marine fish and reptiles. The most interesting thing in the center is feeding the animals. A particularly large number of spectators gather when feeding sharks and piranhas. Apparently our people love the thrill.

Tower of the Olympic Stadium. Although the tower itself is nothing original, it offers a breathtaking view of the city and the Gulf of Finland. Therefore, it is simply impossible to leave this attraction without attention!

Even the capital of Finland, rich in sights, can get bored sooner or later experienced travelers. In this case, for new impressions, you should go to the suburbs of Helsinki. contemporary art and wild nature in Espoo, medieval architecture in Porvoo, the most romantic park in Finland in Hämeenlinna and the landscapes of Lake Tuusula, famous by Finnish artists - we present four routes around the Finnish capital.

Routes around Helsinki

1. Espoo: explore modern art and spend the night in a national park

The city of Espoo, west of Helsinki, is famous for its high standard of living. It is here that the offices of the largest Finnish corporations are located. However, it is worth going to Espoo not only on a business visit, but also for cultural values, for example, to the Emma Museum of Contemporary Art. It features more than two thousand works by artists from Finland and other countries. Although the museum was founded about 10 years ago, the collection began to form as early as the 1950s, and the artworks themselves date back to the 20th and 21st centuries.

Nevertheless, the Finns themselves consider Espoo the main tourist attraction national park Nuuksio. It is located a little north of the city - away from the center. However, a bus runs regularly to the park (route 85 A). The southern part of Finland and especially the capital region is dotted with numerous cities, highways, railway lines and other benefits of civilization. Nuuksio Park is one of the few oases of untouched nature in this part of the country. More than 30 kilometers run through its territory. hiking trails, special places for lodging for the night are equipped and areas for rock climbing are provided. It is not surprising that the residents of Helsinki and nearby cities themselves enjoy visiting Nuuksio Park.

Espoo has several large department stores, malls and outlets located nearby. The most famous shopping mall– Espoontori, located in the city center. In a multi-storey complex, you can find almost any range of goods: electronics, food, clothes and perfumes and much more. Espoo is also home to one of the two Ikea stores in the metropolitan area. There is also a Stockmann here.

How to get there:

• By car: From Helsinki to Espoo, you can take highway number 1. Travel time is about half an hour.
• By train: Trains to Espoo depart from Helsinki Main Station every 20 to 30 minutes. Travel time is about 25 minutes.
• By bus: Kamppi has city buses to Espoo. Travel time 35 minutes.

2. Tuusula: watch the sunsets over the lake and listen to the blues

A small place north of Helsinki is known throughout the country. This is one of cultural centers Finland, where composer Jan Sibelius, artists Pekka Halonen and Eero Järnefelt and many others lived and worked in the 19th century. They have chosen one of the most picturesque corners of Southern Finland - around Lake Tuusula, on the banks of which there are both small villages and detached houses. Tourists are attracted by the untouched nature, the purity of the lake, as well as the numerous cultural events that take place in Tuusula every summer. For example, the blues festival at the end of June, as well as the Night of the Arts in August.

How to get there:

• By car: from Helsinki on road 45. Travel time is about half an hour.
• By Bus: There are buses from Helsinki to Tuusula several times a day. Travel time is 40 minutes.

3. Porvoo: walk along the route of Alexander I and drink coffee in an old barn on the river bank

50 kilometers east of Helsinki is one of the oldest cities in Finland -. The historical center located here is one of the largest in the country - more than 250 houses of various eras. A walk along the old cobbled streets will take you to Finland of the late Middle Ages and Swedish rule. Of great interest is the Cathedral of the XV century, which was destroyed many times, restored and rebuilt. All significant events in the life of the temple and the city are reflected on the outer wall of the bell tower. Bottom part made of medieval masonry, which with every meter takes you to a later era - up to the 18th century. Inside the cathedral there is a functioning organ that plays twice a week - on Wednesdays and Thursdays at noon.

The history of Finland is inextricably linked with Porvoo. It was here that Alexander I proclaimed the accession of the country to the Russian Empire. During his visit, the Russian Tsar stayed in one of the oldest buildings in the city, Porvoo Castle, which is also worth seeing.

Porvoo stands on the banks of the mouth of the Porvoonjoki River. Even under the Swedes, wooden barns were built at the very edge of the water. Today they are considered one of the symbols of the city. The barn houses cafes, restaurants, as well as museum expositions.

North of historical center Fortified hills are located in the city - part of the picturesque Maarin park. These fortifications served the ancient inhabitants of these lands as early as the Iron Age. Now the paths and bridges have become favorite place walks surrounded by centuries-old trees. In addition, it is worth visiting the Town Hall and the museum located in it, the house of the merchant Holm, the bishop's house, and also look at the local market.

How to get there:

• By car: from Helsinki along highway No. 7, from St. Petersburg along the same highway through the Torfyanovka checkpoint.
• By bus: departing from Helsinki several times a day (sometimes every half an hour). Travel time - from 1 hour.

4. Hämeenlinna: see the medieval castle and take a musical tour of the Sibelius Museum

An hour's drive from Helsinki is the 50,000th city of Hämeenlinna. It counts long and rich history, and therefore full of a wide variety of attractions. The most famous is the fortress of Häme. It is the date of its foundation that is considered the birthday of the city. Since the end of the 13th century, this fortification has guarded eastern borders Sweden. It was rebuilt many times to keep the fortress in line with the latest fortification trends of different eras. Häme lost its military importance only in the first half of the 19th century, when it was converted into a prison. Today there is a museum on its territory.

The first years of the life of the most famous Finnish composer, Jan Sibelius, are connected with Hämeenlinna. It was here that he was born, and in the house where he grew up, a museum is now open. During excursions, live music is usually played: the pianist performs the best compositions of Sibelius.

Aulanko Park was opened in Hämeenlinna over 100 years ago. Green Zone located between two picturesque lakes - Vanajavesi and Aulangojärvi. Back in the 19th century, a lot of gazebos, pavilions, fountains and even a real castle, created based on the fortifications of medieval Europe, were built on the territory of the park in the 19th century.

How to get there:

• By car: from Helsinki, take route 3. Travel time is about 1 hour.
• By train: A train to Hämeenlinna leaves from Helsinki Central Station several times a day. Travel time - from 1 hour.