As usual, I've started my tour through Finland by a weekend in Helsinki. Over the years I've grown quite fond of our smallish capital, with its mixture of East and West, modern and old architecture, cosy and classy cafés, vibrant streets and fashionable design districts. And the sea, of course, all around.
Day one: shopping and sightseeing and meeting up with old friends.
After
a tasty dinner in my favourite Nepalese restaurant, Mount Everest (just
a few steps from the central railway station), I accompanied my friend
across the city centre - good for digestion and also a great opportunity
to play the tourist and snap some photos!
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| The Finnish National Opera |
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| Next to the Opera House, the Töölönlahti bay area and Hesperia Park, perhaps the most beautiful park in Helsinki. |
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| A small castle or an ancient church...? The National Museum of Finland, built in imitation of the different architectural styles. |
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| The imposing Parliament House, Eduskuntatalo, at Arkadianmäki. |
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| The central railway station with its statues called Kivimiehet, the Stone Men, is probably one of the best-known landmarks in Helsinki. |
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Day two: Christmas carols and more friends!
Kruununhaka is the heart of Helsinki. It is one of the most beautiful areas in Helsinki and an absolute must for a visit. Besides the cathedral, you'll find there the National Library, the Helsinki City Hall, several university buildings, the Presidential Palace, the House of the Estates, etc. On the downside, it's also one of the most expensive and touristic quarters in the city centre, but I guess that's the price to pay for such an amazing display of neoclassical architecture.
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| Christmas market on Senaatintori. |
As always, it was lovely staying in Helsinki, but on Sunday evening it was already time to hop on the night train and head to the North.
Next stop, Rovaniemi!
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