20 Dec Helsinki – Nordic Delight
Welcome to Helsinki
Helsinki is the capital of Finland famous for its sea-facing landscape, diverse architecture, world-famous designs and Nordic cuisine.
The capital of Finland country offers excellent sightseeing in a mesmerizing country. It is a metropolitan area with some further flung cities. The nature trails and city life are never more than a stone’s throw away, and the area is overflowing with good food, great design, fascinating museums and unique architecture.
The best time to visit Finland is between May and September. With a bit of rainfall and maximum temperature in July, Helsinki has a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters.
How To Get There
Air: Helsinki Airport is one of the largest and primary airports in Helsinki, with three options to get into the city centre approximately 30 minutes away. Click here for great airfares.
Bus: HSL is Helsinki’s public transport system, operating buses, metro and local trains, and a ferry to Suomenlinna. The costs of tickets range from 2.80 EUR-5.20 EUR depending on the zones. You can get a 24-hour transit pass for 15 EUR for all zones. With the Helsinki Card, free city transportation can be included.
Taxi: The cab service starts at a whopping 5.90 EUR and goes up by 1 EUR per kilometre.
Note: You can also try one of the oldest tram networks in the world. It has been there since 1891 and works on the same ticketing system as the bus and metro.
Places Of Interest
Säätytalo 'House of the Estates' & Bank of Finland
A beautiful historic building reminiscent of the style of Ancient Greece and sits opposite the Bank of Finland. Säätytalo is most famous for its glorious façade, burgundy decorations, gilded columns and decorative tympanum. The Bank of Finland describes the history of finance and modern finance, even though it does an excellent job explaining the history of money in Finland. Discover what a gold nugget looks like and see Euro coins from all European countries and how to spot counterfeit money. A detailed history is provided as well as great exhibits. There is a lot to learn from the experience!
Uspenski Orthodox Cathedral
An apparent symbol of the Russian impact on Finnish history, there is no escaping this massive red cathedral on a hilltop overlooking the city. Large domes and gold crosses are on Uspenski, an Eastern Orthodox Cathedral. Dedicated in 1868, this Eastern Orthodox church is the largest in Western Europe. There is no charge for the entry fee. Despite many statues and items being stolen over time, the interior is lavishly decorated with Eastern Orthodox iconography. Don’t forget to dress respectfully when you visit the place of worship.
Helsinki Cathedral
Helsinki Cathedral is a Lutheran Cathedral built between 1830 and 1852 during the Russian rule of Helsinki and is one of the most beautiful Lutheran cathedrals in the world. Made in the 19th century, it is a tribute to Czar Nicholas I. and adorns the capital’s skyline with a neoclassic style outlook. Most significant in Europe and best in Scandinavia.
Temppeliaukio Church
A unique Lutheran church built directly into solid rock, known as Temppeliaukion Church but also called Church of the Rock. The Suomalainen brothers, who were architects, won a competition leading to construction starting in the 1960s. The building has exposed stone walls and a vast dome that allows natural light to enter. In addition to regularly hosting concerts and significant events, the Church attracts more than half a million visitors annually.
Helsinki Christmas
There is no better place for a festive Christmas season than Helsinki’s Senate Square, which is home to the city’s oldest and most famous Christmas market. The Helinski Christmas has more than one hundred stalls offering beautifully-crafted gifts and Christmas ornaments. The locally grown fish, prepared foods and meat are the options for traditional food you can get here. During the holiday season, Santa Claus pays a daily visit and an old-fashioned merry-go-round spins in the square’s centre, giving kids a chance to ride for free and adults to feel nostalgic.
Port of Helsinki
South Harbour, with a bay and a port, is one of the busiest passenger ports in Europe, creating a seamless framework for sea traffic. It covers the destinations of Tallinn and Stockholm and is within walking distance to the city centre of Helsinki. A general port of foreign trade, the seaport has the strength of frequent liner traffic, good road and rail connections, efficient infrastructure and excellent services provided by the corporation. The port itself manages many harbours. We took the 3-hour ‘Megastar’ Ferry from Helsinki to Tallinn.
Where To Stay
Luxury | Marski by Scandic is an award-winning hotel with a Finnish twist. With one of the best accommodations, you can get around with exceptional customer care, luxurious bedding and deeply relaxing offerings. With specialities, you can enjoy Finnish flavours with a modern twist.
Mid-Range | The Hotel Inn at Helsinki is near the central station and well-connected to the airport. Offering air-conditioned rooms in a 4-star hotel is highly recommended for an affordable yet hybrid hotel.
Budget | Valo Hotel is one of the most affordable hotels to stay with lively, warm-hearted hotel rooms. With a combination of well-being and a charming workspace, you can enjoy great magnificence in this contemporary hotel. It gives you a unique and versatile environment at an affordable cost.
Where To Eat
The traditional food in Finland is one of the classics served at home and in restaurants. You must try a few dishes with the most popular versions of cuisine. Café Regatta, Passio and Karl Fazer Café, Spis, Vinkkeli, Baskeri, Taco and Green Hippo Punavuori are some of the famous and traditional restaurants. The food with popular dishes as a part of average food recipes gives one of the conventional and incredible taste.
Final Thoughts
A word to the wise, Helsinki is a small city of millions of people, and the city draws you with a beautiful small-town feel. The friendly nature plays a big part in attractions with an overwhelming and charming invite. Finding the delicacy, it’s a true comfort with the popular version as you can highlight its value in custom and well-being with a safe travel destination and thrilling moments.
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