Finland

Helsinki Finland

We arrived in Helsinki via a car ferry from Tallinn Estonia. We had a smooth crossing and a warm sunny day. The route entering Helsinki Harbor was thru a narrow channel between a couple of outlying islands. It looked like we could almost reach out and touch the shore. 

We met up with our friend JoAn from the USA and spent the day walking around before the three of us left for St. Petersburg. Helsinki is a growing, busy city and we enjoyed it very much. There was construction everywhere, roads and buildings. The day we arrived there was an old US car cruise and show in the Market Square. Traffic was a nightmare. The next day was the first day of Gay Pride Week. Senate Square was packed. It was the starting point for the parade that made walking around the city a challenge. Our introduction to Helsinki was pretty wild.

We rode on the top deck of the ferry in the warm sun all the way from Tallinn.

View of our ferry leaving Helsinki from Suomenlinna.

The narrow channel the ferry past thru between Suomenlinna and Vallisaari 

Senate Square - The starting point for the Gay Pride parade. The square was packed. It was difficult to move thru the crowds.

We took a free walking tour which started in Senate Square. Even with a moose hat our guide did not stand out in the crowds of people.

Helsinki Cathedral in Senate Square.

Market Square - Monday thru Saturday it is filled with booths selling souvenirs, food, and fresh produce.

Kamppi Chapel - A wooden Lutheran Church completed in 2012

Inside Kamppi Chapel

Temppeliaukio Church or Rock Church. It is built into solid rock. The roof is made of copper.

Inside the Rock Church

We took a ferry out to Suomenlinna, a sea fortress on a group of islands off the coast of Helsinki. This is Suomenlinna Center Quay.

Part of the sea fortress walls.

JoAn exploring the fort.

 We visited the Design Museum. These are all Finnish designed chairs.

Poni designed by Eero Aarnio. This was one of many displays that were on a robotic platform. They moved freely around the floor.

Patti and a Moomin - a popular character from a series of books in Finland. 

 Helsinki harbor views.