Travel
A cultural bridge between Russian and Scandinavia, Helsinki serves as both Finland’s capital city and leading port. This lovely city of broad avenues, beautiful public parks, and some of Europe’s finest museums traces its roots back to the mid-16th century, when Sweden’s King Gustavus Vasa ordered a city to be designed near the mouth of the River Vantaanjoki. Just 100 years later, the entire town had to be moved to a more strategic location on the nearby Vironniemi Peninsula.
Helsinki provides ample parks, gardens and squares to accommodate active citizens who want to walk, skate or ride around. A free skate route map can be obtained from the city tourist office, and there are many rental options. Golfers are also well catered for, with many golf courses around Helsinki.
When to Go
Helsinki enjoys a milder climate than much of Finland thanks to the Baltic Sea and the gentle winds from the Gulf Stream, however, you’ll need to rug up warm in the winter. The most enjoyable months to visit are June through September. In July, local folk flee the city for their summer cottages, and many offices close. It’s a grand time to be a tourist - the weather is pleasant, the markets bustle and the cafes set up their outdoor tables.
Sightseeing
The sightseeing tour of Helsinki will take you across exotic locations. Senate Square is a unique allegory of political, religious, scientific and commercial powers. There is a statue of Alexander situated in the center of the square. The Helsinki Cathedral is located in the vicinity of the Senate Square. It is a remarkable piece of neoclassical architecture.
