Finland, Helsinki: attractions, photos and reviews from tourists. Finland, Helsinki: attractions, photos and reviews from tourists Sea Life Marine Center

• Where to stay: The capital status of Helsinki gives you every right to say that if you want to travel around southern Finland, you can base yourself here for your entire vacation. The benefit of hotels and inns - for any choice. Close to the capital, but quieter - this is about Espoo. Porvoo has a peaceful and intimate semi-rural atmosphere, and local hotels match the mood. Vantaa hotels are a good choice for those who are flying through Finland with a stopover for a couple of days, but have already been to Helsinki. Lohja - “the city of a thousand apple trees”. To travel here in September, it is worth booking a hotel in advance - at the end of the month there is a big apple festival.
• What to see: The ideal is to fly along the entire coast from Kotka to Hanko, with a thoughtful stop in Helsinki on the way there and back. In Espoo we enjoy the combination of a modern city and nature, for dessert - one of the largest water parks in northern Europe - Serena. Explore the entire island-fortress of Sveaborg on foot (otherwise there is no other way), explore museums, drink beer from a local brewery and experience all the delights of claustrophobia on board the Vesikko submarine. Hanko is considered the country's main seaside resort, flavored with history, including military history. In Raseborg we examine the castle and go on a boat trip - the 1300 islands of the national park will not see themselves.

  In Kotka - feel like a Russian emperor on vacation, go around all the parks, marvel at the exhibits of the Aeronautics Museum and other attractions.

  The leading scientific and educational museum in Finland, Eureka, operates in Vantaa. It will be interesting not only for children.

The capital of Finland, the quiet and calm city of Helsinki, attracts with its fresh sea air, magnificent architecture and wonderful sights. The Finnish capital is located very close to the Russian border, and low ticket prices and easy visa processing have allowed Helsinki to gain popularity among tourists. Although Finland is still a very young state in terms of independence, its capital has many cultural and architectural monuments of antiquity. So let's take a look at the main ones sights of Helsinki in details.

1. Senate Square Helsinki

It’s probably worth starting your acquaintance with the main attractions of Helsinki from Senate Square. This place is the soul and heart of the city. It is here that all significant public celebrations take place: celebrations of Independence Day, New Year and May Day fireworks. On ordinary days, many locals and city guests walk around the square. The atmosphere of this place is filled with the Finnish spirit and is conducive to a leisurely walk.

2. Cathedral

The main religious attraction of Helsinki is St. Nicholas Cathedral. This is one of three buildings located along the perimeter of Senate Square. The facade of the building is very similar to the appearance of St. Isaac's Cathedral, which is located in the Northern capital of Russia. Moreover, the temples were even built in the same period. Inside, the cathedral is simple and modest. In the underground part of the shrine you can visit the crypt, which serves as a venue for exhibitions and concert performances.

3. Market Square

The busiest place in Helsinki is the Kauppatori market square, which is located right on the shore of the bay. Every year, thousands of tourists come here for the annual Herring Festival, which has been celebrated for more than 4 centuries. The main decorations of the market square are the bronze fountain “Sea Nymph” and the obelisk of the Empress, erected in honor of Tsarina Alexandra Feodorovna in 1835. Kauppatori is the heart of the city, where everyone can buy a souvenir and enjoy delicious delicacies.

The sea fortress of Sveaborg, which has survived to this day, has become one of the most valuable historical attractions of Helsinki, which every tourist should visit. It was built in the middle of the 18th century, at a time when Finland was still part of the Swedish state. For a long time, Sveaborg was an important port fortification of the city. Nowadays, the famous historical museums of Helsinki are located here, attracting many tourists every year.

5. Church in the rock

A rather atypical religious attraction not only of the capital of Finland, but throughout Europe (and, possibly, the world) is the Church in the Rock. This shrine cannot boast of a long history - it is just over half a century old - or a magnificent architectural structure. The founders of the church were of the opinion that the shrine should be modest and a little rough. A dome was placed on top of the explosion crater in the rock - this is how a “new type” Finnish temple appeared, which tourists also love to visit.

6. Esplanade Park

Almost in the very central part of the capital, the Esplanade linden park is located - an excellent place in Helsinki for walks and family recreation. Tree planting was planned in 1812, and ten years later the park was laid out. The wonderful linden grove gives its coolness on hot days and delights those strolling with its appearance.

On the territory of the Esplanade there are restaurants, cafes and a concert venue, which very often hosts various jazz, blues, folk and rock festivals. The symbol of Espa is also the original fountain, decorated with a sculpture of a beautiful girl - Havisa Amanda or “sea nymph” translated from Swedish.

7. Helsinki Zoo

Korkeasaari Zoo is the best place in Helsinki for tourists who decide to visit the capital of Finland with the whole family. In it you can see over a hundred species of fauna and about a thousand species of plants. A visit to the zoo can take a long time, which will not be in vain and will bring a lot of impressions to visitors.

8. Linnanmäki

Another top attraction in Helsinki for families with children is Finland's oldest amusement park, Linnanmäki. The park opened in the middle of the last century, and it is still very popular both among residents of the capital and among tourists who come here. Visitors to this place will find several dozen exciting attractions for all ages (including infants), an aquarium, a cinema, a theater, many shops, cafes and other entertainment venues.

9. Sea Life Marine Center

Sea Life Marine Center is a wonderful place in Helsinki, where visitors are literally immersed in the amazing kingdom of the underwater world, being in the city center. Sea Life is located in close proximity to Linnanmäki, which allows you to go for a walk to the aquarium after visiting the amusement park. A large number of inhabitants of the underwater world - from jellyfish and coral fish to sharks - delight children and adults alike. Be sure to visit this place!

10. Design Museum

A separate branch in modern museum art is design. One of the oldest of its kind, the Helsinki Design Museum is well ahead of its time. At a time when design was just emerging as an independent discipline, thematic exhibitions were already held in this museum. Today, the museum's exhibition continues to present magnificent designer creations to the public and has no intention of slowing down.

11. Museum of Contemporary Art “Kiasma”

A rather unusual attraction in Helsinki among museum “philistines” can be called the Kiasma Museum. In reality, it is more like a union of many movements of modern and traditional art. In total, you can see 25 exhibitions here, each of which is dedicated to a specific type of art. At the entrance you can receive an electronic guide that supports all languages, with its help it will be easier for the visitor to understand the exhibitions and find those of interest.

12. National Museum of Finland

The most interesting places to visit in Helsinki include the National Museum of Finland. This is a real treasure trove of art and culture of the country. The architecture of the museum is made in the beautiful style of a medieval Finnish castle. The exhibitions cover all periods of the life and development of the state. Here you can visit permanent and temporary exhibitions dedicated to the culture, history and ethnicity of Finland. For tourist groups from Russia, the museum employs Russian-speaking guides and tour guides. This is the first attraction you need to visit in Helsinki if you want to get acquainted with the culture of Finland.

13. Athenaeum

The Ateneum Art Museum is a true gem of the capital of Finland. The museum building is located directly opposite the central railway station. The exhibition presents works by both Finnish and foreign masters.

The museum opened its doors to everyone at the end of the 19th century. The building was built by the famous architect Theodor Heuer. In its appearance, the building resembles a luxurious palace in Italy. And the museum received its name in honor of the Greek goddess Athena, who patronized cities, sciences and crafts.

14. Seurasaari

A country located on a peninsula is simply obliged to have fascinating nature! And Finland is no exception to this rule. The beautiful island of Seurasaari is located in the west of the capital and is connected to it by a pedestrian bridge. This is one of the most popular places in Helsinki among tourists and travelers, who are invited to visit the open-air museum and admire the local beauty, surrounded by squirrels. Yes Yes! There are an incredible variety of these animals here, and relaxing in their company becomes very exciting.

15. Helsinki Old Indoor Market

An atypical representative of the “bazaar business” of Helsinki is the old market. It is located in a beautiful building that was erected in the 19th century. The design of the building is quite unusual - it was built without the use of glass or concrete. But you can buy almost everything inside: be it groceries or even national attire, in addition to which they will also help you pick out some antiques. Quite an interesting place to visit in Helsinki, where everyday city life is in full swing.

16. Water park "Serena"

Truly, one of the best attractions in Helsinki is the Serena water park. It is the largest tropical water park in the entire Scandinavian territory. It is located in the suburbs of Helsinki, just a few minutes drive from the city. The water park is divided into two halves: open, open only in summer, and closed, which welcomes visitors all year round. At Serena you can steam in the sauna, swim in the pool, and also frolic in the entertainment attractions.

17. Kaivopuisto Park

The lovely Kaivopuisto park is located in the central part of Helsinki on the picturesque shore of the Gulf of Finland. The park is the oldest in the city, as it was founded back in 1830 as a resort recreation area for aristocrats. The Kaivonuone restaurant, which has been preserved since those times, is very popular among visitors.

The highlight of the park is the Ursa Observatory. On summer days you can watch the sun through special filters, and in winter you can admire the stars through a telescope.

18. Museum of Natural History

The Natural History Museum is a research institution at the University of Helsinki. The Natural History Museum consists of three main thematic departments, and its impressive collection includes about 9 million specimens of organisms, which were collected not only on Finnish soil, but also in other countries.

The museum was founded in 1870. The building in which the exhibits are now located was previously a lyceum, and then was purchased and nationalized. The exhibition of the Natural History Museum was designed in four sections: “Bones Tell a Story”, “Life Stories”, “Nature of Finland” and “The Natural World”. A visit to this place in Helsinki will be very interesting and educational.

19. Sibelius Park

In the Taka-Töölö area there is one of the most unusual and most visited attractions in Helsinki - Sibelius Park. The park was named after the famous Finnish composer Jean Sibelius, the author of the unofficial national anthem. The design of the monument is simply amazing. The monument consists of welded pipes resembling an organ and a separate bronze head of the composer. The author of this unique project is Eila Hiltunen, and the monument itself was opened in 1967. The extravagant and impressive monument skillfully conveys all the beauty, strength and power of the music of the great Sibelius.

20. Assumption Cathedral

Located in Helsinki, the Assumption Cathedral is the largest Orthodox shrine in the northwestern part of the European continent. The architecture of the beautiful temple is made in the style of the late Middle Ages. The interior decoration of the attraction is striking in its uniqueness: for example, the column supports are made of solid granite blocks. And the walls and ceiling of the temple are decorated with thematic paintings. There are no seats or benches, so services are held standing. In general, lovers of attractions of this kind will be interested in seeing the Assumption Cathedral in Helsinki.

Located in the south of the country, on the shores of the Baltic Sea, the Finnish capital has a mild but windy climate: in summer the air temperature here rarely rises above plus twenty, but in winter it almost never drops below minus ten. Comfortable weather opens up many opportunities for tourists to explore Helsinki.

The main architectural attractions of the city are located in its central part, in the Senate Square area, and in the quiet “intelligent” district of Töölö. These include buildings, squares, streets and parks that appeared in the Finnish capital in the 19th century. The historical monuments of Helsinki (fortresses, islands, etc.) are somewhat distant from the center, but are easily accessible to everyone.

Numerous museums can be found anywhere in the city. The Maritime, City, Military, National and Design Museums coexist in Helsinki with sixty cathedrals, including Orthodox ones.

Large shopping centers in the Finnish capital are located on Mannerheimintie. There are several open-air markets in the city. A quick tour of Helsinki can be done on the pub tram, which runs for one hour past the main attractions - Central Station, Market Square, Finlandia Hall.

While in Helsinki, you should definitely try Finnish cuisine, which is a mixture of Swedish and Russian dishes - salmon soup, mashed potatoes with meat, blueberry pie, lingonberry sauce.

Helsinki attractions - PHOTO

The “Finnish Fortress” is located on the seven islands of the “Wolf Skerries”. It was built after the end of the Russian-Swedish war as a defensive bastion fortification system. Modern Suomenlinna is an open-air museum. Entrance to the fortress territory is free. Visiting museums operating on the basis of the “Finnish Fortress” (Suomenlinna Museum, Ehrensvärd Museum, Toy Museum, Military and Customs Museums) is paid (2-5 euros).

All over the world, Helsinki is recognized by Senate Square. It was broken up in the style of late classicism after Finland joined the Russian Empire. In the center of the square stands a monument to Alexander II. Behind it is the Cathedral, dedicated to St. Nicholas and erected as a sign of respect to Nicholas II. When leaving the St. Nicholas Cathedral, on the left you can see the building of the State Council, in which the Senate of Finland meets, on the right - the main building of the University.

The central street of Helsinki is named after the Russian Emperor Alexander I. It starts at the Presidential Palace, runs through Senate Square and ends at Mannerheim Avenue. The main distinctive feature of Aleksanterinkatu is the presence of a huge number of shops, two large department stores (Alexi 13 and Kamp Galleria), cafes, banks and restaurants. The Nokia brand store was also opened for the first time on this street.

The museum was opened in 1916 on Mannerheim Avenue. Built in the style of national romanticism in 1928, the inside of the building was decorated with frescoes by the Finnish artist A. Gallen-Kallela. The museum's permanent exhibition is divided into six thematic parts, introducing visitors to the history of the country, from prehistoric times to modern Finland. The museum's collection includes coins, medals, orders, weapons, silverware and jewelry.

The Lutheran Church Temppeliaukio (“Temple Square”) is located in one of the central districts of Helsinki – Töölö. It was carved into the rock according to the design of the Suomalainen brothers and consecrated in 1969. Due to its unique location, the church has excellent acoustics - classical (organ, violin, etc.) music concerts are often held there. Light enters Temppeliaukio through a huge glass dome.

Located between the North and South esplanades, in the historical district of Helsinki Kaartinkaupunki, the linden park, established at the beginning of the 19th century, is still a favorite place for walks for citizens and tourists. Esplanade Park begins with the Capelli restaurant, built in 1867. In the center there is a monument to the Finnish poet Ludwig Runeberg (1885), the author of the text of the national anthem. The eastern part of the park is decorated with a fountain with a bronze naked nymph.

Helsinki Market Square is located on the shore of the sea bay, in close proximity to the Presidential Palace and Esplanade Park. It is the busiest place in the city. The ferry departs from here to Suomenlinna Fortress. On the Market Square you can buy fresh fish and seafood, vegetables, fruits and berries, and a variety of souvenirs with an ethnic touch. In winter, the Market Square turns into a Christmas market.

A favorite holiday destination for Finnish children is located in the north of Helsinki, in the Alppila area. Its name, Castle Hill, reflects its location on a hill overlooking the city. The park consists of forty-three attractions of varying difficulty levels, cafes, restaurants, slot machine halls, an observation tower, a stage and the Sea Life aquarium. Linnanmäki's oldest attraction, the Carousel, opened in 1896.

The island of Seurasaari is located in the west of the city. It is connected to Helsinki by a pedestrian bridge. Since the beginning of the last century, rural buildings began to appear on the island, which were brought here from different parts of Finland. They served as the basis for the creation of an open-air museum. In addition to houses, farms, mills, boathouses and stables, Seurasaari has a cafe, as well as the House Museum of Finnish President Urho Kekkonen.

The modern museum is very popular among Finns. Located in the center of Helsinki, on Mannerheiminaukio square, it is a modern glass building that annually hosts various exhibitions. There is no permanent exhibition in Kiasma, but there are cafes, book and souvenir shops and children's playrooms that provide visitors with maximum coziness and comfort.

The capital of Finland cannot boast of pompous, lush architecture, a large number of historical attractions or any particularly outstanding cultural heritage. However, Helsinki is a distinctive, atmospheric city and it definitely has its own charm.

City authorities welcome modern architectural projects. Thanks to this, tourists can admire the unusual Temppeliaukio Church and the Kamppi Chapel of Silence. The granite-clad embankments of the Finnish capital give way to discreet and majestic panoramas of the Baltic Sea, where cruise ships and ferries bob on the waters.

Helsinki is a solid, solid and prosperous city. There are no enchanting Gothic cathedrals and castles here, but there is incomparable Kiasma, strict northern nature and the triumph of common sense.

The best hotels and inns at affordable prices.

from 500 rubles/day

What to see and where to go in Helsinki?

The most interesting and beautiful places for walks. Photos and brief description.

Senate Square is one of the three central squares of the Finnish capital. Sights and main tourist routes are concentrated around it. The place is decorated with the architectural ensemble of the Cathedral, which was erected in the first half of the 19th century after Helsinki was declared the capital of the Grand Duchy of Finland. Inside the cathedral there is a monument to the founder of the Reformation - M. Luther.

A monument dedicated to the famous and revered Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. Several streets, a music academy, and a city park are also named in honor of this outstanding historical figure. The monument was erected in 1967 according to the design of E. Hiltunen. This is an abstract composition, representing a pile of metal pipes and a bas-relief of the composer located at the foot.

City fountain, one of the symbols of the Finnish capital. The project was developed by sculptor V. Wallgren at the beginning of the 20th century. In the middle of the sculptural group there is a statue of a woman - a “sea nymph”, on the sides there are fabulous sea lions. It’s hard to believe, but before the installation of the monument, there were heated discussions for more than two years about the propriety of installing a naked figure in the city center.

A sea fort located on rocky islands near Helsinki. From the city center you can quickly get there by ferry. Sveaborg is the Swedish name; the Finns call the fortress Suomenlinna. The structure was erected in the middle of the 18th century at a time when Finland was part of Sweden. The fortress was a base for the Swedish fleet and protected the approaches to Helsinki.

An original temple located in a natural rock. The church is considered one of the most striking attractions of Helsinki. Thanks to the unusual architecture, a stunning acoustic effect is created in the church hall. The idea of ​​progressive design belongs to the Suomalainen brothers. The temple was built in the 70s. XX century and quickly gained fame and popularity. Hundreds of thousands of tourists visit Temppeliaukio Church every year.

Orthodox church, built according to the design of A.M. Gornostaev in the middle of the 19th century. The architectural style of the cathedral is a mixture of Byzantine style and traditions of Russian temple architecture. In 1872 it was given cathedral status. At the moment, the Assumption Cathedral in Helsinki is the largest Orthodox church in Western and Northern Europe.

The granite bulk of Kallio Church is often called a striking creation of the so-called “Finnish” Art Nouveau or “national romanticism”. This rather original structure appeared in 1912 and soon became the main attraction of the entire Kallio region. It is believed that the architect L. Sonck, when designing the building, took as a model the description of the Old Testament Temple of Solomon (including its impressive dimensions).

Lutheran church of the late 19th century, a grandiose creation of the Swedish architect A. Melander. It was built on the spot where the pagan holiday of Ivan Kupala was always celebrated. The church is very impressive in size - 2,600 people can fit inside at a time. The building was built in the “standard” neo-Gothic style, the interior space is decorated with wooden decor, which was worked on by the best Finnish craftsmen.

The modern building, erected in 2012 according to the design of M. Summanen, N. Sirol and K. Lintul, is an interesting and striking example of the latest architecture in Helsinki. The chapel is not a temple in the usual sense; services are not held here, but on its territory you can get psychological help or simply take a break from the bustle and oppressive city space.

Museum of the History of Finland, where you can trace the development of the land of Suomi (as the Finns call their state) from ancient times to the modern period. The museum exhibitions are quite extensive - from clay shards to the thrones of rulers, from medieval weapons to the technical achievements of Nokia. The museum was opened to visitors in 1916.

The museum's exhibitions demonstrate the achievements of Finnish applied art. Exhibitions, international events, and demonstrations of fashion collections of young designers are often held here. The museum was founded in 1873 as a workshop for teaching applied arts. Now this place is considered one of the best modern creative venues in Europe.

One of the three largest national museums in Finland. The exhibition, dedicated to natural history and evolution, is located on four floors. Among the especially valuable artifacts are fossil exhibits that are more than a thousand years old. The collection is divided into four parts: “The History of Life”, “The Nature of Finland”, “The History of Bones”, “The Nature of the World”.

The museum is located in the city of Vantaa near the Finnish capital. It is an interactive gaming, educational and entertainment center where visitors of different ages can conduct experiments, explore the nature of physical phenomena and simply have a good time. More complex experiments can be carried out in museum “laboratories” under the guidance of specialists.

An art gallery housing a rich collection of works of art. A special place is given to the paintings of Finnish artists - representatives of the Golden Age period in national art. There are also works by recognized world classics: Van Gogh, P. Gauguin, Modigliani, Degas, F. Goya, Cezanne and others. The collection contains a large number of paintings by Russian artists: Levitan, Shishkin, Repin, Polenov.

A grandiose museum of contemporary art, located in a monumental building of modern architecture. The museum specializes in collecting works by Finnish masters and artists from surrounding countries. Often, many works are created by order of Kiasma. Now the museum’s collection numbers about 9 thousand exhibits, but the funds are continuously replenished and the exhibition is growing.

The museum is located on the island of the same name west of Helsinki. There are similar exhibitions in many European countries; they are designed to introduce tourists to the traditional way of life and the life of the local population. In Seurasaari you can see wooden dwellings of villagers, Finnish saunas, outbuildings, mills, and religious buildings brought from all over the country.

The square was formed at the beginning of the 19th century. Since then, there has been a market here, popular with visitors to Helsinki and local residents. On the square you can buy souvenirs, fresh food, excellent fish, and also have a delicious lunch. Ferries depart from here to Suomenlinna. An obelisk in honor of the Russian Empress Alexandra Feodorovna was erected on the square.

Shopping arcades on the shores of the South Bay, located in an elegant brick building of the 19th century. The market offers a large selection of meat, fish, seafood, bread, and a variety of baked goods. There is also a local specialty shop and a sushi restaurant. The old indoor market is a rather atmospheric place with carved wooden stalls, small shops and friendly sellers.

The relatively small building of the capital's railway station is an architectural monument of the early 20th century. It was built according to the design of the architect E. Saarinen. The Art Nouveau facade is decorated with figures of stone giants created by E. Wikström. Numerous commuter and long-distance trains depart from the station to various European countries and Russia.

A water park in the suburbs of Helsinki, which is open to the public all year round. Quite a lot of slides are located in the open air, and during the cool Finnish summer you can often see children frolicking in the water at a temperature of only +19 °C. When purchasing an All Inclusive ticket, you can enter all attractions, bar and restaurant (alcohol for a fee).

An oceanarium located in the northern part of the Finnish capital. Sea Life aquariums feature a wide variety of marine life: stingrays, sharks, corals, jellyfish, seahorses, exotic tropical fish, and inhabitants of the harsh northern seas. Group excursions around the aquarium are offered in Finnish, Swedish and English. The guide also contains information in Russian.

An amusement and amusement park, quite popular among tourists and local residents. Up to a million visitors come to Linnanmäki every year. Carousels and park rides are manufactured in leading European countries and meet the latest safety requirements. There are several free attractions for children in the park.

The zoo is located on the island of the same name. It was founded in 1889 by A. Fabritius. The first inhabitants of the zoo were bears. The territory of Korkeasaari is home to snow leopards, which are now on the verge of extinction. In addition to the magnificent northern animals, at the zoo you can admire reptiles, tropical birds, and representatives of exotic fauna.

The garden is located near the central part of Helsinki. On the territory of the park, rose gardens have been laid out, greenhouses and a system of artificial ponds have been created. In summer, the garden turns into a magnificent blooming and fragrant canvas. Thematic events, various exhibitions, competitions, and actions to protect nature are regularly held on its territory.

City park, Finnish Champs Elysees and one of the favorite places for walks for local residents and guests of Helsinki. Here you can have a great rest between visiting the many shops and attractions of the Finnish capital. In the eastern part of the Esplanade there is a small concert venue where progressive musical groups perform in the summer.

Even the capital of Finland, rich in attractions, can sooner or later become boring for experienced travelers. In this case, you should go to the suburbs of Helsinki for new experiences. Contemporary art and wildlife in Espoo, medieval architecture in Porvoo, Finland's most romantic park 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 contemporary art and spend a night in a national park

The city of Espoo, west of Helsinki, is famous for the high standard of living of its residents. This is where the offices of the largest Finnish corporations are located. However, it is worth going to Espoo not only for a business visit, but also for cultural treasures, for example, to the Emma Museum of Contemporary Art. It presents 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 be formed back in the 1950s, and the works of art themselves date back to the 20th and 21st centuries.

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

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

How to get there:

• By car: from Helsinki to Espoo you can take highway No. 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: City buses depart from Kamppi to Espoo. Travel time is 35 minutes.

2. Tuusula: admire 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 the cultural centers of Finland, where the composer Jean Sibelius, artists Pekka Halonen and Eero Järnefelt and many others lived and worked in the 19th century. They chose one of the most picturesque corners of Southern Finland - around Lake Tuusula, on the shores 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 Arts Night in August.

How to get there:

• By car: from Helsinki on road 45. Travel time is about half an hour.
• By bus: Buses leave 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 from different eras. A walk along the ancient cobblestone streets will transport you to Finland during the late Middle Ages and Swedish rule. Of great interest is the 15th century Cathedral, which was destroyed, restored and rebuilt many times. All significant events in the life of the temple and the city are reflected on the outer wall of the bell tower. The lower part is made of medieval stone masonry, which with every meter takes you to a later era - right up to the 18th century. Inside the cathedral there is a working 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 country's annexation 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 visiting.

Porvoo is located 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, and museum exhibitions.

To the north of the historical center of the city are the fortress hills - part of the picturesque Maarin Park. These defensive structures served the ancient inhabitants of these lands back in the Iron Age. Now the paths and bridges have become a favorite place for walking, surrounded by ancient 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 check out 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 highway.
• By bus: departures from Helsinki several times a day (sometimes every half hour). Travel time – from 1 hour.

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

An hour's drive from Helsinki is the city of Hämeenlinna with a population of 50,000. It has a long and rich history, and therefore is full of a wide variety of attractions. The most famous is the Häme fortress. It is the date of its foundation that is considered the city’s birthday. Since the end of the 13th century, this fortification has protected the eastern borders of Sweden. It was rebuilt many times to ensure that the fortress complied with the latest fortification trends of different eras. Häme lost its military significance 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, Jean Sibelius, are associated with Hämeenlinna. It was here that he was born, and the house where he grew up is now a museum. During excursions there is usually live music: a pianist performs the best works of Sibelius.

More than 100 years ago, Aulanko Park was opened in Hämeenlinna. The green area is located between two picturesque lakes – Vanajavesi and Aulangojärvi. On the territory of the park, back in the 19th century, many gazebos, pavilions, fountains, and even a real castle, created based on the fortifications of medieval Europe, were built.

How to get there:

• By car: From Helsinki, follow highway No. 3. Travel time is about 1 hour.
• By train: A train departs from Helsinki Central Station several times a day to Hämeenlinna. Travel time – from 1 hour.