Helsinki, city ​​surrounded by islands

Capital of Finland, ravaged by fire in 1808, it has risen from the ashes and become one of the most beautiful cities in Northern Europe. In addition, its wealth in terms of museums, theaters, cinemas and its architectural originality make it a rather cultural destination. 

Helsinki is Finland and is surrounded by a large number of islands. It consists of 584,420 inhabitants called Helsinkiens and Helsinkiennes. It is strongly characterized by the presence of water. The prevailing climate is temperate continental. 

Discover Helsinki 

The municipality of Helsinki has beautiful landscapes and varied natures. It has three major theaters in national knowledge, municipal and Swedish. Tourism is largely dominated by the culture, and the city has a number of museums (national, contemporary art and classical art. Has 44 hotels totaling 6,838 rooms and 876 restaurants. 

A stay in Helsinki between culture and nature 

Helsinki seems distant in its high latitudes, but the Finnish capital proves accessible even for a weekend: by providing two or three days, there will be plenty of time to explore the city and its main attractions, but also s provide an escape into the great northern expanses, which are never far away in Finland ... 

Helsinki enjoys indeed a remarkable setting. Built on a peninsula facing the Baltic, the capital is surrounded by other islands in the heart of an area divided by the waters: lenvirons Helsinki and become a source of inspiration for all kinds of excursions, by boat to Suomenlinna and fortress, island Seurasaari and open air museum, or further in the direction of Espoo or close to the capital nature ... 

But back to Helsinki, which also intrigue for its urban planning and architecture, a blend of modernity and design as the Finns love it, having also retained some vestiges of the past, around the Market Square, the Cathedral and other architectural ensembles of the nineteenth. Cultural capital, Helsinki is also known for the quality of its museums: the program, we will endeavor to not miss the National Museum of Finland or the Museum of Contemporary Art ... 

That's already enough to fill a good weekend, always between culture and nature. Overall, Helsinki is a relatively expensive destination, the cost of living is high. This is particularly true for mid-range hotels, which, without offering impressive services have tariffs considered expensive: at this price, as to afford a good location! For tight budgets, management dormitories hostels, which remain the most economical solution. Otherwise, we turn to the apartments, hotels or B & B, with a good battery in the first case, a more friendly environment in the second. 

Things to see and do in Helsinki 

Where to go to Helsinki? The addresses are not lacking. Just by strolling through the streets of the northern capital, you will discover the most interesting modern architecture with all its beautiful shapes, curves and ornaments. While you walk, go to the city center and specifically the Senate Square. It is the place of all powers: there are the government palace, the Helsinki Cathedral, the university and the museum. 

Also included is the Statue of Alexander II of Russia, just behind is the famous Lutheran Cathedral formerly the Church of St. Nicolas, designed by Carl Engel Ludwing. In a neoclassical style, the decor is very simple, beautiful and encrypted high ceiling, a beautiful concert hall and exhibition and the altar is beautiful. 

In front of the cathedral, you will see the oldest house in Helsinki, home of Sederholm, a small blue stone house built in 1757 and became one of the famous sights of Helsinki City Museum you will find about him 4 Sofiankatu street is represented throughout the history of the city. It is also home to the "Museum Store" which displays books on Helsinki. Speaking of the museum, be aware that there are also 79 interesting as each other, we include the National Museum of Finland, built in a neo-romantic style it has the appearance of churches, or the art museum Kiasma specialist modern art, or so most historic and most popular is undoubtedly the Ateneum art museum. 

Also in the cultural register, do not forget to have a look at one of the main theaters of the city namely Svenska Theater in 1866 and the work of Russian architect Nikolai Benois. 

Finally, try the Esplanade Park opened since 1812, you will find many statues honoring poets and writers. The walk is very pleasant in the summer and several concerts are held. 

Main tourist attractions in Helsinki 

Surrounded by the sea, Helsinki should visit in the summer when weather conditions are optimal to enjoy the city and the surrounding nature. 

Off Helsinki do not forget to visit the island fortress of Suomenlinna. The "Gibraltar of the North" built by the Swedes in the eighteenth century to protect their flank. It was included on the World Heritage List in 1991 as a unique monument of European military architecture. Naval School of Suomenlinna has the largest sauna in the country. 

Other islands of Helsinki include Seurasaari, pleasant island north of the center, filled with walking trails and old Finnish homes. 

Pihlajasaari, a very popular place in the summer because of its beaches. 

Helsinki Zoo, a large island in central Helsinki best known for his Zoo. Listed monument include the inevitable Lutheran Cathedral Tuomiokirkko, the symbol of the city that dominates the Senate Square. 

The church in the rock, this church was literally dug into the rock. This is one of the most popular attractions of Helsinki. 

The Uspenski Cathedral, an Orthodox church architecture similar to the Russian church, it is located near the Market Square. There are also many museums in Helsinki, which are also interesting for both their external and for their collections. As the Ateneum Art Museum, the largest museum in the country dedicated to the Finnish and international art. Also include the Design Museum and the Museum of the City of Helsinki, both very interesting. 

In terms of accommodation, it is quite expensive, but a high level. Hotels are usually cheaper on weekends. 

Nightlife in Helsinki 

Helsinki nightlife is in full swing in downtown, especially on the side of the station. By bars, restaurants and nightclubs are mushrooming, so you will have no trouble finding the brand that suits you. All tastes, all genres, all styles, all budgets and all sexual orientations coexist in Helsinki. 

If you are looking for a gay club in Helsinki, go to "You Do not Tell Mother", better known as the DTM (28 Iso Roobertinkatu), it is now considered the place the hippest gay, lesbian and transsexual. 

We also recommend the disco "Hercules" which is Lonnrotinkatu, it also offers a very cheerful mood gay. Appointment just to gay area north of the city center, you will find many places suitable for all entertainment. 

Music lovers will also be served during their stay in Helsinki, they will not be left with the large number of concerts and musical performances: Tavastia / Semifinal (4-6, Urho Kekkosen katu) is a nightclub that offers live live rock, Storyville (8 Museokatu) for Jazz, blues and soul atmosphere, and finally the Finlandia (Hall 13, Mannerheimintie) for lovers of classical music. 

Cooking and culinary 

The typical Finnish dishes are a delight for the palate. For starters, we recommend the soup with chanterelles a treat or Hernekeitto which is a soup with bacon and peas. As a main course, go for the Poronkaristys a magnificent reindeer stew. 

Finally, several choices are available to you next dessert. First, the most famous and most appreciated Runebergintorttu an almond cake, raspberry jam and rum. Otherwise Mämmi, a cake made of rye flour and Malta. Or the Laskiaispulla a delicious cream puffs. 

Another Finnish specialty that you find in the wine: the Glögi it is a kind of mulled wine.