Helsinki, Finland
After leaving Tallinn and enjoying a relaxing two-hour ferry trip, we arrived in Helsinki and boarded a coach for an orientation tour of the city with local guide, Vera. Our first stop was Temppeliaukio Church, the Church in the Rock.
Temppeliaukio Church is carved into the side of a hill, created out of solid granite, and designed by architects Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen. Opened in 1969, the Lutheran church has services in both Finnish and English. Light enters the peaceful interior through 180 skylights surrounding the center copper dome.
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The traditional Finnish way of life is displayed in the cottages, farmsteads and other buildings at the Seurasaari Open-Air Folk Museum. Founded in 1909, the Museum consists of 87 buildings from different provinces of Finland that have been relocated to Seurasaari Island. Guides dressed in traditional costumes demonstrated crafts such as spinning.
We made a stop at another place of worship with architectural interest, Kamppi Chapel. Known as the Chapel of Silence, the wooden structure is situated in the middle of the city and is intended as a place for personal peace and quiet. We headed to the Hotel Rivoli Jardin and then to dinner at Salutorget.
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The next morning we took a walking tour and learned more about the history and architecture that shaped Helsinki.
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The Central Railway Station (above) was designed by Finnish architect Eliel Saarinen.
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Colorful, vibrant, trendy and artistic Helsinki!
That afternoon we took a ferry to Suomenlinna Fortress. Situated on a group of five interconnected islands off Helsinki, Suomenlinna was built during the Swedish era as a maritime fortress, guarding the sea approach to Helsinki.
Work on the fortress began in 1748. In the course of its history it has served in the defense of three realms: Sweden, Russia and Finland. In 1991, Suomenlinna Fortress was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Today, Finland’s Naval Academy is based on the island, which is also home to approximately 1,000 permanent residents.
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When we returned from the island we had time to stroll Esplanadi Boulevard, with its beautiful park and live music performances. The following morning, and with much anticipation, we boarded the train for our trip to St. Petersburg!