Helsinki, the beautiful capital of Finland, is a very modern Nordic city with its wonderful coastal scenery and long history. The city is located on the Baltic Sea and offers an invitation to the tourists to explore its clean streets, attractive architecture, and exciting arts. Whether you like nature, shopping, or museums, Helsinki will be able to entertain every traveler. It is small in size and can be navigated easily by foot, by tram or by ferry.
Since it is one of the most visited destinations in the holiday packages to Finland, Helsinki is an ideal combination of culture and leisure. Visitors are welcome to experience the calmness of Finnish saunas, sample local food in crowded markets, or gaze at neoclassical buildings that can narrate the history of rich Helsinki. Whether it is an ancient cathedral or a contemporary museum, Helsinki is a city that has both the past and the present living in harmony and it is a place that any person should visit in case he or she wants to spend a memorable holiday in the Nordic region.
Here are some of the top attractions in Helsinki, Finland.
1. Helsinki Cathedral
The Helsinki Cathedral, which is the most recognizable symbol of the city, is a white-domed building in Senate Square. It is a neoclassical church built in 1852 and is proudly standing out in the blue sky and provides panoramic views of the city. The steps of the cathedral are a favorite meeting place of the locals and the tourists and will make an ideal starting point of your Helsinki tour.
2. Sea Fortress Suomenlinna
Suomenlinna is a collection of islands which are interlinked by bridges and are rich in history being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fortress was constructed in the 18 th century to defend the city and is now a serene getaway that includes museums, hiking trails, and picnic areas by the sea. It is only a few minutes ferry ride to the city center and a popular component of most holiday packages to Finland.
3. Rock Church (Temppeliaukio Church)
The Rock Church is one of the most unique architectural wonders of Helsinki carved in solid rock. The great acoustics space is made by its copper dome and natural stone walls, and it is common to have concerts there. Its spiritual serenity as well as its excellent design attracts the visitors.
4. Market square (Kauppatori)
Market Square is the center of outdoor life in Helsinki and it is situated by the harbor. In this case, you will be able to buy local crafts, sample fresh seafood, and go on a ferry to the nearby islands. The vibrant market is the perfect place to visit when one desires to have a glimpse of the Finnish culture and often appears in holiday packages to Finland.
5. Uspenski Cathedral
The Uspenski Cathedral is the largest Orthodox church in Western Europe and it is made of red bricks. It has a contrasting appearance to the nearby Helsinki Cathedral with its golden onion domes and view of the hills. The interior is lush and the religious icons give an idea of the Eastern traditions of Finland.
6. Sibelius Monument
This contemporary sculpture in Sibelius Park is in honor of the great Finnish composer Jean Sibelius and is constructed of hundreds of metal pipes. The Sibelius Monument is the embodiment of the Finnish music and the place where one can have a quiet walk and self-contemplation.
7. Linnanmaki Amusement Park
Linnanmki is a wonderful place to visit with kids and is a good place that has roller coasters, games and entertainment of all kind. It has free entry into the park and most holiday packages to Finland include it to tourists travelling with children. The attraction is also increased by the nearby Sea Life Helsinki.
8. Helsinki Design District
Design District is a creative oasis to the people interested in art and fashion. It is full of shops, galleries and cafes, and demonstrates the reputation of Finland as clean and modern design. It is an excellent location to buy souvenirs and to view local crafts.
9. Museum of Finland
Visit the National Museum to learn the history of Finland since ancient times to the present. It has exhibits on culture, war, and independence and makes the visitor know much about the country. The museum building as such (castles-like towers) is a historical landmark.
10. Seurasaari Open-Air Museum
The Seurasaari Museum has old wooden houses, farmsteads and manors that were transported to the museum from all over Finland, a walk in time. It is located on a calm island and reveals the way Finns used to live several centuries ago. Tourists adore this outdoor experience which links nature and history.
Conclusion
Helsinki is a city that amazes and astonishes around every corner. It is also clean, the people are friendly, and it has a perfect mix of the old and the new that tourists tend to add it in their packages when they visit Finland during their holidays. When you visit magnificent cathedrals or stroll through green parks, all of this remains unforgettable.
Helsinki does not only have something to offer in terms of sightseeing, but it is also full of serene churches carved into rocks, vibrant markets, and monuments with music. It provides a real sense of the Finnish way of living - calm, artistic and in touch with nature. The selection of holiday packages to Finland is not just a journey, but a ticket to unforgettable adventures of the Nordic region that begins in this amazing capital.
