|
The elegant Finnish capital...
Founded in 1550, the Finnish capital lies on the country’s
southern coast. A western city with a modern Nordic way of life,
it boasts interesting architecture, great museums and galleries,
beautiful parks and relaxing open-air cafes.
The centre of Helsinki is built around
the main harbour, Etelasatama. The lively market square (kauppatori) -
also known as the fish market - is located on the waterfront and is the
real heart of the city. Surrounded by graceful 19th-century buildings,
the market sells everything from fish to strawberries and hosts a
plethora of stalls selling local handicrafts and Sami dolls. Visit the
newly opened Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art at Mannerheiminaukio 2.
Designed by American architect Steven Holl, Kiasma features a significant
collection of Finnish and international art from the 1960s to the present.
It is also a venue for plays, concerts, performance art and discussions.
The city’s Ateneum (National Gallery) covers Finnish and international
art from the 19th century onwards. Check out the Seurasaari Open-Air Museum
on Seurasaari island where guides in traditional Finnish costume demonstrate
folk dancing and crafts such as embroidery and troll-making. Stroll in the
botanical gardens at Hammarskjoldintie I. Founded in 1893, the gardens are
home to cool palms, cacti and other sun-worshipping plants foreign to Finland.
Children will love the Linnanmaki Amusement Park north of Kallio and noone
should miss a trip to the Helsinki Zoo. Established in 1889, its animals
come from around the world and are housed in large natural enclosures.
Take a boat cruise to Suomenlinna island,
just south of the main harbour. Now a UNESCO site, Suomenlinna was once the
greatest fortress in the Swedish empire. It was founded in 1748 to defend
the eastern part of the empire from Russian attack. Have a walk around the
old stone ramparts and check out the fierce-looking cannons. Sample some
Finnish cuisine while here. Helsinki’s vegetarian restaurants are
second to none and the city boasts some excellent Russian restaurants.
In the evening, take in a ballet or an opera at the Opera House on
Helsinginkatu 58, take in an ice hockey match at the Olympic Stadium off
Mannerheimintie or take a trip on Sparakoff - the pub tram.
`
|
del.icio.us
Digg it
Yahoo MyWeb
Stumble It!
