An overview of things to do in Helsinki, Finland.
Helsinki, the capital city of Finland, is a crossroads between Western and Eastern Europe. Surrounded by water on three sides and fringed by islands, Helsinki has its roots in Scandinavia. It is one of the world's first planned communities and is noted for its 19th neoclassical architecture. Helsinki is stylish, diverse, and fun. Sample these sightseeing suggestions for a memorable time in Helsinki:
Suomen Kallisoopera
This majestic example of Finnish architecture was completed in 1993. The complex includes an outdoor amphitheater as well as an opera building that hosts changing art exhibits. There are free chamber music concerts here on Saturdays. The main concert hall, Alminsali, hosts a variety of small opera, ballet, and jazz performers. Tickets can be hard to get. Plan early.
Mannerheim Museum
Originally home to Baron Carl Gustaf Mannerheim, president of the Republic from 1944 to 1946 and a sort of George Washington in Finland, this mansion houses Mr Mannerheim's extensive collection of decorative items, including European furniture, Asian art as well as his personal uniforms and artifacts. The house remains as it was when he died in 1951.
Kiasma (Museum of Contemporary Art)
This is Helsinki's newest museum. The light streaming through the many windows is ideal for displaying modern art. The collection here focuses on post-1960 Finnish modern art with a smattering of international art from the same period. The museum is unique in its use of electronic media: it has Internet kiosks and a mediatheque, displaying the museum's media collection.
Temple Square Church (Temppeliaukio Kirkko)
This awe-inspiring Lutheran church, built in 1969, is carved into the rock below it with only the roof visible from the outside. It's copper dome, modern pipe organ, and brilliant, white birch pews are stunning. Services are held here in various languages throughout the week. It is also a beautiful venue for the concerts periodically held here.
Shopping.
Shopping in Helsinki is about modern, sleek, Scandinavian design. Look for ceramics and glass, hand-woven articles, hand-carved wood, eclectic fashion, and rugs. The Esplanadi in the city center is home to Helsinki's department stores and high-end craft and design shops. Market Square, bordering the waterfront hosts a fresh open-air market every day except for Sunday. Here, in summer, cart vendors sell produce, crafts, and flowers.
Food.
Helsinki is home to a wide variety of restaurants ranging from small cafes to opulent dining palaces. Finland is famous for its "smorgasbord," the buffet-style meal including sliced meats, cheese, freshly baked breads, and salads, and it is widely available in Helsinki. A good value is the increasing number of ethnic restaurants in the city. Department store cafes are also a good value or pick up some bread and cheese at Market Square and enjoy a meal in the park.
Tour the home of Jean Sibelius.
Just 24 miles outside of Helsinki is the home of famed 20th century composer, Jean Sibelius. He lived in this simple, somewhat avant-garde, wooden house for over 50 years, and it is filled with his books and other family items. He and his wife, Aino, are buried on the property.
Visit the Arctic Circle.
Helsinki is a great place of departure for a day-trip to the Arctic Circle. A one-hour flight takes you across the Arctic Circle to Lapland. Here you can visit a reindeer farm, enjoy a Lapp folk dance presentation, or even visit with Santa Claus before heading back to Helsinki. Not a cheap excursion, but worth the money for its sheer uniqueness.
