Sunday in Helsinki

Sunday turned out to be a perfect autumn day in Helsinki.  It was cool, but the sun was shining and the sky was blue.

I began my day in the lovely park beside the Vanha Kirkko, old church.

The rooftop at Stockmann. They say if you can’t get it at Stockmann you don’t need it.

The park in Esplanadi never disappoints.

Havis Amanda smiling as usual.

I took the ferry to Suomenlinna, the old military island in the harbour. These days it is a lovely green space where people love to walk and have lunch at one of the many pretty cafes and restaurants.

The old bunkers are a reminder of the island’s military past.

Back at the harbour the two headed eagle stands tall.

…and the flame on top of the Russian church shines in the sun.

Time for lunch at El Fant.

Tuomiokirkko is a must see on any visit to Helsinki.

The hanging baskets are still doing well.

The new library is a great place to spend some time.

There is an outdoor terrace which won’t be in use much longer…until next spring.

The harbour in the late afternoon.

See you in November Helsinki, maybe there will be snow.

 

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Oodi wins library award

The fabulous Oodi library in Helsinki has won the Public Library of the Year Award.

Oodi was chosen from 16 newly built libraries around the world.

I am not surprised, it is a stunning building and the facilities are excellent.

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Beautiful buildings

I love discovering a new area (for me) in Helsinki. On my last trip to Helsinki I joined some friends who have just moved to the city to explore the area, Eira,  where their apartment is located.

We began our walk at St John’s church.

Join us for a wander past some stunning architecture.

We stopped for a coffee at this great market called Moka.

 

We pressed on…

We ended our walk where we began.

The day was overcast and cool, but Helsinki still looked great. I will be back in Helsinki soon. I am hoping for snow.

 

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A quiet place…Kamppi Chapel

Kamppi Chapel is a place to appreciate peace and quiet in the centre of Helsinki. Everyone is welcome to enjoy a moment of contemplation.

The chapel was designed by architects Mikko Summanen, Niko Sirola and Kimmo Lintula. It is 11.5 metres tall and it is made of 3 different types of wood. The external walls are spruce and coated in a type of wax. The internal walls are made from alder that was milled into shape. The fittings and internal door of the chapel are made of ash.

On the day I visited there was a family with young children who jumped about and the parents tried valiantly and in vain to keep them quiet…such is life.

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Art Nouveau buildings in Katajanokka

The Katajanokka area of Helsinki was a headland of the Helsinki peninsular until a small canal was dug across the base in the 19th century, making it an island.
The area is dominated by the Uspenski Cathedral.

If you walk past the Cathedral you will find many fine examples of early 20th century Art Nouveau architecture.
I particularly like the roof lines and the decoration. Here are just a few examples.

 

Don’t miss this area if you visit Helsinki. It is within easy walking distance of the main shopping district.

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Parliament House

Parliament House in the Toolo district of Helsinki is an impressive building.

It is built in a combination of Neoclassical style and early 20th century  modernism. The exterior is constructed in red Kalvola granite. The facade has 14 columns with Corinthian capitals.

In 1923 there was a competition to choose the location for Parliament House. Arkadiamaki, a hill beside what is now Mannerheimintie, was chosen.

An architectural competition the following year chose the firm of Borg-Siren-Aberg to design the building. Sigfrid Siren Siren (1889 1961) was given the task. Parliament House was constructed between 1926 – 1931 and was inaugurated on March 7 1931.

Guided tours are arranged on Saturdays at 11.00 & 12.30. Sundays 12.00 & 13.30. In July and August also at 14.00 on weekdays.

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Perfect winter days in Heksinki

The winter weather was perfect for my recent visit to Helsinki. The sky was blue, there was no wind and it was not too cold.

 

 

 

 

When I return it will be almost summer. I will see a completely different Helsinki.

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The home of an artist

On my recent visit to Helsinki lovely friends took me to Lake Tuusula, about 30 minutes from Helsinki.

We visited the house of Finnish painter Pekka Halonen. (1865 – 1933). He was famous for his Finnish landscapes and people in Realist style.

His beautiful wooden house sits by the edge of the lake. The position provided him with perfect inspiration for his art. He designed the house himself with his brother Antti and called it Halosenniemi.

I wish I could show you the inside of the house but there was a strict, no photo rule. Instead come for a walk around the outside. It was a bleak autumn day on our visit, but the garden and the views from it are enchanting. I must return in spring.

Halonen’s studio was opened for the first time to the public in the 1950s. Tickets cost €8 and is open Tuesday – Sunday. The house is stunning and it is a wonderful insight into the life of the artist.

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My favourite things to do in Helsinki

I travel to Helsinki at least 4 times a year. I love the city and each time I return I like to walk around revisiting my favourite places as well as discovering new ones.

My first stop is usually Fazer in Kluuvikatu for a coffee and one of their delicious rye sandwiches. (Click the word in bold type to see a post about the subject)

From there I walk through the park along Esplanadi to Market Square beside the harbour. The park is lovely in any season.

Havis Amanda is always there to greet me at the harbour.

I was at the harbour one very cold winter morning to see the sunrise.

There is often a market offering lots of local delights. I have managed to be in Helsinki 3 times for the Baltic Herring Fair held in October. Boats back into the harbour and sell their products directly. It is great fun to talk to the fishermen about their catch.

Kauppahalli, the covered market, always beckons me inside. On a cold winter day it is the perfect place to warm up with salmon soup for lunch. If I am staying at an apartment with a kitchen I buy fresh salmon to cook at home…wonderful.

A short walk from the harbour is the imposing Russian church, Uspenski Cathedral. It was built between 1862 and 1868.

Behind the church is the beautiful district of Katajanokka. I absolutely love the architecture in this area. I can wander for hours, trying to remember to look up at the incredible roof decoration. The beautiful doors are also a source of delight. All of Helsinki is full of fabulous buildings, but in this area they are all amazing.

Walking back towards the city I visit Senate Square dominated by Tuomiokirkko, Helsinki Cathedral. This exquisite white building looks brilliant with a blue sky background….or covered with snow.

Opposite the front of the church is the National Library of Finland. Even though I can’t borrow a book I like to wander through and look at the gorgeous reading rooms.

Back in the city I walk past the naked blacksmiths. Look for the bullet holes left from the war.

The railway station building was designed by Eleil Saarinen in 1904. It is one of the most beautiful in Europe. The stone men in front have been restored recently and carry their lights beautifully.

No visit to Helsinki would be complete without a walk around Tooloonlahti. I love the way Finns are out in any weather enjoying this beautiful place.

The shopping is excellent in Helsinki. They say if you can’t get at Stockmann it is not worth having.

Just in case I have missed something in Stockmann I drop in to Marimekko to see their beautiful clothes and homewares.

iittala has the most exquisite glassware and kitchen items. Something usually finds its way into my suitcase.

Dining in Helsinki is great. I have been to many Helsinki restaurants. For the setting, it is difficult to beat Kappeli, which has been around since 1867 in Esplanadi park.

Nokka serves delicious modern Finnish food.

Juuri is another favourite.

So far I have only dined at restaurants serving Finnish food. Helsinki restaurants also cater well for those looking for other cuisines. Look in the “Restaurant” category for posts on places I have visited.

I have been writing Beautiful Helsinki for 5 years. If you look back through the archives you will find quite a lot of information about this fabulous city.

I will be back in Helsinki next month…can’t wait.

 

 

 

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Autumn roses

The beautiful rose garden in front of the Winter Garden still had some roses and other flowers in bloom when I visited in early autumn. It is delightful place to walk on a sunny day.

I walked from the city through the park at Toolonlahti.

The Winter Garden was established in 1983. The beautiful glass and metal building contains 200 species of plants, including palms, Norfolk pines and camellias.

Unfortunately the Winter Garden was not open when I was there, so I can’t show you inside…next time.

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