Posted in Architecture, Finland, Helsinki, Seasons, tagged blue sky, Finland, Helsinki, snow, travel, travel photography, winter on February 26, 2018| Leave a Comment »
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.
Posted in Architecture, Finland, tagged autumn, Finland, Lake Tuusula, nature, Pekka Halonen, seasons on November 27, 2017| 4 Comments »
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.
Posted in Finland, Helsinki, Helsinki sites, tagged Baltic Sea, conservation, Finland, Helsinki, Save the Baltic Sea, seals, Senate Square Helsinki, travel on June 16, 2017| 3 Comments »
On Helsinki Day 40 seals, almost 7 feet tall, were placed in Senate Square to highlight the need to protect the Baltic Sea.
At the end of summer the seals will leave to square and take up residence around the city. In the meantime, they look wonderful in Senate Square…be sure to drop in to take a look if you are in Helsinki.
I think it is an excellent reminder to look after all our seas and oceans.
Posted in Finland, Helsinki, Seasons, tagged Esplanadi, Finland, Helsinki, snow, Toolonlahti, winter on February 23, 2017| 4 Comments »
I love the early morning light in winter in Helsinki…time for a walk to Esplanadi.
The harbour was waking up slowly.
There was still some snow at Toolonlahti.
Spring is not far away, but I love the winter landscape.
Posted in Finland, Helsinki, Seasons, tagged Finland, Helsinki, photography, seasons, snow, travel on November 3, 2016| 6 Comments »
The first snow of the season has fallen on Helsinki. It gives everything a magical appearance.
..no doubt there will be much more over the next few months.
Posted in Finland, tagged Finland, medieval Finland, Porvoo, summer on September 9, 2016| 7 Comments »
Porvoo is one of only 6 medieval towns in Finland. It is first mentioned in texts from the 14th century. At one time it was the second largest town in Finland.
It is connected to the Gulf of Finland via the Porvoo a River, and this is how we arrived in town. We took a leisurely cruise on the Runeberg from Helsinki, 50 kilometres away.
Sailing into town on a gorgeous summer day was a delight.
The red coloured wooden buildings along the river were originally painted red in honour of Gustav III, king of Sweden.
Lovely restaurants line the river. We enjoyed a delicious salmon lunch at one of the waterside cafes.
The whole town is a living museum. Gorgeous wooden buildings line the cobblestone streets and laneways. The architecture is stunning.
There are some lovely shops selling all sorts of great things…and great restaurants and cafes.
The centre of the town is the pretty stone and brick cathedral. It has been burnt down several times, but is looking good today after the last restoration.
There is much to see in Porvoo. We enjoyed our day. We caught the bus back to Helsinki.
The disappearing town looked great nestled among the trees.
Posted in Finland, tagged Finland, Helsinki harbour, historical Finland, Porvoo on August 24, 2016| 12 Comments »
Helsinki harbour is beautiful, perfect for a boat trip to Porvoo on the Runeberg.
We sailed out on a gorgeous morning, a little hazy, but great anyway.
We glided past Suomenlinna.
…past King’s Gate.
…and along the coast.
We arrived at the entrance to Porvoo.
Porvoo will be the subject of the next post…it is a wonderful historical town.
