June 19, 2025
I am back in Helsinki after a long travel day and ready to explore the city. My friends from the Ireland and Scotland trip, Kim and Ernie have joined me for the second part of this trip. They are fun adventurers so this should be an epic adventure.
We headed out walking to Senate Square. This is the center of the old town area and near the harbor. The central square is surrounded by neoclassical buildings, including the Helsinki Cathedral (under construction). Its surroundings make up the oldest part of central Helsinki. Bordering the square are many neoclassical buildings and city landmarks, the Palace of the Council of State, the National Library and the University of Helsinki.
We boarded the Hop on Hop off bus to tour the city and get our bearings. Helsinki is a very walkable city once you understand the layout. There is little traffic as there is an underground where deliveries are performed.
After the bus we walked to the Helsinki Skywheel where we got great views of the city.
Then off to the red bricked Uspenski Cathedral it is considered to be the largest Orthodox temple in Northern and Western Europe. The cathedral’s size is emphasized by its location on the highest hill of the Katajanokka district. The central cupola of the cathedral is 33 meters high
We got back on the bus to go to Temppeliaukio Church (Rock Church): A unique church built into the rock. The walls are formed of rough natural rock, a striking contrast to the smooth copper balcony that runs around the edge. The whole is supported by concrete beams and the ceiling is formed from copper wire. The visual effect is completed by the wooden pews with purple covering, granite altar and modern pipe organ.
We walked to the central train station where we had a late lunch then headed back to the hotel for a rest before out evening cruise on the archipelago. I was raining as we cruise around he historical islands and UNESCO fortress Suomenlinna so no great pictures but a perfect way to spend a rainy evening.
I loved the doggie station that provided not only water but fetch sticks and tennis balls!!
We got really wet walking back to the hotel but It was the perfect ending to a day experiencing Helsinki!!
