Finland
Often said to be the happiest country in the world.
Maybe it is because there are 2 million saunas for 5.5 million people.
Maybe it is the largest concentration of heavy metal bands in the world, or that they are the greatest drinkers of coffee in the world.
I think it is because the country is 75% forests.
Cathedrals
Helsinki has some marvelous cathedrals.
Plazas of Helsinki
Things to see in Helsinki
Helsinki Cathedral
towering over Senate Square, this 19th century church has a 1300 seat capacity.
Temppeliaukio Rock Church
the interior of the church was carved out of the solid rock. This is supposed ot be provide great acoustics.
Fortress of Sveaborg
regular ferries take you over to the island where you can explore the history of the fort.
Uspenski Cathedral
the second cathedral in the skyline of Helsinki. This one is red brick with 13 copper domes, and gold cupolas.
Getting to and around Helsinki
Getting around is easy. The metro includes rail lines, trams, busses and even ferry lines. Simply download the HSL app, set up a payment method, and every time you want to buy a ticket it just takes a couple of clicks. And transfers go between all types. Even the ferry to Suomenlinnan was included.
Normally, there are no tickets checks to board (eg turnstiles) like most city’s metro systems. However, if the transit police check on board and you don’t have a ticket, the penalties here are high. And, they are pretty strict. For the train lines, as an example, the rules are you are not allowed to descend the escalators to the train platform without a ticket.
The metro can be a little pricier than most cities (about US$ 3-4 per ride), but the quality and frequency of the transit makes it worthwhile. The entire metro system is based on Zones. A,B,C,D. to get around tourist areas, you will use AB tickets (2.8 euros as of 2022). To get out to the airport, it is an ABC ticket (4.1 euros as of 2022)
From the airport
To get to central, just use the train and buy an ABC ticket. The I line takes you to the center (with stops along the way); and is just over US$ 4. This is one of the most affordable and easier ways to get from the airport to city center in all of Europe. It is the same metro system you will use for your entire visit. So, download the HSL app first.
Another way to get to Helsinki from neighboring countries is the ferry. There is a ferry from Stockholm which takes about 16 hours and I am told is a local favorite for a fun trip. However, I took a plane as the flight was quite affordable at the time of my trip; and is very fast (actual flying time around 40 minutes).
Between Helsinki and Tallinn, Estonia, there are 3 companies that run ferries so there are 4 or 5 trips each day with cost starting between US$ 17 and US$ 32. This ferry is only 2 to 2.5 hours, so a great option. I took the Viking line from Helsinki to Tallinn, and it leaves from the docks next to Market Square (on the east side of the docks). The ferry has about every service you can imagine from food, drink, to entertainment and gambling. You can also buy upgraded tickets to lounge areas, even cabins if you feel the need on this short trip.
