"Valkommen! Tervetuloa! Finland" Helsinki by starship

Helsinki Travel Guide: 3,614 reviews and 7,274 photos

Starship Goes to Finland!! - Helsinki
Starship Goes to Finland!!

Our ship, the M/S Westerdam, docked at 6:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 4. The skies over Hernesaari Cruise Ship Piers in Munkisaari were very overcast, but somehow bright all the same. I was in desperate need of some sunshine because we had already experienced so many sunless days, but the sun made only minor appearances during our Baltic cruise and Finland unfortunately was quite cloudy.

Wanting to see as much as possible of Finland, and Helsinki in particular, on this day we opted to take a shore excursion. Rows of coaches (buses) were waiting to whisk us away to different parts of the city and countryside, and we were fortunate and appreciative to have a very nice guide who spoke excellent English and related to us quite alot of information about Helsinki and Finland in general.

So Much to See, So Little Time
Downtown Helsinki - Helsinki

Downtown Helsinki

I think alot of people have a preconceived idea of Finland being only a winter paradise. I am certain that it is, but it is also a country that enjoys a pleasant mode of life in summer as well. Immediately I was impressed with the low-key way of life, the slower pace, the cleanliness and how verdant and green Finland is. The temperature was very pleasant during our time in Finland and many people were enjoying outdoor activities.

Our tour bus wound it way into downtown Helsinki where we saw Temppeliaukio Church, or "Church of the Rock"; Uspenski Cathedral; Senate Square and statue of Tzar Alexander II; the Esplanade and waterfront; and a not so close view of the Olympic grounds, and other notable places. From there our bus headed straight out to the little town of Porvoo, and then to Sipoo for a visit to a horse farm and lunch in an old homestead. After returning to Helsinki for the remainder of the afternoon, we were able to walk around the downtown area and do a little shopping on our own before catching a bus back to the ship. I would have loved to have seen more of the country side and Lappland as well. The Finns seem to be very fond of saunas and Latin dancing -- too bad we didn't get to see any of that!

A Very Brief History of Finland!
One view of Senate Square - Helsinki

One view of Senate Square

A quick look at a map and you will discover, if you did not know already, that Finland share borders with Norway, Sweden and Russia and has shores on the Gulf of Bothnia and the Baltic Sea! It is no wonder then that Finland's history has largely been affected and shaped by its neighbors. Finland has been an independent country only since 1917.

As early as the 12th century, large parts of Finland had been annexed by the King of Sweden until in 1634, it was fully brought under the control of Sweden. It was only when Sweden declined as a world power that Finland then came under Russian domination. Sweden had occupied the lands from the 13th to the 18th centuries prior to the annexation by Russia. In fact, it was Tzar Alexander II who moved the capital to the 450 year old city of Helsinki from Turku. There was a tug of war of sorts between the Finns and Russia, but eventually the people of Finland became rulers of their own destiny.

Today, Helsinki is a city of at least half a million people which makes it the most populated, well industrialized and richest part of the country. Finland is unlike any of its other Scandinavian neighbors and has a flavor and culture all its own, but vestiges of its past as Grand Duchy under Russia can still be seen in some of its architecture such as in the Uspenski Cathedral.

(Did you know that Fiskars scissors and Nokia phones originated in Finland?)

Pros and Cons
  • Pros:Clean, green, peaceful, prosperous!
  • Cons:Unfortunately, Finland can be quite expensive!
  • In a nutshell:I'm so glad I came here to visit!!
  • Last visit to Helsinki: Aug 2005
  • Intro Updated Apr 27, 2013
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Reviews (13)

Dining Room at Savijaren Kartano - Helsinki "Sibbo" to Some, but "Sipoo" to Most Off The Beaten Path (2)

Another beautiful area not far from Helsinki which we visited on our tour was Sipoo (in Finnish) or Sibbo (in Swedish).... more travel advice

A charming street scene of Porvoo - Helsinki Pretty Porvoo!!" Off The Beaten Path (2)

A beautiful drive of only 50km or about a half hour's drive from Helsinki took us to the charming, old town of Porvoo,... more travel advice

courtesy of Scantours - Helsinki Hotel Kamp, Steeped in History & Luxury Hotels (1)

Arriving in Helsinki by cruise ship deprived us of the opportunity to experience the intense luxury of the Hotel Kamp... more travel advice

Downtown Helsinki - Helsinki I Never Knew Favorites (2)

In 1808, Helsinki was destroyed by fire. 1809 ~ Russia invades Finland after Tzar Alexander I makes a deal with... more travel advice

Comments (17)

  • Reply
    Dabs's Profile Photo
    Apr 27, 2013 at 9:26 AM

    I've never really warmed up to Helsinki but it looks like you enjoyed your visit!

  • Reply
    Yaqui's Profile Photo
    Mar 11, 2011 at 7:01 PM

    I never knew tips is wonderful. Excellent page!

  • Reply
    TheWanderingCamel's Profile Photo
    Mar 27, 2010 at 11:39 PM

    I have to confess Finland has never been high on my list pf places to see but your page on Helsinki has really whetted my appetite - starting with that extraordinary church! Thank you!

  • Reply
    LoriPori's Profile Photo
    Oct 12, 2009 at 4:34 AM

    Interesting page on Helsinki. Nice that you were able to visit some scenic little towns too.

  • Reply
    hopang's Profile Photo
    Sep 16, 2009 at 6:59 AM

    Lovely Helsinki travel page complete with excellent travel tips. Lutheran Cathedral, Church of the Rock and Uspenski Cathedral certainly look amazing on your photographs. Bring back fond memories of our trip to Helsinki on numerous occasions. ~ho & pang

  • Reply
    HORSCHECK's Profile Photo
    Mar 13, 2009 at 2:04 PM

    Fabulous page here. Unfortunately, I missed the Temppeliaukio Kirkko on my two visits to the Finnish capital.

  • Reply
    VeronicaG's Profile Photo
    Sep 18, 2008 at 11:04 AM

    How ever did you find the strength to leave those pretty Nordic sweaters behind?? The Explanade must have been an interesting part of Helsinki to explore.....very nice page, Sylvia

  • Reply
    deecat's Profile Photo
    May 29, 2008 at 7:59 PM

    Wow, Sylvia, these are 5-star pages. Your "facts about Finland tip has marvelous information. The 3 churches [Cathedral, Orthodox, & Rock Church]..so different..all so wonderful.Horse farm is right up your alley! History tip terrific

  • Reply
    May 26, 2008 at 6:08 AM

    Another great page of you with a lot of information

  • Reply
    Nemorino's Profile Photo
    Dec 9, 2007 at 4:20 AM

    I enjoyed reading your informative and comprehensive tips on Helsinki.

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