Helsinki Things to Do Tips by sourbugger

Helsinki's waterfront.

I saw a comment on one webpage that said taking a photograph to try and capture the waterfront in Helsinki is rather like taking a picture of sand and labelling in 'Sahara'.

By that, I presume they mean it is quite diverse. We certainly enjoyed cycling much of the track around the bay. The harbours, interesting buildings, parks, pretty Finnish women and ice-cream all combined to make it a very pleasant afternoon.

If you happen to have seen the recent (2005) world Athletic championships, then you will have seen a fair amount of this area. I doubt that Liz McColgan had much time to enjoy the location as she sped on, but it is worth taking your time and letting it glide by.

If it was like this all year, I could live here very happily.

Pure and white... Tuomiokirkko (The Lutheran Cathedral) Review

The Lutheran Cathedral is perhaps the one building that still sticks in the memory from visiting Helsinki. I especially liked the setting with the long flight of pristine steps leading up from the road. It put me in mind of that scene in 'The Italian Job' where the three minis run down the steps whilst a wedding is in progress.

I'va always wondered if there is theological work to be written along the thesis that the climate of the country affects a Christian communties view of God, and thus the architecture of their religious buildings. It seems to me the vast expanses of white, showing a certain 'oneness' and 'purity' can be no accident. A church fit for the Finns.

A beautiful place to be in.

Address: Unioninkatu 29

Directions: Go on Aleksanderinkatu to the senate square direction. 10 min. walking.

Phone: +358 - 9 - 709 2455