Finland’s capital is such a pretty city – especially with a dusting of snow in winter – and its varied architecture impressed me no end. One of the loveliest buildings is the Uspenski Cathedral – apparently it’s the largest orthodox church in western Europe and is a clear reminder of how close Russia is and the influence Russia has had on Finnish history.

Pin It

You won’t miss it as you’re strolling around Helsinki, and it’s free to enter (but closed on Mondays in winter). The history of the place is that it is based on an older church near Moscow, but the Uspenski Cathedral was built in the nineteenth century, being finished in 1868. Going inside is like visiting a little piece of Russia. And from its hilly position, you can get a great view over parts of Helsinki, too.

More Helsinki Tips

There are more tips in our What to do in Helsinki post.

Click here for the lowest prices on Helsinki hotels

Finns speak Finnish. It makes sense then that the official language of Finland is Finnish. But it is also Swedish. Just about five and a half percent of the population speaks Swedish as their native language.

This is not a large amount of the population. Despite this, the street signs in Helsinki are written in both Swedish and Finnish. Luckily, there are more exciting things to look at while in Helsinki. Three churches of Helsinki really stand out.

Helsinki Cathedral is of course the most well-known. Situated in Senate Square, the cathedral boasts a large dome and enough columns to make you think you’re in Greece. The view from the steps of the Cathedral is amazing and on sunny days, the square below is bustling with locals and tourists alike. Depending on the time of year, and the fact that entrance is free, you might have to fight slight crowds.

Pin It

On a little island in Helsinki, just off the main part of the city lies the Uspenski Cathedral, an impressive red brick structure. Opening hours are limited, but entrance is free. Even if you find yourself getting there after 4 in the afternoon, the exterior is beautiful and really shows off the Russian influence in Helsinki.

Pin It

Finally, my favorite, simply because it is so different. Temppeliaukio Church. The church is literally built into a large rock quarry. I wasn’t sure what to expect and while trying to find the church, eventually realized that I was walking on top of it. When I finally made my way inside, I was amazed by the stone walls. Not because they were carved stone, but because they were actual rock walls. Temppeliaukio Church is also free, but has some very strange opening hours depending on the season and the day of the week so be sure to check ahead if you want to get inside.

Pin It

More Helsinki Tips

There are more tips in our What to do in Helsinki post.

Click here for the lowest prices on Helsinki hotels

Like most of those spectacular northern destinations, you can’t accuse Helsinki of being a budget destination – but there are numerous cheap or free activities if you keep your eyes out. One of my favourite stops in Helsinki was the old Market Hall, easy to find on the harbour, and a great place to visit whether you’re there in the depths of winter or the sunlight of summer.

The Market Hall (Kauppatori if your map is in Finnish) is in a large brick building overlooking the harbour, and once you get inside you’ll quickly be overwhelmed by the range of foods and local products the various stands have on offer. I admit only to buying some locally-made sweets, but there were plenty of more exotic foods to try, with a few reindeer products (I couldn’t get past the Rudolph image to actually eat reindeer, but I’m told it’s good).

Pin It

You can get more info about the Market Hall at the website but it’s only available in Finnish or Swedish – at a minimum you’ll be able to recognise that it opens every morning at 8.00am, and entry is free.

More Helsinki Tips

There are more tips in our What to do in Helsinki post.

Click here for the lowest prices on Helsinki hotels

Helsinki is one of my favourite Nordic capitals, a great place to visit and take advantage of the long summer days.  I’ve covered the best (almost) free things to do in Helsinki, but here are some ideas for great day trips from Finland’s capital.

Pin It

Nuuksio Forest by of sami73

• Nuuksio National Forest Park Just a short bus ride from the city centre, Nuuksio is a massive forest waiting to be explored.  Ponds, streams, trails, and the like, you’ll feel as if you’re in the wilds of north Finland yet can easily get in and out in a day.
• Tallinn, Estonia The gorgeous medieval town of Tallinn is easily accessbile from Helsinki by ferry in only 2 hours (and with nearly 20 departures per day, you’ll find it easy to get across).  Soak up the atmosphere and Estonian culture.
• Porvoo This is a small town of wooden houses just east of Helsinki.  You can travel there via coach or ferry – although ferries fill up quickly so be sure to book in advance.  The town is very small and has a number of cozy restaurants and cafes (try some of the ones housed on boats in the river – my favourite was the coffee roasters).  You’ll also find the usual kitsch shopping and what not.
• Turku See the impressive cathedral and get a good feel for Finnish history – this was the capital until 1812 when the Russians moved administrative rights to Helsinki.

More Helsinki Tips

There are more tips in our What to do in Helsinki post.

Click here for the lowest prices on Helsinki hotels