Why Go to Helsinki?

Every tourist destination has it’s attractions. However, because every tourist is different, these attractions have greater or lesser value. In this series Gary’s gives his reasons for traveling to a particular place. Hopefully some of his thoughts will entice you to consider adding this particular place to your itinerary. The entire series is being categorized under the heading, “Spotlights.” You may find more about these locations in the archives of this website, under headings such as, “Great Places,” “Things to Do in,” “Best of,” “Top 10” and “Places of a Lifetime.” In addition, there may be “Walking Tours” of these places available for purchase on the website for the low price of $1.49 each.

Helsinki is a much newer city, as Scandinavian capitals go, but it nevertheless contains significant attractions of interest to the inveterate traveler. The city center revolves around the waterfront. Include a stop in Helsinki when traveling to Scandinavia for at least the following reasons:

1. Market Square is one of Helsinki’s major gathering places. It makes a great place to begin a walk of the city center.

Havis Amanda Fountain on Market Square

Havis Amanda Fountain on Market Square

2. Senate Square is dominated by Helsinki’s Lutheran Cathedral.

Lutheran Cathedral

Lutheran Cathedral

3. One of the major attractions in Helsinki is the Rock Church (Temppeliaukio), a fairly recent addition to the tourist scene.

Rock Church

Rock Church

4. A monument to one of Finland’s favorite sons, composer Jean Sibelius, is located just outside the city center.

Sibelius Monument

Sibelius Monument

 

 

 

 

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