just before landing
I like flying Finnair. The seats are comfortable, the food is good, the attendants helpful and pleasant and the flight to Europe is shorther. Of course you always have to stop over in Helsinki, but I like this.
I was lucky again with the weather. The late summer days are quite long still and it was warm and sunny. Everything was still green, but there were signs of autumn – it can’t be far away.
the first signs of autumn
The botanical gardens were filled with gorgeous colour.
Botanical gardens in Helsinki
2 friends in the gardens
late summer colour
it looks too perfect to be real
perfect
beautiful colour
good enough to eat
I took the tourist bus around the city. Tickets can be bought at the Tourist Information office near the harbour and the bus leaves from the nearby park. It is a great way to see Helsinki. Some of the sights are a little outside the city, so it saves quite a lot of walking. After a short trip around the centre our first stop was at the rock church. It is quite literally carved out of the bedrock.
the Rock Church in Helsinki
inside the church
the walls of the church
22 kilometres of copper tubing was used for the ceiling
Another interesting stop was the Sibelius Monument. He is Finland’s most well known composer, famous for Finlandia.
Sibelius Monument
detail - with bird
The tubes represent trees in the forest – a major inspiration for Sibelius – not organ pipes.
looking up
the man himself
The park on Esplanadi has two new sculptures. It is a beautiful green space in the centre of town and full of people enjoying the great weather.
a head full of butterflies
bad hair day?
This little kiosk in the park was built the year my grandfather was born. I wonder if he ever went there.
the kiosk built in 1893
I had a wonderful 2 days wandering around Helsinki. I’ll be back next year in May. I hope I get fabulous weather again.
I particularly like the head full of butterflies! Maybe one day we’ll get there…..
Having fun here in Greece – Naxos at the moment. x
By: mary d on September 25, 2010
at 6:41 am
I am looking forward to seein Helsinki again but for the time being through your eyes.
By: Roz on September 25, 2010
at 6:45 am
Oh wow. I especially love the Sibelius Monument. It seems like some kind of bee hive come space ship but still manages to blend into the scenery
By: Bee on September 25, 2010
at 11:35 am
I’m jealous that you’ve visited such great places on your way to Italy. Thanks for all your great photos
By: janie on September 25, 2010
at 3:54 pm
Deb, what fabulous photos! The flowers really do look too perfect to be real! And the Sibelius monument…wow…thanks for sharing. I’ve never been to Helsinki, but it’s lovely to visit through your blog!
By: Anonymous on September 26, 2010
at 12:24 am
Sorry..that last comment was from me – accidentally logged out of wordpress as I pressed submit! 🙂
By: Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial on September 26, 2010
at 12:26 am
Loved these pics of Helsinki, haven’t been there but it looks amazing. 22 kms of copper tubing huh, incredible.
By: Anna Johnston on September 26, 2010
at 2:44 am
Once again you make me so home sick for my city of birth. Thank you for these lovely photos and to everyone, it is a city worth a visit. Can’t wait till next year when I will visit and look at it more through the eyes of a tourist.
By: kirsi sade on September 26, 2010
at 7:52 am
I agree with you. Helsinki is a gorgeous city. I love going back – and find something new each time.
By: bagnidilucca on September 26, 2010
at 12:15 pm