The blue skies we flew through didn’t really give any idea what Helsinki would be like.
You can just see the coast of Finland at the bottom left of the photo. When we landed it was snowing. Not the lovely fluffy snow, it was the wet, sloppy kind. Overnight it must have changed, because this morning there was a beautiful dusting of snow over everything. I headed straight for the lovely park near the new music centre.
There were no people sunning themselves here like there were in September on my way over.
I love the winter landscape. The park was full of people walking, running, pushing babies in strollers and obviously enjoying a beautiful winter day.
There were ducks enjoying the brief patches of sun.
As well as the ducks, there were these 2 handsome fellows.
One of them was quite a show off. He came out of the water, presented himself to me and spread a wing to show me how lovely it was.
I walked all around the edge of the water, taking advantage of the clear day.
When the sun shone everything was golden.
When the sun went behind a cloud everything turned silver.
There were birds looking for food. They were obviously used to people and came forward in case I had something for them.
It was about 1 degree on my walk this morning. When I left the park I headed straight for Fazer for a hot chocolate. If ever you are in Helsinki you have to have one of these.
The days are short in Helsinki at this time of the year, but there is blue sky and some sun. I think the city is gorgeous at any time of the year.
Take a look in the Helsinki category for more on this beautiful city. I have been here in spring, autumn and winter. I really must come in summer one year.
I have a new blog on Helsinki. Take a look at Beautiful Helsinki.
looks lovely – bit chilly but perfect Winter day!! enjoy!
By: modemignonlucca on December 6, 2011
at 1:20 pm
It is a bit colder in Helsinki than it was in Lucca when I left, but that is to be expected.I love it anyway.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 6, 2011
at 2:31 pm
I too enjoy winter landscapes. How fun to experience Helsinki in the snow. It looks so lovely.
Kathy
By: Kathryn McCullough on December 6, 2011
at 2:32 pm
I think I was very lucky to have snow today, it could have been freezing rain.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 6, 2011
at 3:10 pm
It looks lovely, but very cold. Fortunately, hot chocolate helps a lot. Enjoy your stay!
By: Mulino Dominillo on December 6, 2011
at 2:49 pm
Hot chocolate helps many things. I had only one day in Helsinki. I am at the airport now waiting for the next bit.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 6, 2011
at 3:11 pm
The city under those skies looks like it’s made of sugar. I know you are happy to be in this country that is so much “home” to you. I’m happy for you.
By: Charlotte on December 6, 2011
at 3:56 pm
I love Finland! Helsinki was beautiful today with its light dusting of snow.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 6, 2011
at 5:08 pm
Debra, you make the most ordinary things extraordinary with your wonderful photography. I’m Pam Proctor’s friend who met you last fall in Italy, and Karen Overton’s friend here in San Marcos CA. Hope to see you if you house-swap with Karen!
By: Anonymous on December 6, 2011
at 4:53 pm
We are very keen to come to San Diego. We have heard so many good things about it.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 6, 2011
at 5:08 pm
Oops . . . forgot to include my info on the previous reply
By: Julie Wells on December 6, 2011
at 4:54 pm
Those two handsome fellows were Canada Geese – I was surprised to find them in England, then I found out that they were introduced into parts of Northern Europe, right across to Finland! Much of my family live out in Canada so I have something of a soft spot for those geese.
By: James on December 6, 2011
at 5:00 pm
I knew they had to be geese of some kind. They are beautiful. Thank you for identifying them for me.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 6, 2011
at 5:10 pm
Helsinki looks lovely with its dusting of snow and clear blue skies – if I ever get there I will try the hot chocolate at Fazer.
By: Just Add Attitude on December 6, 2011
at 5:17 pm
You won’t be disappointed. They do excellent food too.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 6, 2011
at 5:19 pm
Dear Debra, you captured so beautiful photographs. They are all amazing and I wanted to be there… I haven’t been in Helsinki but how interesting I always remember, and have an image during winter days… Have a nice day, Thank you, with my love, nia
By: niasunset on December 6, 2011
at 8:22 pm
Helsinki is beautiful, full of Art Nouveau buildings.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 6, 2011
at 8:35 pm
why are you there??
By: Sharon on December 6, 2011
at 9:14 pm
I love Helsinki! I usually fly Finnair from Australia to Italy and back. I like the airline and I like Helsinki stopovers.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 7, 2011
at 8:23 am
That park around the inlet is beautiful in any season. You have captured it beatifully. I have walked that path many, many times and also did on our last day in Helsinki in in October. Thank you again for the memories your blog creates…..
By: kirsi sade on December 6, 2011
at 9:47 pm
That park is beautiful in any season. I loved my cold walk there.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 7, 2011
at 8:24 am
I love love love that first photograph. I get such a stark and clean feeling from looking at it. I’m also a fan of Karl Frazer chocolates, but then again, I think its impossible not to be.
By: nataliyan on December 6, 2011
at 10:26 pm
I always go to Fazer for lunch or a coffee or hot chocolate.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 7, 2011
at 8:25 am
Beautiful shots!
By: Marcia Clarke on December 7, 2011
at 3:46 am
Thank you!
By: Debra Kolkka on December 7, 2011
at 8:25 am
What a privilege to see Helsinki in all it’s seasons. I have never been to Finland but your photos have inspired me.
By: Hotly Spiced on December 7, 2011
at 5:40 am
Finland is a beautiful country, the people are friendly and helpful and the food is great. You must go.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 7, 2011
at 8:26 am
Brrr! It got chills just looking at these pics. We didn’t see this side to Helsinki, only the Summer.
By: Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella on December 7, 2011
at 11:51 am
Helsinki is beautiful in all seasons. I love it when there is deep snow as well.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 7, 2011
at 12:25 pm
Looks amazingly cold and beautiful. You’re so lucky to see Europe. Ah, one day …
By: sheof108names on December 8, 2011
at 2:57 pm
So fun to see your wintertime pictures of the lovely Linnunlaulu area – my home away from home last May. 🙂
By: Elin on December 22, 2011
at 5:52 am
I had a beautiful cold day in Helsinki on the way home. It snowed overnight and everything looked gorgeous.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 22, 2011
at 6:01 am
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at 10:20 am