The weather was perfect for my Helsinki visit. The sky was blue, the sun was shining, there was no wind and snow was all about. The temperature was around -4, a delicious change from hot, steamy Brisbane.
I arrived in the early evening, grabbed my coat and headed off for a walk. I went to the harbour in time to see the last of daylight.
The Helsinki cathedral, Tuomiokirkko, is one of Helsinki’s most famous sites.
The strong men at the station looked great in the evening light.
The next morning I set off for the Allas pool. It is set on the edge of Helsinki harbour. I was not brave enough to jump into the sea pool. I saw the attendant breaking the ice on top.
I was happy to try the heated pool. It is a strange feeling to be swimming in warm water surrounded by ice and snow.
Then it was time for a walk around the city. The harbour is frozen.
The Suomenlinna ferry still runs.
Esplanadi park is snow covered.
Tuomiokirkoo looks spectacular against a bright blue sky.
Children are making good use of the piles of snow around the city.
The sun will soon melt the snow on the shoulders of the strong men.
One of my favourite areas in Helsinki is Toolonlahti.
My walk took me around the edge of the frozen waterway.
There is always a little bit of unfrozen water for the ducks.
For the first time I walked across the frozen water, along with lots of locals enjoying a perfect winter day.
I wonder if he caught anything.
The sun occasionally hid behind a cloud.
I walked across the ice and back towards the city.
I will finish my walk with a silver tree…why not.
Thank you Helsinki for a beautiful stay.