I am back in Australia now. I like to stopover in Helsinki on my way home from Italy. It might seem a little out of the way, but until recently (it is no longer possible to fly over Russia and you wouldn’t want to) it was a shorter flight. Even without the shorter flight, I love Helsinki and enjoy being there for a few days.
The weather was patchy for my recent stay, but I don’t mind cool days. There were a few showers but it didn’t stop me covering a lot of territory in the city. The centre is compact and flat, making it easy to see a lot.
Late spring is a lovely time to be in Helsinki. There are flowers and green trees everywhere. A lot of care is taken with flower boxes all over the city.
Oodi library is a stunning building, inside and out. There is an outdoor terrace on the roof…a great spot to enjoy a coffee on a sunny day.
The grounds around the building are impressive as well. Nearby is the music centre, opera house and art gallery, which is now under scaffolding.
The giant pike sculpture makes a statement.
The nearby Toolonlahti area is great for walking in beautiful surrounds.
Right now the Barnacle geese have fluffy chicks to take care of.
I also spotted this little bird that was not bothered by my presence at all.
On June 4th the National Parade for the Finnish Defence Forces’ Flag Day filed through the city, beginning at Tuomiokirkko, Helsinki Cathedral. The parades have been held annually since 1952 and fall on Carl Mannerheim’s birthday. He was Finland’s most famous military leader.
I found the tanks in front of Tuomiokirkko quite disconcerting in view of the war in Ukraine. Seeing tanks roll down city streets seems ominous. I prefer Tuomiokirkko without tanks.
Esplanadi is gorgeous in spring. The lovely park that runs down from Mannerheim St to the harbour is always full of people out walking, especially when the sun is shining.
Helsinki has great restaurants and shopping. This lovely area is in the Kamp shopping building.
I stocked up on Marimekko, iittala and Arabia and other Finnish designs. I stayed at the excellent GLO hotel, right in the centre of the city. It is great being close to everything.
I have relatives in Finland. A young cousin has opened a tiny restaurant in Helsinki called Bona Fide. The food is modern Finnish, inventive and delicious. Somehow I forgot to photograph my fabulous food. I recommend it if you visit the city.
I am happy to home in Brisbane for a few months. I will miss Bagni di Lucca and our lovely mountain house and garden, but I will be back in September for more Italy.