DAY 97, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17TH
Today was my first day exploring Helsinki! Couldn't have asked for better weather!! Since its VACATION :) I slept in a bit before heading out for the day. I starting walking around more near where I am rather than the city center. I walked about 15 minutes to Hietaniemi Beach which was nearby- A cute little beach area right near the city center.
After I went to a recommended cafe that was nearby: Cafe Regatta. It was the most peaceful and cute little cafe. The inside was decorated as exactly what you think of when you think of Finland: furs, skis, fish, etc. The cafe had a super nice outside seating where I enjoyed the traditional cinnamon bun.
Then I headed to the Sibelius Monument which was placed in a neat little park; I think the monument is supposed to represent music but that's about all I know about it.
After that I started heading in the general direction of the city center and walked through Toolonlahti Park. Finland is known for having 14890542890 lakes, so this park, of course, had a lake too.I walked along the water which was so peaceful & there weren't too many people out, so it was't crowded at all.
My next stop was the National Museum of Finland to try and learn a little more about the history of Finland. The museum had a great exhibit on prehistoric times (stone age, bronze age, iron age)- the rest was a bit confusing, though. It had some artifacts and info on Finland’s time as part of the Kingdom of Sweden and then more recently under Russian rule before becoming an independent country in 1917. I also did really enjoy the photography exhibit called Inherit the Dust by photographer Nick Brandt. The photographer took pictures of wildlife several years ago and then returned to the same places, displayed the photos full-size in contrast to what has happened to the land today.
After finishing up in the museum I grabbed a quick falafel lunch before heading to Temppeliaukion Church. This church is known as being one of the most unique in the world as it was built, in the 1960s, in the side of a rock. The interior was super neat!
I then walked around a small shopping area and walked by the Kamppi Chapel of Silence, it was interesting to see since it’s literally in the middle of the city next to malls and such.
I then walked through another park, Esplanadi Park (lots of green space in the city!), on my way to the "market square" area which is the more touristy city center. I walked through old market hall which has stalls with both traditional Finnish products and foods as well as some touristy type stalls. I walked around the hall as well as the square for a bit, but plan on coming back to tomorrow to see some more! I did try some reindeer jerky though!! It wasn't my fav and it felt wrong to eat reindeer, so probs will not eat again.
I then headed to have dinner in Hietalahti Market Hall (pretty similar to old market hall), a lot of it closed so only a few options, but ended up with some ramen. Overall, it was a fantastic day! I really enjoyed traveling solo but it also was a bit weird of course. It was really nice to take my time and slow down when I wanted but then also make sure I got everything done that I wanted to get done! Ready for another day tomorrow!
DAY 98, THURSDAY, APRIL 18TH
Day 2 traveling solo! Had some more absolutely amazing weather today! I woke up and took a long walk to the other side of the city to take the 10:20 AM Ferry to Suomenlinna Island. Suomenlinna is a World Heritage site it was built in the 18th century as a sea fortress when Finland was still part of Sweden. The fortress is spread across a few islands with artillery and defensive walls spread across, and has a bunch of nature areas as well as some residential areas. I decided to forego the museum on the island and just wander around and enjoy the great weather and great views.
I eventually returned back to mainline Helsinki on the 1:20 ferry. The market square was more filled up today with a whole bunch of tents and stalls so I walked through that, and headed back to market hall to get some salmon soup for lunch (pretty common in Finland!).
After lunch I went to the Uspenski Cathedral which white and green exterior is definitely one of the most famous landmarks in Helsinki. It is quite an amazing view (the inside was not as cool, but oh well).
I then hung out a bit in the surrounding Central Senate Square and then headed to the Lutheran Cathedral (Tuomiokirkko). This cathdral is also pretty famous, and the stark difference from the Upsenski cathedral is heightened by their proximity!
After enjoying the views I went on a water-side walk further down to the southern tip of the city - Kaivopuisto. I grabbed some dinner and headed home for the night! I couldn't have asked for a better place and better weather for my first solo travel!
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