Finland is located in Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north, Russia in the East and Estonia in the south. The 7th largest European country, Finland is mostly forests - over 2/3 of the country is covered in trees. There are almost 200,000 lakes containing 100,000 islands and the coastal waters boast another 80,000 islands. Helsinki is the capital and the most common destination of tourists.
Other attractions include the University Botanical Gardens (Greenhouses boasting an amazing variety of flowers and plants), the Winter Garden of the City, Parliament House, and Helsinki/Linnanmaki Amusement Park, which features rides, booths, crafts, food, and shows (seasonal hours).
Market Square is Helsinki’s outdoor center of activity, especially during the summer. There is a huge fish market which also has fur coats, dresses, artwork and crafts for sale. The covered Market Hall is a spotless fresh-fish and coffee emporium. You can pick up the tram (see below) at Market Square.
Senate Square is perhaps Helsinki’s most photographed area. Here stands the equestrian statue of Czar Alexander II, the Petersburg look-alike cathedral and government palace. The University, designed in neoclassical style in the early 19th century by C.L. Engel, was started in 1818 and completed in 1852. The bright pastel colors of the buildings create a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Also of interest is Aleksanterinkatu, Helsinki’s "Fifth Avenue" where the most upbeat addresses, stores and restaurants are found. In the summertime, many of the restaurants extend their tables out onto the sidewalks. Spend an hour with a stein of Koff, people watching. Visit Stockmann’s, Finland’s most important department store. Across from Stockmann’s, in front of the Old Student House and the statue of the Three Blacksmiths, musical groups perform al fresco.
The Zoo on Korkeasaari Island
The Zoo features snow leopards, pandas and mustelides among its specialties; many species only found in Northern Europe live here. There is a restaurant and cafe open May 1 to August 31. Opens 10 am all year round, closes 4pm in winter, 8pm in summer. Access: Bridge connection from Mustikkamaa during zoo hours throughout the year. Motorboat connection in summer from Hakanierni Square every half hour. Admission fee. Phone 1 99 81.
Light Festival Activities
In November and December, the annual Light Festival offers entertaining activities, including Helsinki Philharmonic concerts, antique & art fairs, chamber music, fashion and beauty shows, world-famous artists such as Luciano Pavarotti in concert, dog shows, agricultural fairs, special seasonal markets, an auto show, piano and other music competitions and exhibitions. While summertime may be enticing, the line-up of wintertime activities is tantalizing and diverse. Information on all activities during the Light Festival can be had at 169-3757 (The Tourism Office).
