by Ron Stern Travel Photojournalist
While Helsinki may be one of the coldest destinations in the world in winter, summertime with its long days of sunshine, brings out the crowds to this Finnish city located on the shores of the Baltic Sea. With 150 miles of coastline, more than 300 islands, trendy shops and restaurants, as well as loads of historical landmarks and museums, it’s no wonder that so many are discovering this Scandinavian playground.
Starting in early May and into September, tourists and locals alike emerge to enjoy the warm weather splendors of this beautiful city.
Here is a short list of some of the best activities and attractions. You may have to remind yourself that you’re in Finland and not France or Geneva as there is such an abundance of retail shops offering everything from housewares to jewelry to clothing.
There are quite a few excursions you can take including a boat cruise around some of the city’s 300 islands and a visit to the fortress island of Suomenlinna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you buy a Helsinki Card at the tourist office, you can ride for free and also get one free sightseeing trip.
It might be difficult to decide where to eat given the plethora of restaurants. Probably the most prevalent food found here is fish. This isn’t surprising considering Helsinki’s proximity to the sea. Salmon is a popular choice although much of it is imported from Norway.
Helsinki has a rich history that is visually represented in diverse ways. Statues commemorating various aspects of Finnish history and culture are visible throughout the city.
Some of the other must-sees here are the Uspenski Cathedral, Senate Square and the Rock Church. For more information, visit www.visitfinland.com.