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  • Writer's picturekpatterson

Final Stop: Finland (part 1: cultural visits)

  • Löyly Sauna

    • I absolutely loved this place! It was incredibly relaxing. There are 5 different saunas. Once you “sauna” and feel like you are ready to cool off, there is a walkway to jump into the Baltic Sea. Next time I’m in Helsinki, this will be my first stop!

    • Click here for more information


  • Helsinki Bus Tour

    • Sibelius monument

    • Helsinki coast

    • Art Noveau area

    • Lutheran Cathedral

    • Senate Square

    • Kamppi Chapel

    • Rock Church

    • Parliament house

    • Olympic stadium






  • Finnish National Museum

    • “Tomorrow’s cultural heritage is created today. Together. We accumulate, maintain and showcase culture-historical national heritage, and preserve, produce and convey information.”- The Finnish Heritage Agency

    • Click here for more information

      • This was definitely one of my favorite museums I visited.

      • Current exhibitions:

        • Philosophy of Wealth Portraits of Finnish Wealth by Jaakko Heikkilä

          • “Surprisingly little is known about the financially wealthiest members of Finnish society. The works of photographer Jaakko Heikkilä examine individual members of this often unidentified minority group, as well as their life stories and relationships with wealth, happiness, and life.”

        • Exploring the Ancient Near East

          • “Since the 1840s, Finnish explorers, archaeologists and scientists have traveled to the Middle East to study the region’s ancient empires and cultures. Through the travelers’ own stories and the items brought back by them, the Exploring the Ancient Near East exhibition showcases how these ancient civilizations that thrived more than two thousand years ago continue to fascinate Finnish researchers. The exhibition includes items seldom seen on display from the Collections of the National Museum of Finland and the Archaeological Collections of the Finnish Heritage Agency.”

        • Future’s National Museum of Finland

          • “A space to explore the annex of the National Museum and envision the future of the museum.”

        • Story of Finland

          • “Never before had the story of Finland’s independent years been told in such a touching way.”

        • Otherland

          • “For centuries, the Finns were told Finland’s history started when the peasant Lalli killed Bishop Henry on the frozen Lake Köyliö. But is there actually truth behind that story?”

        • Prehistory

          • “Who are we and where did we come from?” The area now comprising Finland was first settled 10,000 years ago. What kind of a world did these people live in?”











  • Market Square

    • "Located at the South Harbor at one end of the Esplanade Park, the Market Square is Helsinki’s most international and famous market. The booths here sell traditional market foods and treats, as well as handicrafts and souvenirs. There are also heated cafe tents where you can comfortably have a steaming hot coffee even on the coldest days in winter. The Helsinki Baltic Herring Market, one of the oldest ongoing event traditions in Finland, is arranged here every October. It has been held since 1743."

      • I ate (possibly) the best salmon ever here!!! Highly recommend coming to eat here, if you find yourself in Helsinki.




  • Fortress of Suomenlinna- UNESCO World Heritage Site

    • Built in the second half of the 18th century by Sweden on a group of islands located at the entrance of Helsinki’s harbor, this fortress is an especially interesting example of European military architecture of the time.

    • During our guided walking tour, we learned about the 270 years of eventful history of Suomenlinna under the rule of three different states as well as the life on the islands today.

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  • Design District on Esplanadi

    • “Design can be found everywhere in Helsinki. Good design can be seen in everyday life, it belongs to everyone, and it improves the way we live. Helsinki has even been designated a UNESCO City of Design, and it is the only city in the world that has an appointed Chief Design Officer. Discover classic creations by Finland’s most famous designers and the intriguing concepts of up-and-coming designers.”

      • Torikorttelit

      • Lapuan Kankurit

      • Lumi Accessories

      • Lumoan

      • Iittala

      • Balmuir

      • Artek

      • Marimekko

      • Helsinki Secondhand


  • Häme Castle

    • Häme Castle is a medieval castle in Hämeenlinna, Finland. The Castle was most likely built during the late 13th century to serve as military base in the border zone between Sweden and Novgorod. At the end of the Middle ages the castle was governed by some of the most influential Swedish houses, the Tott, the Sture and the Posse. In addition to its status as a military fortress and home for Swedish nobility, the castle has seen use as a prison, and is currently a museum operated by the National Museum of Finland. The castle is one of the main tourist attractions of southern Finland, being the centerpiece of the city and a popular venue for events, including renaissance fairs.

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  • Aulanko area

    • “Aulanko has been a popular destination with visitors for more than a hundred years. Nowadays, there is a lot to see in Aulanko Nature Reserve in addition to the beautiful scenery. The forest park of Aulanko, its sights, and the view from the scenic lookout tower of Aulangonvuori Hill over the national landscape attract more than 400,000 visitors every year. The area is best suitable for day trips. The English-style park, which forms a part of the nature reserve, was constructed in 1883-1938 and, with its buildings and cultural history, it is a nationally valuable site. To maintain the spacious park landscape, the forest park is actively managed. The nature reserve also includes forest landscape in its natural state. The forest park of Aulanko has had a significant impact on the Finnish park culture. Nowadays, Aulanko area belongs to the first National Urban Park in Finland.”

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  • Amos Rex Museum

    • Tadashi Kawamata: The Nest

      • “The Nest by Japanese artist Tadashi Kawamata is an outdoor sculptural installation in which reclaimed materials surge over the roof of the Lasipalatsi building and soar up the courtyard chimney.”

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