Nuuksio National Park

Located just a stone’s throw away from the bustling capital city of Helsinki, Nuuksio National Park is a tranquil oasis of wilderness. Spread across 45 square kilometers, the park is characterized by its dense forests, tranquil lakes, and rugged rocky outcrops.

Nuuksio offers a network of well-marked hiking trails, catering to hikers of all levels. The Hawk’s Nest Trail takes adventurers through lush forests and past scenic viewpoints, while the Haukkalampi Trail leads to the tranquil shores of Haukkalampi Lake, perfect for a refreshing swim on a hot summer day.

Wildlife enthusiasts will delight in the diverse fauna of Nuuksio, which includes elusive lynx, majestic elk, and the rare Siberian flying squirrel. Birdwatchers can spot a variety of avian species, including the vibrant European goldfinch and the elusive Ural owl.

Urho Kekkonen National Park

In the rugged wilderness of Finnish Lapland lies Urho Kekkonen National Park, named after Finland’s former president. Encompassing 2,550 square kilometers of pristine wilderness, this expansive park is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.

Urho Kekkonen National Park boasts an extensive network of hiking trails, ranging from gentle day hikes to challenging multi-day treks. The Kiilopää Trail offers panoramic views of the surrounding fells, while the popular Karhunjuomalampi Trail leads to a picturesque wilderness hut, perfect for overnight stays.

One of the highlights of Urho Kekkonen National Park is its rich biodiversity. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including reindeer, brown bears, and the elusive Arctic fox. Birdwatchers can spot migratory birds such as the tundra swan and the rough-legged buzzard.

Lemmenjoki National Park

Tucked away in the remote reaches of Finnish Lapland, Lemmenjoki National Park is a rugged wilderness of vast forests, meandering rivers, and ancient Sámi culture. Spanning an impressive 2,850 square kilometers, it is Finland’s largest national park.

Lemmenjoki is renowned for its extensive network of hiking trails, which meander through pristine boreal forests and along the banks of the mighty Lemmenjoki River. The 55-kilometer-long Lemmenjoki Trail offers a challenging trek through some of the park’s most scenic landscapes, passing by roaring waterfalls and tranquil wilderness huts.

The park is also home to a rich cultural heritage, with traces of Sámi settlements dating back thousands of years. Visitors can learn about traditional Sámi culture at the Sámi Museum Siida in nearby Inari, or embark on a guided tour to explore ancient Sámi rock paintings scattered throughout the park.

Conclusion

From the tranquil forests of Nuuksio to the rugged wilderness of Urho Kekkonen and the ancient Sámi culture of Lemmenjoki, Finland’s national parks offer a wealth of natural beauty and outdoor adventure. Whether you’re an avid hiker, wildlife enthusiast, or cultural explorer, these pristine wilderness areas are sure to leave a lasting impression on all who visit.

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A historical digression
After Finland was granted autonomy in 1812, it was decided to move the capital to Helsinki and rebuild it in a new style to raise the status of the former provincial city. In the main square, the old buildings and the church of St. Eleonora were torn down and the solemn St. Nicholas Cathedral was erected on a hillocky hill.

Construction dragged on for nearly 22 years, and architect Engel never lived to see its completion.
On either side of the Cathedral, the square was built up in the mid-19th century with the buildings of the Senate and University, followed by the National Library.

In 1894 a monument to Alexander II was erected in the middle of the square. Thanks to his reforms Finland gained autonomy and Finnish language was proclaimed the official language. After 1917, when the country gained its independence, the cathedral was renamed, and from 1959 it became a cathedral.

What to see
The main decoration of the square, the Cathedral with snow-white columns, crowned by a greenish dome and four towers in the corners, also ending in domes. On the pediments of porticoes facing four sides there are zinc figures of 12 apostles.

From the square a wide multistep staircase leads to the church, but the main entrance is on the left, therefore the crosses on the domes are turned not to the south, to the viewer, but to the western side.

On the stairs in good weather locals and many tourists like to gather and make appointments. On days when there are concerts or shows on the square the stairs serve as a kind of amphitheater for the audience.
In the center of the square there is a bronze statue of Alexander II, dressed in a military uniform. It is set on a granite pedestal, surrounded by allegorical figures of Peace, Labor, Light and Law. Since 2005, every day at 5:49 p.m., it has been possible to hear the square “singing”: a composition made up of the bells, the Cathedral organ and the chimes begins to play. It is best heard at the foot of the monument.

Every day, at 5:49 p.m. sharp, you can hear the square “sing.”
At the southern end of the square are the homes of wealthy 18th century merchants. In one of them, the house of Cederholm, there is a museum of merchant life, as well as periodic exhibitions.

Whoever is lucky enough to be on the square on December 13, will be able to watch the beautiful coronation ceremony of the Queen of Light, Lucia, who is chosen from 10 applicants. The queen, dressed in white and topped with a crown of burning candles, begins her solemn procession as she leaves the cathedral. This celebration dates back to the pagan traditions of the Normans.

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Kiasma museum expositions
There are 25 galleries with different profiles. In some of them you can see visual art, in others – video installations and photographs, in still others – avant-garde music and unusual architectural approaches to the space. The museum has both permanent and temporary exhibitions. The center’s excursion program is extremely varied and original: every week something is changed here.

At the entrance to the museum each visitor is provided with a personal electronic guide – a special multilingual audio device that tells everything.
There are 25 galleries of different kinds in Kiasma.

The huge building of the Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art was designed by an American architect. Externally it resembles the construction of the famous Finlandia Hall, but the concept of construction is much more intricate. It is believed that the design of the building is based on the regularities of the human body proportions, and that is why the spatial solutions of the internal premises are so unusual and original. The floors of the building are connected by curved staircases and wide ramps, and the halls themselves are framed with soft lines creating a feeling of comfort and freedom.

Inside the museum, there is a café, restaurant, library and small store. Outside, a small car and bicycle parking lot adjoins the building (by the way, there are usually many more bicycles than cars). The museum is also accessible to people with disabilities: the entrance, elevators and toilets are specially equipped for this. Note that persons with disabilities and their accompanying persons can visit the museum for free at any time.

Practical information
Kiasma Center for Contemporary Art is located in central Helsinki on Mannerheiminaukio, next to the monument to Marshal Mannerheim. The nearest public transport stop to the museum – Elielinaukio – serves almost all city bus routes. From the bus stop leads to the museum on Postikuja Street.

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Now Sveaborg is undoubtedly one of the brightest sights in Finland. On its territory there are several museums, architecture lovers may be interested in buildings belonging to different architectural traditions and styles, those interested in military affairs will find a huge variety of military equipment belonging to different stages of the existence of the fortress, and the fortress itself is amazingly beautiful, so that a simple walk through it will give you pleasure.

There is a prison in the fortress, where people convicted of petty offenses serve their sentences, and they are the ones who maintain the fortress in good shape.

How to get to Sveaborg
You can get to the fortress only by water, as it is located on an island located two kilometers from the city.

From the market square Kauppatori go ferries HKL, from one to four times an hour, depending on the season. The first ferry leaves there at 9 am and the last one back at 6 pm. You can buy ferry tickets at the river station and it’s about 5 EUR for a one-way trip.

From Kolera-allas, located near the market square, from May to September there are JT-Line river streetcars that make an extra stop near the Royal Gate. Tickets can be bought either at the pier or directly on board – also for 5 EUR one-way.

There is no public transport or bicycle rental in Sveaborg, so you better choose comfortable shoes for the trip.

Hotels in Sveaborg
If you do not want to go back to Helsinki in the evening, you can stay overnight in Sveaborg, especially for this purpose there is Hostel Suomelinna, located literally steps from the pier. However, it is worth noting that the living conditions, it is strongly inferior to the hotels located in the city. On the first floor of the hostel are rooms for 6, 8 and 10 people, on the second floor – double and triple rooms, and showers and toilets for all rooms are common for one floor. One night there will cost you 25 EUR if you choose to stay on the first floor and 55-90 EUR if you choose to stay on the second floor. Breakfast in the hostel also has to be paid separately – 7.90 EUR.

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