Helsinki, Finland

 

We arrived this morning early in Helsinki the Capital of Finland. A city on the water surrounded by small rocky islands. It is a very green city, with classical architecture. Finland became independent from Russia in 1917. A country with a population of 5.3 million people in a vast northern territory.

Presidential Palace once prior to 1917 was the residence of Tsar Nicholas II.

We are stopped here for a few hours, we took the opportunity to visit the downtown core with its Lutheran and Russian Orthodox Cathedrals, the Presidential Palace, the Central bank building and Parliament all located within a few blocks of each other. The market area is just off the docks where all the cruise ships arrive. We made a few purchases, tempted to buy vacuum packed smoked ell and herring for our friends back home as gifts, an unusual sort of gift.

Russian Orthodox Cathedral

Helsinki appears as a quiet city, it has in its architecture, the look of Russian classic city planning of the late 19 or early 20^th century. Our stay is too short to give us a better appreciation for it all but I am happy to say we came and were able to walk around on a sunny day.

Parliament of Finland

Fountain on the Esplanade, Lady and the Seals.

Helpful sign on the dock.

Tomorrow is the highlight of this cruise St-Petersburg, Russia. The old Imperial Capital of Russia in the happy days prior to 1917. Much restored since 2001 for the greater enjoyment of visitors. 

Harbor of Helsinki.