Day 33: Fri 11 Aug: Helsinki

Start time: 8:30am
Stop time: 4:25pm
Weather: thickish fog till about 1pm then a lovely fine, sunny day 15 to 22deg

A very nice breakfast buffet was laid on this morning and we were in no rush so it was extra good. Mick, Kate Wendy and Greg headed out at 8:30am for a wander around the city. Easy place to get around at that time due to the Scandinavian habit of starting the day late. Walked past the Central Station and the Cathedral before we ended up at the Quay. The fog in the harbour was fairly thick so the big ships were using their foghorns extensively, which was sort of eerie in the early morning atmosphere of the Quay. The Markets on the waterfront were open early but we didn't need anything so they didn't benefit from our arrival. 

We killed a bit of time looking at the heated swimming pool and the cruise ship parked nearby. It was then time to hunt down our ferry to an island fortress in the harbour. We sailed off to Suomenlinna, a UNESCO World Heritage group of islands with a fascinating history dating back to the 18th century. The history of the fortress is interwoven with the history of Finland so it was interesting to hear about both. Finland is not a country we had heard a lot about in our history lessons as youngsters so a great deal of what we learnt today was new. Like most of Europe it has had its share of conflict, both internal and external, over the years. Of course, today you wouldn't find a more harmonious and peaceful country. 

We had just one more Museum left in us for the day so when we got off the return ferry we headed for the National Museum of Finland, while the others hit the shops for kids / grandkids shopping. We just made it through the National Museum when we exceeded our daily allowance for museums and had to make an emergency exit. It was a close call. 

We just had time to return to the hotel shower and change for pre-dinner drinks and make our way to dinner at the best little restaurant in town, Cafe Bar No 9. Ken and Maree’s choice and they were not able to book, rather just turn up and chance it.  So, that we did and were almost turned away.  We got a table after a very tense few minutes and all had very good meals at very good prices.


Helsinki Cathedral

Early morning at Helsinki


A monument to King Alexander II


A cheely bird  has learned how to open the pod to get to the peas

Uspenski Cathedral through the fog

Uspenski Cathedral 

One of the many guns on the fort at Suomenlinna

Suomenlinna, interesting place to have a loo


Helsinki Central Train Staion




Lovely fresh fruit and vege at the Quay markets


Off to Suomenlinna

Cruise ship in the thick fog

Three cruise ships in port at the same time

Suomenlinna

An interesting cannon and chain "fence" at the church at Suomenlinna

Memorial to the Finn who was the driving force to have Suomenlinna built

Impressive fortress walls on Suomenlinna

The King's gate on the fort

A WWII sub on Suomenlinna


Suomenlinna in summer (above) and winter (below)


Gotta stop and smell the geraniums occasionally

One of the many bridges joining up the islands

On the ferry heading back to the mainland: Wendy, Kate, Mick, Maree, Ken

Cute cottage on an island in the harbour

The fog finally lifted

Sculpture outside the National Music Centre

The Finns come out in their droves when the sun shines

Imposing figure

A macabre display at the National Museum

Fine dining, 18th century style

The Royal Throne


On our walk to dinner

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