Helsinki Day Four - Return

A few quick shots from our return travel from Tallinn to Helsinki. Another beautiful day in Finland.

Location:Helsinki, Finland

Helsinki Day Four - Tallinn Sweets

Shopping is really good in Tallinn. The city is now on the Euro and the prices are lower than Helsinki. Sweaters, linen, and Russian items (dolls and boxes) are the main purchases here. Finnish locals bring back liquor and cases of beer. The hydrofoil even has a duty free shop.





Kaleo's martispan candy is not to be missed. These hand painted candies are amazing. They are sold by weight. Even if you don't like sweets - stop by to watch the artist painting these treats.

Location:Tallinn, Estonia

Helsinki Day Four - Tallinn

Good little eatery in Tallinn filled primarily with locals (students) for a quick bite of pizza.

Location:Tallinn, Estonia

Helsinki Day Four - Tallinn

A single day in Tallinn isn't really enough time to enjoy the town. Today (Monday) the museums are closed so our time was focussed on walking the cobblestone streets. We enjoyed the architecture, churches - and of course, shopping.

Location:Tallinn, Estonia

Helsinki Day Four - Tallinn

Plenty of churches dot the landscape in Tallinn's old town.

Location:Tallinn, Estonia

Helsinki Day Four- Tallinn

Tallinn's old town is a step back in time -back to Medieval Age. The town is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Large portions of the original protective wall still remain today along with cobblestone streets. It is a 5 minute walk from the small port where our hydrofoil landed.

Location:Tallinn, Estonia

Helsinki Day Four - Tallinn

Our ride from Helsinki to Tallinn, Estonia. About 1.5 hours port to port. This hydrofoil moves quickly across the Baltic Sea. The ship is very comfortable and equipped with service counter and bar. About 40 Euros roundtrip per person.

Location:Tallinn, Estonia

Helsinki Day Three - More Walking

We have been teasing Barbara for forgetting her pedometer and keeping account of our mileage. Today - we all have tired feet and less tread on our shoes. Still the weather is beautiful with sunny skies and cool breezes especially in the shade.






Old Church

Location:Helsinki, Finland

Helsinki Day Three - By Rail

The Railway station and Railway Square both buzz with activity as visitors and residents alike return to the city on Sunday. This place is an ant hill today and great for people watching.

Location:Helsinki, Finland

Helsinki Day Three - Religious Rock

The Church in the Rock or Temppeliaukio for all of you Finnish speakers, was built in 1969 and blasted from a huge piece of granite. The acoustics in this place are amazing.

Location:Helsinki, Finland

Helsinki Day Three - Sea Fortress

The Suomenlinna Sea Fortress was founded in 1748 when Sweden (yes, Swenden) wanted to fortify against Russia. It was inscribed into the World Heritage List (UNESCO) in 1991 to preserve an example of 18th century fortress. It surrendered to Russian siege in 1808 and was badly damaged during the Crimean War in 1855.

We grabbed tickets for the 15 minute ferry ride from Market Square over to the island. The Fortress is a nice outdoor excursion on a sunny (and cool) day. About 900 people live on Suomenlinna and the islands are dotted with museums, shops and restaurants.

Helsinki Day Two - Marathon

No. I am not running a marathon in Finland. I couldn't even if I wanted to try. I did however join the kickoff party on Senate square.

Location:Helsinki, Finland

Helsinki Day Two - Market Square

Market Square is a tourist destination spot on most days as ferries to many island locations start from here. On the weekend the local market fills will fresh produce and out numbers the trinket tents. Fresh seafood is sold off boats and from seaside tents.

Location:Helsinki, Finland

Helsinki Day Two - Cafe Bar No. 9

If you are looking for a good local spot for lunch - this place is it. If you are with friends - split up and grab a table while the others order food at the bar. This place is first come, first served - and luck rules. We happened on the last sidewalk table which was great - though short one chair until our server grabbed an extra from indoors.

Food is hardy fare. Portions are large. Flavors are rich and nicely done. Most menu items go for 9 Euros to match the name of the spot.

After feeding here - it is easy to understand why this spot is standing room only at meal time.





Bar No. 9, Helsinki, Finland - http://www.Bar9.net/




Goat Cheese Pasta




Grilled Chicken Salad

Location:Helsinki, Finland

Helsinki Day Two - St. John Church

St. John Church is the largest stone church in Finland and can seat about 2,400 people. The locals call it Johanneksen Kirkko - yes, more Finnish. The church is a stone throw from the Design Museum.

Location:Helsinki, Finland

Helsinki Day Two - Touring Around

Lazy start to the day two of touring around Helsinki and seeing the sights. We decided to buy a one day ticket for 7 Euros and 24 hours access to the entire system. After a quick ride on 3B/T - we jumped off in the Design District. The Design Museum hold an interesting collection of Finland's influence on industrial design. Museums in Helsinki are small. It is easy to complete a visit in less than 1 hour.





Design Museum, Helsinki





Helsinki Tram runs quietly around the city and outer areas.

Location:Helsinki, Finland