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Visiting Helsinki
Do take the time to visit Finland’s capital Helsinki. The sea, islands, the sound of ship’s horns, marinas, the fish market and wonderful seafood all shape Helsinki’s character. For me the great charm of Helsinki lies in the outlying islands dotting the sea around the city, some connected by bridges to the mainland, some a short ferry ride away. Korkeasaari houses the Helsinki City Zoo and was a big hit with our girls, Seurasaari has beautiful forest walks and an outdoor museum of rural buildings from all over Finland, some dating from the 17th and 18th Century. The reader will have guessed by now that Saari is the Finnish word for island! Walking is also a delight in Helsinki, a city small enough to really enjoy on foot. Strolling along Esplanadi to Market Square you come to the charming and historic Kappeli restaurant, in the summertime crowded with Finns and the equal of any Paris Café. On a warm summer’s day with the lime trees in bloom, few pleasures in life are so relaxing as to sit on the Kappeli terrace or outside on a park bench and listen to classical music (perhaps Sibelius!) from the nearby bandstand.
Accommodation in Helsinki ranges from the first class (The recently re-furbished Hotel Kamp on Esplanadi being particularly splendid), through a wide choice of tourist and business class hotels. For our stay, with small children, we found a serviced flat with a good sized bedroom, living room and kitchen more convenient and no more expensive than a standard four star hotel.
There are plenty of activities and places to visit around Helsinki. Both our girls were keen to visit Moominworld located by the sea in the small town of Naantali about two hours drive west of Helsinki on good roads. This makes a wonderful day out for children of all ages, the Moomin trolls are a part of the charming Finnish fairytales loved by children from all over the world. Delightfully innocent and without the hype of Disneyworld, children can meet all the characters from Tove Jansson’s books.
If beautiful natural scenery, tranquil forests, wild flowers, endless summer days and empty roads appeal then think about Finland for your next summer holiday off the beaten track.
Need to know
Getting there: Best flight deals are with Ryanair. They operate flights from Stansted to Tampere one hour north of Helsinki. Visit www.ryanair.co.uk and do use the brilliant Flight checker to find the cheapest seats
Getting around: Public transport is excellent in and around Helsinki but a car is essential whilst staying at your cottage. We rented a car through Europcar who can also arrange child seats.
Where to stay: Finnish Summer Cottage holidays and Helsinki apartments can be booked through: Lomarengas Oy, Hämeentie 105D, 4th floor, FIN-00550 Helsinki. Finland. Tel. +358-9-5766 3350, Fax +358-9-5766 3355. Web site: www.lomarengas.fi
Prices range from about £350 to £750 per cottage per week. Helsinki apartments are available from about £65:00 per night.
Reading: Lonely Planet:Finland and lot’s of useful links on the web at: www.suomi-finland.co.uk/info/