Two days in Helsinki

We park at one of the many park-and-ride lots and take the train to the central station. From there, we head straight for the harbor, which is said to be especially beautiful. Along the way, we probably pass quite a few sights – but there’s construction almost everywhere, and the atmosphere is busy and noisy.

Once at the harbor, we stroll along the promenade, admire the old wooden boats, and eventually stumble upon a small Asian fusion restaurant tucked away in a side street – an absolute gem, as it turns out.

Well-fed and happy, we wander past the market, where you can buy just about anything – from street food to hand-knit sauna hats. In a souvenir shop, I find a Moomin cap and feel like a little kid. For Frank, we get socks – since he originally only packed for motorcycle riding, his wardrobe is running a bit thin.

We arrive too late for an inside visit to the Temppeliaukio Church – carved directly into the granite rock – so we make our way back to the campsite. Tomorrow, we’ll switch to a city camping spot.

Day 2 in Helsinki – Suomenlinna

After settling into our new camp on the outskirts of Helsinki, we hop back on the train into the city. Today we get off a bit earlier and head straight to the harbor, where the ferry to Suomenlinna departs.

The Suomenlinna Sea Fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built over the course of three centuries. It has served in three different eras – as a defense for Sweden, Russia, and finally Finland. Today, it’s a unique residential area and a popular visitor destination.

With no particular plan, we wander across the islands, linked by small bridges, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. Even though the ferry was crowded and runs every 15 minutes, the islands feel peaceful and spacious. By the time we’re sitting on a bench watching the boats go by, we both feel that it’s been a very good day.