High Speed - Low Speed

Today is dedicated to Helsinki. At -17° (I have 3 pairs of socks on!) we start near our campsite at high speed, namely by subway. The journey to the center takes 20 minutes. We begin our sightseeing tour at low speed at the main train station, which is a beautiful example of neoclassical architecture. Then there are many kilometers on foot, always on snow: first to the cathedral, which stands on a hill (a rarity here!). Two children use the snow-covered steps leading to the church as the only slide in this busy city. After the steps look a little out of the snow, they rumble over them and shout “Ouch” with every step 😁. Then we head to the harbor where there is a heated swimming pool that is very busy and where people walk around in the snow in swimwear. They're crazy - the Finns! Then to the market hall with cozy cafes and shops with a great selection of salmon (quite expensive, but appetizing). The Uspenski Cathedral is a beautiful Finnish Orthodox church that is well heated and therefore inviting to linger. We continue to the Design Museum, which disappointed us a little, and then to the Architecture Museum, where an exhibition about garden architecture is currently running, which gives quite interesting insights into garden design around the globe.

In between there is also a refreshment with coffee and cake (capuccino 4.50, cake 5€: Finland is not a cheap country!).

On the way to the subway, we pay attention to the architecture of the city, which is characterized by neoclassicism and Art Nouveau, but also has many interesting new buildings.

Back in the camper we have a hearty dinner and look forward to the handball game between Austria and Germany, which we will watch in the campsite's communal kitchen (unfortunately there is no WiFi anywhere else).

Tomorrow there is another day in Helsinki and then we continue north.