Helsinki For a Perfect Vacation
Helsinki is the capital of Finland, and has grown to be one of Europe’s most attractive holiday destinations for those looking for something a bit different. This ancient city has everything that a modern capital should, from its glowing history to contemporary art. People wrongly associate Scandinavia with bitter arctic conditions, eternal nights, and depression, when in reality it is one of the world’s undiscovered travel gems. With plenty to offer even the most well-seasoned traveler, it is no wonder that more and more people are setting their sights on Helsinki and travel to Finland
Helsinki’s History
The Finnish capital was founded in 1550 as a trading town, and it has continued its steady development as a trading giant. This is in part due to it’s centralized location, but is largely as a result of the ocean access. A monumental testament to the quality of the city itself is the fact that it hosted the 1952 Olympic Games. The city has shown no signs of slowing down, and despite its unusually late commercial development, it has become a European leader in terms of trade and culture.
Culture in Helsinki
Helsinki is home to some of the best museums and galleries in Finland. The National Museum is located in a castle here, which attracts many visitors when they travel to Finland,they are drawn to the medieval routes of the country. This museum houses a lot of national heritage pieces which showcase the Viking and Germanic battles of the past. Many visitors are attracted to this kind of history as it is so unique. For art lovers, the Athenaeum Art Museum also showcase similar work, which often portrays the landscape of the country and glorious battle victories.
Many visitors do not realize that Helsinki is a major music capital, particularly in the genre of death and black metal. Few countries can claim to have such dominance over a particular style of music, but all lovers of this genre agree that if this is your style, then Finland is the place to be. Indeed, the fact that Lord won the 2006 Eurovision Song Contest with their single “Hard Rock Hallelujah” is a testament to the nations love of this aggressive but wildly popular style. The underground music scene is at its most vibrant here, and hordes of dedicated metal fans make the pilgrimage here in order to immerse themselves in metal music. If this is a bit aggressive, Helsinki has also spawned more commercial bands like The Rasmus and Apocalyptica, so you are bound to find something that you like when you travel to Finland
If this is not your idea of a day well spent, then any number of the city’s three theatres is bound to entice you with a mixture of more traditional drama and local folklore. Finnish people are proud of their culture, and they are always more than willing to show you how they live their lives. If you can, try to be in Helsinki for Vappu, a carnival dedicated to students and city workers.
Accessing Helsinki
Helsinki is not as inaccessible as you may think, and there are ferries available from Germany and Poland. A train is being planned that will run from Helsinki to the Estonian capital Tallinn. Of course, you can also catch a flight from many other European capitals. The infrastructure is advanced and easy to navigate.
Helsinki is a city that is full of surprises, and a visit here will most definitely see you planning a return visit. Whether you are enjoying the simply beauty of Helsinki cathedral, exploring the surrounding wilderness, or enjoying a thrilling game of ice hockey, the unique culture, language and atmosphere of Helsinki is simply intoxicating.
This guest post was written by freelance writer Victoria. She is currently learning about kumon franchise opportunities.
Gregory Barr
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I’d love to come to Helsinki, too many brits just want hot holidays, but I’m just keen to see the world, whatever the temperature!
Ben » Your travel idea to visit Finland sounds great.You seem to be interested in comming to Helsinki during the winter time.The most eye-catching time is once the snow has fallen,which is anytime now in November lasting to March.The whole city of Helsinki transforms with a glow of moonlight on the white snow.The beautiful thing is,the snow remains soft with no slush
I hope you get to Visit Helsinki and participate in some of the excitinf Finnish wintewr events’
Greg