A Day in Helsinki

After our crossing from Tallinn, we had a night and day in Helsinki. Not enough time to really explore a city, but enough time to explore a bit, see some of the highlights and get a taste. We stayed at the Scandic Continental Hotel - another hotel rather swankier than where we usually stay!

The hotel is on the shores of Toolonlahti Lake, pictured above. Further down the shore is Finlandia Hall, home of the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra (silhouetted in the photo). It is named in honour of Finnish composer Jean Sibelius' famous composition. Incidentally, the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra presented from 1892 until 1923 the first performances of almost all the symphonic works by Sibelius, with the composer himself conducting.

For the rest of our day in Helsinki, we simply explored on foot, taking in the city.

Undoubtedly for us, a highlight was the Design District, and area packed with fascinating galleries and shops full of Finnish design pieces. Design Forum Finland (a coop for designers) underlined the diversity, with some of the most beautiful jewelery and vases we have ever seen (and prices to match), through to a display of the 'most ergonomic scissors in the world'.

And up next, I will load another photo essay - just a few highlights from Helsinki.

Shane