Gateway to Scandinavia, the Baltics and Russia
Whether you plan on heading north to explore Scandinavia, south to visit the Baltic States or southeast to visit Russia, Helsinki is a great starting point for your trip. The Helsinki Airport makes it a major transportation hub for the region and with convenient bus service from the airport to the Helsinki city center just 9 miles away (30 minutes, 4.5 Euros), visitors should definitely set aside a few days to explore this beautiful city. From the modern bus terminal at the Kamppi Center in the city, you can choose from an array of side trips outside Helsinki, such as the day trip I took to the medieval town of Porvoo 30 miles east. If you’re heading on to St. Petersburg, Russia I recommend the comfortable, albeit expensive Allegro Train for the three and a half hour ride. Customs and other border formalities, such as passport and visa checks are conveniently carried out on board the Allegro Train by friendly, efficient customs officers. Helsinki is also a major stop for cruise ships plying the waters of the Baltic Sea, many of which can be seen moored in the harbor.
What to See and Do in Helsinki
Much more than just a gateway city, Helsinki, Finland is a popular destination in itself. Despite being the capital and largest city in Finland, Helsinki is very walkable for reasonably fit travelers, especially if you divide your forays into different regions, explored over several days. Some of the main sights include the Finnish National Opera, the Sibelius Monument, the Parliament House, and the Olympic Stadium, site of the 1952 Summer Olympics. You will not want to miss the unique and spectacular Temppeliaukio Church or Church of the Rock in the same region. The city has many other churches worth visiting, including St. John’s Church, Mikael Agricola Church, Helsinki Cathedral and Uspenski Cathedral. During your walking tour of Helsinki be sure to stop and enjoy the many architecturally interesting homes and buildings along the way. One of my favorites is the glass Palm House arboretum built in 1889 in the University of Helsinki Botanical Gardens. Finally, be sure to set aside several hours to take the ferry (5 Euros round trip) to Suomenlinna Sveaborg, a park-like fortress covering six islands off the coast, which is also designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Rivoli Jardin Hotel, A Great Place to Stay
Located just a short walk from the Central Railway Station where the airport bus lets you off, the Rivoli Jardin Hotel was the ideal place to stay for my three day sojourn in Helsinki. The full buffet breakfast was one of the finest spreads I have ever had the pleasure of enjoying in my travels. Since Helsinki is known as one of the most expensive cities in the world, I was not surprised that my hotel costs came in over my usual budget. My average nightly charge was $137.00. For that I got a clean, comfortable, safe room, a great location and a friendly, helpful front desk staff. The Rivoli Jardin is located just a few blocks from the Helsinki Esplanade and the center of town and has a convenient market almost right across the street. The Rivoli Jardin Hotel met all my criteria for an Awesome Accommodation and I can highly recommend it for your next visit to Helsiki, Finland.
