Time for a relaxing trip!

Now that all the countries are easing travel restrictions, we all have found ourselves thinking of where to go for our first trip after the pandemic. Or at least, while it is less dangerous than it was before.

The top destinations are probably the most sunny ones. Vitamin “sea” is much needed these days and long sandy beaches and fruit cocktail at sunset seem to be what everyone needs to feel free again. However, today I am going to be bringing you somewhere else, even though the sea is still a main character here. Consider this article a sort of a tip and inspiration for a quick (or not) trip to the North.

Helsinki, Finland

They call it the “Pearl of the Baltic Sea” and it is the capital city of Finland. It is situated in the southern part of the country and has a population of 658,864. Its area consists of around 330 islands with lush green forests and coastal nature.

Let’s get on a plane now. You can find different flights options from anywhere in Europe with airline companies such as Ryanair, SAS or the local one, Finnair. The atmosphere at the Vantaa Airport is so modern, minimal and just so Scandinavian. From here, you can reach Helsinki’s Central Railway Station with a bus in half an hour.

The buildings and streets are so majestic, everything looks a bit haughty and cold-harted but it is only a front. You will be surprised by how warm, generous and friendly this place actually is. A few days are not enough to visit everything there is and to fully enjoy the local life, this is why we are going to talk about the main attractions one cannot miss at all.

The Churches

We will start from the churches; beautiful architectural wonders that stand out in many areas of the city with their completely different styles.

“Tuomiokirko” is the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran cathedral of the Diocese of Helsinki and it located in the Senate Square. It resembles the Pantheon in Paris for its shape but still has a unique personality with its bright white walls and green cupolas emblazoned with golden stars. It the most visited of the city and the whole country.

Tuomiokirkko, Lutheran Cathedral

Another beauty is the “Uspenski” Cathedral, which is the Orthodox one. It stands on the Katajanokka peninsula and is the largest Orthodox church in Western Europe. It clearly has a Russian style with golden cupolas and a redbrick facade.

Uspenski Orthodox Cathedral

Another church that is worth visiting is the “Temppeliaukion Kirkko”. It as also called Church of the Rock as it was excavated and built directly out of solid rock. It is situated in the Töölö neighborhood, right in the center of Helsinki. Here, many concerts are frequently held due to its excellent acoustics created by the rough, virtually unworked rock surfaces.

Temppeliaukion Kirkko