Hidden gem in very central, old Helsinki. Basic coffee and pastry, but the area is worth the visit…read more Located in an old, old hospital on a beautiful site that has been in a middle of controversy. Due to its prime location, developers have been eyeing the area to use for new construction projects. Luckily the history so far has been preserved and the area is developing while conserving the history and cultural values.

Elias Lönnrot (1802-1884) was the professor of Finnish language and literature at the University of…read moreHelsinki in 1853-1862 and played a key role in developing Finnish, improving its status in the 19th century. The memorial is by Emil Wikström and was unveiled in 1902. It depicts Lönnrot on one of his folklore-collecting journeys. On Lönnrot's left is Väinämönen, the symbol of `Kalevala's' epic and magic verses, rising from the head of Vipunen, represented in bas-relief. On the right is Impi, symbolising the lyric poems and songs of 'Kalevala' and 'Kanteletar'. The front of the pedestal contains Lönnrot's name and the text: "Sain sanat salasta ilmi, Kalevala" (The words I laid open, Kalevala). [Review 10073 overall, 1658 of 2018.]

This bronze statue of Zachris Topelius (1818-1898) has the author sitting on a bench and surrounded…read moreby a group of cheerful children who appear eager to learn from the storyteller. Topelius was one of the earliest Finnish novelists. The theme of his stories was the long-standing power struggle of nobility and peasants which promoted the freedom of society. As well, he was a journalist, writing a lot about women and children. [Review 10090 overall, 1676 of 2018.]

This statue along the esplanade is to Johan Ludvig Runeberg, the Finnish national poet (1804-1877)…read more Runeberg is depicted wearing a priest's coat. His right arm is resting on his chest with the thumb underneath the coat as if he is about to begin a speech. He was the author of the lyrics to Vårt land (Our Land) that became the Finnish National Anthem. He was also involved in the modernization of the Finnish Lutheran hymnal. It is worth noting that the granite pedestal has a statue of the Maiden of Finland, wrapped in a bearskin and in her left hand is holding a tabled with the words of the Finnish national anthem in Swedish. In her right hand, a laurel wreath. [Review 10071 overall, 1656 of 2018.]

Juho Kusti Paasikivi (1870-1956) was elected president of Finland in 1946 after serving as the…read morecountry's second Prime Minister and as Chairman of the Senate of Finland. He was the seventh President and served until his passing in 1956. According to articles, he is remembered as a main architect of Finland's foreign policy after the Second World War. I found the monument just outside the Kampin metroasema in the large plaza. The monument comprises two black granite stones and a pedestal in which Paasikivi's famous utterance "Acknowledging the truth is the beginning of wisdom" ("Tosiasioiden tunnustaminen on viisauden alku") has been inscribed. The sculpture's height is 5.5 metres and it weighs 40,000 kilos. "East and West" derives its aesthetic force from the massive stones which have been polished and shaped to give an appearance of lightness. [Review 10056 overall, 1641 of 2018.]

I could not feel more lucky for coincidentally landing in Helsinki for Design Week. My passion for…read moreurban planning and my husband's love for design were a match made in heaven for this festival that brings architects and designers from around the world and showcases one of Scandinavia's strongest suits: design. We didn't have a chance to pop into any of the panel discussions or conference spaces but we were able to encounter four of the temporary installations housed on downtown sidewalks and pedestrian corridors. Our favorite, by far, was a three story urban housing structure created to fit in one parking space. Brain juices for a mini house in our own backyard are definitely flowing at moment... It appears that a fair share of the events and installations are free and open to the public with at least five options per day. I was impressed on their variety of "design" approaches including topics like youth and food waste solutions. The website is well organized and easy to navigate. Happy learning!

This area is a shopping area...but it has a great view of the transportation system, beautiful…read morearchitecture, and yummy little cafes to pick from. It's a busy area...so be on your guard for pickpockets. It's still a great place to take pics and see Finland!!!

In the heart of Helsinki this mall has everything. You can find stores, restaurants, groceries, the…read morebus station within it's walls. I love staying at scandic simonkentta because the elevators lead into kamppi and it's a great place to shop or eat. You have coffee shops, restaurants. Bookstores, luggage stores, grocery stores, department store, clothing stores, bars. Happy yelping mi amigos!

Glims Farmstead Museum is a lovely place, especially in summer and Christmas time. It's mostly…read moreabout rural 19th century Finland but has also temporary exhibitions. In summertime they have different handicraft demonstrations and guidings almost every day and there are sheep and hen you can meet. It's nice to visit any time of the year, but November-December the main building has 19th century Christmas decorations and they tell about traditional Finnish Christmas. The personnel is extremely helpful and enthusiasted and know their stuff - ask them anything about their subject and they will answer! They have a nice museum shop, if you're searching for gifts. There is also a small and cosy cafe which has excellent pullas (sweet buns).