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Helsinki, Finland......the sun of midnight

Pohjoissatama......one of the marinas on the east of Helsinki city
This post will introduce you to one of the important Scandinavian cities, Helsinki. I visited this city for work trip, and it was in the summer season, so the sun light time was almost 23 hours with only 1 hour of night. This is due to the location of the city which is so close to the north pole. Although it was summer, the temperature was very pleasant around 10 to 20 degree celcius. 

Helsinki or Helsingfors in Swedish is the capital and largest city of Finland. It is located in south of Finland and open to the arm of the Baltic Sea. Helsinki urban area includes the city proper of Helsinki and large parts of other municipalities: Espoo and Vantaa, which immediately border Helsinki to the west and north, respectively; and Kauniainen, which is an enclave within the municipality of Espoo.

Helsinki Kathedrale.....the cathedral of Helsinki
The Senate Square...... Helsinki cathedral, university and the trams
Around 1.3 million habitants in the metropolitan area of Helsinki. The Finnish is also known as the Soumi people. Helsinki is Finland's major political, educational, financial, cultural and research centre as well as one of northern Europe's major cities. As other Scandinavian cities, living cost can be quite expensive this include hotel and transportation. Just get the travelling pass at the main transportation hub near the central train station. The city is extensively covered by the trams or train system that are PUNCTUAL!.

Usbenski kathedrale.......the Orthodox Russian Cathedral
The nearby city of Vantaa is the location of Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, with frequent service to various destinations in Europe and Asia. The most common access is with the Royal Dutch KLM airline. 

The National Museum of Finland
The entrance of the National Museum
The cityscape of neoclassical buildings surrounding the new city centre was designed by CL Engel. The focal point of the city is the Senate Square. It is surrounded by the Government Palace, the main building of Helsinki University and the enormous Cathedral. Helsinki is, however, more famous for the Art Nouveau style of buildings of the romantic nationalism, a good example of the architectural masterpiece was the Helsinki central railway station.

Parlament.....the parliament house of Finland 
The Market Square and The Finnish National Theater
Interesting islands to visit in Helsinki include Seurasaari, Lauttasaari and Korkeasaari – the latter most being the site of the country's biggest zoo. The living museum of the Soumi People is located at Seurasaari, which can be reach by bus from the city centre. Most of the museums and galleries are free on admission.

Seurasaari.......the Soumi Living museum on an island
Myself on the bridge between the entrance of Seurasaari and one of the houses on the island
Other significant islands are the fortress island of Suomenlinna and the military island of Santahamina. To go to the island of Suomenlinna, take the public boat at the market square. I personally think this is a must visit place in Helsinki. The market square also is a good place to try the local foods and souvenirs. 

Suomenlinna....the fortress defending Finland from the Russian


All photos were captured between 5 pm to 1 am in the night sun of summer. Next entry will be on Manila, The Phillipines.


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