Before Christmas, I was finally able to make it to Helsinki! Although the weather did not really cooperate, it was still great to get away from Hameenlinna and do something fun. Ivi and I saw all the sights Helsinki had to offer minus this sea fortress called Suomenlinna because it was too cold and only open until 2 pm. At one time it was known as the greatest sea fortress in the Baltic. Maybe when it gets warmer! Here are the pictures from the trip:
One of the main shopping streets in Helsinki. It was really pretty with all the Christmas lights. However, neither Ivi or I were looking to shop, so we just walked past and window shopped.
Outside the Lutheran Church which is the unofficial symbol of Helsinki. It was built in 1852 and has the 12 apostles on the roof looking down on the world below.
Another one with the Lutheran Church, this time with the statue of the Russian czar Alexander II that is located in the front of church.
Inside the Lutheran Church. It was surprisingly plain compared to the other churches I have visited in Europe.
The Uspenski Church. It is the largest Orthodox church in Western Europe. This church was much more ornate inside!
This was easily the most unique church in Helsinki. It is called The Church in the Rock, and it is just that. From the outside, it looks like this big, dome rock (in fact Ivi and I walked all across the top of the church before finding the entrance.). It was really cool!
Ivi and I in front of the Sibelius Monument. It is a monument for composer Jean Sibelius designed by Eila Hiltunen that resembles organ pipes. It contains 600 pipes and weighs over 24 metric tons. It is hard to see in the dark and I wish we would have seen it during the day, but that is kinda hard when it gets dark by 3!
Located by the Sibelius Monument. I am assuming that the man is Jean Sibelius, but I am not sure.
Overall, of the far and few days off where were were able to do a little sight-seeing in Helsinki!
