Helsinki is a beautiful city which is expanding extremely quickly. It is located on the southernmost tip of Finland and neighbors the Gulf of Finland and the Baltic Sea. Helsinki is the capital of Finland and houses eight different universities and six huge technology parks. The commitment to technological development has meant that in recent years, Helsinki has been the Mecca for foreign companies wishing to locate in Finland.
Aside from the industry and technology, there are a multitude of things to see and do in Helsinki. Here are some of the best attractions to visit before you start on the long road home.
The National Museum of Finland
This beautiful and expansive museum details Finnish history from the Stone Age to the modern day. The unique quality of this museum is that it not only presents artifacts, but also documents the social and cultural changes which have occurred over the centuries. There are six permanent parts to the main exhibition at the museum which include the Treasure Troves collection. This collection shows tourists the jewelry, coins, medals, and decorations of ancient Finnish times and is well worth a visit. The museum has been open to the public for around one hundred years, but has been renovated several times in the meantime.
Seurasaari
This picturesque island is a district of Helsinki that has no permanent residents. It is composed mainly of forests and parks, and there are also beaches around the island. The Seurasaari Open-Air Museum can be found here which will be of interest if you want to experience a taste of some of the ancient culture of Finland. Many wooden buildings from all over the country of Finland have been brought here, and the log cabins fit in well with the peaceful scenic atmosphere. If sunbathing is on your agenda, there is a nudist beach on the island. Unlike many nudist beaches, the area is sectioned for either men or women, and contains no mixed sections.
Kaivopuisto
Kaivopuisto is one of the best known and oldest parks Helsinki has to offer. It is located fairly centrally, and has around five hundred permanent residents. One of the reasons Kaivopuisto is so popular for the Finnish people and tourists alike is because it offers such diversity. There are many acres of flat ground, a host of cliffs, and there is also a nightclub and restaurant within the same area. The park is popular for sunbathers and picnickers, as well as playing host to a range of sports. If you have a family, or just fancy a stroll or bike ride through an interesting area, Kaivopuisto will be a place you will want to enjoy.
There are many other activities on offer in Helsinki because of the close proximity of the Baltic Sea. You can go out on organized ferry rides, visit the amusement park, or take a stroll around the local zoo. If safety is your issue you have no need to be concerned; Helsinki has been deemed the second safest city in the world.
