Helsinki, Finland

Answer 1

Helsinki is Finland’s largest city as well as its capital. Helsinki embraces the Gulf of Finland, near the Baltic Sea. Founded in 1550, Helsinki spans across several bays, peninsulas and islands. Families enjoy Helsinki because of numerous outdoor adventures such as the fortress on the island of Suomenlinna (UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the biggest zoo in Finland which is found on the island of Korkeasaari.

Built in 1748, Suomenlinna is one of the world’s largest maritime fortresses and has become one of Finland’s most popular tourist destinations. Families enjoy exploring the tunnels on Suomenlinna, some of which are so long that flashlights are needed. Children will enjoy finding some of the 100 cannons and cannon barrels that are located around Suomenlinna as well as seeing the Vesikko Submarine. Finish off an exciting day at the Suomenlinna Toy Museum where children can see toys from the past as well as enjoy a piece of Suomenlinna Chocolate Cake.

Families can trek from tundra to tropical rainforest in one afternoon at the Helsinki Zoo on the island of Korkeasaari. Walk through an Amazonian rainforest where parakeets fly and monkeys chatter, stroll through an African desert where lizards soak up the sun, see a bright green snake in the jungles of Indonesia before heading over to the Arctic. Here visitors can see snowy owls, musk ox, Amur tigers and lynxes. Enjoy a cliff-side picnic before heading to Australia where guests are greeted by emu and red wallabies. Europe is closer than one thinks when in a zoo. View wolverines, forest reindeer and European otter before trekking back to Asia where red pandas, Asian lions and camels rule the roost.

Arts in Helsinki appear in the forms of theatres, museums and galleries. The Finnish National Theatre was founded in 1872 and is a privately owned institution. Ancient and modern world classics are the theatres regular venue. Visitors can view productions such as Le Misanthrope, Bride of Christ and The Glass Menagerie. Often, there are performances that children would enjoy as well, such as The Jungle Book.

The Sinebrychoff Art Museum is divided into time periods like “16th and 17th Century, Italy”, where visitors can view painting from Jacob Vignali and Jusepe de Ribera. Children, however, prefer the Children’s Museum where mammoths and guinea pigs tell tales about animals in Helsinki throughout the centuries.

Dining in Helsinki can be a family affair at Omenapuu. This family-friendly restaurant has a diverse menu, a casual atmosphere, is reasonably priced and has a play area for kids. From burgers to reindeer fillet to a medley of pizzas, this restaurant suits everyone. Finnish cuisine is made of fresh ingredients that follow the seasons. Winter is a good time to try Runeberg tarts, spring brings perch and whitefish, herring and root vegetables are great in summer and hare and goose dishes arrive in the fall. Leave room for delicacies like Cloudberry Mousse, Lingonberry Cake and Quark with Berries.

Other attractions in Helsinki include Linnanmaki Amusement Park, the Swimming Stadium and Helsinki Sea Life.

Answer 2

Helsinki, Finland is a culturally diverse metropolitan city that is home to more than half a million people. The Finnish capital is located on the Baltic Sea and serves as a commercial hub for surrounding regions. The Port of Helsinki is a busy cargo and passenger port that connects the city to Stockholm and many other Nordic destinations.

Helsinki is home to a quarter of Finland’s population. Cultural festivals, museums and tours highlight the rich heritage and natural surroundings of the area. The cosmopolitan region features many open parks and beautiful historic architecture. One of the prominent and well-known neoclassical buildings is the Helsinki Cathedral, visited by over 350,000 visitors each year. Another popular historic location is the sea fortress of Suomenlinna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built across six islands.

Coastal scenery and seaside views make the city of Helsinki a picturesque tourist destination. It is a modern and active Northern European city full of cultural tradition.