I do believe I’ve finally reached the end of my posts about Helsinki last May! This last one is about my boat trip around the bay and the islands. I said a couple of posts ago that I like to see a city from the water. If a boat trip it possible, I will almost … More A freezing summer’s boat trip around Helsinki
If you don’t know, I’m something of an enthusiast of ecclesiastical architecture. Well, I’m a fan of Norman and Gothic. St Paul’s leaves me cold and while I appreciated its Gothic grandeur, Truro Cathedral was disappointing in that it was brick and only a little over a century old. So I stopped by three churches … More Three churches in Helsinki
Here we are with another catching-up post from last summer’s trip to Helsinki and today I’m taking you with me on the blue-tinted SkyWheel. Every capital worth its title has a big wheel and Helsinki is no exception. I seem to remember making that note right back in 2014, when I had an evening in … More Helsinki’s SkyWheel – because every capital needs a big wheel
My parents have a habit, when they go to a new place, of going to the zoo. I’ve been known to do it too. For the record, Perm Zoo is terrible, one of those old-fashioned “all the animals are in concrete cages” zoos. Tallinn Zoo, a few years ago, clearly meant well but needed a … More Korkeasaari, the zoo on an island
It dawned on me that although I thought I’d finished with my trip to Helsinki back in May (give or take the videos; they’ll be making an appearance in some format or other in 2024!), I actually hadn’t, by a long way. I’ve still got plenty to say and first up is Suomenlinna, a tourist … More Why you should spend an evening on Suomenlinna
Yes, I’m stretching the definition of “a long weekend” a bit. A month ago, I had about four days in Helsinki and so I thought I’d tidy up what I did and turn it into an itinerary to give you an idea of how to spend a few days in Helsinki in the summer. Mine … More A long summer weekend in Helsinki itinerary
I have a film camera. You may already know this – I did Russia on Film a couple of years ago and I’m genuinely surprised I didn’t do Rome on Film, since I took photos there. Long story short, I found three ancient rolls of film, bought a camera on eBay and snapped away. Actually, … More Helsinki on film
What’s more Finnish than a sauna? I’ve given this question a little consideration and I can’t think of anything more Finnish. I’m a bit of a fan of some spa and wellness and so went I went to test out my newfound language skills, of course I also wanted to try out a proper Finnish … More Löyly: a traditional Finnish sauna experience (for tourists)
I was last in Helsinki eight and a half years ago – and then only for a single evening – and things have changed a little since then. First, there’s now a nice easy train between the airport and the city centre. Second, there’s a floating geothermal pool in the harbour. Did I hear the … More Geothermal bathing in Helsinki at Allas Sea Pool
The week before I went to Helsinki, I saw that line as the title of a piece about Iceland, which is actually about Hvammsvik Hot Springs, which I discovered in February and adore. But with plans to go to Helsinki just four days away, the phrase “holistic & healing” jumped right out at me. I … More Helsinki is the holistic, healing holiday destination you’ll never forget
I Am A Polar Bear 