Time in Helsinki

[alan_simpson]

I have to go to Helsinki for a some business meetings in mid-October. I've

never been there before and I'm going to add a couple of days to the trip to

look round the city and take photographs. So my question is, what would those

of you who have visited Helsinki, or who live there, suggest I go see?

 

I'll have about three hours of daylight on a Wednesday afternoon (plus the

evening), then all day the following Saturday. I'll be travelling light, just

my Epson R-D1 and probably a 28mm and 50mm lens, no tripod. I tend to favour

old locations with 'atmosphere' or, by contrast, ultra-modern buildings as

subjects. All suggestions would be most welcome.

 

Many thanks,

 

Alan

[kai_griffin]

Suomenlinna (reached by small ferry from the main harbour) is a fortress island / old shipbuilding yard with "older atmosphere".<p>

 

Here is some info: <a href="http://www.suomenlinna.fi/index.php?menuid=3&lang=eng">Suomenlinna info</a><p>

 

On your spare Saturday, from many possibilities, I'd suggest considering a short trip to Porvoo, a little to the east of Helsinki.<p>Here is some info: <a href="http://demo.emedia.fi/index.php?cid=porvoonmatkailu&mid=353">Porvoo Website</a><p><br>Cheers<br>Kai

[stephen_bay]

<p>

The city is very photogenic and has a lot of interesting architecture, both old and new. I

would suggest when you arrive you pick up some of the free tourist guidebooks offered by

the city. I found these to be excellent and they typically had a number of "walks" that you

could do to see most of the important sites.

 

<p> Helsinki has many older buildings (~19th century) such as <a href="http://

bayimages.net/helsinki/cathedrals/i3064.html">Uspensky Cathedral</a>, <a

href="http://bayimages.net/helsinki/cathedrals/i417.html">Helsinki Cathedral</a>, or

the presidential palace. I'm not sure if these meet your definition of 'atmosphere' -- the

buildings typically have a very clean feel to them.

 

<p>

There's not much in the way of modern architecture, but you could try visiting <a

href="http://bayimages.net/helsinki/buildings-and-architecture/i402.html">Kiasma</a>

or <a href="http://bayimages.net/helsinki/buildings-and-architecture/

i327.html">Olympic Stadium Tower</a>.

[gungajim]

There is a colorful market down by the waterfront. As I recall the Uspensky is nearby. They break down the market by mid afternoon so an early morning visit is probably best.

[johnw436]

One thing to consider for a trip to Finland is the people. You will find most Fins are very reserved and very protective of their personal space. Whilst one might walk up to someone and snap a picture of them in many parts of the world, this could quite possibly be taken as extrememly rude in Finland.

 

Riding the bus in Finland is an exercise in studied silence and stillness. It can be a bit unnerving if you are used to hustle and bustle. Put simply, they aren't chatty. That is not to be confused with unfriendliness.

 

I found in my time there that the people are very friendly in casual situations, but you must kindly initiate any conversation. I had no problems taking photos of anyone- but in all cases I politely asked beforehand.