Tourist attractions

Suomenlinna Fortress: One of the world's most massive sea fortresses, the 18th-century fort on Suomenlinna is a 15-minute ferry ride from Helsinki's Market Square (a mini-cruise that has lovely views of the city as a bonus attraction). Once here, you could easily spend an entire day with its sights and activities. The enormous fortifications, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, were built in 1847 by the Swedes (Finland was Swedish territory then). this magnificent castle was built scare off the Russians, but they weren't scared and later took over both the fort and Finland. The audio-visual experience (in the visitor center (it's in English)) is a great way to start off with some lively history, then explore it's ramparts, tunnels, and museums and walk the trails around the beautiful island. Or sign up for a guided walk to learn more about the fort, and it's various attractions, including the 250-ton Vesikko submarine, used by the Finnish Navy from 1936 until the end of World War II. The Ehrensvärd Museum illustrates the earliest Swedish period, and the Doll and Toy Museum displays dolls, dollhouses, and toys from an old Russian villa. There are various buildings that house studios, shops of glassblowers, potters, and other craftsmen, and in the summer, you can stay for evening dance and some musical performances of the Suomenlinna Summer Theatre.

Helsinki Churches: Three of the top places to visit in Helsinki are churches, two of them cathedrals and the third a landmark of modern architecture. Uspenski Orthodox Cathedral rises dramatically above the east side of the harbor, it's 13 green-topped spires ending in gold cupolas. This is western Europe's largest Orthodox church, it's interior glowing with gold, icons, crosses, altars, and beautifully decorated arches. The cathedral serves Helsinki's large Russian population, and visitors are always welcome. On the hill directly behind the harbor and an equally visible landmark to those approaching Helsinki by sea, the enormous Neoclassical Lutheran Cathedral is so close and so large that it appears to be standing on the roofs of the harbor-front buildings. The tall green dome and broad steps of the early 19th-century cathedral form the majestic focal point of Senate Square. The buildings facing the square complete a harmonious enclosure, one of Europe's most beautiful public squares. It is often used for celebrations and as the starting point of parades.

Turku: The southwestern Finnish town of Turku, the country's oldest town, and until 1812 it's capital, lies on the Gulf of Bothnia, at the mouth of the Aurajoki River. Turku lies in the area where the successors to the Swedish Vikings landed in the 12th century, and set out to conquer what is now Finland. With eight centuries of history, it is today the most traditional medieval town in Finland, but in addition to its outstanding medieval buildings, you'll find examples of Art Nouveau and modern architecture, such as the Sibelius Museum, by Woldemar Baeckman. The river is a focal point for the city, lined with historic boats, some of which have been converted into restaurants. In the summer, locals crowd it's banks in the evening and in the winter, it becomes a giant skating rink. On the northeast side of the river is the commercial center with the Kauppatori (market square) shopping center and beautiful Orthodox Church. On the opposite bank, the medieval cathedral, consecrated in 1290, rises above the Old Great Square. It is a massive brick church, in Late Romanesque style with Gothic and Renaissance additions, and a huge 319-foot-tall tower, which dominates the city. During the midsummer Medieval Festival, the old square's ensemble of historic buildings regains it's medieval air with craft stalls, and food vendors.