A sunny day in the capital so our first stop this morning was to the Helsinki University Botanical Garden in Kaisaniemi not far from the city’s Central Railway Station. Since our last visit two years ago the gardens have been undergoing a large rebuilding programme which is yet to be completed. I was surprised how different the garden layout is but I’m confident it will look beautiful when it’s finished. In the meantime some flowerbeds are covered with black polythene so we will need to make a return visit next year to view it at its best.
The large tropical palm house with its ornate glass roof was built in 1889 and contains specimen plants from around the world. It’s free to visit the gardens but if you wish to view the glass houses an admission is payable except for the first Friday of each month. The gardens have an attractive cafe with some seats out on a sheltered patio in the garden.
Leaving the gardens we returned to the railway station to visit the Russian Tourist Festival promoting holidays which was taking place in the Central Railway Station Square. It was a huge event with stands from each province of Russia, a large stage with singing and folk dancing, demonstrations of local handicrafts and some regional food and drinks. From Helsinki one can travel to St. Petersburg by train or ferry. If you are travelling by train, passengers require a visa but if you take the St. Peter Line overnight ferry you are permitted to stay for up to 72 hours visa free. A few years ago we took this mini cruise and although the boat was old and lacked facilities we enjoyed our visit.
The building behind the stage on the above photograph is the splendid Finnish National Theatre which was completed in 1902 in the National Romantic Style. I just love this building and others in this style such as the National Museum of Finland which is currently undergoing maintenance.
Leaving the square we made our way to Helsinki Cathedral rising high on the north side of Senate Square, this Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Cathedral was designed in the Neo Classical Style by Carl Ludvig Engel. The central dome rises to a height of 80 metres and is visible from most parts of the city and is a magnificent sight as you approach Helsinki harbour from out at sea.
When we arrived at 12.00 noon an organ recital was taking place so we stopped to listen for awhile. Below the cathedral and accessed from the rear, visitors can explore the crypt and enjoy refreshments in Cafe Krypta. Art exhibitions are also held in the crypt which is free to visit.
After lunch we headed to the Espa Stage bandstand in Esplanade Park to attend a concert by the Conscript Band of the Finnish Defence Forces who we had seen on previous occasions. Their hour long set was extremely good and included popular Finnish songs plus some international hits including tracks by Michael Jackson and Abba. As it was such a sunny afternoon there was a large audience stretching from the terrace of Cafe Kappeli to the foot of the stage. It was lovely to see so many people enjoying themselves singing and dancing along to the music, the Conscript Band are so talented! There is a varied programme of artists appearing here throughout the summer months and we like to sometimes sit on the terrace opposite and relax with a drink whilst enjoying the live entertainment. To find out what’s happening on the Espa Stage you can take a look here.
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Love Travelling Blog 
Too bad about the renos at the garden. It will be all the more beautiful the next time you visit, Marion. Cheers. Allan
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Yes, I expect it will Allan.
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What a beautiful place – it also looks really interesting to visit!
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Helsinki s a gorgeous city and the University botanical gardens are lovely. Thanks Meg for your welcome thoughts.
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Pingback: Day 9. Beside the sea at Vuosaari, Helsinki – Love Travelling Blog
Really interesting to hear you can get a visa-free visit to St Petersburg! I’ve no doubt I’ll return to Finland after the upcoming trip so I might look in to that another time!
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We made the boat trip one summer but it was just before I started blogging so I’ve not written about it. We only had a day there which wasn’t long enough so I would opt for the hotel stay next time.
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Pingback: Day 2. Exploring Senate Square Helsinki – Love Travelling
You definitely saw a lot more of Finland than we did on our brief stop over. Great photos!
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Thank you! If ever you have time to stay for longer, there us so much to see and do in beautiful Finland. Thanks for reading and commenting on my post.
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Such variety of music from church organs to pop during one walk! Lovely pictures of the Cathedral. I love the light streaming into the church!
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The cathedral is simply beautiful and such an iconic sight in the city. The Conscript Band were so nice to sit and listen to, I’m just so pleased that the weather was sunny for them otherwise they would not have had such a large audience.
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What a great day and good info on the botanical gardens, I must visit next year to see the finished result!
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Yes, they should look lovely then!
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Wow you did loads and what a great account of your trip!
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Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed it.
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What a wonderful and busy day Marion; thank you for sharing as it sounds and looks lovely.
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Thanks Sue, we did fit quite a lot in to the day but had plenty of time to relax. The conscript band were so nice to watch!
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What a wonderful post. Very inspiring..
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Thank you for your kind words and for reading my posts, it’s much appreciated.
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Wow, I miss Helsinki!Great photos!
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Thank you! I’m sure I’ll miss them as well when we return home!
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Been following your blog for quite some time now. I love all the places you’ve been to. It’s not the usual sights and attractions which make it seem you’re one of the locals. 😄 Thank you for these beautiful posts. I’m referencing your blog once I start traveling again.
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Thank you for your kind words of encouragement. I’m so happy you are enjoying my posts and I do so hope you have opportunities to travel again soon.
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Reblogged this on R and B International Travel Blog.
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Sounds like a day full of great entertainment!! We’ve been to that cathedral, our son was only 3 at the time and I have memories of chasing him endlessly up and down the steps outside.
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There are endless steps up to the cathedral, I’m sure he loved running up and down them with you chasing after him!
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How lond you are here in Finland and have you plans to travel ouside the capitol area?
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We are renting an apartment here for a month but time is running out now sadly. We have been away from Helsinki some days – I’ll post about our trips a little later. It’s so nice that you take the time to read and comment on my posts – I do appreciate it!
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The cathedral looks really beautiful!
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It is stunning and visible across the city and from the harbour, too. Hope you get an opportunity to see it yourself one day!
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Such an inspiring walking tour in Helsinki inviting people to follow Your footsteps. Thank You again for this lovely post.
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It’s a pleasure Sartenada. I hope you enjoy a nice, sunny day!
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