Leppävaara is located in Espoo and is easily accessible by both bus and train from Helsinki. Adjacent to the rail and bus station is a modern, attractive shopping centre called Sello which has a wide selection of shops and cafes. As it was such a warm, sunny day we decided to take a stroll over …
Continue reading Day 7. Leppävaara and Glims Farmstead Museum, Espoo
Haukilahti is a small coastal town in Espoo located between Westend and Matinkylä. It's just a 20 minute journey from central Helsinki and is a lovely place to visit on a sunny day. We decided to take a walk along the waterfront walkway / cycle path which is known as Espoon Rantaraitti and is clearly …
Continue reading Day 10. Haukilahti and Matinkylä, Espoo
Villa Elfvik is located in Espoo close to the centre of Helsinki and it was from there that we started our countryside walk. It's an art nouveau villa on the edge of the Laajalahti Nature Reserve, inside we found exhibitions relating to the diverse nature of Espoo as well as a children's adventure area 'Badger's …
Continue reading Day 11. Villa Elfvik and Laguuni Water Park, Espoo
The start of our summer holidays and whilst most Britsh families head south to the Mediterranean we always head north to Finland. You may find this somewhat strange but actually southern Finland generally enjoys warm sunny weather during the summer months, warm enough for trips to the beach and for swimming in the crystal clear …
Continue reading Day 1. My Journey to Helsinki
A leisurely start to the day after arriving here late last night. Waking to warm sunshine after so many cold days at home was just what was needed. Our holiday home overlooks a sheltered bay where the air is fresh and all around it's so peaceful and green. I call it my 'summer paradise' as …
Continue reading Day 2. Tapiola, Espoo’s Garden City
During the night we experienced a thunderstorm with heavy rain but thankfully it had passed by morning although it was a dull start to the day. After an early breakfast we travelled into Helsinki in order to take the 8.30 am Eckerö Line ferry across to Tallinn in Estonia. Over the years we've made many …
Continue reading Day 3. A Day in Tallinn, Estonia
After taking the bus into Helsinki this morning we walked across to the Central Railway Station and travelled the short distance to Oulunkylä from where we started our nature trail (local trains are included in the regional travel pass). The gravel path passes the ornate pink Oulunkylä Seurahuone (a cafe, but currently closed for renovation) …
Continue reading Day 4. Oulunkylä to Arabianranta – enjoying a nature trail
Back to sunshine this morning so we decided to take a walk around Lauttaasaari Island which lies between Espoo and Helsinki. Lauttasaari means 'ferry island' but nowadays the island is connected to the mainland by a series of bridges and causeways. On National Poet's Day, and whenever it's a National Day in Finland, Finnish flags …
Continue reading Day 6. Lauttasaari, Helsinki
A short walk from our holiday apartment lies Keilaniemi. Located here overlooking the bay are the headquarters of some large companies including Kone and Neste Oil. There is a pleasant promenade to walk or cycle along and towards the far end you will find a lunch restaurant with an outside terrace called Keilalahden Ranta where we sometimes like …
Continue reading Day 8. Keilaniemi and Kamppi Chapel, Helsinki
We slept until late this morning, it's so peaceful here at the Finnish summer cottage. After enjoying a brunch of pancakes with strawberries and yoghurt we relaxed on the terrace awhile soaking up the beautiful views. We decided to take some exercise and go for a walk to pick some berries and mushrooms. Fortunately for …
Continue reading Day 12. Enjoying life at the summer cottage on Lake Saimaa
