I attempted to visit the Local History Museum of Koivisto/Primorsk. Unfortunately, it was closed during my visit, so I couldn't explore its exhibits. However, the exterior of the museum is absolutely beautiful. The well-maintained building and its charming surroundings offer a glimpse into the region's rich history. Even from the outside, it was clear that this museum holds a special place in preserving the local heritage. I look forward to returning when it’s open to fully appreciate what it has to offer inside.

Koivisto church is a monumental neogothic church from Finnish period. Mostly used granite blocks are local, but some grey ones are carried far away, from Muuruvesi, Northern Savo. There exists very similar church designed by the same famous Finnish architect Josef Stenbäck.

Cool place to get great photos. You can seek a finish monument and historical museum

Small but useful museum about life of Finnish people at this territory before WWII

Great architecture, nothing to see in the museum.

All good

Nice for short stop

A nice way to visit Russia. Boat trip from Lappeenranta. An important transport route.

The Saimaa Canal connects lake Saimaa with the Gulf of Finland. It's used by both passenger and freight traffic on daily basis. Tourists visiting the area can take cruises from Lappeenranta harbour and experience the locks. Highly recommended!

Lovely canal.

Beautiful

(Translated by Google) 06/23/2022. The Saimaa Canal, 57.3 km long, built in granite soil over 10 years, opened in 1856. Connecting Lake Saimaa in the Lappeenranta region with the Vyborg Bay in Russia. Attempts to build a canal have been made several times before, starting in the 1400s. There are 15 locks built on the canal. Swedish and English specialists with experience in constructing similar canals were involved in the construction of the canal. During the use of the Saimaa Canal, millions of tons of cargo have been transported. The channel is currently suspended. (Original) 23.06.2022.Сайменский канал, длиной 57.3 км , построенный в гранитном грунте за 10 лет, открыт в 1856 году. Соеденив озеро Саймаа в районе Лаппеенранта с Выборгским заливом на территории России. Попытки строительства канала предпринимались ранее несколько раз, начиная с 1400 годов. На канале построено 15 шлюзов. На строительство канала привлекались шведские и английские специалисты ,имеющие опыт работы по сооружению подобных каналов. За время использования Сайменского канала перевезено миллионы тонн грузов. В настоящее время использование канала приостановлено.

(Translated by Google) It's worth going early to get a good viewing spot. (Original) Kannattaa mennä ajoissa, että saa hyvän katselupaikan

(Translated by Google) The first and highest lock of the canal is Mälkiä, where the drop height is almost 13 meters. (Original) Kanavan ensimmäinen ja korkein sulku on Mälkiä, jossa pudotuskorkeus on lähes 13 metriä.

We visited the sandcastle as a family and everybody liked it 👍 I recommend to combine the visit with the Fazer shop right next to the castle 😋

Beautiful Sandcastle in Lappeenranta with various figures but what stands out the most to me is the adorable saimaa ringed seal or saimaannorppa. The parking is close by and you can catch the scent of the pristine saimma lake.

Wonderful park for kids and adults during summer

Very nice and impressive attraction. It is very interesting to have a chat with the people in the office next to it and get more information as they have lots of info to give you. Can't give it a 5 star cause we visited it going off our main destination and expecting probably something more surrounding it. Other than that, surely worth a stop!

Got to see Mörkö. Very happy with the visit. Unfortunately we arrived on a bad weather and some of the sculptures were falling apart but the artist was "on duty" and was fixing things up. Very nice thing to visit during summer days in Lappenranta

It's a bit smaller than what we expected. But the sand sculpture are very vivid. No tickets required for the sand castle visiting but if you would like to play with other activities, like mini plane, Bouncers, you need to pay for the ticket from 8 to 17 euro separately. The sand castle is next to beach and very beautiful view of the lake.

My friend wanted to show me this exhibition so bad and I can see why now. Amazing display of skills and utter passion.

Very beautiful fortress built on a hill with a breathtaking view of the port of Lappeenrenta and the cruise ships that criss-cross the lake. Summer is the best time to enjoy the port and the small beaches nearby. In addition there are plenty of nice little restaurants on the edge of the lake.

Beautiful scenery and great historic place to visit

Lappeenranta fortress located on city centre. It has many museums and platforms with a nice views. I recommend to visit museum of South Karelia, which have really huge model of Vyborg with 1.5 thousands buildings.

A historic fortress is the Old Town of Lappeenranta. Nowadays it is a place for two museums, some restaurants and cafeterias and an Orthodox church.

Wonderful site with lots to see. By Saimaa lake. A must when in Lappeenranta.

Lots of History, good place to visit and learn about Finnish Culture.

Ancient fortress, nice place to visit, beautiful green view, museums and cafes

The Salpa Line Museum is a wonderful stop for any tourists or locals interested in WW2 history. The defensive positions are very well maintained and allow for easy touring and enjoyment. There is also a small cafe and gift shop on site along with plenty of parking. A must visit location in the South-East of Finland!

An interesting museum on war history with excellent, professional guidance. Friendly service and good food. The museum is located along a 50 km hiking trail "Salpapolku", and hiker was well taken care of; an opportunity to rest, take care of oneself, and refill water bottles. About the museum; language versions of the texts could be available for example via QR codes for international visitors.

So interesting. Beautiful forests to walk around. Very full of history. A documentary is shown before the tour. We loved it.

A really eye opening museum. Rather large area with lots of walking and stairs. Try to catch a guided tour. And some Finnish help... Not a team park. Reality of war. Use the 2nd road entrance, when coming from south. Less walking.

Interesting museum, especially if you are interested in history and military staff. Nice cafe and a little shop. The territory is well kept. And a very interesting excursion - five points! Definitely worth visiting.

Very nice open-air museum about the Winter-War and the Continuation-War. Remains of the Finnish defence-line against Russian invasion, well kept and maintained. The guided tour is strongly advised.

Interesting history and beautiful nature combined. Most information plaques are in Finish, English versions would be much appreciated. Also, cute cashier!

It is one of the best tourist attractions in the sea town of Kotka. Kotka is already famous as sea port of Finland and Sapokka Water Garden is added feather in its beauty. Though the waterfall looks artificial, and it’s artificial, the scenic beauty around the park is tremendous. The live fishes in the adjacent pool/lake gives it an authentic attraction. It’s not that kid’s friendly that is kids can’t move around unattended. There are some free parking spaces around. You will find some fine dine restaurants around.

Kotka's best-kept magical secret. A waterfall-fed dreamscape disguised as a public park. Feels like stepping into a Miyazaki film—serene, chaotic, natural, and oddly punk. Perfect for a quiet stroll, deep thoughts, or dramatic selfies. Bonus: ducks.

By far one of the best parks, I have visited in all of Finland. Why though? The first reason is the awesome location of the park. Very easily assessable by both, public transport and cars. The park is situated at the tip of the island and the city of Kotka. The second reason is the very beautiful waterfall and the lake where it leads. By far the best waterfall that I have seen in Southern Finland. And the third reason is the beautiful vegetation of the park. There is all from beautiful peonies to cool-looking and well in blending trees.

A beautiful park and garden with water elements, bridges, breathtaking flowers and various trees with a Japanese touch. Even a small waterfall. Worth visiting especially in the summer. Also possible to visit by boat or car. A 15 min walk from the Kotka bus station.

try to check at the evening. if you are in Kotka, this is very calm place for rest.

Nice park to walk.

Well maintained place with beautiful and exotic plants and flowers. I recommend visiting while they bloom. There's big and funny looking fish swimming in the lake, it's find to spot them. There's also small animal statues around the park, the kids will like them.

Nice museum that we spent more time in than we thought. There is a lot to see.

It is huge. We didn't have time to visit all the exhibits. Have to visit again with more time. It was also kid friendly. They have kids route there.

Amaizing! When visiting ships outside, join the tour with a guide!

The Vellamo Maritime Museum in Kotka, Finland, offers a captivating journey through maritime history. You will get to experience a rich collection of artifacts, interactive exhibits, and immersive displays that bring the maritime heritage of Finland to life. The museum's unique blend of art and history creates an engaging experience for visitors of all ages, making it an ideal destination for both enthusiasts and casual learners alike. With its stunning waterfront location and well-curated exhibits, the Vellamo Maritime Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in exploring the seafaring traditions of Finland.

The Vellamo Maritime Centre is a commendable destination for those keen on delving into maritime history. The exhibition is informatively structured, with the ship Tarmo being a particular highlight, especially for children as visitors are afforded the opportunity to explore it firsthand.

Very interesting place for those interested in the maritime history of Finland and the Baltic sea Area. Covering also The recent times. Nice for Kids and for adults alike.

Wonderfully crafted exhibitions with incredibly interesting objects, themes, stories.... I would like to take my children here one day.

Impressive place to visit nature and history at once. This is complex of different buildings and natural places of interests, so you can make a hiking and enjoy it fully. Everything is well-preserved and kept in original view, as it was not destroyed for couple of centuries. They have museum in main house, but you can visit the territory for free without entering museum. Highly recommended!

You can feel the history there. Really ordinary place to visit and very beutiful environment. Warmly recommend.

Very beautiful place to learn about the history of Finland and the uniqueness of Kotka’s geography. It was a surprise because the lodge is very rustic and simple, completely contrasts my initial thought that it would be extravagant like any other examples of Royal Russian arcitecture. The whole premise is more like an urban park than a museum, where you can stroll around and admite the scenery.

Beautiful scenery and plenty to see for free, as only the main lodge house is the museum. Toilets are free to use. The museum entry fee is a bit on the high end considering how small the space is, that said the guides were knowledgeable and told us about the place without us booking a guided tour (our party was the only one in at that moment!).

Really good place to see the rapids and visit the river. We were there a but late so the lodge wasn't open for public anymore (closed at 6pm) but still it was good visit. There are good paths to explore the area on your own and also comprehensive signs that give you good knowledge of the area's history as Tsar's fishing place.

Such a lovely Place. Maybe not worth the 8 EUR to go in but nice to think one is supporting the place with the entrance ticket. Worth a stop!

Oh the view's amazing! There's a distinct weird smell - prolly the fishes, not sure. Haha. But the nature's exquisite enough to make you ignore the smell. It was end of winter when we visited and some parts of the river was still frozen but the rest of the waters were moving so it's very relaxing. Really felt close to nature.

Overall good, but water is too cold. We were freezing although it was sunny +25 degrees weather.

When I was going down the water slide today (the one which you slide head forward) the water came into my throat and I could not breathe for half a minute or so. That was really scary, I was thinking that I am going to die. Luckily the water came out of my throat and I started breathing normally. The lifeguard came to me almost immediately, which is good. I think that the design of this water slide should be reconsidered to avoid such situations ☝️

Icy cold water: even in hot day it's too cold. Lines to water slides are organized ineffectively. It's better to spend some more time and go to Helsinki.

Very fun place on a hot summer day. Water feels too cold to enjoy on a regular/cool summer weather.

Clean and safe. Great customer service. Two major issues for us were the cold water and the restaurant. The fact that the water in the pools is cold made us reluctant to get into the pools and slides. Wouldn’t recommend a visit if it’s not a hot summer day and no wind. The other thing was the restaurant. I hate it when you have to pay much more than normally and you get subpar portions. Please at least add some lettuce and tomatoes on the hamburgers.

Slides and facilities are good. But the music pumped everywhere... Holy Macaroni. About 10 of the worst songs ever on repeat, over and over again. It's like being in some kind of sonic easy-listening hell. It makes you want to stay underwater. After a while I wondered if the metal fence around the place is to stop you from ecaping. But actually it was quite easy to leave.

We visited couple of days before Midsummer with 2 kids (7 and 10 year old). Everything is quite new and in good condition. There is enough personnel and the personnel was friendly. Also a cafe and snack bar available. Really great water slides for children but also for adults! Also very nice pools. I can recommend this.

Small and boring town 🤷‍♂️

Beautiful church but we weren't able to visit inside. Maybe it's not open for public or is open only on specific occasions or we couldn't find the right door 😅

Huge church

Wet paint on the seats..

Beautiful architecture

Ok

Nice

I shouldn't go here because I always find something to buy. Their chocolate and licorice are very tasty and good.

Very delicious, the mousse inside the chocolate is very special.

This chocolate shop sits right in the center of Porvoo and showcases the town’s own local brand. Inside you will find a huge range of options, from single bars to large mixed boxes perfect for gifts. The variety makes it easy to pick up something for yourself or bring a few treats home for friends. A must-stop for chocolate lovers visiting Porvoo.

Awesome chocolate products. Some pralines you can taste before you purchase any, which is great! Always crowded and busy but that's fine.

Delicious chocolate store with lots of samples and gluten free, lactose free, sugar free vegan chocolate

Nice chocolate shop. Very old. Not too big. But nothing is too big in Porvoo. Quiet village. Prices standard for northern countries (little bit expensive).

Better than promised. Wide variety of delicious and smooth chocolate. Orange is wonderful.

Located in the heart of Porvoo, this small cathedral features simple architecture and a calm atmosphere. The second floor is closed to visitors, yet the main hall still feels welcoming. At the entrance you can pick up postcards and other souvenirs, selecting the design or author you like, with an offer of your choice. I suggest visiting at least once.

Built in the 15th century with some parts from the 13th century, this is a small church in a quaint town with lots of history. If you're staying in Helsinki, I'm not sure it's worth the drive, but I am glad I went and got to see Porvoo.

A great 13th century rustic cathedral serving both the locsl Sw3dish and Finnisjh communities, with a commanding view of the surrounding settlement in Porvoo, about an hr from Helsinki central, overlooking a nice small river

The five stars are mostly for the great lecture we got from one of the volunteers. The lecture/tour seems to happen every hour or so at request. Strongly recommend doing it as it reveals so many interesting aspects of this historic building.

The church was probably finished in 1418, altough this is speculative. Making in One of the nations oldest, located in the heart of Old Porvoo.

Was closed for renovations, but outside was fantastic

Quaint church on top of a hill. Built in the 15th century with some parts from the 13th century. The church is small. There's a small table with souvenirs on the honor system.

Charming bed and breakfast spot in Porvoo. A shame we only stayed one night but the accomodations were cozy and inviting. The room we stayed in had a kitchen as well as a spacious living room. The living room had a nice view of the river. It was in the center of the town and easily accessible to the old and newer areas of Povoo. This would be a nice place for summer trip with the family.

Very cute B&B along the river in Porvoo, Finland. I stayed in the Star Room, which is a bit separated from the main property. Owner knocked on the door as I arrived. He apparently also owns the nearby restaurant Ranta-aitta, which had its commissary and bathrooms across from the property. Be aware this property and its windows all face an alley that will have fairly heavy foot traffic in the afternoon/evening hours because of the restaurant. I immediately drew all the blinds when I entered the unit. Other than that privacy inconvenience, the location is fantastic, right on the main strip of the old town of Porvoo. Inside the unit you have a nicely functional kitchen and washer/dryer (which I used and was very convenient). There's two bathrooms, one with a shower and one without. Shower is a bit small and confining, but solid. The chairs in the kitchen were not super comfortable and the wifi didn't reach the bedroom very well, so if you need to do something online for a decent amount of time the unit isn't the most ergonomic solution for this situation. There is a piano in the unit! I did not play or know if it was actually encouraged but it's something to consider. There is access to a sauna that's across the street from the main property, which I used. Its heat doesn't get much higher than 60-70ºC but with plentiful water you can get enough steam for a good sweat. Breakfast was solid.

We (two adults) stayed at Ida-Maria in Jan/2021 for two nights in ”Pieni huoneisto, puutarhanäkymä”. The room was lovely, cozy and clean. Delicious breakfast and very good service! All of this in the heart of Porvoo Old Town. Would absolutely recommend to anyone.

Beautiful river view from our bedroom. Fantastic breakfast in the red historic houses on the river. We had a great time, thank you!

If you like old-fashioned Finnish places, this is just perfect. Nice clean place to stay. Excellent service.

Everything is pretty good here! Only the pillow is a bit uncomfortable. But the location is great. My favorite is breakfast and sauna. Definitely recommended.

Peaceful place to stay overnight in the old city center, simple yet very good breakfast, small garden where you can eat breakfast and enjoy blossoming plants.

Ice skated in the lake with a layer of thin snow and thick ice, very nice 🙌🙌

The smoke saunas are truly authentic, and we met plenty of locals while we were there, which is always a good sign. It is very easy to reach by public transport and also makes the perfect stop after a hike on one of the many beautiful nearby trails. Practical tip: Bring your flip-flops and shower gel, though both are available for purchase on site. You can also rent towels if needed. A word about timing: The smoke sauna opens at 2 pm, and the temperature gradually drops throughout the day. Because it is heated in the traditional way, there is no thermostat, so the temperature cannot be controlled or predicted precisely. Early in the day, around 3 pm, it can reach up to 135°C (275°F), which most people would find far too intense. By the end of the day, it may drop to around 50°C (122°F), which could feel a bit too mild. From what we gathered, the sweet spot tends to be between 4 and 7 pm for most people, but it really depends on the day. If the smoke sauna happens to be too hot or not hot enough during your visit, the electric saunas in the main building are excellent. There are two for men, and we assume there are also two for women. Each one has its own character and charm. They are designed in an authentic Finnish way and offer a great alternative or complement to the smoke sauna. Important to know: Swimsuits are required in the smoke sauna and in all outdoor areas, including when cooling down in the lake. In the electric gender-separated saunas, however, you are not supposed to wear anything and are expected to use a seat pad. We went in naked, but we did notice that even some locals kept their swimsuits on, so it seems you are free to wear whatever makes you most comfortable. The lake itself is lovely. It has a few clearly marked very shallow areas, ideal for children or anyone who prefers not to go too deep. But most of the lake is deeper, especially by the wooden deck, reaching about three to four metres, which is perfect for a proper swim. At just €16, it is truly excellent value. While visits are technically limited to two hours, the atmosphere is relaxed. No one is watching the clock, and you will not be rushed out if you stay a little longer. There is also a cosy café serving tasty food and drinks, which makes a perfect way to wind down after your sauna session.

I stay around 6kms away from this place. It’s just two months since I landed in Finland and this place has already attracted me so much. I have been to this place twice so far. I take a walk on the side of the woods, take the 1.8 kms lake circle walk, feel the fresh chill breeze, journal for sometime. I love the tranquility and calmness of this place. The nature at its best. There is a proper swimming partition on one side of the lake and there are free saunas available. You can see lots of people taking bath even in end of autumn and beginning of winter. When you visit here plan to spend some good amount of time. There is also a grill available outside on the other side, so if you wanna have some grills and enjoy the nature, its a perfect place.

One of the best Sauna I've ever been. I'll definitely come back one day.

Beautiful natural park where you can swimming, jogging or go sauna. There is also restaurant where you can buy drinks and food. Recommend to visit in summer time.

I simply love this place - lake, the forest path and it's easy to come by bike here, cause of the straight asphalt road heading here. Grilling and swimming are always a big plus. PS If you do not tired you can explorer in the Sipoo National Park at the same shoot!

Awesome swimming spot in summer plus great hiking trails around the park

Please with this. The garden is beautiful and the place itself is a walk into a history book. The building itself is stunning and the rooms nicely kept. You can see a lot of the old ornaments and catch a glimpse of the of how people lived during this period. The garden is stunning and well kept. The cafe is also a nice place to hang out and walk around.

Very interesting home museum of the Finnish national composer Jean Sibelius.

After seen Sibelius Monument in Helsinki, it's just natural that one wants to see Ainola, the home of Jean and Aino Sibelius where they lived some half a century and which is now open for visitors as a home museum. The ticket price is 16 euro (summer25) which sounds a bit expensive if we think that the entrance costs to Kiasma, Ateneum and other big museums in Helsinki some 20 euroa. But maybe the ticket price doesn't matter so much if one is really interested in life of Finland's most famous composer.

A visit to Ainola had long been on my bucket list, so I arrived with high expectations. It's easy to see how the last 20 years or so of Sibalius' productive career, could have been influenced by such a stunning place. Today, the environment is a little spoiled by the proximity of a trunk road. But the house and gardens are unchanged since those days past, and you will appreciate the beauty and calm they install within you.

Beautiful house and gardens. Highly recommend taking the time to visit the 'temple', the route is absolutely stunning.

Really nice buildings and park. The interior and art collection are great. And the sauna! Worth visiting even if Sibelius is not your thing!

Home of Jean and Aino Sibelius, a very interesting history. A real home, did they say 99 ashtrays....he smoked cigars.

If you love history and nature, this is a "must visit" for you. Take a ride on a ferry, ca 15 min from Helsinki and spend a day on this island. I suggest taking your time, the whole day, if you want to explore the island. There are cafes and restaurants, if you get tired or hungry. There is a supermarket, where you can get coffee and warm pastries. There are museums which are defenitely worth visiting. Walk along the shore and enjoy amazing views. Go explore the tunnels for sure, if you dare. Have a picnic if you wish. There are so many things you can do and see. The guide is also available. WCs are everywhere. It is easy to spend the whole day there and swith off the rest of the world.

I had heard great things about Suomenlinna and I wasn’t disappointed! Such an adorable little island. It is filled with history and just lovely to walk around. Such easy access to get to, you don’t want to miss this on your next visit in Helsinki:)

Frequent ferris daily to reach the island. Enjoy the tranquility time travel walk. We arrived there before daybreak, the unmanned visiter information center was open, supplying warmth, wifi, toilets and maps.

Suomenlinna is an incredible place to explore and soak up Finnish history. The island is full of historic fortifications, museums, and scenic walking paths, with stunning views of the sea and Helsinki’s harbor. It’s peaceful and easy to wander around, with plenty of spots to relax and take photos. Perfect for a day trip, whether you’re interested in history, nature, or just enjoying a unique part of Helsinki. Highly recommended! Also the ferry’s to and from the island are efficient and come very often. Also free with the HSL transport ticket!

Fantastic day out to this set of small Islands, good restaurants and cafes with lots to see. Cost of the ferry €3.20 one way. Free entry into the Islands, bring the kids and be prepared to do a lot of walking the ferry takes 15 minutes, plenty of toilets everywhere.

Only fragments of the fortress survive, mostly stretches of old stone walls and a few scattered pieces of artillery such as catapult remnants, yet the site is still a great place to wander and enjoy sweeping sea views. It can be extremely windy and cold, even in summer, so bring a sweater or other warm layers. If you like open landscapes mixed with a touch of history, it is well worth a visit.

Half day trip destination when in Helsinki. Fairyboat ride back and forth, couple of restaurants over there, really beautiful nature, well preserved history elements... All in all excellent destination to escape from the city crowds and chaos

Uspenski Cathedral is one of Helsinki’s most beautiful landmarks. With its red-brick walls, golden domes, and hilltop views over the harbor, it’s stunning inside and out. The interior glows with gilded icons, chandeliers, and rich Orthodox detail — a striking contrast to the minimalist Helsinki Cathedral. Free to visit and just a short walk from the center, it’s a must-see in the city.

It is a pleasure to visit, and it is quite outstanding. There are many tourists. We can go inside but it is a small Orthodox-style church. If you are not particularly interested in churches, tou can still appreciate the exterior and the city view from its terrace.

Uspenski Cathedral is a striking and beautiful landmark that you can’t miss when walking along the harbour. Its impressive red-brick exterior and golden domes stand out against the skyline, and the closer you walk towards it, the more magnificent it becomes. You can also enter the cathedral, which adds to the experience. I visited on a weekday morning, and it was already lively with many tourists. Wandering around the area and taking in the details of the architecture was a lovely way to spend time. During my stay in Helsinki, I found myself noticing the cathedral almost every day, and it left a lasting impression on me. A must-see spot when visiting the city.

Truly wonderful architecture! I made sure to add this as a stop on my trip to Helsinki, Finland! The walk to get to the cathedral was easy (I just used the map on my phone). The views of the surrounding areas are great once you climb the stairs! This is definitely worth the trek!

1 | The largest Orthodox church in both Northern and Western Europe is also the main cathedral of the Helsinki Orthodox Diocese. It is located close to the Helsinki waterfront, and I was personally captivated by its brick-red color. Around 700,000 bricks were used for its construction, brought from the Bomarsund fortress in the Åland Islands. 2 | The church features 13 gilded domes, symbolizing Christ and the twelve apostles. The main dome rises to a height of 33 meters. 3 | You have to climb several steps to reach it, but it’s worth it. Entrance to the church outside of service times costs €5.

Stunning Orthodox cathedral with impressive red-brick architecture and golden domes. The interior is beautiful and peaceful, with rich icons and details. Located on a small hill, it offers nice views over Helsinki and the harbor.

The architecture is truly astonishing! It has various charms by being viewed from different angles. The location is great and can be accessed by multiple walkways. The interior is beautiful and very well maintained, and you can learn about the history of the cathedral by easily scanning the QR code for the digital guide.

I mean it’s a square alright. Very nice buildings around. Obviously topped by the big dog, namely the Helsinki cathedral. No fee to enter obviously, it’s a public area. The downside was that there was work ongoing in the cathedral which kind of dulls the photos but hey, it was still great

Visited Senate Square during our time in Helsinki 🇫🇮 — it’s one of the main tourist spots in the city and the starting point for the hop-on hop-off bus 🚌. The square is clean, spacious, and offers a stunning view of the iconic Helsinki Cathedral ⛪️. A beautiful place to sit, take photos, and soak in the city’s calm charm. Definitely a must-visit! 🌤️

Senate Square, located in the center of Helsinki, Finland. The square is the oldest part of Helsinki and is Europe's most beautiful square. The large white building at the back, with green dome is Helsinkis cathedral, constructed between 1830 and 1852, as a tribute to Emperor Nicholas I of Russia. It is covered due to repairs and maintenance. Alexander II's statue, is in the center of the square, remembered for supporting Finnish Economy. The square is surrounded by neoclassical buildings like Govt. Palace, Helsinki's university building etc. Quiet awesome I must say, fabulously so.

We did the introduction walking tour of the gpsmycity, the tour was 3.1km in length and took us a few hours to complete, including taking pictures and stops. The tour started right here at the square and and ended at the Temppeliaukio Rock Church. It was a good introduction and the scenery was marvelous.

Visited Senaatintori, the historic heart of Helsinki, but unfortunately much of the square was under renovation during our visit. The main cathedral and surrounding buildings were partially covered with a temporary facade, which made it hard to fully appreciate the architecture. The square itself is spacious and historically significant, and it would normally be a stunning spot to admire Helsinki Cathedral, government buildings, and cobblestone layout. Worth visiting if you’re in the area, but be aware that the view may be obstructed during renovations.

This is the main square in Helsinki. It’s not very big but it’s definitely a must see. Apart from the statue of Alexander II you can see the most important buildings of the city from here.

The view of the Helsinki Cathedral from this square is a picture-perfect photo spot. It's a historical landmark and most recognized background for a selfie.

Beautiful church. Unfortunately, it was being renovated on the exterior when I visited... so that took away from the overall astetics. Also, the inside was a little stark compared to other cathedrals I've visited in Europe, but I still think it's worth a visit if you are in Helsinki.

Helsinki Cathedral is one of those landmarks that instantly takes your breath away. Standing tall above Senate Square, the white neoclassical façade with its green domes is iconic from every angle — whether you see it from the harbor, the square, or climbing up the grand steps. Inside, the cathedral is calm and minimalist, a beautiful contrast to its imposing exterior. The high ceilings and soft natural light create a sense of quiet majesty, and it feels more like a space for reflection than decoration. The views from the steps are also worth it — you can look out across the city and the harbor, making it a perfect photo spot. It’s free to enter, easy to reach in the heart of Helsinki, and honestly a must-see whether you’re into architecture, photography, or just soaking up the city’s atmosphere.

Beautiful cathedral! Make sure to also visit the nearby Uspenski Cathedral. Unfortunately, this one was under construction, so we couldn’t experience it fully, but the restoration work was covered nicely, giving a good sense of its full appearance. The interior was lovely — definitely a must-see if you’re already in Helsinki!

We had a special experience visiting Helsinki Cathedral as they were displaying Luke Jerram’s MARS within the cathedral. Cathedral is beautiful in itself but seeing the scaled replica of Mars with the sound track made for a unique experience. The cathedral is something to see when visiting Helsinki

Helsinki Cathedral is a landmark right in the heart of the city, and it is truly breathtaking at any time of day. Morning, afternoon, or night — the atmosphere changes beautifully, and each visit feels different. You can climb the steps and enter the cathedral, where the calm and solemn interior offers a moment of quiet reflection. During my stay in Helsinki, I found myself visiting almost every day. From 28 November onwards, a Christmas market is held in the square in front of the cathedral, making the area even more lively and festive. My schedule didn’t allow me to attend this year, but watching the preparations made me want to return and experience it in the future. A stunning place that never fails to impress.

It was a pleasant tourist attraction with a large square. Regrettably, several areas were undergoing renovation during our visit. However, there were still a considerable number of tourists present.

Helsinki Cathedral and it truly lives up to its reputation as one of the city’s must see landmarks. The white neoclassical building looks stunning both up close and from the Senate Square below. Inside it’s peaceful and beautifully simple a nice place to pause for a moment away from the city noise. Don’t miss the view from the steps outside; it’s a perfect spot to sit, take photos, and just enjoy the atmosphere.

Beautiful from the outside but undergoing many renovations that make it very inconvenient and hard for foreign travelers to find any services. When I finally found the VR office, employees ignored me until they finished their personal conversation. The beautiful wooden doors are a major pain when it comes to getting through them with luggage-wish they were automated

The Airport Express train stops here which is right at the city centre. Navigation can be slightly confusing but you’ll eventually find your way around it. Stunning architecture as well!

Helsinki Central Station This is the last stop coming from the airport. As many cities in Europe, this train station have restaurants, restrooms and other amenities. This is the main station in Helsinki. The main entrance is beautiful.

Beautiful, effective, easy to navigate (even if you only speak English), obviously very central! We arrived in from Tampere and had no issues finding our way out and to our hotel, easy peasy!

Very large main train station to the center of Helsinki. Plenty of ways to get here and relatively easy to read the signs to figure out where to go. Trains and terminal are relatively well covered so you only need to venture out occasionally in the bad weather to get to your train.

Railway station is very historic and the architecture is fabulous. And it comes with all the modern facilities like locker storage, info center, VR office, and other shops like subway starbucks and fancy restaurants. The waiting area is huge, however benches are limited which are mostly occupied with drunk people if you come late or early morning. Connected to most of the areas with metro and tram and also a cab station.

The outside of the station is stunning with its clock tower and the Lantern Bearer statues. Inside it was clean, light and airy. There were places to eat, luggage storage and toilets. You do have to pay for the toilets. Cards are accepted. I did not use them, so I cannot comment on cleanliness. There was a ticket office. For HSL trains, you can choose your zones and tap on when you board. AB tickets are valid for 80 minutes and can be used on other transport modes. ABCD zones are valid for 110 minutes and allow transfer to other modes. Tickets can also be purchased online. Day tickets can be purchased. The station is disability accessible. There is an assistance point at platform eleven. There are accessible toilets.

Very small Chapel in the centre of Helsinki. Nicely designed mostly wood . Closed on a Sunday which I found odd for a religious building. Inside silence must be observed .

1 | A very interesting chapel in the center of Helsinki, notable for its unusual architectural design. It is made entirely of wood and has received several architectural awards. 2 | Unfortunately, we couldn’t go inside because it was Sunday. Strangely enough, the chapel is closed on Sundays and Mondays. Nevertheless, it is so remarkable that it’s worth seeing even from the outside. 3 | The entrance fee to the chapel is €5. I can’t really say whether it’s worth paying. 4 | The chapel was only opened in 2012, designed by the Finnish architectural studio K2S Architects. It is 11.5 meters high, and the section with the altar has no windows at all.

The Kamppi Chapel, often called the “Chapel of Silence,” is a truly unique experience in the middle of busy Helsinki. The modern wooden architecture is stunning, and stepping inside feels instantly calming — a peaceful escape from the noise of the city. It’s not about religious services but about offering a quiet moment for reflection and stillness. A beautiful example of design meeting purpose, and a must-visit if you want a few minutes of tranquility during your trip.

Interesting building made from a variety of woods. Inside it is very quiet if you are not inside with rude tourists! You are asked to be silent inside the chapel. It is just the chapel room, we were there maybe 10-15 minutes max so it’s easy to slot into a busy schedule and take a breather.

Very nice chapel. Of course, it’s quite a sight externally. €3 it cost to enter, which was fine. It’s a shame that pictures aren’t allowed inside, but it’s very beautiful. Silence must be observed.

Just across the square from Oodi, this wooden chapel offers a moment of absolute peace. The design is simple but powerful. As soon as you enter, the noise of the city disappears. I sat for a few minutes just enjoying the silence. It's a beautiful reminder to slow down.

The Kamppi Chapel, also known as the Chapel of Silence, is a unique and serene space nestled in the bustling heart of Helsinki. On a sunny day, the chapel's wooden structure glows warmly, inviting visitors to step inside and escape the city's hustle and bustle. The chapel's minimalist design creates a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for quiet reflection and contemplation. The gentle curve of the wooden walls and the soft natural light filtering through the skylight create a sense of peace and calm. It's a place where you can truly disconnect from the outside world and find a moment of stillness. Located in the Kamppi district, the chapel is easily accessible by Helsinki Regional Transport (HSL) zones A and B. It's just a short walk from the Kamppi metro station and several bus and tram lines. This makes it a convenient stop for anyone exploring the city center. Whether you're seeking a moment of peace, an architectural experience, or simply a break from the city, the Kamppi Chapel is well worth a visit. Its serene atmosphere and central location make it a true gem in Helsinki.

Temppeliaukio Church, also known as the Rock Church, is a stunning example of modern architecture. Designed by architect brothers Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen, the church was completed in 1969 and is carved directly into solid granite. Its unique design features a massive copper dome and natural rock walls, creating a serene and awe-inspiring atmosphere. The interior is circular, with natural light streaming in through 180 window panes, highlighting the rough-hewn rock surfaces. The acoustics are exceptional, making it a popular venue for concerts and events. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful ambiance and admire the innovative design that blends nature and architecture seamlessly. While the €8 entrance fee is reasonable for such a unique experience, it's advisable to check the schedule for any events or services that might be taking place during your visit. Overall, Temppeliaukio Church is a must-visit attraction in Helsinki, offering a memorable experience for architecture enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.

This distinctive church, renowned among tourists, features two stories. For those interested in photography, I would suggest going upstairs, as it offers a more convenient angle to capture the captivating interior. Please be aware that there is an entrance fee.

Such a cool church. On the eye, probably the most aesthetically pleasing. €8 euro entry fee, but id say it was worth it to see. Just a beautiful church

Beautiful and interesting church. Worth a visit. You do not need a long visit but nice to take a look around and admire the structure. NOTE: They do not have any public restrooms when you are visiting

We visited this "stone church" or "church in the rock" on purpose. The relatively expensive admission fee (€8) is surprising, as it discourages tourists who are only interested in taking photos, but also those who would like to appreciate the unique architectural design and modern sacred atmosphere, which is truly unique. We sat listening to pleasant ambient music for about 40 minutes and silently watched the preparations for the event, when hundreds of (unfortunately electronic) candles were lit. The visit was pleasant, and the space invites you to return just for the atmosphere. However, due to the not-so-symbolic admission fee (especially for poor visitors from Eastern Europe), I would think twice about it.

I loved the architecture of this church beautifully made - never seen anything quite like it !! Thus i find the ticket pricing should be at least 5 euros when theres no service as theres not a lot to see , its just one main room.

Unique church, luckily a pipe organ artist came in to practice when we were visiting. The music was phenomenal. The church is very acoustic, must be ideal for a concert experience. And there’s no cross in the church. We learned it’s the open heart of Christ accepting everyone with any religion.

Great view over the history of the Finnish railways. Many old locomotives to see. There's also a cafe outside with a possibility to hop on a small train that rides around the park area during the summer time and when it is dry.

Great half-day trip from Helsinki! The Finnish Railway Museum is perfect for families with kids. The miniature train ride in the garden is a highlight. There’s also a fun indoor play area with wooden train sets, drawing corners, and even a real locomotive they can climb into. The museum is just a 10-minute walk from Hyvinkää train station, making it super easy to reach from Helsinki. The museum grounds are spacious, with well-preserved station buildings and outdoor displays that feel like walking through a piece of history. A most to-do if you’re in Uusimaa.

Great museum with unexpectedly beautiful and nice renovated trains. The condition of the locomotives are very good and during my visit there was some outdoor event as well with some modern trains and a running locomotive. It was great to visit and just around the corner from where I was living.

Great collection of historic trains. Several free entrance days, worth watching out for. Some days in the summer of steam trains running... But many more days a diesel is running. The park "ride on" train is nice, a 3min lap of the grounds for 1euro each. (Only runs in the summer)

The museum located in an old locomotive depot. A lot of rare trains as steam locomotive's. Very nice place!

I really enjoyed my visit thanks to the plurality of trains exhibited there. Despite the fact that the big hall is not heated, it was really pleasant being able to go really close to all sort of trains, and even to take look into the inside from the windows. The only negative point is that a big part of the presentation signs are only written in finnish and not translated.

One of the most interesting museums in Finland. The Uusimaa area is full of quirky modern art museums so it’s exciting to visit a history themed one that provides insight into the development of not only railway but also technology and the entire country as a whole. The museum’s premise is large, with many things to see and experience.

Nice place to spend time lot for kid to do. Get little overcrowded inside when they close outside due thunderstorm for a while. Get very load noice instead when all people was inside same time. Food at place very slow, ketchup was empty many say about it took over 10 min for them to refill it. Que to buy food and they close second place to order food instead to have both open. Buffé not to recommend and burgers was soso. Work to buy todays ticket when buy ticket instead to upgrade afterward.

For a family of 5 and all kids above 8yo awesome place as all attractions are suitable. Highly recommend renting the cottage as well.

Extremely clean, beautiful, and exciting. I wish it was grass instead of asphalt.

Great overall experience. Perhaps they could do something to ease the queuing for food in hot weather. They could have some water fountains as well, that would help as I heard a mother telling her kid not to drink from the pool as she saw a floating piece of poop. I want to believe it was just her way to warn her kid from the dirty water. 🥲

Parking 5e per day. You can park and pay at the machine near the entrance. During 12pm, there was separate queue available for advanced booking. They allows outside food and there are dining spaces. Better to go with swimming suits or shorts as all others will be wearing those. Locker facility available in the dressing room, take 2euro coins to access them. Hair dryers are available in the dressing room. Many rides are indoor. First aid medicines are kept there.

Serena is the best water park in Finland and open all year, although the outdoor attractions are closed during the winter season. About half of the water slides are indoors, and the indoor area is warm all year. The park offers waterslides for the whole family, and the biggest ones serve also the slightly daring ones. A mediocre restaurant offers burgers, a buffet lunch and some smaller snacks and during summer time there is also an ice cream kiosk. Serena is a great day trip distance on a beautiful summer day.

Good waterpark, a lot of sides for all ages. But if you looking for saunas and relaxation, better go somewhere else. Also, you have to bring money or card if you are going to the restaurant, it is not so convenient.

Visited the manore together with a Ukrainian guide who gave us a nice excursion into the life and world of three renowned architects and their families who lived there. Now the museum is open only in the part of Saarinen premises. The entrance fee into the museum is 10-15 euros. The territory around is wonderful. There is a open air cafe open from June there. Definitely worth visiting.

Great place to visit in the summer! Interesting unique interior, nice surroundings- garden and a small beach down the hill, interesting history of the place. Definitely worth coming here at least once! Free entrance with the museum card. Better come by bike because the car parking is usually full

Very nice mansion complex and museum for a day tour near Helsinki. Though I do not have much knowledge of architecture, I still managed to enjoy the well-designed studio home and the amazing view. ”Work is the key to creative growth of the mind.” Btw, it is covered by the Museum Card.

A marvelous place that brings visitors serenity. We strolled through the forest and alongside the lake whole afternoon, enjoying summer sunshine to the fullest. - The museum is open from Wednesday to Sunday during summertime.

In a city full of neoclassic, minimalistic and functional design, this building still stands out as one of the best examples of Finnish architecture. The view over the lake is glorious at almost any time of the year. It is well maintained and organized.

Lake, garden, museum and sunset just enjoy the serene clam atmosphere. From Helsinki eleventh hour decision to watch sunset on longest day of the year 21/6/2023. Good experience.

I love, love, love the buildings. I could imagine living there. Beautiful place with many lovely designs from the times when people still crafted things by hand.

Welcome to the 80s, there is an accident waiting to happen. Don't get me wrong, kids (6&9yrs) had time of their lives during our visit. That's the good news. Problem is that the tickets for a family of four cost 124€. What did we get for the price: dirty toilets, unhappy employees, broken rides, rundown park area and a water park that was just in disgusting shape. We arrived during the first opening hour and toilets were not cleaned, great way to start the day. We didn't get a single hello from the staff. When we thanked them, we got back grunts. If the measurement is that kids have fun, great, that was achieved. With 124€ I expect more. Where is the money from the tickets put into? Not in maintenance, employees or cleaning. We spend 0€ to anything else during our visit just because everything was over priced so badly. Margins for basic ice cream must be around 85%. The whole place is a total rip off. My last visit was in the early 90s and I have to say that nostalgia was real, nothing had changed and the park was in way worse condition that I remembered. Water park side was just as run down. Black mold on the walls. Dead bugs, food and feathers from local wild birds in the water yet all staff were just on "life guard duty". Why not clean the pools while watching the pools? Why everything was covered in brown stains? There were not too many people and I understand why. You can't be asking this kind of price and keep the park in such state. This is greed in it's purest form. One star because the kids had fun, one star because there was no queues and parking was free.

Quite dated activity park for kids; has bit of a russian feel to it. Nice bang for the buck however. Really cold water in pools even on a hot day. Hard to get to without a car: from Riihimäki train station take a bus to Tervakoski and walk 1km. They go every 2-4 hours or so and only during weekdays. Very incompetent summer staff when we visited.

A bit worn out but still super fun! Definitely will come again earlier to have enough time for all the activities. Recommend to buy the return ticket too.

It was a trip down the memory lane for me. Seeing the place after tens of years with my own kids was awesome. It is good since there are a lot of activities that kids can actually do.

Lots of things that you can do here with kids. Price is not bad at all. Super kind and friendly workers, too. Were really having fun here. The best thing was puuhamaa grilli customer service. Recommending 😊

Very good place to spend a hot day with kids. Rides become lame after 1-2 times, but the water park doesn’t disappoint. The bad: food is crappy and expensive.

Went with a 4 year old and a 14 year old. We were there for opening at 10:00 and kept active until almost 19:00. Plenty to do. It was pretty quiet but well staffed. Didn't have to wait at all for anything. Plenty of sitting space while waiting for kids on every ride. Water park was clean and safe, with good slides for kids of all ages. We had a great day.

Free entrance to the museum. A small but very well presented automobile museum.

Delicious munkki, fresh coffee, and very cool old school cars on display! Plus some great views. Definitely worth a visit !

Super delicious munkki, free museum to a nice car collection. Don't miss the observation deck nearby and lake views.

Excellent collection! Rustic, authentic dislays and atmosphere. Lovely museum shop with a wide selection of scale diecast cars.

A great collection of old automobiles and also model cars. Free entry! In the museum there is a gift shop to buy model cars and souvenirs. In the same building there is a cafe, that sells hot food, pastries, and ice cream and has a great outdoor terrace to enjoy an amazing view over the lake. There is also a viewing tower next to the museum for a better view over the beautiful landscape. Beautiful place to make a stop!

A small but good museum that is free to look around and has a very popular café boasting good views as well as a shop selling scale model cars, branded mugs and other accessories. They really like foxes here too which made the visit even more entertaining as small toy foxes were placed randomly throughout the exhibition.

I nice stop off for food, coffee and some amazing vehicles!

Public sauna next to the lake. Easy to reach by car or public bus. Maybe 15-20min max from the city centre. In weekends you pay a bit more at €11. There are 2 saunas. Both are pretty intense, Finnish style, at 100-120 C°. There are changing rooms with small lockers for your valuables. There are showers and toilets. In between the sauna visits you can walk into the lake or jump of the board. Felt like a true local and very much alive. In summer they rent out SUP boards from the kiosk nearby. Check online if they're still open. There are walking trails nearby as well.

Absolutely love it, visited several times during my stay in Tampere. Can be crowded time to time. You can bring your own drinks and sausages, and grill it there.

So disappointed with this, my first Finnish sauna experience. The change rooms are small and thus cramped on the weekend. The showers are not with the change rooms, but outside the saunas. Toilet facilities are limited. But incredibly to get from the change rooms to the saunas, you have to go outside and walk across a tarmac - no walkway, no cover and bugga all signage. Take sandals for walking between the change rooms and saunas. Absolutely primitive sauna facilities. If this is as good as it gets in Finland, then it’s not for me.

This public sauna is located on a very beautiful location. There is possibility to swim and sauna around the year. You cam also to grill sausage. You can also enjoy your own drinks outside. One time sauna payment is 11 €.

Beautiful experience! No fuss, just sauna and some marvelous lake views

The sauna is great and water is nice and cold.

Authentic Finnish sauna experience! For €9 at night you get two saunas (one is very very hot!) and then you can walk into the lake. I felt like the change rooms were a little older and crowded but not too bad. That’s my only complaint. Everybody was friendly and helpful!