Destinations - Scandinavia & East Sea - Helsinki

Often referred to as the "Pearl of the Baltic," this neat, clean city on Finland’s southern coast is known for its impressive architecture, wide boulevards, and beautiful harbor. Founded in 1550, Helsinki was appointed as the country’s capital in 1812. After a devastating fire, Helsinki was totally rebuilt, mostly in the neo-Classical, Empire-style. An outstanding example of this impressive architecture can be seen around the grand Senate Square, dominated by the exquisite Tuomio Church at one end and the onion domes of the Russian Orthodox Uspenski Cathedral at the eastern end.

The city is full of wonderful museums, displaying everything from art to architectural design. The colorful harbor front has a lively market. The Esplanadi leads north into Mannerheimintie, the city’s main thoroughfare named after the military commander and statesman, C.G.E. Mannerheim. Visit the late 60’s Temppeliaukioa Church (Rock Church) which was created from an odd combination of man-made and natural materials. Finland’s musical heritage comes alive in the great Finlandia Hall, designed by the renowned architect Alvar Aalto. Finland’s beloved composer, Jean Sibelius, is remembered by a beautiful monument on Helsinki’s outskirts.

The country’s presidential republic is a stable government. In its solid economy virtually all the businesses are private establishments. This creates a pleasant lifestyle for the majority of its citizens. The hardy and colorful Lapp people of the most northern regions survive brutal winters and are very protective of their traditional lifestyle.

During the summer months, the nights are long and the residents are eager to enjoy every minute of them. Warm, sunny days invite all to soak up the sun after a long and seemingly endless winter.

View all the cruises that call at Helsinki, Scandinavia & East Sea cruise destination

Companies: Hapag Lloyd Cruises, Silversea Cruises, Cunard Line, Peter Deilmann Cruises , Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Crystal Cruises, P & O Cruises, Princess Cruises, Seabourn Cruise Line, Swan Hellenic, Holland America Line, Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Classic International Cruises, Costa Cruises, Fred.Olsen Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Noble Caledonia Limited, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Transocean Tours, Voyages of Discovery,

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