Helsinki, the capital and largest city in Finland, is situated along pristine bays and lush peninsulas in the Baltic Sea. This elegant northern city features an interesting variety of architectural styles, beautiful city parks and gardens, world-class museums and many other amazing attractions. You can learn about culture, architecture and history of the area by taking a walking tour of Helsinki.
Choose a walking tour of the fortress Suomenlinna. This structure reveals the history of Helsinki during times of Swedish and Russian Rule. Daily guided tours are available in the summertime from June through August, while weekend walking tours are available in the winter.
Visit the Suomenlinna Tours website to select a tour package and time for your walking tour. The tours are offered several times a day in three languages--English, Swedish and Finnish.
Begin the tour at the fortress visitors center. Here you can pay for the cost of the walking tour, which also includes entrance to the Ehrensvard Museum.
Bring your camera to take pictures of the exterior and interior of the fortress. The guide also takes you to the Castle Courtyard, Dry Dock and Piper's Park, while discussing the rich history of the area.
Head to the Ehrensvard Museum. This museum is located in the Commanders House in the central court of the fortress Suomenlinna. Here you can see weapons, artwork, antique furniture and other artifacts. You can also sign up for a workshop at the museum where you can learn about 18th Century Helsinki traditions.
Have lunch at Cafe Piper. This cafe is located in the center of the park at Suomenlinna. Here you can enjoy Finnish food, coffee and breathtaking views of the sea. The gardens surrounding Cafe Piper are lush and blooming, making for plenty more photo opportunities.
