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Helsinki: between the rocks and the sea

Route Details

Route Distance

11.9 km

Route Duration

2 h 22 m

Route Points

Audio Guide

Available

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Helsinki is a city where granite cliffs face directly to the sea, and Scandinavian restraint is combined with unexpected warmth. Here everything is compact, understandable and beautiful in its own way. This is a city for those who like to walk and look at the details. Three places to remember for sure A church in a rock — literally. The Tempelauchio is carved inside a granite block, and the copper and glass roof lets in natural light. The acoustics here are such that even a quiet sound can be heard in every corner. The Sibelius monument consists of more than six hundred steel pipes welded together. From a distance it looks like an organ, up close it looks like something cosmic. The Finns dedicated it to their most outstanding composer. Market Square by the sea is the heart of old Helsinki. Here they sell fish, berries and souvenirs in the open air, and boats are moored nearby. The place is alive and real. Interesting fact: Helsinki is located on a peninsula and has more than three hundred islands around it. Some of them can be visited on a regular city tram or ferry. This route will take you from the quiet museum islands to the noisy market by the water — through parks, temples and streets where there is always something to see. Just start walking.