As we set off from Stockholm on that bright March afternoon, the excitement in the air was palpable. Mandy and I boarded the overnight ferry, our bags packed with essentials and a sense of adventure. The sun glimmered on the water, casting a shimmering path towards our destination, Helsinki.
The ferry was bustling with travelers, but we found a cozy spot on the deck to soak in the breathtaking views of the archipelago. The scenery was simply stunning—countless islands dotted the horizon, each one unique with its rugged cliffs, lush greenery, and quaint wooden houses. The wind was crisp and invigorating, filling the air with a hint of saltiness. We bundled up, feeling the chill against our skin, but it only added to the thrill of the journey.
As we glided through the serene waters, we watched the islands pass by, some just large rocks peeking above the surface, while others were adorned with colorful cottages, their owners likely enjoying a peaceful weekend away. The occasional sailboat whizzed past, adding to the picturesque scene.
As we sailed into the port of Helsinki on that beautiful March morning, the crisp, cool air filled our lungs, invigorating us after the long journey. The sun shone brightly, casting a shimmering glow on the icy waters, and I could see the outline of the city emerging on the horizon, a stunning blend of modern architecture and historical buildings.
Mandy stood beside me, her eyes sparkling with excitement as we approached the dock. “Look at that!” she exclaimed, pointing towards the iconic white façade of the Helsinki Cathedral rising majestically against the blue sky. It was a sight I’d long wanted to see in person, and seeing it in the morning light made it even more breathtaking.
We disembarked the ship and checked into our hotel and they decided to explore Helsinki. The weather was simply beautiful as we set out.
Our first stop was Senate Square, where the grand Helsinki Cathedral towered over us, its white façade gleaming in the sunlight. We wandered around the square, admiring the statues and the surrounding buildings. The square felt peaceful, almost like stepping into a painting. Mandy snapped a few photos, trying to capture the beauty of the moment.
On our second day we walked over to the harbour where there were a number of stall selling freshly cooked fish, Rob enjoyed the sardines.
We decided to visit one of the local cafés. The aroma of freshly baked pastries and brewing coffee lured us in. We ordered traditional Finnish cinnamon buns, which were delightfully sweet and comforting.
On our second night, we walked over to the Vantaa River, where we heard there would be dragon boat racing. As we strolled along the riverbank, the crisp air was invigorating, and we marveled at the sight of the colorful dragon boats lined up, their vibrant designs reflecting the spirit of the event. The anticipation in the air was palpable as teams prepared to compete, their paddles glinting under the soft glow of the setting sun.
Finding a cozy spot along the river, we settled in to watch the races. The excitement grew as the boats surged forward, each crew working in perfect harmony, their rhythmic strokes sending splashes of water flying. The atmosphere was electric, filled with cheers and encouragement from the crowd. We couldn’t help but cheer along, caught up in the enthusiasm of the event.
Once the races concluded, we felt a sense of exhilaration and wanted to unwind. We wandered to a nearby stall selling local cider. Mandy and I chose a couple of chilled bottles, enjoying the crisp, refreshing taste as we discussed the races and our favorite moments of the day. The cider was delicious, and we raised our bottles in a toast to the vibrant evening and the adventures that awaited us in this beautiful city.
The following day we made our way over to the iconic Temppeliaukio Church, also known as the Rock Church. Nestled into solid granite, the church's exterior was unassuming, but as we walked inside, we were completely captivated. The interior was breathtaking—a smooth, raw rock surrounded us, with a stunning copper dome above that allowed natural light to pour in. The acoustics were remarkable; we could hear even the softest whispers as we wandered around, taking in the serene beauty.
