Across the Baltic to Finland - Helsinki and beyond
- Two's Company
- May 11, 2023
- 2 min read
Sailing across the Baltic on a clear day with the breeze turning wind-like was refreshing.
The sea was calm and although it was decidedly chilly a couple of hours relaxing was a welcome break from leg-work.
The scenery as we slowly entered Helsinki was stunning. We suddenly felt a strange shift towards western culture, an odd feeling, but it certainly felt like the journey towards home was beginning.
By the time we arrived at our accommodation it was time to cook something for an evening meal. I was grateful for the aroma as pasta sauce gently bubbled away…
Helsinki, our first stop the “must-see” Sibelius Monument dedicated to the romantic composer Jean Sibelius.
It was reading this that we began to understand why Helsinki felt even more different. There is no real emphasis on Finland anywhere, no historic drive, no celebration of wars, so very different to the proud historic capitals of every other country we had visited on our journey so far.
Finland seems to be still finding its way and its place in Europe, if not the world.
It’s a relatively new country in its own right, only gaining independence from Russia in 1917, joining the EU in 1995 and NATO only last month!
Finland is considered to be one of the happiest countries to live with an abundance of nature for everyone, high incomes for some (yet high unemployment), prosperity and good living conditions alongside a renowned education system. Finland just sort of muddles along in its own beauty.
As our adventure from Helsinki took us north to the lakes, how lovely they are!
Much flatter than our own, but a great abundance of water with the train journey passing between lake after lake with stunning views and glorious sunshine!
Both Jyvaskyla and Joensuu were a welcome break from the cities.
We enjoyed our time around Finland, but as for Helsinki, it’s expensive, not particularly inspiring, a bit grey and boring and even the Olympic stadium has little impact and was quite obviously built in the 50’s.
Finland needs a bit of oomph in our eyes; there doesn’t feel like anything to celebrate! Maybe the Finns are just very modest people who quietly get on with their lives?
Finland sounds like a country of contrasts. Kind of a mish-mash of present and past without totally identifying with either. Happy to be independent and free yet not quite forging ahead with determined confidence, almost accepting its place and quietly getting on with life without wishing to ruffle the water...Happy maybe with the status quo.. the weather looks good if much cooler than you've got used to during your travels. A touch cooler than home maybe..😁...I suspected you would head across from Tallinn to Helsinki. The lakes sound like a lovely area and a pleasent change from the city...countryside! 😁 Yayyy!...beautiful...and on to Stockholm!! Enjoy!! T & G
The ferry to Stockholm is a wonderful ride - from Turku? I lived in Stockholm for a year a long time ago and loved it! I hope you will too!
Looks amazing and relaxing
I found Finland ( esp Helsinki) to be more like Eastern European in terms of architecture but not culture and certainly not food. After the relative paucity of good food and vegetables on Russia the market in Helsinki was incredible. I do hope you enjoy your time in Finland. I'm eager to find out where you're off to next!