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 Art to play with |
30 Annankatu Helsinki 00100 Finland +358 9 169 3747 |
The Annantalo arts centre for children and the young is a beautiful old wooden building in Kamppi, behind Forum. This lovely place has art courses, but for the visitor, more interesting are the exhibitions, aimed mainly at children of various ages. There may be several exhibitions at one time, one lasting usually from a few weeks to several months. The centre is very spacious, and many exhibitions are to be played with (or in). The curators take into account what keeps children interested and what art means to them. There is also a café, though its open hours are slightly different than the centre's. If you plan to go during the week, remember than until the afternoon it might be full of kindergarten groups. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
 All you need to know about Helsinki |
19 Pohjoisesplanadi Helsinki, Southern Finland 00100 Finland +358 (0)9 169 3757 http://www.hel2.fi/Tourism/EN/... |
Helsinki is more than a city in the land of the midnight sun. There are things to do in this vibrant metropolis no matter what the season, no matter the amount of sunshine or moonlight. The Helsinki City Tourist & Convention Bureau can provide you with information on activities ranging from Christmas fairs to ski team viewings. For information on upcoming events, visit their website. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Nature in its full glory |
7 B Lönnrotinkatu (Helsinki Expert) Helsinki 00120 Finland +358 9 2288 1222 http://www.helsinkiexpert.fi |
Even the name says it all: this is the dream tour for a nature-lover. The half-day trip covers one of Finland's most important protected sites, Nuuksio National Park. Cisitors can become acquainted with southern Finnish nature at its best: crystal-clear lakes and ponds and mighty forests. The tour, led by an expert guide, is an introduction to the stunning beauty of Finnish nature, and to the special features to Nuuksio. Among other things, this is the main place in Northern Europe where flying squirrels nest. The trip includes a one-kilometre walk through the woodsand lasts four hours and starts in front of the City Tourist Office. Tickets can be purchased in Esplanadi park, close to the Tourist Office. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Sameli |
 Photo: Timo Tervo |
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Guided tour of the old city of Porvoo |
7 B Lönnrotinkatu (Helsinki Expert) Helsinki 00120 Finland +358 9 2288 1600 http://www.helsinkiexpert.fi |
This half-day tour of the old town of Porvoo will take you back to a more idyllic world in which small wooden houses, little shops and craftsmen's workshops were a part of everyday life. Although destroyed by fire in 1760, Porvoo still has a medieval design reminiscent of many Central European towns. It used to be popular among artists—its citizens have included painter Albert Edelfelt, sculptor Ville Vallgren, national poet J.L. Runeberg and his son, sculptor Walter Runeberg. This tour covers, among other places the Medieval church and the Town Hall. Visitors would be wise to also visit the Porvoo bridge with its views of the city. The tours start in front of the Helsinki City Tourist Office, and have commentary in Finnish, Swedish and English. Tickets can be purchased in Esplanadi park, close to the Tourist Office. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Catuxa Seoane |
 Photo: Sergio Calleja (aka SuperKeko)  |
 Photo: Jaime Rubio |
 Photo: Kent Charles |
 Photo: Daniel Lombraña González |
 Photo: razzcore |
 Photo: Elvira Guàrdia |
 Photo: Ignacio Caballero |
 Photo: Stacey Maxwell |
 Photo: Aine&Ville |
 Photo: petelewin |
 Photo: trendsetter631 |
 Photo: Giorgio Minissale |
 Photo: Toni Oliver |
 Photo: K.T.Bui |
 Photo: matt t. dudek |
 Photo: Mystic Sands |
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Tour the splendour of the palace |
1 Messuaukio Lönnrotinkatu 7 B Helsinki 00520 Finland +358 9 2288 1222 http://www.helsinkiexpert.fi |
The Presidential Palace has been a private home, the Finnish residence of the Czar and the official residence of Finland's President. Now, it is the venue for numerous official functions, held in the Valtiosali (Hall of State) where glorious statues, golden and bronze hues and the dark parquet create a majestic setting for banquets. The Peilisali (Mirror Hall) is a more airy, silvery hall, the most memorable feature of which are the fabulous chandeliers. The Keltainen sali (Yellow Hall) is a famous salon. Its dark-wood furniture and luscious interior are the setting for intimate coffees during the Independence Day celebrations. Most functions are held on the second floor, which is what the guided tour focuses on. Tours are held by appointment on only a few days a week and last about 45 minutes. Each tour is held for two groups; check the website or call for details. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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For fans of Finnish culture |
Esplanade Park, Fabianinkatu Helsinki Finland +358 9 2288 1600 http://www.helsinkiexpert.fi |
This half-day trip is perfect for people interested in culture. It visits two important places connected to Finnish art: Hvitträsk and Ainola. Hvitträsk used to be the studio of the famed trio of architects Saarinen-Gesellius-Lindgren. The most renowned member of this trio, Eliel Saarinen, also used to live at the beautiful house, located by a lake. This tour lasts four hours and is arranged every summer from June-September. It starts in front of the City Tourist Office, and have commentary in Finnish, Swedish and English. Tickets can be purchased in Esplanadi park, close to the Tourist Office. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Gary Korhonen |
 Photo: Pavel Curtis |
 Photo: Pavel Curtis |
 Photo: nyomee wallen |
