The Finnish capital of Helsinki owes more than a little nod to Tsars of Russia for its similarity to the architecture of the great city of St. Petersburg.
The Russian influence has long gone and what remains is a vibrant and exciting city that takes its very life force from the water that surrounds it; never one to take itself too seriously Helsinki is filled with good natured humour and an ability to laugh at the absurdities of life – everything in Helsinki is done because it is fun, not because it is cool.
Much of Helsinki appears lost in time, the preservation of the cities heritage being one of the few things that is taken seriously; there is an almost genteel feel to the many building that celebrate all that is great about being Finnish, this pride in the city is just another aspect of the Finnish way, that will draw you in and steal your heart, as you visit this fabulous European capital.