Helsinki – the White Capital of the North
Helsinki’s Zoo is located on one of the offshore islands of the capital, Korkeasaari. In a spacious park animals from mostly arctic and mountainous regions are presented. You can see rare and endangered species here: snow leopard, Amur tiger, Asian lion, and others. One of the most interesting pavilions is “Africasia”. A purling spring with a waterfall and exuberant vegetation create the appropriate atmosphere.
The city of Espoo offers an adventure for the whole family. The biggest in Europe roofed aqua park “Serena” is located in Espoo. Huge swimming pool with ocean waves, mountain waterfalls, interesting slides and whirlpools as well as the “tropical” climate will guarantee an impressive rest even in the winter. In “Serena” there is also a multi-functional gym, equipped with modern effective and safe exercise machines. And cavern saunas, built in rock, will satisfy the requirements of the most demanding lovers of hot steam.
Suomenlinna (Sveaborg) is a 250-year old sea fortress and unique object under UNESCO’s protection. It is situated on one of the offshore islands of Helsinki. The Swedish name of the fortress is Sveaborg. The fortress itself is a huge museum in the open air. Furthermore, there are many museums and galleries on the islands. It is worthwhile to start the tour in Suomenlinna from the guides’ center Inventaariokamari. This facility, which was built in 1700-s for the needs of the Navy, provides many services. Here you have the «Suomenlinna» museum, the information desk and a souvenir shop. You can get familiar with the history of the fortress by watching a film strip and start your tour under a professional guide, for this is the starting point for all the excursions. Different activities are held in Suomenlinna the year round. For example, in the summer it hosts Opera days and Regatta, while in the winter it has Christmas holidays and concerts. Museums, parks, architecture sights, galleries, restaurants, and cafes offer the visitors their unforgettable impressions.
Amusement Park «Linnanmyaki» – is one of the popular rest places for the capital dwellers and numerous tourists. More than thirty different attractions are set in the park: breath-taking rollercoasters, the Loop of Death, the Room of Terror and many other things for adults and for children. On the territory of the park there are several restaurants, kiosks, gambling halls and souvenir shops. In June of 2002 a splendid aquarium, Sea Life Center Helsinki, was opened. In a two-floor aquarium-house the exhibition functions all the year round. In aquarium you can watch the inhabitants of tropical and northern cold seas. The tour will introduce to you hundreds of species of sea animals, gathered from the whole world, beginning with starfishes and shrimps to the sharks The sea dwellers swim in a modern spacious aquarium of 230 cubic meters, which consists of glass tonnels.
Seurasaari – is an open-air park and museum. Old wooden constructions give you an idea of the national traditions of the Finns. In the summer it becomes the ground for the folk dance shows and traditional festivals. One of the latter is a mid-summer festival “The Eve of Ivanov’s Day”. There is a summer restaurant and a beach in the park. In the winter you can go on a skiing tour on the island.