Allan Rogers takes

A BALTIC CITY BREAK

We decided to get closer to the locals by hopping on one of the trams that jangled through the town with flags flying.







Finland is a land of lakes and Helsinki is aptly named the
'Daughter of the Baltic.'

It’s a city in which you are very much aware of the sea
so it seemed natural to begin by visiting the colourful and vibrant market at the waterfront.

Immediately you get the impression of a very well heeled population.
Everyone and everything seemed to be smart and sparkling in the clear northern light. We had a coffee sitting in the open air and looking across the harbour took in the opulence of a sleek white private motor yacht, though the word ‘yacht’ seemed a bit inadequate as it had its own little seaplane sitting on the rear deck.

Beyond a three masted sailing ship, the ferries were making ready to cross the Baltic on their daily run to Estonia. We were pretty close to the countries of Eastern Europe and that Helsinki and Finland were part of Russia from 1809 until the country became independent in 1917.

It was pleasant sitting there and an accordionist played as youngsters sat with legs dangling over the piers waiting for the various sightseeing tour boats. The trips last from two to three hours and cost little

We decided to get closer to the locals by hopping on one of the trams that jangled through the town with flags flying.

I reckoned the best route was the T3 which does a figure of 8 trip and gives you a chance to see where people live as well as the sights of the city.

The Day Tourist Ticket for Tram, Bus or Metro is good value.

The centre of town is dominated by the Lutheran Cathedral which sits at the top of an enormous row of steps that run the whole length of the square.

The architecture of the Railway Station is impressive and there are many museums and galleries

If you are more into commerce than culture you'll find the best flea market on a square near the Sinebrychoff Art Museum (pick up a map from the tourist office look for location 'B3'.) Locals and visitors from Estonia and Russia sell a whole load of things that you never knew you needed.

Well who can survive our winter with out one of those Russian Army hats? The Youth Hostel is nearby, handy for anyone planning a visit and looking for budget accomodation.

At the other end of the scale if you want to stay in a castle that too is possible, you can check into the Lord Hotel. It was originally built as a castle called Vanha Poli, now it has a cosy bar, three restaurants and four stars.

Once you’ve taken a boat trip and explored the coves and headlands of the waterfront I’d suggest visiting the Jean Sibelius Park.

The closest route to the park is No 14 or Tram 3B, they take you within 500 meters.

A great stern face of Finland's greatest composer looks a you as you stand under the monument 'Passion for Illusion.'

They say that under it's great hollow tubes you have the illusion of hearing music.
I didn't hear Finlandia or the 7th Symphony.

The winds could not have been blowing from the North through the trees and lakes where Finland stretches up beyond the Arctic Circle.

One day I must go back and try again.

Report by Allan Rogers .

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FACT BOX

• The Finnish Tourist Board. 66 Haymarket, London SW1Y 4RF.
Tel 071 839 4048
• Short breaks including ‘Lord Hotel’are featured in the Osprey ‘City Holidays’ brochure. Tel 031 557 1555
• The current rate of exchange is 7.63 Markka to the Pound.
• You can fly via London. Finnair use Terminal 1 at Heathrow so transfer from our
domestic flights is very easy indeed.