For the last full day in Finland we were planning a day trip to Tallinn in Estonia reachable as a day trip by ferry from Helsinki. After waking up early and with almost no breakfast we rush to the Linda Lines terminal which is the fastest of the different ferries to Tallinn (1 1/2h one way) while all the other ones take 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 h. We are the first in line and then we get the bad news - the only return available is at 9 pm with the latest ferry. Given that we are flying out the next day this is much too risky so we decide to try for the other lines. After running from terminal to terminal we come to the conclusion that all the other lines leave too late ... read more

After our last Finnish hotel breakfast we took a short walk through downtown Kuopio. Dock area was quiet that early in the morning and had a nice view of the lakes but unfortunately we didn't spot any of the extremely rare freshwater seals (Saimaa Ringed Seal) rumored to live somewhere in the multitude of connected lakes. After the docks we walked to the central cathedral with an imposing exterior, the interior however was really austere. Then we passed the kauppatori open market area that was completely under construction (underground parking lot?) to arrive at our goal, a small row of preserved wooden houses called Pikku Pietarin. We checked a few of the crafts stores but then we had to hurry back to the hotel as the check out was at 11AM this time. Next destination was ... read more

We wake up late due to our midnight arrival the previous day and already at breakfast have a nice reindeer sighting as two reindeer with impressive antlers are ambling through the complex. We go outside and try to snap some photos with them crossing the Arctic Circle - or at least the point marked as the Arctic Circle inside the complex. We also take a tour of the complex seeing the boat harbor and discover that our cabin has also a 2nd floor with additional sleeping space. After all the excitement we drive just a few kilometres to a nearby hiking trail (Tervetuloa Sompasen). We do not have time to do it entirely but we have a nice hike first through the forest while avoiding getting sucked in the marshy areas created by the rains and ... read more

Day 3 started under a bit less auspicious signs with constant rain falling outside our hotel window. After eating a large breakfast (love those European hotel breakfasts) we decided to do a short stroll through downtown Turku before leaving northwards. With an eye on the clock to ensure we do not miss the hotel checkout we walked down to the Central Square to buy fresh tomatoes, kantarelli (mushrooms) and bananas from the kauppatori (open market). On the way we stopped also in the kauppahalli (covered market) which was quite a bit more expensive. As the rain intensified we entered a supermarket where we bought provisions for the following days and then returned quite wet to the hotel. First stop north was the Untamala Archaelogy Center with some well preserved wooden buildings and church as well some ... read more

After a long flight to Europe Saturday is the first day that we have to roam around Helsinki and luckily we have good weather almost all day. Staying near the airport has its advantages if you want to rent a car however we have to take the airport bus 615 downtown which takes about 1/2h. We get out at the last stop - the central train station - and after taking a few pictures of the modern plaza we continue down to the central artery of Helsinki - the Esplanade. Everything seems curiously empty of tourists until we get to the Kauppatori (open market) and Kauppahalli (covered market) where there is a normal bustle as associated with European capitals. After taking a look at the stands filled with reindeer products from meat to furs and antlers ... read more