Finland, known for its pristine nature, modern Nordic culture, and high quality of life, stretches from the tranquil shores of the Baltic Sea to the vast wilderness of the north. The southern region of Finland is its most populous and vibrant area, home to a blend of coastal landscapes, historic cities, and technological innovation.
I lived almost 6 months as an Erasmus student in Finland. My home back then, Salo, sits right between two bigger cities: Helsinki and Turku. Salo might be small, but that’s exactly what makes it special. It’s friendly, easy to navigate, and surrounded by beautiful nature.
Just an hour away, Helsinki feels like a different world—modern, lively, full of design shops, seaside views, and an international vibe. It’s the place I go when I want culture, food, and city energy. On the other side, Turku offers something completely different: Finland’s oldest city, full of history, student life, and a beautiful riverfront that becomes the heart of the city in summer.
What to eat?
When I first arrived in Finland, I kept seeing the name Hesburger everywhere. At first, I thought it was just another fast-food place, but after asking a few locals, I learned it’s practically a Finnish institution.
What makes it so interesting is that it started right here in the south, in Turku, and has grown into Finland’s biggest burger chain—bigger than the international ones I was used to back home.
Below, you can find out more about my time in Helsinki, Turku, and Salo, and what there is to see there.
Helsinki
Helsinki is a city that feels effortlessly modern yet comfortably relaxed, a place where sleek Nordic design meets the calm rhythm of the Baltic Sea. As Finland’s capital, it’s full of life—vibrant cafés, creative neighborhoods, seaside parks, and stunning architecture that mixes classic elegance with bold contemporary style.
Eteläranta 00130, 00130 Helsinki, Finland
Lutherinkatu 3, 00100 Helsinki, Finland
Mannerheimintie 34, 00100 Helsinki, Finland
Kaivokatu 2, 00100 Helsinki, Finland
Mannerheimintie 13a, 00100 Helsinki, Finland
Unioninkatu 29, 00170 Helsinki, Finland
Pormestarinrinne 1, 00160 Helsinki, Finland
Lönnrotinkatu 6, 00120 Helsinki, Finland
Eduskunta, Uusimaa, Finland
Kaivopuisto, Finland
Fazerintie 6, 01230 Vantaa, Finland
Parliament of Finland (Eduskunta)
The Parliament of Finland, or Eduskunta, is an impressive symbol of Finnish democracy, right in the heart of Helsinki. The building itself immediately catches your eye with its grand neoclassical architecture, tall columns, and elegant interior—truly a blend of history and authority. When we went inside, it was fascinating to see the actual parliament chamber where the 200 elected politicians do their work.
Helsinki Cathedral (Helsingin tuomiokirkko)
+ Johan Vilhelm Snellman statue
The Helsinki Cathedral (Helsingin tuomiokirkko) is one of the most iconic landmarks of the city and a true symbol of Helsinki. Sitting majestically at the top of Senate Square, its bright white façade and green domes are visible from many parts of the city. Built in the 19th century, the cathedral impresses with its neoclassical architecture and serene, spacious interior.
Helsinki Music Centre (Musiikkitalo)
The Musiikkitalo, or Helsinki Music Centre, is a modern architectural gem in the heart of Helsinki, dedicated to music and performance. Its sleek glass façade and striking design make it stand out even among the city’s historic buildings. Inside, of the highlights is the large, captivating art piece that dominates the interior, drawing visitors’ eyes upward with its dynamic form and intricate details.
Uspenski-Cathedral (Uspenskin katedraali)
The Uspenski Cathedral (Uspenskin katedraali) in Helsinki is a stunning example of Eastern Orthodox architecture and one of the city’s most striking landmarks. Perched on a hill overlooking the harbor, its red-brick exterior, golden onion domes, and intricate details immediately catch your eye.
Waterfront Helsinki
The waterfront in Helsinki is one of the city’s most charming spots, where the calm Baltic Sea meets bustling harbors and scenic promenades. Walking along the shoreline, you can enjoy the fresh sea breeze, watch ferries glide by, and see the mix of historic buildings and modern architecture that defines the city. From here, the view stretches out to Luoto Island, a small, peaceful green oasis just off the coast.
Helsinki Main Station (Helsingin päärautatieasema)
The Helsinki Main Station (Helsingin päärautatieasema) is not just a transport hub—it’s an architectural landmark and a central meeting point in the city. The grand façade, with its massive clock tower and iconic statues, immediately signals the importance of this historic building. In front of the station, the open plaza is always bustling with people, street performers, and trams, creating a lively urban atmosphere. Behind the station lies the busy bus terminal, connecting Helsinki with nearby towns and regions.
Temppeliaukio-Church (Temppeliaukion Kirkko)
The Temppeliaukio Church (Temppeliaukion Kirkko), carved directly into solid rock, the church blends natural ruggedness with modern design, creating a space that feels both serene and awe-inspiring. What makes it truly special inside is the massive copper dome that lets in soft, natural light.
Kaivopuisto (Park)
Kaivopuisto is one of Helsinki’s oldest and most popular parks, stretching along the southern waterfront with beautiful views of the sea and nearby islands. It’s a favorite spot for picnics, jogging, and relaxing, especially in the long summer evenings. Within the park, you can find the Arvid Mörne Monument, honoring the Finnish writer and poet, and the Rauhanpatsas (Peace Statue), a symbol of hope and harmony.
Old Church Park and old church (Vanha kirkko)
The Old Church Park, a green oasis filled with trees, benches, and winding paths—a perfect place to relax, have a picnic, or enjoy a quiet moment in the city. Together, the church and park create a serene corner of Helsinki that blends history, nature, and everyday urban life.
Art museum (Ateneumin taidemuseo)
The Ateneum Art Museum (Ateneumin taidemuseo) in Helsinki is Finland’s premier art museum and a must-visit for anyone interested in Finnish culture and visual arts. Housed in an elegant 19th-century building, it features an impressive collection of Finnish classics.
Old market hall (Vanha kauppahalli)
The Old Market Hall (Vanha kauppahalli) in Helsinki is a historic and vibrant food market right by the harbor, dating back to 1889. Inside, it’s a feast for the senses: stalls brimming with fresh fish, local cheeses, baked goods, and traditional Finnish delicacies.
Fazer Chocolate Factory
I had never heard of Fazer, but it didn’t take long to realize it’s a true Finnish icon. Visiting the Fazer Chocolate Factory was a fascinating introduction to the brand. We went inside for a guided tour, and it was amazing to see how their chocolate is made. Tasting the fresh chocolate at the end was unforgettable, and it was easy to understand why Fazer is so beloved here in Finland.
Turku
Turku is a charming city in southwestern Finland, full of history, culture, and riverside charm. I had the chance to visit a few times, and each visit felt like discovering a new side of the city. From strolling along the Aura River to exploring the vibrant cafés and bars, there was always something new to see and experience. On one of our visits, we also went to an ice hockey game at the Gatorade Center (formerly known as HK Arena), which is home to TPS Turku.
Tuomiokirkonkatu 1, 20500 Turku, Finland
Hippoksentie 2, 20720 Turku, Finland
Itäinen Rantakatu, 20800 Turku, Finland
Gatorade Center (formerly known as HK Arena)
Visiting the Gatorade Center (formerly known as HK Arena) in Turku was an unforgettable experience. We went there in 2012 to watch an ice hockey game between Finland and the Czech Republic, part of the Karjala Tournament. The arena was buzzing with excitement—fans waving flags, cheering, and creating an incredible atmosphere that made you feel every moment of the game. The match was intense and exciting, but unfortunately, Finland lost 1-0. Despite the narrow defeat, being in the arena, surrounded by passionate supporters, really showed me how important ice hockey is to Finnish culture
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2012_Karjala_Tournament
River Aura (Itäinen Rantakatu)
The Aura River (Aurajoki) is the heart of Turku, flowing through the city and giving it a unique charm. Walking along Itäinen Rantakatu, the eastern riverbank, you can enjoy a lively mix of cafés, restaurants, and cultural spots right by the water. The riverbanks are perfect for a relaxed stroll, watching boats glide by, or simply soaking in the vibrant riverside atmosphere.
Turku Cathedral (Turun tuomiokirkko)
The Turku Cathedral (Turun tuomiokirkko) is one of Finland’s most important and historic landmarks, often considered the spiritual heart of the country. Built in the 13th century, it showcases stunning Gothic and medieval architecture, with elegant details both inside and out.
Salo
Salo is a cozy town in southern Finland, known for its peaceful small-town charm and beautiful natural surroundings. Surrounded by forests and lakes, it offers a quiet and relaxed lifestyle while still being well-connected to bigger cities like Turku and Helsinki.
Salo was previously recognised for its significant consumer electronics and mobile phone industry. Nokia, and briefly Microsoft Mobile, operated a manufacturing plant in the town (closed in 2015).
Satamakatu, 24100 Salo, Finland
Ylhäistentie 2, 24130 Salo, Finland
Salo, Southwest Finland, Finland
River of Salo
The river in the middle of Salo flows gently through the heart of the town, giving it a peaceful and scenic atmosphere. Lined with walking paths, small parks, and charming bridges, the river area is a favorite spot for locals to relax, take a stroll, or enjoy a quiet moment in nature. It adds a touch of calm to the town center and beautifully connects Salo’s urban life with the surrounding natural landscape, making it a lovely place to explore.
Salo Harbour
Salo Harbour is a small but charming waterfront area in the heart of Salo, right along Satamakatu. The harbour connects the town with the surrounding waterways and adds a peaceful, scenic touch to the urban center. It´s also an important natural area especially for bird life.
Leave a Reply