Helsinki
Flynn Marr                                                    5 March 2026
Here we are, just two happy Finns.
but they had those little fried fish called “Smelt” that we love and we could not resist.
With our hands greasy from our little fish we then walked past the other shops. The surprise was that these booths had clothing of exceptional quality and Susan had a wonderful time trying on woolen capes, fur stoles and magnificent hats.
When we woke up on Wednesday, after a day at sea, we were dockside in Helsinki having crossed the Baltic Sea from Warneműnde. We had our breakfast on board and then went down to the gangplank deck to go ashore for the day.
The day was overcast but it was not cold so we walked out in our shirtsleeves, Susan with a shopping bag and me with my camera. A shopping bag and a camera. Pretty standard fare for us on vacation!
At the head of the head of the small bay where the ship was birthed was a small market so Susan was thrilled. She loves it when the shopping comes to her. And actually the shops in this market were really interesting.
There was food, of course, but in European style, it was excellent fare. We had just had breakfast so we just lookedÂ
We began our morning Hobbit style with a second breakfast of deep fried Smelt. We love these little fish and these were fantastic! We have eaten them all over Europe every chance we get.
The market in the harbour had both fresh vegitables and cooked food. Although we had already had our breakfast the food looked excellent. There was lots of fish which makes sense being in a seaport. We found deep fried smelt which we love and have eaten all across Europe. That we did order and it was fantastic. Like popcorn, you can’t stop eating them.
The fresh vegitables formed a small but very impressive display. It was obvious that this market was not just for tourists but was frequented by locals as well. I love this about Europe!
Susan had a wonderful time trying on fur hats. They were beautiful but very expensive. We did not buy one and that has been one of the disapointments of our trip. With hindsight, that was a mistake because we have never seen such a display anywhere since.
Susan modeling a cape. She eventually bought two of them.
She never bought one of these magnificent hats which we have regreted since.
Susan eventually bought this fur stole.
We had limited time on shore, about six hours, and a goodly portion of that was spent in this little market. For Susan shopping is really all the holiday she needs.
This postcard shows the market at the head of the harbour where the M.S. Eurodam tied up.
Near the harbour we came across this building. Not only is the architecture beautiful but the building appears to house the Canadian Embassy.
Like most old European cities, the older streets are composed of millions of granite blocks, often laid in beautiful patterns. So much work!
When on vacation look for interesting pictures that identify where you are. A good example of this is this manhole cover.
We walked a little way out of the tourist area around the harbour but we did not have the time to really explore the city. That is the trouble with a day in port when you are on a cruise.
At the top of the picture in this postcard is the Helsinki Lutheran Cathedral and Senate Square.
Susan standing at the foot of the statue of Alexander II with the Lutheran Cathedral in the background.
We spent quite a while in Senate Square. It was a huge space with lots to explore. We took pictures, looked through the Cathedral, and then we began to make our way back to the harbour. It was time to start back for the ship.
Just north of the harbour we saw up at the end of the side streets a large white building on what appeared to be a hill. At the time we did not know we were looking at Senate Square. We went towards the square up one of these streets and we emerged into a huge open space that rose up to a great white church at the top of a long flight of stairs. At the foot of the stairs was a monument to and statue of a Finnish hero, Grand Duke of Finland Alexander II, unveiled in 1894.
From that monument a wide staircase rises up to the Helsinki Lutheran Cathedral, the Tuomiokirkko, which dominates this part of the city. Large, tall and pure white with beautiful green domes it is a truly impressive building. Inside the style was austere in keeping with other Lutheran houses of worship. But it was a beautiful impressive space for worship.
Approaching Senate Square from the harbour.
Susan is standing in the Senate Square before we went into the Lutheran Cathedral.
The stairs up to the Cathedral we quite a climb!
Here I am on the edge of the Alexander II Monument.
The inside of the Tuomiokirkko is a beautiful dignified space for prayer.
At the end of our day on shore we return to the Eurodam. Susan is carrying her shopping bags full of new treasures from Helsinki.
This little fellow was on our bed when we went to sleep that night.
And that was our day on shore in Helsinki. As usual we came back to the ship knowing how much we were missing and thirsting for more. This was a beautiful city with so much to see and do. I don’t know that we will ever get back here but I would certainly like to. There was just no time today.
Susan’s day was very successful. She returned to our little cabin with bags full of treasures bought in the market in the harbour. Her loot included two wool capes which she wears to this day. Also she had purchased a fur stole which is unique and beautiful. That too she still wears on the evenings we go out.
Tomorrow we are off to St. Petersburg in Russia. That we are looking forward to. But tonight, we went to the dining room for a lovely dinner and then to the Ocean Bar and dancing for the rest of the evening.
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