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No. 5 of Best Things to Do in Finland

Uspenski Cathedral

Uspenski Cathedral is the cathedral of the Finnish Orthodox Church. Perched on a hillside on the Katajanokka peninsula in Helsinki, overlooking the South Harbour, it is one of the largest Orthodox churches in Northern Europe. The church was built in the 1860s and designed by Russian architect Aleksey Gornostayev. It was modeled after a 16th-century church near Moscow, and the hundreds of thousands of red bricks used for the walls were taken from the Bomarsund fortress, which was destroyed during the Crimean War. The deep red brick walls, paired with gold-and-green onion domes, stand out strikingly against the bay. The 13 domes symbolize Jesus and the 12 apostles, and the crosses on the spires all face east. A plaque commemorating Tsar Alexander II is embedded on the back of the church—he was the ruler of Finland when the church was built. The name "Uspenski" is derived from Old Church Slavonic and means "Dormition." Every year in mid-August, a grand festive service is held here for the Feast of the Dormition. Stepping inside, the light is serene. The central dome is supported by four granite pillars, and the dome and vaults are adorned with religious paintings. The golden iconostasis, cascading chandeliers, and numerous ancient icons create a rich Orthodox Byzantine atmosphere. It faces the elegant, whiteHelsinki Cathedralacross the water. The red and white structures form a classic Helsinki cityscape. The church remains a place of worship for local Orthodox believers today.

No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Finland

Oodi Helsinki Central Library

Oodi Helsinki Central Library is located in the heart of Helsinki, on one side of the Civic Square next to the Parliament House, and was designed by the Finnish architecture firm ALA Architects. The name Oodi means ode, and of its three floors, only the top floor is dedicated to books and reading; the entire building is more like an urban living room that incorporates reading, creation, and gathering. Each of the three floors has its own appeal: the ground floor continues the bustle of the square outside and features a cinema, a multi-purpose hall, a restaurant, and quick book lending and return services; the middle floor is a space for hands-on activities and creation, equipped with makerspaces and equipment open to the public; the top floor is an open reading area where a large collection of books is displayed under a wavy ceiling. The children's reading area is also located here, and the Citizens' Balcony on the side offers a view of the city center. The entire building is designed as a "habitable bridge": two massive steel arches span over 100 meters, supporting a wavy wooden shell that creates an open, column-free public space on the ground floor, allowing you to feel the sense of openness as the square extends into the interior upon entering. The double-spiral staircase connecting the floors is also a distinctive architectural element of the library.

No. 6 of Best Things to Do in Finland

Helsinki Cathedral

Located in front of Senate Square, Helsinki Cathedral is one of Helsinki's most well-known buildings. Its green dome is very striking, and this magnificent white building with a green roof can be seen from anywhere in the city center, which is why it is also known as the "White Church." Historical background The church was designed by German architect C.L. Engel. It is located more than 80 m above sea level and can be seen at a glance from the sea. The cathedral is a famous building in Helsinki and holds a special place in the hearts of Finns. Therefore, Finnish couples hope to hold their weddings here, and for this, they even need to book a year and a half in advance. Architectural beauty The magnificent building contains many exquisite murals and sculptures. In winter, heavy snow covers the square in front of the church, and warm lights turn on, making the whole church look sacred. Whenever the church bells ring, the entire square falls silent, and many tourists quietly experience this precious moment of inner peace that only religion can bring. Events and celebrations The graduation ceremony of the University of Helsinki, one of the best universities in Northern Europe, is also held here every year. Organ recitals and concerts are held here every Sunday evening.

Hornhattula Disc Golf Park

Borgå Golf

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Hasselholmenin uimaranta

Borgå Bollplan

Uusimaa Areena