Helsinki was founded by King Gustav Vasa of Sweden in 1550 on the mouth of the Vantaa River. In the mid-1600s the centre was moved to its current location on the southern peninsula, where the deeper waters allowed Helsinki to compete better for Baltic Sea trade. In 1917 Helsinki became capital of the independent Republic of Finland. 
Located on the harbor, the Market Square is Helsinki's most international and famous market. The booths here sell traditional market foods and treats, as well as handicrafts and souvenirs. There is also a heated café tent where you can comfortably sip steaming hot coffee even on the coldest days in winter. 
Brian bargaining at the market. He purchased a lovely handmade
wooden puzzle featuring Finnish forest animals.
Chanterelle mushrooms!
There were many craft booths; this woman is knitting hats.
The original drawings for the Presidential Palace were made by Pehr Granstedt at the beginning of the 1800s. The building was finished in 1820, after which C.L. Engel adapted it for use by the Russian Tsar. Since Finland's independence the building has served as the official residence of the President, although today it is used primarily for presidential functions. 
The train station features an art deco design and the entrance is guarded by the massive statues below.
Some of Helsinki's many churches...
Completed in 1868 in the Katajanokka district of Helsinki, the Uspenski Cathedral is the largest orthodox church in Western Europe. With its golden cupolas and redbrick facade, the church is one of the clearest symbols of the Russian impact on Finnish history. 
The Lutheran Cathedral designed by C.L. Engel in splendid Neoclassical style. The work began according to his designs in 1830, and was completed after Engel's death in 1852. In addition to serving its own congregation, it is the scene of major state and university events, while exhibitions and concerts are held in the crypt. [Jim & Ellen in foreground] 
Quarried out of the natural bedrock, Temppeliaukio Church was designed by architects Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen and opened in 1969. The interior walls are created naturally by the rock and the ceiling features concentric circles of copper. Due to its excellent acoustics the church is a popular venue for concerts.
Sibelius Monument
In the Sibelius park is the world famous composer Jean Sibelius' (1865-1957) monument by Eila Hiltunen. The monument resembles organ pipes, made of more than 600 welded steel pipes (closeup below). Sibelius wrote their national anthem "Finlandia". 
Suomenlinna Fortress
Suomenlinna is a major monument of military architecture. The construction of the sea fortress on the islands just off Helsinki in the middle of the 18th century was the most extensive building project during Swedish rule. When it was complete, its military shipyard was one of the biggest dry docks in the world and centres of know-how at that time. At the end of Swedish rule the fortress was being compared with the maritime fortifications at Gibraltar.The 250-year-old fortress, which has been preserved intact because of its military use, is today part of the world heritage. In 1991 it was included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List.Suomenlinna is one of Finland’s most popular tourist attractions. At the same time it is a suburb of Helsinki, with 850 people living in the renovated ramparts and barracks. 
Exploring the island's extensive paths and fortifications.
Brian prepares to launch himself through a cannon.
In Helsinki, we stayed at a dog-friendly hostel. Each room had two twin beds, a kitchenette and private bathroom. 