Tag: Helsinki

Last night in Helsinki, we enjoyed a vibrant street scenes filled with festive lights, perfect for Debbies Six Word Saturday. The atmosphere was lively, highlighting the city’s charm and energy during the nighttime. It was a delightful experience amidst the festive ambiance of the bustling streets. The sign on the pavement was just great for For Debbies Six Word Saturday

A bustling street scene illuminated by festive lights at night.

Wordless Wednesday

In the back, you can see Uspenski Cathedral in Helsinki.

Oodi Library and Reflections of Helsinki’s Parliament House

I took these during summer, and I have previously posted several shots of the Oodi Helsinki Central Library, but these are not them. You mainly see the reflection of the Parliament House in Helsinki. It is good to visit the archives; there are so many photos that I’ve not posted for one reason or another. If you are interested in the building the link offers lots of information.

The closer you look the more clear you can see this week’s image for Thursday Doors

Reflection of the Parliament House on the glass facade of Oodi Library in Helsinki.

Reflections of people and “Parliament House captured in the glass facade with a door

A view of Helsinki’s Parliament House framed through the architectural design of the Oodi Library.

View from the OODi Library in Helsinki, showcasing the Parliament House through the glass façade.

A view from inside the Oodi Library in Helsinki, showcasing the modern architecture and Music Hall on the other side of outdoor space.

Musiikkitalo is the result of a joint endeavour by the Sibelius Academy, the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra and Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra. First opened to the public in August 2011, the building enjoys a prime location in central Helsinki, opposite Eduskunta, the Finnish Parliament. This is a shot from the back of the building as seen from Oodi.

A striking view of the Oodi Helsinki Central Library’s architectural design featuring a curved wooden ceiling and reflective glass facade.

Monday window – designed by Alvar Aalto.

The image shows a building designed by Alvar Aalto. Alvar Aalto (1898–1976) was a Finnish architect and designer, renowned as a master of modern architecture. This building is in my opinion is in a totally wrong place in Helsinki.

Visitors in front of an Alvar Aalto-designed building in Helsinki, showcasing modern architecture.

A closer look at windows and People walking in front of a building

Facade of a modern building designed by Alvar Aalto, showcasing distinct window patterns and materials.

Allas Pool showcasing modern wood architectural elements and windows against a scenic backdrop.

Monday Window: 15th September 2025

An evening with Manic Street Preachers

Captures from Finland, People, Photography

We spent family time with our boys at this gig. For Six word Saturday

The sunset seen from the Allas Pool in Helsinki while listening to the music in a cooling evening

The illuminated Helsinki Ferris wheel at dusk, marking the end of a fun family outing.

Simply Red – jump suit

Sunday morning I went to have coffee in the city and by the sea and what did I see, a lady in red. Just a girl, but lady in red sounded so much better ♥️😀

Linked to Simply Red at Becky’s here

Traditional Japanese Costumes in Helsinki Park

Traditional japanese costumes on show at a park in Helsinki on a summer’s day for Six word Saturday

A woman with a traditional umbrella amidst a lush green park in Helsinki

MOnday Window – DESIGN YOUR OWN.

lens-artists, Photography

I saved this image from my last Lens Artists post for this week’s Monday Window

A vibrant shop window display featuring the name ‘DRM-LND’ in playful lettering, with a neon sign that reads ‘DESIGN YOUR OWN.’ The window showcases colorful merchandise, including bags and figurines and, with young shoppers inside..

Vibrant storefront showcasing a neon sign inviting customers to ‘Design Your Own’.

Lens-Artists Challenge #343 – Seen on my Last Outing

Here I am trying to decide whether to be truthful or go with better photos for Ann- Christine‘s request. My last outing was to spend a moment in Helsinki while my husband went to play football (soccer to those in the US). I took a few photos, capturing the vibrancy of the city and the intriguing blend of old and new architecture. The streets were alive with locals and tourists alike, and I found myself engrossed in people-watching. There is certainly a charm to Helsinki.

This sight It always baffles me, the people lining up to get it to this shop 🙂 mostly tourists.

It always baffles me that people line up to get it to this shop

I took in the sight of the seagull perched majestically on top of The Johan Ludvig Runeberg Monument, which is a revered tribute to the esteemed poet J. L. Runeberg, located in Esplanade Park in Helsinki, Finland. The staue intricately sculpted by his son, Walter Runeberg, has stood as a proud symbol of Finnish heritage since its unveiling in 1885. While I paused to appreciate its significance, my attention was drawn to a street musician nearby, passionately singing “Hallelujah,” as his soulful voice filled the air, drawing in a small crowd of curious passersby. Moving on, I continued to soak in the vibrant spring atmosphere and soon found myself listening to a skilled trumpet player on a bustling corner of Aleksanterin katu, surrounded by the rhythmic pulse of city life, where countless people dressed in dark clothes walked by, adding to the tapestry of urban existence.

I went to have coffee and saw these three old men having a chat and looking at a mobile phone most of the time while they spoke. It struck me as fascinating how technology has permeated the lives of all generations, not just the youth. As I sat there, observing the exchange of smiles between them, I couldn’t help but think that these seasoned gentlemen, who have seen so much in their lifetimes, were equally mesmerized by the small screen in their hands. This made me reconsider my earlier thought that only young people are suffering from this type of behavior. In reality, it seems that the allure of technology transcends age, drawing everyone into its captivating world, regardless of the sage wisdom that comes with age.

The afternoon was warm, and as I stood in front of the Tallberg building waiting to be picked up, I couldn’t help but appreciate the charm of the surroundings. I so prefer the old building to the new ones that seem to dominate the skyline; the history and character in its architecture resonate with me. A family with colorful jackets passed by, brightening my day after I had seen so many dark overcoats, including mine, that felt heavy and somber against the vibrant backdrop of the afternoon. The many ways the food deliveries are getting delivered is amazing; I observed a new method today …

I didn’t go wild this week as Egídio had us go last week, the thing that can be seen as wild are varied as the posts we got shows. This week Ann-Christine asked us to share images with a prompt: Seen on my Last Outing. Please link your post to her lovely and inspirational one and don’t to forget to use the Lens-Artists Tag to help us find you.

Finally, we hope you’ll join us next week when Anne from Slow Shutter Speed A photographic journey leads us once again with her unique post. Until then keep on smiling ☺

Please see this page to learn more about the Lens-Artists Challenge and its history.

Art hall ⬜ square

Black and White photos, Captures from Finland

Have posted this image before, but it is so suitable for this so I cropped it into a square

Becky’s Geometric Squares # 23

Reflective Library windows

Captures from Finland, Cities

You need to get some looks for Christmas – what better place to get them from but a library, where creativity and inspiration abound? These windows, showcasing the elegant architecture and modern design, are from Oodi Library in Helsinki. As you stroll through the space, you’ll find a plethora of stunning styles and ideas.

Monday Window 23 December 2024

Capturing Unique Cafe Moments

These are not the best shots I’ve taken with my mobile, but I had fun experimenting with light settings. The last set is taken from inside a cozy cafe, looking out through the window— searching for funny reflections that add an interesting twist to the ordinary scene. It’s amusing to notice how, in some of the pictures, there are lots of people appearing without heads. These unusual captures reminding me of the joy that comes from simply observing the world around me while sipping on a warm cup of coffee.

For John’s Cellpic Sunday.

would you like some fresh bread?

Captures from Finland, Cities

Debbie’s Six Words Saturday.

Don’t be a ⬜ square

Walking in Helsinki few nights ago, there was so many places under construction… this area being one of them.

street views from Katajannokka

Last weekend we ventured outside and drove to have lunch in Helsinki , it’s about half hour drive, not much of an adventure. The restaurant is located in the area of Katajanokka is a neighbourhood of Helsinki, with around 5000 inhabitants. The district is located adjacent to the immediate downtown area, though in the first major town plan for Helsinki from the mid-18th century, the area fell outside the fortifications planned to encircle the city.

This us driving away from Katajannokka on one of the bridges, in the corner is the part of the The Presidential Palace.

Katajanokka was originally a headland of the Helsinki peninsula but is now an island due to the canal dug in the 19th century. Four bridges connect it to mainland Helsinki. Urban settlement expanded to Katajanokka in the 18th century, remaining largely untouched until the canal’s completion in 1844, which linked the South and North Harbours. The south side features a busy passenger harbour for ferries to various destinations, while the area consists mainly of co-operative apartment buildings and small parks. The eastern part was once a military zone with a naval base, which evolved into a commercial shipyard.

These are from the eastern side looking towards the sea, my attention was on the house on the small island as the sun was casting the last light on it. for some reason I did not take photos of the newer buildings.

Here we are leaving the area, driving towards the Helsinki Cathedral

The western part of the residential area, known as the “Old Side” of Katajanokka, is an upscale neighborhood and a well-preserved example of early 20th century Art Nouveau architecture, though up until the mid-19th century – while the centre of Helsinki was being filled with stone buildings – the area was essentially still a wooden shanty town.

Thursday doors, these are door photos 🙂

Dans Thursday Doors

The westside has some restoration going on and the area is not built for the amount of cars that we nowadays have, a bit tricky to get a parking spot here,

Braving the Cold

Captures from Finland, Landscapes, Photography

The wind that blew yesterday in Helsinki was so, so cold, slicing through the streets like a sharp knife, making each passerby pull their coats tighter around themselves. Despite the frigid temperatures, there were still some dedicated souls about, braving the chill to learn about the rescue service boats by the marketplace.

For Johns Cellpic Sunday

Ruska in Finland: A Stunning Display of Autumn Colors

This is ruska. (n the Finnish language, this stunning phenomenon that paints northern landscapes in deep and soft tones is called ‘ruska’.

What is ruska?

Ruska comes from the Sami word “ruškat”, and close to the Finnish word ruskea which means brown. This refers to the time of the year when the spectacular natural phenomena of the autumn foliage happen, or when leaves change colors and the trees get ready for winter.

There are two different types of ruska; puuruska and maaruska. In Finnish language, puu means tree, therefore puuruska refers to the leaves of the trees changing to different colors. Maa means land, ground, or soil; so maaruska, when translated to English, means bushes and plants of the ground changing their colors. The maaruska is especially beautiful to see in blueberry bushes at the forest. The colors are very bright and intense, creating the perfect spot for that perfect shot, or most of the time, simply an immeasurable and breathtaking view that a photo can’t even justify.

Typically, ruska starts in the north of Finland in early September and gradually moves southward. By late September to early October, the southern parts of the country, including Helsinki, will be in the full throes of this colorful season.

Lapland, the northernmost region of Finland, offers some of the most stunning ruska views. The fells and vast wilderness areas, interspersed with crystal-clear lakes and rivers, provide a perfect backdrop for the red and gold leaves.

I took these last weekend, and since then, this week the colors have intensified spectacularly. Hopefully, the rain and winds of the autumn storm pass swiftly, allowing the beauty of nature to remain mainly undisturbed. I hope for a chance to photograph the stunning fall leaves again in the coming days, capturing the fleeting beauty of the season.

Doors – Hakaniemi, Helsinki

This is stretching it a bit, first I noticed the woman with the orange scarf, she was sitting on the edge of the window – facing me and the sun having a smoke. Before I could get the shot she turned. The restaurant is out of business, well by the looks f the door. There is a lady coming out through the gate in the corner. So there is a door in this shot 🙂

Dans Thursday Doors

Arena talo is a commercial and residential building located in Hakaniemi, Helsinki, which completely covers a triangular block on the north side of Hakaniemi market. The Danish-style red brick building was designed by architect Lars Sonck and was completed in two stages in 1924 and 1929. There is an Oxygenol light advertisement on the roof. And lots of doors on the street level.

Oxygenol has also been a part of Helsinki’s street scene for decades: the brand name can be read in two meters high letters on the roof of the Arena building near the Hakaniemi metro station from the direction of the Hakaniemi square. In these you can see it from the back 🙂

Helsinki Pavilion -Modern Beauty ?

HELSINKI’s cityscape is a delightful blend of modern architecture and historical landmarks. The pavilion, located next to the Marketplace on Lyypekin laituri, with its wooden structure and two new piers, the pavilion offers visitors a serene place to take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Inspired by the Helsinki archipelago and Vallisaari specifically, the pavilion’s design showcases the city’s deep connection to its natural surroundings. “It’s shaped like a beach cliff that twists into a squishy ring,” as it was eloquently described in the press release during its initial design phase.

That is not why I took the photos, because delightful blend of modern architecture, no. I just loved how the triangle frames the city view and how the people added perspective to the height of the building

Tall ship Race Helsinki 2024

On Sunday we saw some lovely ships in Helsinki, it was the last day they were in the harbour and there were lots of people there to have a look at them. Here are few photos, from different perspectives.

The annual tall ships race, Tall Ships Races, takes place in the Baltic Sea every four years. The organizer is Sail Training International, STI, an ideological organization founded in 1956 in London.

Through the joint sailing event, they want to promote the education and cooperation of young people regardless of nationality, cultural background, religion and social background.

Sailing from Ecuador, from the equator to the Baltic Sea for the Tall Ships Races, Guayas is probably the most exotic ship of the entire event. A 153-person crew sailed to Helsinki with the Guayas ship.

The Polish Dar Mlodziezy is the biggest ship of the event, measuring almost one hundred meters

Ympyrätalo, Helsinki’s Iconic Circle House

Captures from Finland, Cities

Here is my last post to Ludwig’s Monday Windows

I think these are suitable for this week. Ympyrätalo “Circle House”) is a circle-shaped office building located in the Hakaniemi district of Helsinki, Finland. The building is a local landmark. The building’s architecture has been seen as a high point in 1960s Finnish office building architecture.

Cellpic sunday – 070724

For Cellpic Sunday I am thinking of nourishment – food. So, I’m keeping it simple this week.

The first photo is Eromanga cafe situated in Helsinki.

Lunch at Bisto O’Mat in Hakaniemi, Helsinki. The patio had nice views over the city.

Seagulls in the city

animals, Photography

Seagulls in the city – taken with my mobile using the zoom, not the best of results, but I can live with these. The reflections was the main attraction, also “Splish splash, I was takin’ a bath” caught my eye.

Thursday Doors – kansalaistori