Insider tip: Over 200 shops located in 25 streets in the heart of Helsinki have joined forces and formed the “Design District”. There is a wide range between Senate Square and Hietalahti Square, from trendy Marimekko to some delightful vintage clothes shops.


Chic Pohjoies esplanadi, Cathedral in Senate Square


Helsinki’s most elegant commercial street, runs from Kauppatori to the theatre and is lined with Art Nouveau buildings.


UNDER A STARRY SKY Visible from afar,


Uspenski Cathedral sits perched atop a


rock on the fringes of downtown Helsinki. It was consecrated in 1868 and with its gold-tipped spires, it is one of Western Europe’s tallest Orthodox churches. Its


interior ON THE TRAIL OF MODERNITY


The Kamppi district boasts numerous examples of modern archi- tecture. The Finlandia Hall, erected in the 1970s, is a master- piece by the Finnish architect and designer Alvar Aalto. A little farther south-east, the unique Rock Church, built in the late 1960s, sits in an open-topped cavern. Enthusiasts of modern sculpture should be sure to visit the


Sibe lius Monument,


created in honour of Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. It consists of more than 600 hollow steel pipes, which sing in the wind.


NCL SHORE EXCURSION: SUOMENLINNA


The imposing Suomenlinna fortress, which extends across six islands, was designed to protect Helsinki’s harbour against attacks. To this day, its mighty walls continue to give the reassuring impression of a solid, well-fortifi ed complex. The Swedes, who ruled Finland from the 13th century, erected the fortress in the mid-18th century.


For more shore excursions and how to book visit: www.ncl.co.uk/excursions 19 is equally spectacular, featuring a “starry night sky” in its dome.


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