Helsinki - Fortress Island or Suomenlinna

We headed out, after grabbing some picnic items at the inner harbour market, to Fortress Island or Suomenlinna. Built on six islands and with a population of around 500 people, this fortress is now a world heritage site for people to visit since 1973. It was started to be built in 1748, surrendered to Russia in 1808, bombarded during the Crimea war in 1855, used as a prison for red rebels in 1918, and built sleighs and aircraft for the Finnish air force from 1921 to 1936. I was amazed at its mix of historical buildings, fortifications, natural features, parkland, and wildlife on the islands.

Some of the raw coastline.

The official gate into the fortress for special functions. There is a small dock at the base of it.

 There are some tunnels you can go into and there is also a special tunnel for emergency services.

 The chains are connected to old cannons and makes for a nice display.

We were originally here to attend a Finish Tolkein Society picnic and glad we did for the interesting tour we received from a Polish gent who has lived in the area for a few years. This picture was taken at the tail end of the festivities after our walkabout.

Helsinki - Juuri Restaurant

We had heard that the Juuri restaurant was a good place to go for food so we tried it. Delicious!

 The bread was nice tasting and I'm starting to like dark breads done the way the Finnish people make it.

I and my wife had three sapas: grilled goat cheese with solidified goat milk and beetroot salad (right), goat and pork with bell pepper (left), and cold smoked horse with rubarb (top). I had never had horse before and done this way I would have it again. It all was excellent though.

Streets of Helsinki - Part 4

More time traveling through Helsinki means more pictures of buildings! This one is inside a mall looking up.

 The Canadian embassy is located at  Pohjoisesplanadi 25, 00100 Helsinki.

 Saunas are a big part of Finnish culture. If you do not have one in your residence there are ones you can go to. This place does not have a sauna but can help you book one for meetings and business events...along with other types of meeting places.

Tallinn to Helsinki Ferry

Booked through Tallinik Silja lines again, we got a cabin on the way back for thirty extra euros and it was well worth it, as seen below. Again it is in a 60's funky style as this was the same ferry that brought us to Tallinn. They recommend reserving in advance.

 You can pull out a cot to sleep on.

 Can also shower too!

Tallinn - Kadriorg Park

Kadriorg park is a little East of the old walled town. It has magnificent grounds and was a pleasant walk.

 One of the highlights is the Kadriorg Palace which houses an art museum. It was built by Peter the Great for Czarina Catherine as a summer cottage.

 This park is very popular for wedding photos.

 The back of the "summer cottage".

 They had several of these covered walkways.

The presidential home, also in the park behind the palace, is a lovely sun reflecting colour.

 Also comes with young guards who stand perfectly still...until you step on the first step. Visitors should be accompanies by proper officials.

 Also...squirrel!

 A bee on a flower in from of the presidential palace.

Tallinn - Seaplane Harbour

A seaplane harbour does not sound very impressive but it is what it contains that is the awesome part. Boats, mines, a plane, weapons, a tank...and a submarine! Welcome to the Lennusadam!

The EML Lembit is the star attraction and was the longest serving submarine. It was made by the British in 1936 and given to Estonia to fight the good fight. It was used by the Russians as a training and experimental vessel after being taken over. Of particular interest was the waterproof anti-aircraft gun storage shaft and was used as a basis for submarine missile tube designs.

 Inside you can walk from bow to stern.

They also have examples of military uniforms.

 A replica seaplane that would have been used when the hanger is new is suspended from the ceiling, a Short 182.

There are also old and recent examples of boats such as this one.

There are loads of other exhibits, a rotating exhibit, and interactive ones like this remote control boat pool. 

There is also some interesting art on one side of the hanger about the tragedy of conflict.

Tallinn - Leib Restaurant

Leib is an Estonian restaurant with a modern twist and was an exceptional meal for lunch. They also locally source items and the taste came through.

 The restaurant also has a close connection to the Scottish club of Tallinn and have a few Scot personalities in bronze in their inner courtyard, including Sean Connery, with a fellow smoking fish behind him.

There are three parts to the restaurant, outside, inside and an upper area. We sat outside.

 Our drinks were different ciders and tasted scrumptious.

 Our starters consisted of carrot tartar (upper left), whitefish roe with pickled radishes (lower middle), and roasted duck with beetroots and cream (upper right).

 My wife then had the creamy chanterelle soup. I cannot remember what I had but I devoured it.

 I had the wild blueberries with goat cheese curds and foamy buttermilk.

 For a digestif myself and a friend had homemade schnapps. Mine was rubarb and his was rowanberry.