Helsinki Day 11

"Skirted by islands and skerries, Helsinki is a waterfront capital in commune with nature. In summer, Helsinki harbour and the Gulf of Finland glisten in near-perpetual sunlight. Its understated, yet glorious art-nouveau buildings, centenarian cafes, museums preserving Finnish heritage, and restaurants that have changed neither menu or furnishings since the 1930s remain an intrinsic part of the city's quirky charm."

So said the information we were given for today's port of call. And it was exactly right! A lovely harbour town and sadly we only had very little time to explore.

We chose to stay around the harbour area where there was a crafts market today, and cabins were being set up in readiness for the Christmas Market. 

We climbed to the church in the rock and got wonderful views across the bay, and even watched some very brave types swimming. They were changing from hot water to very cold sea water. 

It started to sleet on our way back to the ship......

A very interesting lecture in the afternoon on Queen Christina of Sweden, the scandalous 17th century queen. "A brilliant individual with an impish character which harboured the seeds of her own destruction." 

My extra is of a new friend I made in the old railway station, now a fantastic food hall.