Helsinki by night


 Helsinki by night

We left France on the 3rd of January 2024, and we arrived in Helsinki at 11:00 pm. Our train to Kuopio was scheduled for the 4th at 6:00 am. We had to kill time. Initially, we wanted to stay at the train station, but it was too cold. Therefore, we decided to move to a McDonald's that was open all night. However, eager to start our experience as soon as possible, an idea came to our minds: exploring Helsinki by night.

We left McDonald's at 2:00 am. Our first impression was, "How could it be so cold?" In fact, at that moment, it was -20°C. Moreover, we were alone outside, which might be normal at that time, but we were in the center of the capital and near the train station. Even though the conditions were not the best, we were too excited, so we started walking in the city.

What made us more confident was all the lights outside—streetlamps, shops, Christmas decorations—all of them were turned on. It was so bright outside, perhaps also because of the white snow on the ground, which could reflect light.

 
Kolme seppää, Helsinki, Finland
 
We started to walk to the port and saw that there were few boats, and the water was frozen. We only saw two big boats, probably there as decorations.
 
 
Lightvessel Relandersgrund, Helsinki, Finland 
 
Then we continued walking in the street and saw the Helsinki Town Hall, the Swedish Consulate, and the Presidential Palace. They were all closed, of course, but there were no guards and not that much defense, even in front of the Presidential Palace. That was surprising for us because politicians and their places are always protected and sometimes overprotected.

Close to the Presidential Palace, there was the Uspenskin katedraali (=cathedral), which was really beautiful even in the dark night, thanks to its red, green, and gold colors.

                                                    Uspenskin katedraali, Helsinki, Finland

The last monument we saw during our night walk was another cathedral, but this one was bigger and white. It was really impressive to see it and be at the bottom of all these steps.

 Helsingin tuomiokirkko, Helsinki, Finland

After one hour, it was time for us to go back to McDonald's because it was too cold outside to stay longer. We concluded that Helsinki and its monuments have a significant Russian and Orthodox influence, explained by the fact that Finland was a Russian territory for years, and independence was declared on December 6th, 1917.


Written by Ivan Baudry



Pays/territoire : Helsinki, Finlande

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