Lookout over the harbor

You are not in Helsinki right now but want to have a look at what's going on in and around the city? The port of Helsinki has live webcams that update every couple of seconds.

Switch between South Harbour, West Harbour, West Harbour parking area, Makasiini Terminal, Vuosaari Harbour and Vuosaari Harbour Gate Area.

Herring and more from Åland

The boats from Åland are in Helsinki again. As every October farmers and fishermen from the Archipelago between Finland and Sweden come to Helsinki to sell their fresh products straight from the boat. The so called Silakkamarkkinat (Herring Market) is held already for the 272nd time this year and is the oldest traditional event in Helsinki.

And despite the name you can get much more than just herring here. Also other delicacies from
Åland like pickled fish, handicraft from the island and of course the traditional archipelago bread can be found here.

The market is still on until Saturday. Don't miss it!

Beach feeling at the ferris wheel

With the new Finnair SkyWheel another new attraction came to Helsinki: Allas. The terrace is located right next to the wheel and makes Katajanokka a more attractive place to visit.

This year Allas is a pop-up where containers function as café and ice cream parlor. The terrace itself offers several grass areas with comfortable wooden chairs to sit down and enjoy drinks and snacks. From here you have a great view over Kauppatori, the ships in the harbor and some small islands. Watch the ferries to Stockholm leave while having a cold beer, wine or cider.

You can already look forward to next year. During the fall and winter Allas will change into a permanent café and restaurant. Along with it a pool at the waterfront will be built. 

But for now enjoy the great beach club atmosphere at Allas (which btw means "pool" in Finnish) during the summer days. Allas is open daily from 9:00 to 24:00 and on Fridays and Saturdays even till 2:00.

Bright tourists at the harbor

Those funny guys tend to move around town. Last time I saw them at Länsisatama.

Where did you spot them last time?

Western Lauttasaari in 360°

A 360° view over the sea at Western Lauttasaari.

That was The Tall Ships Races Helsinki 2013

The tall ships are on their way to Riga for the second leg of the competition now. Here are some pictures of the last four days with those impressive sailing boats.

STS Fryderyk Chopin (class A) from Szczecin, Poland

The Tall Ships at Länsisatama

STS MIR (class A) from St. Petersburg, Russia 

crowds passing by the stands and shops

Götheborg (class A) from Gothenburg, Sweden

the crew parade on Bulevardi

awarding the prizes for the first leg of the TSR 2013

daylight fireworks for the first time in Finland

the vessels in the harbor

Alexander von Humboldt II (class A) from Bremerhaven, Germany leaving the harbor of Helsinki

the Cuauhtémoc (class A) from Acapulco, Mexico sailing with the crew standing on the masts

last tall ships leaving Helsinki escorted by countless small boats

The Tall Ships arrive

Today the Tall Ships Races Helsinki 2013 starts. The TSR is an international regatta of sailing boat of different sizes from all over the world that takes place yearly. The ships sail two races between different ports. This year’s first leg was from Aarhus to Helsinki. At 10:00 the last big ships arrive at Länsisatama.

Before the ships continue they will anchor in Helsinki till Saturday accompanied with a big celebration. The whole area around Länsisatama is closed for traffic and is filled with stands, tents and two big stages. For the upcoming four days there will be a full program everyday including music acts, theatre, workshops, artistic performances and even daylight fireworks at Friday night. It is also possible to come on board most of the bigger ships during this whole time.

After the last day of their stop in Helsinki the ships will cruise together to Riga to start the second leg for the competition from there towards Szczecin in Poland where the Tall Ships Races 2013 end.

Breakfast at Kauppatori

The weather is nice and you’d rather have a nice breakfast outside in the city than preparing and eating at home? Then try the delicious and healthy breakfast at Café Köket at Kauppatori next to Havis Amanda.

Here you can choose between a small and a large breakfast. The prices are very reasonable especially taking into account that this Café Köket is located at the probably most touristy place in Helsinki. Included in the big breakfast are fruit salad, yoghurt, sandwich, coffee, juice and a sweet surprise for just a bit over 10 Euros.

And the location is exactly what makes Köket’s so special. Its terrace is the perfect place to enjoy a wonderful breakfast while observing the vivid life on the square around you.

FYI breakfast here is not just available on the weekend but every day.

Watch the boats pass by

If you like boats and the sea you will definitely enjoy Café Carusel. The well known café is the perfect place to enjoy the summer while watching sailing and motorboats entering and leaving the harbor at Kaivopuisto.

Inside Carusel has a self service bar where you can buy cold and warm drinks, pastry, snacks or whole meals. If the weather is good head for the big terrace to enjoy the sunshine.

Beware of the seagulls

In Helsinki the sea is all around. And so are the seagulls. And if they want something they won’t stop till they get it. Especially ice cream and sandwiches eaten outside can easily become a target for them.

Some shopkeepers already warn their customers of the flying danger. So keep your eyes open especially when being close to a harbor. Or otherwise your delicious snack will soon be enjoyed by someone else.