Touring Finland and Estonia
This Northern part of Europe has long, cold winters, so if you plan to visit Scandinavia and the Baltics in the winter or even in April, you could expect bitter arctic winds and plenty of snow. However, by May, the summer has arrived and by June the sun shines at midnight and the locals enjoy Midsummer celebrations.
Estonia has become a popular tourist destination in the last few years. The capital, Tallinn is an exquisite medieval walled city which hides a surprising array of top class hotels and restaurants, as well as traditional shops and local crafts. The vibrant seaside resort of Pärnu and the historic university town of Tartu are both within two hours of Tallinn and are certainly worth a visit. There is a very strong musical tradition in Estonia, particularly in choral singing and the traditionally Estonian Song Festival held every spring in Tallinn is an enormous event which involves many thousands of singers.
Finland also has a rich musical heritage, best shown in the works of the nationalist composer Sibelius, who used the myths and tales of the Kalevela, as well as the lakes and forests of Finland to inspire much of his music. During the summer, open air concerts and festivals are held all over Finland and visiting groups are able to perform on the Esplanade Stage in the centre of Helsinki. Between performances, there are also excellent museums and shops, beautiful parks and boat trips around the fishing port and the islands to enjoy.
If you want to combine Finland with a visit to Sweden, then the ferry crossing between Helsinki and
Stockholm is one of the most picturesque Scandinavian sea crossings. The journey will take you through
some 24,000 islands of the archipelago (skärgården), where you will see exclusive summerhouses and
glimpse the outdoor Scandinavian lifestyle of fishing, saunas and swimming.
Visiting Tallinn
The Old Town of Tallinn is a jumble of medieval walls and turrets and winding cobbled streets. The hill "Toompea" on which Tallinn is built, is home to the Russian Orthodox Cathedral, Toompea Castle (now Estonia's Parliament) and the Estonian Art Museum. East of the Old Town, you can find the Baroque Kadriorg Palace and Park, which was designed as the Summer Palace for the Russian Tsar, Peter the Great.
Visiting Tartu and Parnu
Tartu is the home of Estonia's most famous university, which was founded in 1632 and has been known for its academic endeavour, as well as being a centre of radical thought. Throughout the ages, many well known patriots, scientists and other disciplines have emerged from this university.
The centre of the town is very attractive and many of the buildings date from the 18th century; the most dominant building is the town hall in the main square.
Concert venues in Estonia
- Outdoor Venues:
- Pärnu promenade, Pirita Monastery Ruins, Town Hall Square in Tallinn (open-air stage), Ammende Villa Gardens in Pärnu, Koidula Park in Pärnu, Kadriorg Palace Gardens near Tallinn
- Churches and Cathedrals:
- Kaarli Church in Tallinn
- Other Indoor Venues:
- The Blackheads House in Tallinn, Tallinn Town Hall, various schools inTallinn, Viljandi Culture Centre, Kadriorg Palace near Tallinn
Visiting Helsinki
Visit the 19th century Senate Square, where you will find the magnificent Helsinki Cathedral which overlooks the harbour. Walk towards the bustling Market Square from where sea cruises and boat trips to the Korkeasaari Island (Helsinki Zoo) depart. Alternatively, take a water boat to Suomenlinna, the naval fortress built 250 years ago, which is within easy reach of Helsinki.
At the Töölönlahti bay end of Helsinki, you will find the Finlandia Hall, designed by the famous architect and designer, Alvar Aalto; and the New Opera House. The centre of Helsinki offers a variety of entertainment from shopping at the main department stores Sokos and Stockmann, to the inviting Esplanaadi Park which is also the location for regular outdoor concerts over the summer months.
Concert venues in Finland
- Outdoor Venues:
- The Esplanaadi Stage, the Sibelius Park
- Churches and Cathedrals:
- The Rock Church (Tempeeliaukiokirkko), Tuomiokirkko
- Other Indoor Venues:
- Linnanmäki Amuseument Park, various schools and concert halls
