Ehrensvärd's trail: Nature and fortress

Ungern bastion

Ehrensvärd. This name might sounds familiar to you. He is indeed the creator of the fortress of Suomenlinna just outside Helsinki. Augustin Ehrensvärd was also the commander of the Swedish Archipelago Fleet from 1756 to 1766, and from 1770, until his death in 1772. In the small town of Loviisa (16.000 inhabitants) just 90km East from Finland's capital, you'll find the 2km long Ehrensvärd's trail going around the fortress of Rosen and Ungern. On the way, visitors will learn more about how the fortresses were built from stone hammering to the 18th century fortress, and about the local fauna and flora.

Symphonic water show in Lahti

Every summer the city of Lahti offers a synchronized music show twice a day at the fountain next to the small lake Pikku Vesijärvi (litterally the small water lake). The fountains built in 1997 was offered by the energy company Lahden Energia to the city. It counts 600 nozzles and the biggest can reach a height of 30m. It is the largest musical fountain in the Nordic countries. During the months of October and November, 250 color lights add more magic to the show in the dark autumn nights.

A paradise for cake lovers

In Finland, cakes are amazingly good but quite pricy. In Helsinki, a slice can be up to 8€! But no worries. This article will tell you about a place you absolutely need to visit!

Berry pie with vanilla sauce

Located a few meters from the bus station of Porvoo (50km East from Helsinki) in a 19th century white stone building, the discreet café Cabriole is a paradise for cake lovers. It is very difficult to make a choice in front of more than 10 different kinds of colorful home-made cakes: passion fruit, berry, fudge, lime, white chocolate and raspberries, Sacher and many more.

Sea, sun and beaches in Helsinki

Beach of Hietalahti

In Helsinki, the sea is never far from the neighborhoods. The capital of Finland counts 26 beaches, 13 are under the watch of rescuers. The largest beach is located in Hiehtaniemi, just a few minutes of walk from the busy bus station of Kamppi. Urban young people love to come here for enjoying the sun with a good book, listening to their favorite music, swimming or playing volleyball with friends. Another reason of its popularity is the fact that the beach is covered of sand and not stones like on most of the other beaches.