In the western part of Helsinki is the island of Seurasaari. This is a favorite place not only for tourists, but for the Finns themselves. The island is famous for its sights, among which stands an open-air museum, and ... squirrels.
How to get to
You can get here at any time of the year, as this protected park works constantly. From Helsinki there is a bus number 24 - from the avenue of Mannerheim. The trip will take no more than half an hour.
There are parking spaces for motorists, however, they can be used for free for 4 hours only.
Attractions
On the island you can walk indefinitely. You completely forget about time and think about how not to miss anything interesting. A lot of fun here. For example, you can wander through forest routes that pass by ancient wooden buildings - mills, houses, sheds. On the western shore of Seurasaari there is a beach where you can swim freely.
During the holidays, folk festivities with folklore groups, dances and performances for children are held on the island. And for Easter and Juhannus (the summer solstice holiday) huge bonfires are lit here. In addition, on Seurasaari, couples are fond of marrying - they come to an ancient wooden church to knit themselves with ties.
In the park is the house-museum of Urho Kekkonen, the president of Finland, who ruled the country for 25 years. At one time, he fought for the fact that northern Europe became a zone without nuclear weapons. The museum is furnished according to the fashion of the 60s of the last century, it draws its coziness and style.
Proteins
Proteins are one of the island's attractions. There are probably as many here as there are birds. Such a feeling that they can be found everywhere - on the paths, lawns, trees. Proteins run after each other and for tourists. They are absolutely not afraid of people, apparently considering themselves to be the real masters of the island.
Tourists are very fond of feeding protein and being touched by it. But exactly until the moment when the red creatures do not begin to behave in a boorish way: scramble up their pants, climb into bags and head. Then they must be driven away from themselves or removed from their trousers and planted on a tree.
Open-air museum
At the beginning of the last century a museum was opened on the island, in which samples of the country's rural architecture were collected. From all over the country brought here restored houses, barns, sheds and farms, windmills, stables and saunas.
Some buildings are unique - they were built in the 17th century, and without a single nail. Against the backdrop of wooden structures dwellings are made of deerskin leather - in such yurts northern inhabitants lived.
The oldest building on the island is the church of Karuna. By the way, in many barns long church boats were kept, on which villagers could go to a wedding or a funeral.
All the exhibits of this museum are accompanied by signs and plaques. On the island you can also hire a guide who will conduct excursions for you and tell in detail about the life of Finnish peasants.
The entrance to the museum is paid for - 6, 5 EUR. Children under 18 years can pass freely.
| Seurasaari Island |
| Famous proteins, Seurasaari |
| Interior of one of the houses, Seurasaari |
| Modest fairy house, Seurasaari |
| Boats, Seurasaari |