After a beautiful sunny warm day, today was overcast, but still not too bad. Rain was forecast, but we were lucky to miss it.

We didn't bother with any organised tours as it seemed to be easy enough to get around by yourself. The city has trams, trains and boats to get you around and a day pass was about $12 for all forms of transport. The shuttle bus supplied by Princess on the other hand charged $15 return to the city.

After a short walk to the tram stop and a quick ride we arrived in the centre of town. Helsinki is not a very large place and walking around was a bit difficult for me as I had badly stubbed my toe the night before (and I hadn't had a drink!).

We stopped at Burger King at the railway station to use some free wifi and the bathroom. Apparently only customers can use the toilets and the doors are locked with a pin pad to gain entry. We had to follow another person in.

A few blocks away was the harbour where ferries left for Suomenlinna. This was about $10 per person, but included in our day pass. We travelled the short 15 minute ride to explore the historic fortress.

Suomenlinna Church is now a lighthouse and it is surrounded by the chains that were used to block the harbour against Sweden in earlier times. The island was full of old garrison buildings and other old fortress 'stuff'. There certainly seems to have been lots of conflict in the Baltic region for hundreds of years. Finland was part of Sweden, before Russia took over, but it gained independence in 1917.
Next to the ferry port was a small market. There were reindeer hides for sale and these had extremely thick fur (at least four times thicker than Hudson's!). Delicious looking food was also on sale, including fish, potatoes and beautiful fresh stir fried vegetables.

After our sightseeing through Helsinki we returned to the ship so I could have a massage and facial. Very luxurious and relaxing after four days of walking!