Helsinki, Finland

Spent just 2 days here, nice town, great city center.  A bit cheaper than Norway.  I went to 3 different churches -- huge white church high on a hill and the most famous for Helsinki (Cathedral), a Russian style church near the wharf (Uspenski Cathedral), and a church which is built into a side of natural rockbed, very cool (Temppeliaukio Kirkko).  Also made it to Suomenlinna (Finland's castle) that was built by Sweden.  The island is now more of a large park and nice to visit; make sure you make it to the brewery.

Also made it to the National Museum of Finland and Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma, both just OK.  The contemporary art museum had an exhibition on Africa, somewhat interesting but not really sure most of it was art as much as someone's documented experience living in or visiting Africa.

Had one good meal of note, at Juuri.  A modern take on Finnish food.  

Most shocking in this part of the trip, not one person looked at my passport from Oslo to Helsinki.  Not even checking any identity, so the borders are wide open.  I didn't even go through any sort of customs when I entered Helsinki, odd.

All in all, I would go back here as it is a central point to go to St Petersburg and Estonia, both within a day's ferry ride away.

Temppeliaukio Kirkko -- church in rockbed

Finnish Fish Pasty, Smoked Pike tartar, Potato bread, and Roasted Swede with Cauliflower Puree @ Juuri

Uspenski Cathedral

Helsinki Cathedral