Seurasaari

I really like this open air museum! I’ve never been to another one before, so it was new to me. It’s free to walk around in the park, but buying a ticket allows you to go inside the buildings! These buildings were transported somehow from other parts of Finland, and they were built a few decades ago, mostly made from wood. The houses have a very unique style, and they’re actually quite cute and cozy looking. It’s a bit far from the city center, but I think it’s worth a visit!

Ein Tag in Helsinki, was soll man da ansehen, wenn die touristischen Attraktionen schon bekannt sind und shoppen auch nicht so spannend ist? Die Antwort ist Seurasaari, eine Mischung aus Wildnis und Folkloremuseum in der Nähe der Hauptstadt. Hier kann man ein bisschen laufen und könnte denken, man ist mitten im Fjäll, wenn nicht der Fernsehturm zu sehen wäre. Ab 11 Uhr können auch die vielen aus ganz Finnland zusammengetragenen Häuser von innen besichtigt werden. Der Eintritt kostet 8 € (2015). Eine Cafeteria bietet kleine Gerichte und Getränke. Empfehlung!

The open air museum is a popular concept in many countries. Here, everything from Laplander, earthen houses to church boats that could carry up to 100 from the mainland to church on the island, is available to visit. The circuit makes you feel as if you are in a village, with interpreters in period dress available at each building to share anecdotes and details about the historic buildings. A few live sheep, as well as red squirrels and many swans add to the experience. A small café and gift shop are well done. Entry to the island is free, but if you want to poke around inside the structures, you must pay a small fee at the foot of the bridge. We walked from the Sibelius monument, past the Deputy Prime Minister’s home, on a wooded trail that rounds a granite headland. Bus 24 will stop right at the bridge, but you miss lovely gardens if you ride instead of walk.

This open air museum was lovely. I arrived via a tram and returned to the city on a bus (both public transportation included in the Helsinki card. The entrance to Seurasaari was also included with the Helsinki card. When I arrived, I crossed over a bridge, as it is on an island. There are many homes and structures that have been relocated from around Finland from different time periods. There is a very friendly staff that is available to answer any questions you may have. It’s very shaded and a nice hike as you walk around. Wear comfortable shoes and bring peanuts to feed the squirrels!