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Oman – discovering Muscat’s surroundings

Gosia — Sun, 08 Mar 2026 15:00:28 +0000

Oman has been strategically located along trade routes for centuries, which is reflected in the construction of numerous defensive forts designed to ensure protection against invaders. One such structure, Al Hazm Castle, is one of the most impressive buildings in Oman. It was built in the 18th century by Imam Sultan bin Saif II. The castle was not only the residence of the ruler of Oman but also served a defensive function, which is why it is also known as a fort. Al Hazm Castle is unique due to its construction. No wood was used in the building of its ceilings, and it also used an innovative water system known as falaj. Falaj is an irrigation system that has been used in Oman for thousands of years. It is believed to date back as far as 2500 BC. The system’s principle was simple: water from underground sources located in the mountains was delivered via aqueducts and tunnels to villages. This solution guaranteed survival in Oman’s hot climate. Interestingly, the water was supplied not only to fields but also to public buildings, carried by various sluices and distribution channels. By the way, it isn’t without reason that the word falaj means “to divide”. A special method for dividing the water was developed, using sundials and hourglasses to measure the time for water collection. This system is still used in Oman today, with an estimated total length of around 3,000 km of channels. In addition to this system, Al Hazm Castle was equipped with extra water tanks for emergencies such as sieges or fires. The castle also had numerous gunports and cannons. Inside its walls, there were also a prison, storage areas for dates and other food products, a kitchen, a madrasa (Koranic school), and living quarters for the imam and his wife. The second fort that left a lasting impression on me was Nakhal Fort, mainly due to its location amidst mountains and date palms. The exact date of its construction is not known, but it is estimated to be over 1,500 years old. A large part of its fortifications, which can be seen today, were built in the 17th century. The unique feature of the fort is its irregular appearance, as it has been cleverly integrated into the rock. In many places, the rock forms part of the fort’s walls. The fort’s purpose was to protect the trade route between the former capital, Nizwa, and the Gulf of Oman. It also served as a residential space. Visitors can see rooms with traditional exhibits, a mosque, and food storage areas. One interesting feature I saw in every Omani fort was the date storage room. Dates were stacked in bags one on top of the other, working as a press to squeeze the juice from the fruits at the bottom. The specially shaped floor in these storage rooms allowed the juice to drain into barrels through a channel. Another fascinating structure near Muscat is the Wadi Dayqah Dam, which provides water to the capital of Oman. It was opened in 2012 and is the largest such facility in the country. The dam consists of two barriers: the main one, which is 75 meters (246 feet) high, and a smaller earth dam that is 48.5 meters (149 feet) high. However, the dam is not the only attraction here. On top of the dam, there is a picnic area with a viewing terrace offering an incredible view of the surrounding area. This location is not easily accessible, so it is less likely to be crowded with tourists. However, one can observe local residents hosting gatherings under the shelters. Exploring the surroundings of Muscat is not only a history lesson but also an exploration of the country’s natural beauty. The forts built into rocks and the innovative water systems demonstrate the ingenuity and perseverance of the people of Oman. Meanwhile, modern constructions such as the Wadi Dayqah Dam show how well critical infrastructure can be integrated into the natural environment.

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Morocco – clay fortresses, the Eye of Sauron, roses and mountain crossings

Gosia — Sun, 19 Oct 2025 15:42:48 +0000

If you think Morocco is just Marrakesh, camels, and mint tea, well… you’re probably right. But once you stray a bit from the main routes and, instead of a travel agency brochure, pick up a map with hand-marked “odd” spots, you’ll encounter things that will completely change your perception of this country. Amridil Kasbah – a Fortress from a Banknote and a Film Set Amridil Kasbah is located on the road from the Dades Gorge to Ouarzazate. It’s another place on the map of Morocco where time stands still. A kasbah is a protected palace, citadel, or fortification, usually made of clay bricks. Kasbahs were built along trade routes, providing shelter for travelers. Morocco currently boasts many such structures, but the Kasbah of Amridil is a unique site, adorning the Moroccan 50 dirham banknote. Its picturesque setting, nestled in the middle of the Skoura Oasis, and its traditional Berber architecture make it a truly unique place. Noor Ouarzazate – a Moroccan technological marvel Morocco is an incredible place where advanced engineering coexists with traditional clay kasbahs. Near the Kasbah Amridil, a tall tower resembling the “Eye of Sauron” can be seen on the horizon. This is Noor Ouarzazate – one of the largest solar power plants in the world. Imagine 4,200 football fields, but instead of grass – a sea of mirrors. Sounds like a sci-fi set? In Morocco, it’s not a movie, but an everyday occurrence. Noor (meaning “light” in Arabic – very poetic, but also very apt) is a four-part energy complex near the famous city of Ouarzazate. It includes both traditional photovoltaic (PV) panels and more space-age technologies for concentrating solar radiation (CSP – Concentrated Solar Power). The plant’s operating principle is simple: giant parabolic mirrors track the sun, and the rays, concentrated on a tower, heat tubes filled with special oil to temperatures up to 393°C. The oil heats water, which in turn drives turbines, and these then turn into generators that convert mechanical energy into electricity. The plant has a capacity of 580 MW and is part of Morocco’s plan to use 52% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030. Thanks to this plant, Morocco has become a leader in solar energy in Africa and is reducing its dependence on imported fossil fuels. I saw a similar facility in Israel some time ago. Kasbah Taourirt If you ever decide to visit this place, I’m sure your first thought will be, “that fortress looks familiar.” And indeed, this place is famous from the first Gladiator film. It’s located in Ouarzazate, the so-called Moroccan Hollywood, right next to the famous Atlas Studios, which I wrote about here. The fortress looks impressive from the outside, but its interior is quite austere. Although there’s not much to see, for 20 dirhams (a pittance), it’s worth a visit, if only for the atmosphere and the feeling of walking on a film set. Dades and Todra Gorges Although located close to each other, these gorges represent two completely different worlds. The first gateway to the incredible Moroccan landscape is the town of Tinghir, surrounded by a green oasis with the Atlas Mountains as a backdrop. Just beyond the city viewpoint begins the spectacular route through the Todra Gorge. The vertical limestone walls look as if someone had built a 400-meter-high rock wall on either side of the river. Moreover, depending on the time of day, they take on various shades, from orange to pink and red. At the final section, the gorge narrows to a mere 10 meters wide. Meanwhile, the road through the Dades Gorge is a real rollercoaster, with kilometers of serpentines, sharp turns, and no barriers. It’s truly fascinating. The gorge is formed by red rocks with fanciful shapes. A particularly interesting rock formation is the “Monkey Fingers.” The rocks are shaped like fingers, and from a distance, you can see an entire hand rising from the valley floor. The views aren’t the only attraction of this route. It’s also known as the “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs,” or mud fortresses. Built by the Berbers to defend against invasions, some of these fortresses are still inhabited by locals. It’s impossible to drive through Dades without noticing that life here moves at its own pace, free from the madness of large cities. Kalaat M’Gouna – Valley of the Roses The Dades and Todra Gorges are not the only attraction in this region. A little further south lies the enchanting “Valley of the Roses,” which transforms into a fairytale rose wonderland in May. Local women harvest tons of petals daily, which are sent to nearby factories. It’s estimated that between 3,000 and 4,000 tons of petals are harvested here between April and May. The petals are then used to make perfumes, creams, and the famous rose oils. It’s said that it takes half a ton of petals to produce one liter of this oil. Therefore, it’s no wonder that just one milliliter of it costs more than gold. From Kalaat M’Gouna, it’s worth the drive to Bou Tharar. The road, which once required a Jeep and courage, is now as smooth as rose balm. The views? Red rocks, a green valley, and spectacular views, especially at sunset, make this 30-kilometer stretch of road an incredible experience. Tizi n’Tichka, or Pasture Pass Tizi n’Tichka is the rather unusual name for the highest and most winding road in Morocco. At an altitude of over 2,000 meters, you can see the most beautiful mountain landscapes of the High Atlas. The High Atlas is the highest mountain range in this part of Africa. However, Tizi n’Tichka is no ordinary mountain pass—it is a natural border between two worlds: the western Mediterranean, with its palm trees and olive groves, and the arid eastern part, covered in the sands of the Sahara. This road has been traveled since ancient times by caravans transporting goods from East Africa to Marrakesh. Back then, only narrow, winding mule tracks were available. It wasn’t until the early 20th century that the French decided to build a road here, which was then considered a marvel of engineering. Today, the route is wider and much safer, although it is sometimes closed during heavy snowfall. Tizi n’Tichka delights with its diversity, with views that change with every kilometer. It’s the best place to experience the atmosphere of wild and rugged Morocco. All these stops form the basis of a two-day tour of central Morocco. Driving here feels like a journey through time and space – passing medieval kasbahs, futuristic engineering structures, and incredible mountain landscapes.

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Fujairah and Sharjah – United Arab Emirates

Gosia — Sun, 01 Jun 2025 14:26:33 +0000

Fujairah is another emirate I visited during my stay in the UAE. I travelled there straight from Al Ain, located in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. My first stop was Al Hayl Fort. The journey covered about 150 km and initially seemed to be monotonous. However, the last stretch of the trip turned out to be a pleasant surprise. The road to the fort meandered through the picturesque Wadi Al Hayl valley. As the terrain became increasingly mountainous, the amount of asphalt on the road decreased. The area felt completely isolated from civilization. Eventually, I arrived at the fort, which, unfortunately, was securely locked. Disappointed, I started taking pictures when a man suddenly appeared, hastily putting on a shirt with a security logo. It seemed suspicious, and I waited anxiously, ready to run in the hope that I would be faster than him. It turned out he was a local resident employed by the UAE’s Department of Culture. The most surprising was that my guide turned out to be from Bangladesh. He emigrated to the UAE in search of better opportunities. He had considerable knowledge about the fort and the surrounding area. Exploring the fort was a bit of an adventure and fun since much of it isn’t open to visitors. Reaching the upper parts required some acrobatics, including climbing on improvised metal structures and squeezing through wooden beams and holes in the floor. It was a fascinating experience, reminiscent of exploring abandoned places in Europe. The fort was built in 1932 by Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamdan Al Sharqi. It served both defensive purposes and as the Sheikh’s residence. Constructed from local materials such as stone, wood, and mud-brick, the fort has a unique character. Its architecture is also intriguing, with windows strategically placed to create natural ventilation – essential in such a hot climate. The main complex was the residential area for the Sheikh’s family. From its highest point, you can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the abandoned village of Al Hayl. Another vantage point is the watchtower located on a hilltop, offering excellent views of the area. After the exploration of Al Hayl Fort, I headed to the capital of the emirate – Fujairah City. The city’s most iconic landmark is the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, modeled after the Blue Mosque in Istanbul. It is the second-largest mosque in the UAE, after the one in Abu Dhabi, which I wrote about earlier. The mosque is also the youngest in the Emirates, it was completed in 2015. The entire complex is truly impressive. Meanwhile, for a change, on the outskirts of Fujairah lies Fujairah Fort, one of the oldest structures in the United Arab Emirates. It is believed to have been built in the 16th century by the Portuguese and is now the city’s main attraction. Located atop a 20-meter hill, it serves as an excellent observation point overlooking the surrounding area and the Persian Gulf. The fort is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and the entrance fee is just 5 AED. Next on my journey was the city of Khorfakkan, located in the emirate of Sharjah. Khorfakkan resembles a typical coastal tourist town, with a wide promenade and numerous historical and cultural attractions. One symbolic site is the Resistance Monument, located on a hill overlooking the city. The structure commemorates the heroic resistance of the local population against the Portuguese invasion in 1507. Its architecture, inspired by the helmets worn at the time, symbolizes the resilience of the local community. The city also boasts an intriguing amphitheater inspired by Roman architecture. Adjacent to the amphitheater is a spectacular 45-meter-high and 11-meter-wide artificial waterfall. A true gem of Khorfakkan is the Al Suhub Rest Area. The name “Al Suhub,” meaning “cloud” in Arabic, is fitting for this location. Perched atop a mountain nearly 600 meters high, it offers spectacular views of the mountains and Khorfakkan. At the summit, there’s a restaurant resembling a flying saucer – a structure that looks a lot like the famous mountain shelter on Śnieżka in Poland. The area around Al Rafisah Dam is another excellent destination for a day trip. The crystal-clear lake, surrounded by the Al Hajar Mountains, is a favourite spot for locals to relax. You can rent kayaks or paddle boats here and explore the scenic hiking trails nearby. There’s also a restaurant with panoramic views of the lake. Just a few minutes from the dam lies the Najd Al Maqsar heritage village. The village comprises thirteen stone houses, many over 100 years old. Its central feature is the 300-year-old Al Maqsar Tower, which was part of a network of fortifications protecting Khorfakkan. However, I found the village somewhat disappointing. I had expected to explore an urban exploration site, but instead, the area has been renovated and turned into a hotel. While the village looks charming from a distance, access is restricted to hotel guests.

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Gyumri – Vardzia – Khertvisi – Brojomi – Caucasus tour

Gosia — Mon, 19 Oct 2020 20:12:23 +0000

Last stop in Armenia, during our Caucasus tour – Gyumri City. It’s the second largest city in Armenia, right after the capital of Yerevan. Although it’s the second largest, it has only 120 thousand inhabitants. This city used to be full of life and the cultural capital of the region. However, on December 7, 1988, it was hit by the largest earthquake in the history of Armenia, which almost razed it to the ground. Thousands of people lost their lives then, not to mention those who lost the roof over their heads. The cause of such huge loss was the poor quality of the buildings. Gyumri’s fate was sealed due to high apartment buildings which were made of the cheapest materials in the seismically active area. I don’t know what was the reason that I wanted to visit this town, because it’s certainly not a tourist place. I think it was my curiosity. I was wondering how it looked like after more than 30 years from this disaster. Unfortunately, Gyumri still hasn’t recovered yet, many buildings are still destroyed, however there’re some ongoing construction works. Gyumri is located right next to the Georgia border. I honestly admit that I felt sorry to leave Armenia, but on the other hand, I was glad that we would finally be able to drive on normal roads. The roads in Armenia were a nightmare, not to mention drivers.When planning a trip, I always take into account a time margin for unplanned events. I admit that in the case of Armenia, I underestimated the necessary time to cover particular distances. I realised that Armenian roads are far from German highways, but let me put it this way, driving a 200 km section of the route a day was a big challenge. On the other hand, the better sections on which we could make up for lost time were full, literally full of road cameras. I knew Georgian roads from the previous trip, which is why I was convinced that further journey would be much less exhausting. Everything was going to be wonderful, outside the window an amazing, idyllic landscape, the sun was slowly setting. We drove through a small border crossing in the village of Բավրայի մաքսային կետ, ok, I’m just kidding in the village of Bavra and suddenly the road turned into the Moon landscape. The asphalt looked like the Moon’s surface or Swiss cheese. To top it all off, there was 60 km per hour speed limit, I have to admit that it was a really good joke. Actually, at 20 km per hour, the image stabilization in my phone failed 😉 However to my mind, the best was the bridge on the river 😉 At the end of an exciting day, we arrived at the hotel where the prize was waiting for us – an amazing sunset. The next morning, we continued the journey. First stop – Khertvisi Fortress. Its amazing location on the slope of the rocky hill right next to the Kura River makes an amazing impression. On the other hand, its interior makes even bigger impression. Khertvisi Fortress was destroyed many times in its long history, by Mongols, then the Turks, but now it’s being destroyed by the passage of time. Most people who visit this place are disappointed because inside you can only see the ruins of walls and fortified towers. I totally agree that it’s a pity that such a magnificent building has fallen into ruin, but in such a stark form it has even more charm for me. Less than 20 minutes of drive from Chertwisi Fortress is Vardzia. From far away you can see the scale of this extraordinary rock city. The rock city was created in the 12th century. Thanks to Queen Tamara, in the times of its greatness, there were more than 3 thousand caves located on 13 floors, combined with tunnels. The city could accommodate up to 60 thousand inhabitants which seems unbelievable. Vardzia served mainly as a shelter from the Mongols invasion. You could only get into the city with hidden passages. There were supposedly 25 wine cellars, as well as various residential and utility rooms, stables or granaries. At the central point of the rock city was the Church of Assumption, which we can also admire today. In addition to the church, there were also several other temples. Unfortunately in 1283 Vardzia, like Gyumri was largely destroyed by an earthquake. The unveiled city was an easy target to attack. This was used by the Persians who completely ransacked Vardzia in the middle of the 16th century. Currently, around 300 chambers and monastery are available for sightseeing. Admission costs 7 lari or around 10 PLN (data from 2018). It is important to remember that this is still a place of worship, so modest dress is obligatory: long pants or skirts and headscarves. The last place on our route to Tbilisi was the famous Borjomi spa. Borjomi mineral water is probably the world’s most recognised Georgian product. It is healing water used for digestive system diseases and also recommended for hangover. This spa blossomed in the times of the USSR, then it was a fashionable healing resort. Currently, the times of greatness are over, but it’s still an interesting place to visit while being on the way. In my opinion, it is very similar to our Polish spas, even the buildings look familiar.

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Dubrovnik – the Adriatic Star…

Gosia — Tue, 09 Jul 2019 15:38:40 +0000

Dubrovnik, also known as the Adriatic Pearl, attracts millions of tourists every year. Some come here to see the famous King’s Landing from the Game of Thrones, others the city of gamblers – Canto Bight from the Star Wars, the last ones simply want to visit the historic old town. Regardless of the purpose, there are so many people that the term “tourist trap” seems to be a suitable synonym for the name Dubrovnik. So how to survive a visit to Dubrovnik without losing nerves and a lot of money? Transport: Public parking around the old town is usually located in the 2nd parking zone which is intended solely for locals. If you don’t have special card, don’t park here, as it may cost you 600 € fine. The exact map of parking zones with prices (they are subject to the season) you’ll will find here. There are private parking spaces in the old town area, but one hour costs there 40 HRK (over 5 € – data from 2019) or even more. However, there’s one option to reduce significantly these expense. Here’s my proposal:Instead of an expensive private parking lot, I chose the public one close to the Dubrovnik main port. The advantage of this place was that I didn’t have to drive through the congested city, and in addition, an hour of parking cost me only 10 HRK, which was 4 times cheaper than in the parking lot in the center. Right next to the parking lot there’s a bus stop, from which buses: 1 a, and 3 operate straight to the walls of Dubrovnik. The ride lasts about 15-20 minutes depending on the number of cars on the road. Ticket can be bought from the driver for 15 HRK or on newsstands for 12. However, I took another option. At the Hotel Petka, in front of the parking lot across the street, I purchased a 1-day Dubrovnik Card for 250 HRK, which is about 34€ (the card can be bought via the internet, then it’s cheaper) It’s a bit expensive, but this card entitles to the unlimited usage of public transport within 24 hours. In addition, it includes admission to the famous Dubrovnik walls, which costs 200 HRK, as well as many other attractions. You can find the full list here. t Sightseeing: The walls of Dubrovnik – the symbol of the city, are definitely must – see place. It’s the element that distinguishes the historic Dubrovnik from other cities. Their powerful impressive construction has guaranteed the safety for centuries. The system of walls is almost 2 km long, at the highest points it reaches up to 25 m and it’s up to 6 m wide. There’re plenty advantages of visiting the Dubrovnik from the perspective of the walls, above all they offer amazing view of the area, thanks to the cool sea breeze, the heat here is less oppressive, and the last but not least they are less besieged by tourists than the main old town area. The city’s fortifications are composed of many strongholds, the characteristic point is the Minčeta Tower, which was used in the Game of Thrones as the House of Undying in Qarth, where Danaerys sought her dragons in the second season of the series. Furthermore, you can see here the famous Fort Lovrijenac, located on the Rocky Peninsula. Game of Thrones fans, should associate this place with the Red Keep. What’s more, if you want to organize a truly royal party, you can always rent it 😉 On the other side you can see the old Onofria Well and the main Stradun Street, which leads to the Placa square – the main point in the Old Town. Here you can visit the Sponza Palace, which among other few building survived the earthquake that struck Dubrovnik in 1667. On the other side of the square you can see St. Blaise Church, named after the patron of the city, who, according to legend, was supposed to warn the local people of the oncoming dangers. Just outside of church is the Rectors’ Palace – former city hall and the Cathedral of the Holy Virgin Mary. An interesting point is the St. Ignatius of Loyola Church, with the characteristic Spanish stairs beneath, After the 5th season of The Game of Thrones these stairs are also called the Walk of Shame. They appeared in a scene where Cersei had to walk naked through the streets of King’s Landing, from the great Sept of Baelor to the Red Keep. More importantly, it was supposedly one of the most expensive scenes in the series filmed in Dubrovnik. The explanation it’s not surprising, removing plenty of bars, restaurants and stalls on the streets of the old town, to film the scenes must have cost fortune. Currently you can drink there so-called “Shame Cocktail”. The walls also a good point to admire a beautiful view of the Lokrum – a small island which is now a nature reserve. There are regular ferries from the old port . The fortifications also guarantee an amazing view of the Dubrovnik old port. The number of yachts, boats and ships in the picturesque bay makes an amazing impression. From the city walls you can also see many historic churches and monasteries for instance the old Franciscan Monastery, which you can visit free with Dubrovnik Card. However, in my opinion, the most interesting are the roofs of townhouses, narrow alleys, green backyards, and insight into local life here. Leaving Dubrovnik on the road towards Montenegro you can stop at the special terrace with excellent view of Dubrovnik. 🙂

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Turquoise Tulum

Gosia — Mon, 11 Jan 2016 19:27:09 +0000

Amazing Tulum, located on the east coast Yucatan Peninsula, is famous for ruins of former Mayan stronghold. Tulum was the last place inhabited by Mayas. The peak of this empire is dated between 13th and 15th century. In 16th century the appearance of Spanish conquistadors brought about Mayas’ descendants death from rare diseases. Reportedly, we „owe” them also the name Yucatan. Even nowadays, in the time of progressive globalization, clashes of civilizations are often based on culture and language misunderstandings. It’s no wonder that Spanish conquistadors didn’t have an idea of Mayas’ culture, let alone their language. Word “Yucatan” sounds exotic but in fact it means: “I don’t understand what you are talking to me”. It was the natives’ response for conquistadors’ question about the name of this place. Tulum is called also the Place of the Dawn because it’s located in the direction of the rising sun. In former times it was a very important trade center of commodities like obsidians, textiles or salt. The city was protected against invasion and pirates, by numerous fortifications and 12 meter high cliff. The most beautiful and the highest landmark is castle – El Castillo which probably served as a lighthouse. On this archeological site you can visit The Temple of the Frescoes called Templo de Las Pinturas which was decorated by colorful murals, masks and reliefs. Nearby you can find The Temple of the Descending God (Templo del Dios Descendente) named after the relief of winged creature descending from heaven which decorates its entrance. This popular Mayas’ figure could symbolize the god of the bees – Ab Muxen Caba. Bees were very important element of Mayas’ culture. Bee breeding techniques were well known there and handed down from generation to generation. Honey harvests were connected with numerous religious ceremonies. Honey wasn’t only a natural antibiotic but also one of the ingredients of so called “balche” – wine produced from special bark, water and fermented honey. This alcohol could have been drunk during ceremonies for rain, which were very important on this arid area. What’s more interesting, numerous artifacts indicate that those tribes were familiar with the strange methods of “alcohol absorption” like enema. Tulum is not only the place connected with amazing and surprising history. Here you can rest on the beautiful beach adjoining to the ruins. The color of the sea can be described with one word – amazing. Turquoise water, white sand beach, interesting history and numerous iguanas walking on the rocks – do we need more? ” order_by=”sortorder” order_direction=”ASC” returns=”included” maximum_entity_count=”500″]

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Hobbits’ stronghold in Helsinki neighborhood

Gosia — Mon, 13 Jul 2015 01:37:10 +0000

Suomenlinna stronghold, located in 6 islands, is a very important point in Helsinki touristic map. It was built in the half XVIII century by the Swedish in order to defense against Russians. In that times it was the biggest building in the kingdom and the second – largest city in Finland. After a long siege it was finally conquered by Russians in 1808. In view of its strategic location, Russians decided to move the capital of Finland from Turku to Helsinki in 1812. Fortress remained under Russians rule till 1917, when Finland regained independence. These days it doesn’t have military significance but it’s a very interesting historic monument. The most important attractions are located on two main islands: Iso Mustasaari and Susisaari in the lush verdant surrounding contrasting with intensive yellow flowers. The most interesting points are: stronghold museum, ramparts, cannons or underground bunkers resembling typical Hobbits’ houses On the stronghold area, in architecturally interesting houses live around 900 people. After intensive sightseeing, we can rest in atmospheric restaurants and cafes. What is the most important, Suomenlinna is not only a relic of the past but its’ also Finns’ favorite place of spending free time. We can get there by ferry which shuttles regularly from Kauppatori market (return ticket costs 4 euro). The tally on the ferry was a nice surprise for us. During journey, accompanied by seagulls, you can admire beautiful Helsinki panorama with the Lutheran Cathedral – Tuomiokirkko in the background. Ferry passes a lot of tiny, picturesque islets which are typical for the capital of Finland. ” order_by=”sortorder” order_direction=”ASC” returns=”included” maximum_entity_count=”500″]

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