A morning walk through quiet neighborhoods was a great way to begin the day. The streets were mostly empty letting us enjoy the sunshine and the architecture. We passed the memorial statue of the Winter War (1939-1940, Finland vs the Soviet Union), an old fire station, an old library and shops with carved doors and one with a funnily translated sign. We walked through Hietalahti Kauppahalli Market. There are three traditional Helsinki markets. This one is mostly restaurants, specialty foods and crafts.
A highlight of our morning adventure was visiting Oodi, the national library. Oodi is a gift the Finn’s gave to themselves as a 100th year of independence present. Libraries are an important part of Finnish culture and this library is a crown jewel.
Libraries in Finland lend more than books; you can borrow artwork, instruments, even sourdough starter. Oodi, the flagship library, has that and more.
Inside and outside, Oodi is breathtaking. The location is on the Kansalastori Square, opposite the Finnish Parliament. The third floor balcony of the library is on the same level as the Parliament to symbolize democracy and dialogue.
The library’s name was chosen through a contest, it translates to lyrical poem (ode). The second floor balcony of the library amazed me. It is essentially an urban workshop. There are 3D printers, vinyl cutters, electronic work stations, and sewing machines. There are VR glasses and gaming consoles. There also are rehearsal studios and instruments to use and meeting rooms and a test kitchen. The third floor has a children’s play area, books in 23 languages, actual trees to sit under and a balcony to admire the city. Finn’s encourage the use of libraries. It is the foundation for learning. It’s the latest it’s the greats it’s the library. Oodi is an ode to Finland and learning.
The plaza area behind the library is also a planned community space. It stretches past several buildings including a beautiful concert hall. There are children’s playgrounds, ping-pong tables, a basketball court, sculptures and gardens with wildflowers.
Smiling from the library experience, we made our way back to the Esplanade Park again, This time to walk to lunch at Savoy. On our short walk we stopped to listen to some music and we caught a glimpse of a wedding party too.
Savoy is a well appointed restaurant on the eighth floor of a building facing the park. The space was designed by Aino and Alvar Aalto in 1937, and furnished by the company Artek, which they had founded two years earlier. After touring their home and studio, the restaurant was a great follow up. The setting, the service, the food and even the amazing sound track were all outstanding. Chef kiss amazing.
Bliss cannot begin to describe our delight with our entire day. As we headed back to the hotel, we thought it would be fitting to make a stop at the Architecture & Design Museum (admuseo). There were several interesting exhibits and there was a joint weaving project in the lobby, yes, here is our contribution.
We weaved our way back to the hotel after a fun filled day. Time for a sauna and a nap!
Where is Wendy 