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Photo: Neofelis Nebulosa at fi.wikipedia, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Helsinki's equivalent to Arlington in Washington D.C., Hietaniemi is the final resting place for many Finns of importance during the last 200 years: politicians including almost all heads of state, artists and other cultural personalities, war heroes and so on. Some grave monuments are quite impressive.
The Hietaniemi cemetery is located mainly in the Lapinlahti quarter and partly in the Etu-Töölö district of Helsinki, the capital of Finland. It is the location for Finnish state funeral services and is owned by the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
It's safe to say that most people don't come to Helsinki for the beaches, but on a hot summer day in July Hietsu (as it is known to locals) is a good place to be. Beach volleyball, swimming and various events are popular. It's wide city center sand beach and moreover, surrounded with large park area, where people sunbathe and picnic in the summer time.
Temppeliaukion kirkko, literally "Temple Square Church"
An atmospheric of minimalistic church, this church was literally dug out of solid rock. From above, it resembles a crashed UFO. The roof is made of 22 km of copper strips. Completed in 1969, this has become one of Helsinki's most popular attractions. Concerts are often held here thanks to the excellent acoustics.
You can rent a standup paddleboard or a kayak.
Luonnontieteen museo
The museum of natural history is operated by Helsinki University and shows Finnish wildlife, dinosaur skeletons and everything in-between.
Heikki Ritavuoren murhapaikka
Finnish Interior Minister Heikki Ritavuori was assassinated by Swedish-speaking activist Ernst Tandefelt. At the front door of Ritavuori's former home stands the Finnish text: "Minister of the Interior Heikki Ritavuori was killed in front of his front door on 14 February 1922 by a bullet from an Assassin."
Eduskunta
The House of the 200-seat Parliament of Finland was designed by J.S. Sirén in the classic style of the 1920s and inaugurated in 1931. The interior is classical with a touch of functionalism and art deco. Tours in English Sa at 11:00 and 12:00, Su at 12:00 and 13:00. During Jul and Aug English tours are M-F at 13:00. Free.