Korkeasaari Zoo

Korkeasaari Zoo currently has two brown bears, Sofia, who was born in 2001 and her daughter Yulia, born in 2006. Sofia was born at Ähtäri Zoo and has a distinct fondness for wading, a trait not shared by her daughter. Yulia enjoys swimming.

RR: November alternative RR
Date: Jan 29

Lynx

Korkeasaari Zoo, also known as Helsinki Zoo, is the largest zoo in Finland, located in Helsinki. The Finnish Forest Lynx Exhibit was built as part of an area that is dedicated to native Finnish forest species. The aim for the design of the Lynx Exhibit was to build a naturalistic exhibit for this species. The Lynx Exhibit includes the main exhibit area and a covered off-exhibit area with two dens. It is facing the sea and provides the animals with an excellent view. Climbing structures enable them to stay high above the visitors and to observe the area around their exhibit. The animals neighboring the Lynx are Finnish forest reindeer, marten, common kestrel and wolverine.

RR: November alternative RR
Date: Nov 2

Uspenski Cathedral, Helsinki

Completed in 1868 in the Katajanokka district of Helsinki, the Uspenski Cathedral is the largest orthodox church in Western Europe. With its golden cupolas and redbrick facade, the church is one of the clearest symbols of the Russian impact on Finnish history.

RR: March Alternative RR
Date: March 4

Helsinki

The beautiful skyline of Helsinki with Helsinki Cathedral and Market square. Located at the South Harbour at one end of the Esplanade Park, the Market Square, Kauppatori, is Helsinki's most international and famous market. The booths here sell traditional market foods and treats, as well as handicrafts and souvenirs. Helsinki Cathedral is a beautiful and iconic landmark located in the heart of the Finnish capital. With its distinctive neoclassical architecture, stunning white façade, and towering green domes, the cathedral has become a symbol of Helsinki.

Many thanks Gian Luca and Raffaella!
Date: Jan 3

Uspenski Cathedral

A beautiful winter card with the Uspenski Cathedral, an Eastern Orthodox cathedral in the city of Helsinki. It is considered to be the largest Orthodox church in Northern and Western Europe. The cathedral’s size is emphasized by its location on the highest hill of the Katajanokka district. The central cupola of the cathedral is 33 meters high.

Tag: Tag me if you can - Illustrated City Views
Date: Nov 14

Helsinki

Christmas decorations in Aleksanterinkatu street, a street in Kluuvi, the commercial centre of Helsinki.
RR: January Alternative RR
Date: Jan 1

From Helsinki

South Harbour, a bay and harbour area immediately next to the centre of the city of Helsinki, with the Helsinki Cathedral and the Presidential Palace. Helsinki, the sustainable capital of Finland, is a vibrant seaside city of beautiful islands and great green urban areas.

RR: 10 Countries RR (20)
Date: Aug 29

Korkeasaari Zoo

My second card from Korkeasaari Zoo, sent by a different postcard collector and received on the same day. What a coincidence. 4 Big cats: Asian lion, Amur tiger, snow leopard and Amur leopard. Korkeasaari Zoo have been long term participants in the European breeding programmes for Amur leopards and Amur tigers.

Distance: 1,615 km
Travel time: 9 days

Amur tiger

An amur tiger from Korkeasaari Zoo, the largest zoo in Finland, located on the island of Korkeasaari in Helsinki. The zoo was first opened in 1889, originally showcasing common animals from Finland. Korkeasaari Zoo is among the most popular places among visitors in Helsinki. A ferry and water buses take visitors to the Zoo during summertime, from the Market Square and Hakaniemi. The zoo is also connected to the mainland via a bridge to the Helsinki district of Mustikkamaa, where there is access to the zoo all year round.

Thanks a lot Maarit!
Tag: Offer tag
Date: Nov 9

Suomenlinna

My 2nd card of Suomenlinna, an 18th-century sea fortress and nature area with centuries-old artillery and defensive walls, spread across 6 linked islands.

Unesco: Fortress of Suomenlinna
Distance: 1,694 km
Travel time: 6 days

Temppeliaukio Church

A card from Finland showing Temppeliaukio Church, a Lutheran church in the Töölö neighborhood of Helsinki.
The church is built into solid rock, therefore, it is also known as the Church of the Rock. Natural light brightens the inside through 180 glasses between the dome and the wall. The church is often used for concerts, because of the excellent acoustics. Temppeliaukio Church is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Helsinki.

Distance: 1,900 km (1,181 miles)
Travel time: 9 days

The Helsinki Cathedral

Another amazing card from Finland showing Helsinki's Cathedral, an Evangelical Lutheran Cathedral and the seat of the Diocese of Helsinki, located in the centre of Helsinki. A distinctive landmark in the Helsinki cityscape, with its tall, green dome surrounded by four smaller domes, the building is in the neoclassical style.

Distance: 1,607 km (999 miles)
Travel time: 4 days