Three stops north of Helsinki: architecture, nature and café at the manor

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On Saturday we took a trip to three places that are only a stone's throw away from Helsinki. Each stop was of its own kind, and this little road trip was a lot of fun for me. It was first day this year when I was wearing a dress with which I didn't need any jacket, thanks to the sunny weather. I decided for yellow dress with flowers and yellow canvas sneakers. And a dark purple lipstick in the colour of ripe blackberries, which was probably too dark for the occasion, but I was in the mood for it. 


Pyhän Laurin kirkko

First target was to see the exceptional architecture of the old church Pyhän Laurin kirkko, the oldest building in the greater Helsinki area. It was built in 1450, however the first mention of the wooden church in the village is from 1401. After a fire in the end of 19. century, it was reconstructed in a Gothic Revival style. We couldn´t have a look inside because there was a wedding going on, but even from the outside it looked spectacular. Lots of stone and big, majestic windows. 




We also explored the surroundings, which seemed cosy. We walked among the houses, which were mostly red wooden in the Finnish style. 



After that we headed to the cafe Kahvitupa Laurentius. However, the nice weather had lured a lot of people out, among them a lot of cyclists, so the café had a queue all the way out, and we gave up after waiting for a while.  We decided to have a coffee at the next scheduled stop.


Kahvitupa Laurentius


Haltiala

When we reached Haltiala, it offered us views on rural landscape. Pastures, fields, agricultural buildings and a farm with domestic animals. 



Highland cattle is used for nature management in the Ruutinkoski nature conservation area

It felt like at Finnish countryside, even though we were nearby Vantaa airport. Two years ago, we visited this place in August and the surrounding fields were full of barnacle geese. In the Haltiala farm, there is furthermore a café where we headed first. But even there was a long queue. Normally there are also outdoor kiosks during the summertime, but they haven't started the season yet.


Restaurant Wanha Pehtoori

We didn't want to get into a crowd of waiting people, also the tables seemed occupied. So, Petri and I only shared a nut bar that I found in my purse, passed the farm and walked to the nature conservation area Ruutinkoski by the Vantaanjoki river. The place is very nice for walking as there are wooden paths in the wet parts, wooden stairs, bird observatory and many things to see.



I was amazed by the two small wetlands where Common frogs (Rana temporaria) were mating. We could watch them closely and listen to their mating serenade.

 


Common frogs (Rana temporaria)


In the water there were many clumps of their eggs, also numerous larvae of mosquitos, caddisfly larvae, diving beetles, water striders and water mites. We spent there decent amount of time observing the various creatures.


Larvae of mosquitos


Then we continued to the shore of Vantaanjoki river where we saw Ruutinkoski rapids. There was a couple of guys fishing. Then we were walking by the river in the shade of the trees. The path by the Vantaanjoki continued, but we turned and walked back to the Haltiala farm where we had left the car. We made a nice circle which I liked much more than going back the same way. By that time, we were already thirsty and looking forward to our last target.


Vantaanjoki river


Tuomarinkylän kartano

This place feels almost like a castle grounds. Maybe because it has long history. Records about Tuomarinkylä Manor comes from the beginning of 15th century; however, the main building in its current form was built in the end of 18th century. 



The manor's buildings include the Tuomarinkylä museum, in other buildings there are for example a design shop and a restaurant. There are also stables with horses and places to ride. 




The surrounding area consists of yards and fields. It is possible to go from there for a walk to nearby Vantaanjoki creek, which we did on our autumn visit to this place. That time I picked a bulrush by the creek as a decoration for a vase. Within a few days, the brown cigar part turned into a whitish fluff and flew all over the place. I don't recommend doing it.

Anyway, during this visit we went just to the restaurant. It was so nice weather that we were sitting outside on the fresh air, enjoying coffee, blueberry cake and a beer.


Restaurant Annan Kartano


Vlog from the trip:








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