Washing the carpets is very much a summer ritual, a good way to get a suntan and visual delight to watch. A very popular cycleway and walking path follows the southern coastline of Helsinki along the fringe of the large and very beautiful Kaivopuisto Park . Along the way are seaside caf s, ice-cream kiosks, places to rent canoes and lots of boats to look at and admire. On a hill overlooking the sea is the Ursa observatory, where the view stretches into infinity when the telescope is turned on the stars and planets. One of the destinations of the ferries departing from the Market Square quay is Suomenlinna.
Seagulls entertain the passengers waiting to leave by wheeling in the air and raucously screeching.
Having a cup of coffee at an outdoor caf in the square and watching the bustle there and the glittering water of the harbour makes the most enjoyable summer day even better. Sailing is one of the great pleasures of a city built on peninsulas and islands. On land, a view of the sea is never far away, and seen from the sea the city always has a different face. The gales that occasionally rage have taught people to respect and beware of the sea. When they blow into the heart of the city, they bring a reminder of the awesome power of Nature.