First off, I so want to thank everyone who shared tips, suggestions and advice as I planned our recent trip. It was very helpful and appreciated!
We had concerns about the Finn Air intermittent strikes occurring at the airport- primarily involving ground services. By luck, we missed those both coming and going! The strikes are pretty much set for Mondays and Fridays and while they only last for about 4 hours they are very disruptive and many flights were delayed or cancelled.
Took the train from Helsinki to Lahti. First leg of the trip to Tikkurllia (sic) went fine. Trying to find the correct for the Z train to Lahti was a bit challenging but helpful locals got us on the right track. FYI- there are two different types of trains that run the local areas- One is an express train; the other isn't. We boarded the express train to Lahti but didn't have the proper ticket for it. The ticket agent on the train was very kind and allowed us to stay on without penalty.
Stayed at the Sokos Hotel in Lahti- lovely place with clean, spacious rooms and a wonderful breakfast buffet. Hubby and good friend ran the Ultra Marathon there on Sunday the 25th!! Was a bit of a slog due to rain and muddy terrain but they finished!
Monday took the train into Helsinki Central station and stayed at the Marski Scandic hotel not too far from the train station. Great location. We purchased a 2 day Helsinki City pass- used it for as much as we could squeeze in for 2 days- sadly the Uspenki Cathedral not longer accepted the card for admission- they had just stopped the beginning of May.The National Museum of Helsinki is closed for renovations until at least 2026- that was disappointing. But the best place we visited was the Oodi Helsinki Central Library!! An absolute wonder and amazing place.
Also took in the Market Square by the ferry piers, and the Market Hall. Someone on this site recommended the Helsinki brewery and it was good. Many great places to get food. Took a ferry out to Suomenlinna fortress. Impressive construction and history.
We took the Tallink Ferry over to Tallinn, Estonia. Took the first morning ferry- its about a 2 hour trip. Once we arrived we tracked down the information center and received great suggestions for sites to visit. Spent about 10 hours in Tallinn before taking the ferry back to Helsinki. Long day but worth it. You definitely need good supportive shoes when walking through the old town areas of Helsinki and Tallinn. The cobblestones and bricks tax your feet.