Beautiful Helsinki

The capital city of Finland, Helsinki sits on the Gulf of Finland, which is an arm of the Baltic Sea.

An integral part of Helsinki are the fortified islands of Suomenlinna which can be reached by ferry. Dominating the island is the Fortress Of Sveaborg which in translation is "Swedish Castle." It was built in the mid-18th century to ward off Russian access to the Baltic. During the Swedish-Russian War of 1808-1809, the fortress fell to the Russians and passed back into Finnish hands in 1918 at which time it was given its name. Today the fortress is on UNESCO's list of world heritage monuments and is a museum, a park, and an art venue.

The largest collection of art in Finland can be found in the Ateneum Art Museum. Here visitors can delight in seeing 20,000 artworks ranging from the 1750s to the 1950s. The museum also organizes different workshops, guided tours and other programs. The museum building was designed by architect Theodor Hoijer and was completed in 1887. The Atenueum is part of the Finnish National Gallery.

To take strolls and enjoy the great outdoors right in the heart of Helsinki at the Esplanade. This park is a favorite among residents and tourists. On the Espa Stage different popular events take place such as the Marimekko Fashion Show and the raising of the Midsummer Pole along with folk dancing in June and all through July the Jazz-Espa concert series.

Helsinki Cathedral is an Evangelical Lutheran Church that is lovely and historically significant. It was designed by architect Carl Ludwig Engel in the 19th century and completed in 1852.

Uspenski Cathedral is one of two, imposing churches that dominate the skyline of the harbor. This amazing brick church has multiple towers and spires that are topped by 13 gold cupolas. The interior of the church has altars, icons, and crosses.

One of the oldest zoos in the world is the Helsinki Zoo Korkeasaari. Here you can see animals that live in the arctic tundra and those whose natural habitat is the tropical rainforest. In the zoo. there are around 200 various animal species and about 1000 different species of plants. The zoo also preserves several species and gives refuge to endangered species.

The zoo has been successful with breeding snow leopards and other big cats like the Amur and Siberian Tiger. There are 150 different animal species and nearly 1,000 plant species growing. The zoo is on an island and can be accessed by ferry from May to the end of September. The rest of the year you can get to the zoo by bus.

You’ll find the Kamppi Chapel of Silence in Narinkkatori Square. Here in the chapel, people can find a moment of silence and quietly meet one another. The entrance to the chapel serves as an exhibition area where visitors can meet the priest and the social worker.

The chapel is in a corner right by the entrance to the Kamppi Shopping Center.

Entertaining people since 1950 is Linnanmaki Amusement Park where there are many fun rides for families to enjoy. One of the most popular rides is a wooden roller coaster that is more than 50 years old. There are also lots of arcade halls for gaming fun and an outdoor stage for entertainment.

Popular with tourists is the Market Square known as Helsinki’s most famous international market. Here you can purchase traditional market foods and treats, and handicrafts and souvenirs. You'll see fishing boats lined up from which fresh seafood can be purchased. Sit down and relax and have some coffee in the heated café tent even on the coldest winter days.

Take a trip to the Old Market Hall serving people since 1889. Here you can purchase all kinds of foodstuffs like shellfish, fish, cheese, vegetables, coffee and tea, and a lot more.

Temppeliaukio Rock Church is located north of Helsinki's Hietaniemi area. It was designed by Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen in the late 1960s. The underground interior of the church was carved directly out of and built into the ancient solid rock of the Helsinki peninsula.

The interior of the church is lit up by a lovely natural light filtering in through the glazed dome. The church is also used as a concert hall since it has excellent acoustics. Guided tours are available and in the summer there is an on-site cafe.

If you’re interested in getting to know the history of Finland from prehistoric times to the present you must visit the National Museum of Finland. You will get to see lots of archeological finds. There is a special interactive exhibition for children, Workshop Vintti.

The National Museum of Finland was built in 1912 in the National Romantic style which was Finland's take on the Art Nouveau movement. Among the highlights is the Finno-Ugrian collection with traditional costumes and everyday cultural objects.

If you want to get to know about life in Finland from days gone by and learn about Finnish folk tradition then head over to the Seurasaari Open-Air Museum. Here all of the buildings and interiors have been brought from Finnish provinces and show how life was for the peasants, crafters, and gentry from the 18th to the 20th century. You’ll find guides in national costumes showing the museum to visitors in the summertime. There are also craft demonstrations, concerts, and Midsummer festivities.

The Museum Of Contemporary Art is housed in a building that is considered to be one of Finland's landmarks of modern architecture. It was designed by American architect Steven Holl. Here you can see art collections of post-1960 Finnish art. The museum also has a theater that is dedicated to experimental drama, music, and dance. There is also a cafe and shop.

In 1967 the Sibelius Monument was unveiled. It honors world-famous composer Jean Sibelius and was designed by Eila Hiltunen. The monument looks like organ pipes and is made of welded steel with the bust of the composer on one side. It is one of the most popular statues in Helsinki and one of the most well-known tourist attractions. The monument was built with more than 600 pipes and it weighs 24 tons.

Ainola is the home of world-famous composer Jean Sibelius and his wife Aino. The lovely home is located on the shores of Lake Tuusula in Jarvenpaa, which is about ten kilometers north of Helsinki. The home is well-preserved.

Helsinki Railway Station is an impressive example of Art Nouveau. Its 48-meter high clock tower was the inspiration for the 1922 Chicago Tribune Tower which was America's first skyscraper. Inside the railway station are arched halls and carved panels decorating the walls.

Helsinki Olympic Stadium was built in 1938 and features a 72-meter-high tower that offers fantastic views of the city. Finland was awarded the Olympics before WW II and the Soviet invasion of the country. The first Olympics were held in Helsinki in 1952. Inside the stadium you'll find the Finnish Sports Museum and at the entrance is a statue of the great Finnish Olympic runner, Paavo Nurmi.

To the east is the Swimming Stadium and to the north the Ice Stadium. Beyond that the lawn and in front of the Swimming Stadium is Municipal Park with blossoming flowers in the summer and a great place for picnics. The Swimming Stadium is open to visitors in the summer with great facilities.

Central Park in Helsinki is a huge green space right in the middle of the city. It begins at the Olympic Stadium and stretches north into the community of Vantaa at the Paloheina Forest where there is a wide cross-country skiing area. The park has plenty of walking and biking trails.

Aksell Gallen-Kallela is perhaps Finland's most important and impressive artist. The Gallen-Kallela House was built between 1911 and 1913. Known as Tarvaspaa, the house was opened to the public as the Gallen-Kallela Museum in 1961 on the shores of Laajalanti Bay. There is a permanent exhibition of the artist's own paintings, graphics, and tools. Onsite is an excellent cafe and a little store.