ABOUT HELSINKI

Sweden’s King Gustavus Vasa founded Helsinki on the mouth of Vantaanjoki River in 1550 to compete with Tallinn for Baltic Sea trade. The town grew slowly however, and the center of Helsinki was moved to its current location in the 1600s.

In 1748 Sweden began construction of the Suomenlinna Maritime Fortress off the coast of Helsinki to counter the growing threat from Russia. The massive project brought additional wealth, inhabitants and merchants to the town.

Russia conquered Finland in 1809. The status of Helsinki was raised to capital of the autonomous Grand Duchy of Finland three years later. A monumental Empire-style city plan was drawn up to reflect the power of Russia and the Tsar.

Finland became independent in 1917, and Helsinki assumed the demanding new role of capital of the young republic. City planning was characterized by Classicism and Functionalism.

Today, Helsinki is trendy and rich in culture, characterized by flavors of both East and West. The city has ample offerings for visitors who look for new experiences and nightlife. Distinctive features of the city are large green areas and a strong presence of the sea.

Helsinki offers a lively cultural calendar all year round. The city’s museums and galleries put on display a wide variety of exhibitions, both national and international. The classical music scene is active, with the two symphony orchestras Helsinki Philharmonic and opera. Other music offerings range from street musicians to jazz clubs. There are more than ten professional theatre and dance companies.

The city features prominently on the gastronomic map of the world. Restaurants specialize in creative uses of local produce, fish and meat. Things to do and see in Helsinki:

Ateneum Art Museum
Kaivokatu 2, FI-00100 Helsinki
Phone: +358 (0)9 1733 6401 (information)
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Cathedral
Unioninkatu 29, FI-00170 Helsinki
Phone: +358 (0)9 2340 6120
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Esplanade Park
00170 Helsinki
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Helsinki Zoo
Mustikkamaanpolku 12, 00570 Helsinki
Phone: +358 (0)9 3103 7900, (0)600 959 11 (0,37e/min+pvm)
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Linnanmäki Amusement Park
Tivolikuja 1, 00510 Helsinki
Phone: +358 (0)9 773 991
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Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma
Mannerheiminaukio 2, FI-00100 Helsinki
Phone: +358 (0)9 1733 6501
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National Museum of Finland
Mannerheimintie 34, FI-00100 Helsinki
Phone: +358 (0)9 4050 9544
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Sea Life Helsinki
Tivolitie 10, FI-00510 Helsinki
Phone: +358 (0)9 565 8200
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Senate Square
00170 Helsinki
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Seurasaari Open-Air Museum
Seurasaari, FI-00250 Helsinki
Phone: +358 (0)9 4050 9660
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Suomenlinna Sea Fortress
Suomenlinna, FI-00190 Helsinki
Phone: +358 (0)9 684 1880/tourist information, (0)9 684 1850/Ehrensvärd Society
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Temppeliaukio Church
Lutherinkatu 3, FI-00100 Helsinki
Phone: +358 9 2340 6320/+358 9 2340 6300 (office)
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Uspenski Orthodox Cathedral
Kanavakatu 1, FI-00160 Helsinki
Phone: +358 (0)207 220 683
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For more information on Helsinki, please visit:
www.visithelsinki.fi/In_English/Visitor.iw3